Turning Of The Tide (Natalie and Trevon) novel Chapter 79

Several days they had passed since the bidding conference, bringing them closer to the upcoming New Year.

Since Natalie moved in with Sherri, they were inseparable, like two peas in a pod, practically joined at the hip. They followed a predictable routine between the hospital and residence, becoming a dynamic duo.

After wrapping up their night shifts, they occasionally indulged in a midnight snack. They enjoyed cooking their meals at home the rest of the time, and Sherri had grown quite fond of Natalie's culinary prowess.

As the New Year drew nearer, the hospital saw many patients coming in for check-ups. Many elderly individuals wished to undergo examinations before the new year. Consequently, the workload had substantially increased in the past few days, keeping them busier than ever.

On the other hand, Sherri found herself with more idle time. Despite the bustling nature of the obstetrics and gynecology department, birthing activities in the hospital followed seasonal patterns.

In Athana, the end of August marked the peak season for newborn arrivals, reaching an evident surge. The reason was crystal clear. Babies born at the end of August would be able to start school in the same academic year, while those born after September would have to wait an extra year before their educational journey commenced.

This prompted many mothers to calculate their dates of conception meticulously.

Of course, some wealthy individuals conceived without much consideration. As they say, "Money can work miracles."

As noon approached, when a young girl timidly entered the room, Sherri was calling out patient numbers. She glanced nervously and timidly at Sherri before turning around to close the door politely. She stole another glance at Sherri and then took a seat, lowering her head shyly.

Patients came in all shapes and sizes. Sherri had a hunch and patiently asked, "What seemed to be the problem?"

The girl kept her head down, nervously clasping her fingers. "I... my period is late."

Sherri wasn't surprised. After years of working in the outpatient department, she had learned to pick up on certain cues. "Normally, when did you expect your period each month?"

The girl still dared not lift her gaze, whispering, "The 6th."

Sherri heard her, despite the faintness of her voice. "Go get a urine test done. Bring me the results in half an hour."

The girl remained meek, never daring to raise her head throughout the interaction. "Okay."

Watching the girl's retreating figure, Sherri couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Yet another girl who had neglected to take precautions. How could they lack the foresight to protect themselves?

This was not about allowing men to feel at ease while women suffered. As a doctor, Sherri did not advocate for abortions. Even when patients required the procedure, she always sought the assistance of others. She had never been involved in terminating a life herself.

Her heart ached at the thought. After all, it was a fragile, precious life that deserved consideration.

During their lunch break.

Sherri shared the incident with Natalie, observing her fatigued expression. "Natalie, let me tell you something. Another girl came to my outpatient department this morning. I suspect she didn't take any precautions and ended up getting pregnant. I gave her a urine test order, but she never returned, even after I finished my shift. I'm afraid she might have gone to a private clinic."

When Sherri finished her sentence, Natalie seemed to realize something, her expression hinting at panic. "Sherri, what's today's date?"

Sherri glanced at her, a touch of disbelief in her eyes. "Are you serious? It's the 12th today..." She abruptly trailed off, realizing the implications of what she had just said.

She remembered Natalie's menstrual cycle. Their cycles were similar. Natalie's was on the 5th, and hers was on the 7th. Thus...

Natalie's thoughts raced as she desperately hoped that luck wouldn't be so unkind!

Yet, her heart couldn't help but flutter with anxiety.

Sherri was taken aback by Natalie's comment, feeling a sudden rush of panic. She glanced around the cafeteria at the people eating their meals and whispered, "Natalie, I think mine is late too. But it can't be..." She even doubted her own words, the uncertainty evident in her elongated tone.

Natalie tried to reassure herself, "It's highly unlikely. Let's not jump to conclusions. Perhaps it's just due to recent stress and hormonal imbalance."

Sherri felt a pang of guilt, unable to argue further. "But I have so much free time..."

Natalie fell into a momentary silence, unsure of what to say.

Sherri swallowed hard, feeling a sense of unease. To ease the tension, she suggested, "How about we go to the pharmacy after work and get two pregnancy tests? We can take the tests tomorrow morning with our first urine."