Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Abby

Two Months Later

Istand in front of the small group gathered in the library meeting room and take a deep breath. The air smells faintly of freshly brewed coffee and old books.

“As some of you know, I’m Abby. My sister, Maggie, and our late brother both have ARPKD.” I pause for a moment, swallowing down the lump in my throat.

“We’ve all come here because we share something in common—each of us has been touched in some way by this terrible disease. Every day is a challenge,” I continue, meeting the eyes of each participant. “But we’re here to support one another, to share our experiences, and to make progress together.”

Nods and murmurs of agreement fill the room. A woman near me speaks up, her voice trembling. “My son was just diagnosed last week. I don’t know what to do or how to help him.”

“Coming here was a good first step,” I say, reaching out to touch her hand gently. “You aren’t alone in this struggle, and neither is your son. Maggie and I have put together some resources that should be helpful. Just remember we’re all here for you. We’re all one big, extended family now.”

As I offer words of encouragement and guidance, my thoughts drift momentarily to Alec, the man I met at a fundraiser two months ago. I remember the night vividly—the story about his friend, the way his green eyes bored into mine, the feel of his strong arms around me. God, has it really been two months? I can still smell his cologne like it was last night.

“Abby?” Maggie’s voice pulls me back to the present. “Do you want to mention the next meeting and the bake sale?”

“Right,” I say, shaking off the memory. Maggie’s been pulling back more and more from all the speeches and direct public facing roles, partly because of her pregnancy—she and her husband, Michael, have just found out they’re expecting twins—and partly because she wants to pull away from that role entirely and leave it to me, so she can focus more on the back end of the business. I strengthen my PR smile and continue. “We’re hosting another fundraising event next month. It’s crucial to raise awareness and funds for research. Your involvement could make a real difference.”

The meeting wraps up with people exchanging hugs, phone numbers, and tearful thanks. As I watch them leave, I can’t help but think about Alec again. We shared a passionate night together, and then he vanished without a trace. And even though I’ve tried to put all my thoughts about him behind me, I haven’t been able to shake him off.

“You okay, sis?” Maggie looks a little more worried this time. “You seem like you’re a million miles away today.”

“I’m good.” I nod, forcing a small smile. “Just got lost in my thoughts for a moment.” Even as I say the words, a wave of nausea washes over me, and I struggle to steady my breathing. My vision blurs, and I feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. “Actually, I, um…I might need a minute.”

“What in the world? What’s wrong?” Her eyes are wide and she’s looking at me like I’ve grown a second head as she quickly guides me to a nearby chair. “Do I need to call the doctor?”

“Everything is spinning. I think I’m going to be sick.” The room tilts, and I lurch forward, vomiting into a nearby trash can. The sudden feverish heat that engulfs my body leaves me trembling and lightheaded.

“Okay, that’s it. We need to get you to the hospital. Now.” She helps me up from the chair, supporting my weight as we make our way outside. “Just hold on, okay? You’re going to be fine. I promise.”

I know it’s a promise she might not be able to keep, but it still makes me feel better as we race to the hospital. True to her word, she’s staying right by my side, ushering me into the waiting room where the harsh fluorescent lights only exacerbate my pounding headache. Maggie is gripping my hand tightly, her worry palpable even though she hasn’t said much.

“Abby?” A man’s voice calls out, and I look up to see Booker Carlson striding towards us. He’s a popular blogger with ARPKD and has been following our support group for some time now. He’s a nice enough guy, but he’s really the last person I want to see right now—particularly because he always has a camera in hand and is always looking for an excuse to use it.

“Booker,” I manage to say weakly, attempting a smile. “What brings you here?”

“I’m here to get some tests done.” He heaves a dramatic sigh. “You know, the usual stuff. ARPKD is a bitch, but what can we do?” He looks me up and down and shakes his head. “Speaking of getting some tests done, you look like hell. Are you okay?”

“Thank you,” I swallow hard, trying to keep the bile down, “for your concern. We’re just waiting to see a doctor.”

“Of course,” Booker replies, his eyes flicking between Maggie and me. I wish he’d leave, but I have a sinking feeling he’s just getting warmed up. “You know, Abby, people really look up to you and your sister. Your dedication to the cause is inspiring.”

“Appreciate that, Booker,” Maggie chimes in, her voice tight. “But we’re—”

“Anything I can do to help, just say the word,” he interrupts, then holds up his camera. “Mind if I snap a few pictures of you two for my blog?” He’s already pointing the camera at us. “My followers love when I post updates of the two of you.”

“Uh, sure,” Maggie agrees hesitantly, shooting me a concerned glance. I force myself to sit up straighter and try to look composed despite my discomfort.

“Great!” Booker says and begins positioning us just so—Maggie’s arm draped around my shoulders, our faces angled towards each other, concern etched on our brows. He snaps away, his eagerness for a good shot all too palpable.

“Tell me about your latest fundraising event,” he prompts, the camera still clicking away. “The masquerade ball? How did it turn out?”

“Um.” I pause, struggling to focus. “It went well. We raised a decent amount of money for research and support services.”

“Abby Foxworthy?” A nurse comes to the rescue, calling my name. Relief washes over me, momentarily drowning out the nausea.

“Excuse us, Booker,” Maggie says tersely, practically carrying me towards the examination room.

“Can’t wait to hear more later!” he calls after us.

Inside the sterile room, Dr. Laura Mitchell introduces herself as she reviews my chart. Her calming presence helps me relax slightly as she methodically checks my vitals and orders a round of blood tests.

“Let’s run an ultrasound as well, just to rule out anything serious,” Dr. Mitchell suggests. I nod, willing to do whatever it takes to get some answers.

As the cold gel is spread across my abdomen, I grip Maggie’s hand tightly, trying not to think about the possible outcomes. The screen flickers to life, displaying a green, grainy image that I can’t begin to decipher.

“Abby…” Dr. Mitchell hesitates for a moment as she moves the ultrasound wand over my stomach again. “The good news is you aren’t sick. You’re pregnant. With…it looks like quadruplets.”

I blink as the whole world comes to a screeching halt.

“Quadruplets?” The word sounds ridiculous to my ears. My mind races with a whirlwind of emotions—shock, disbelief, fear. “Wait, wait…pregnant? I’m pregnant?”

“Given your current symptoms, and the difficulties associated with carrying so many fetuses to term, there may be some complications,” she continues, pointing to four tiny, distinct shapes on the screen. “We’ll need to monitor you closely throughout your pregnancy, should you choose to go through with it.”

“I… I…” I stare at her, still in shock. I’m freaking pregnant? But… But…

The doctor puts her devices down, eyes darting between my undoubtedly flabbergasted face, and my sister, before she quietly stands. “I’ll give you two a moment alone.”

She walks out, and Maggie squeezes my hand, no doubt sensing my turmoil. “We’ll get through this together, sis. Whatever it takes. Did you have any idea you might be pregnant? You haven’t even mentioned seeing anyone recently.”

I blink forcefully, trying to bring my brain into focus. “Well, it wasn’t super recent. It was a couple months ago, at the fundraiser.” My cheeks start to burn from the confession. “His name was Alec. We spent the night together, and I haven’t seen him since.”

Maggie’s expression softens. “Oh, sweetie, it’s okay. You’re an adult, and you have the right to make your own choices. You don’t have anything to be ashamed about, okay? But…two months ago? Didn’t you wonder why you skipped your periods?”

“But I didn’t!” I cry, sitting up straighter and clutching her hand even harder, as if that is somehow my lifeline. “I…well, I was spotting for a couple of days last month. It was super light and it ended way too quickly, but I figured maybe it was a side effect of the fertility drugs… It’s a period still, right? Sometimes it’s heavy, and sometimes it’s… I mean…”

But Maggie is shaking her head, and I stop talking. “No, women can sometimes have spotting in early stages of pregnancy, but it’s not the same as a period. I’ve looked into it before, but we can call Dr. Mitchell back if you want?”

“No,” I say quickly, “No, wait, give me a second, I’m not ready for anyone else to see me yet.”

“Okay, sweetie, okay. It’s going to be alright.”

I gulp audibly, and just sit there for a minute, silent.

“Abby?” I look back at my sister. “We don’t have to discuss it now, and you don’t even have to make a decision now, but sooner rather than later, considering you’re already two months gone, you’re going to have some decisions to make.”

“I know,” I swallow hard, pulling my hands back into my lap and wringing them. “I didn’t plan any of this, Mags. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted kids before, but now these babies are a part of me. They’re right there, you saw them. They’re alive. They exist, its… It’s real, you know? And whether or not Alec is in our lives, I think I want them. I don’t think it would be right to do anything else. They’re… They’re my babies.”

“Listen to me, Abby.” She grips my shoulders, her gaze unwavering. “No matter what happens, I will be there for you and those babies. You’ve got my support, always.”

“Thank you,” I say, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. “I know it’s going to be hard. People are going to talk. They’re going to make assumptions.”

“Fuck ’em. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. This is your life, your body, your choice. And I’ll be damned if anyone tries to bring you down.”

“Okay.” I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “When the doctor comes back, I’ll tell her I’m going to keep the babies. I’ll deal with the risks as they come.”

“We’ll deal with them together,” she gently corrects me with a smile. “That’s what sisters do. That’s what you promised to do with me.”

“I’m terrified,” I admit. “Stupid fertility drugs. Did it really have to be four babies? At once?”

Maggie lets out a quiet chuckle, tears pooling in her eyes to match my own. “You always were the lucky one.”

“Lucky!” I cry, an incredulous smile pulling at my lips, but then my gaze darts down to her own still-flat stomach, and I flop backwards. “I guess I’ll only have to do it once, and I’ll have an entire family set up and ready to go.”

“They’ll be nearly the same age,” she tells me gently, and if she’s trying to take my mind off all the scary parts of this whole ordeal, it’s working. “My kids and yours, cousins, running around making trouble together.”

I take a deep breath and reach for her hand again. “I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

Maggie pulls me into a tight embrace, and I feel her warmth and strength seeping into my soul. “You’ll be okay,” she murmurs in my ear. “We’ll take it one day at a time, and we’ll get through this. Together.”

The door opens, and the doctor walks back in, her expression calm and professional. “Have you made a decision, Abby? Or should we reschedule in a week to discuss? I wouldn’t recommend waiting too much longer, unfortunately.”

I nod, my voice steady. “No, I know what I want. I’m going to keep them.”

“Very well.” She nods, making a note in her chart. “We’ll need to schedule more frequent checkups and ultrasounds to keep a close eye on your condition. You’ll also need to take extra care of yourself. Proper nutrition, rest, and hydration will be essential to your health and the health of your babies.”

“I understand,” I reply, feeling a newfound determination to do whatever it takes to bring these babies safely into the world.

“Great.” The doctor smiles, standing up and offering her hand. “Congratulations, Abby. You’re in for a wild ride, but I have no doubt you’ll be an amazing mother.”

“Thank you,” I say, shaking her hand. “I’ll do my best.”

As the doctor leaves, Maggie turns to me with a grin. “Well, sis, looks like you’re going to be a mom times four. Are you ready for this?”

I take a deep breath and nod, feeling a sense of excitement and fear bubbling up inside me. “I don’t know if anyone is ever truly ready for something like this, but I’ll do my best.”

“And we’ll have each other’s backs every step of the way.”

I smile back at her, feeling a sense of gratitude for the bond we share. “Thank you for being here for me, Mags. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You don’t have to do anything without me,” she replies, squeezing my hand. “I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

I lean back in the chair and close my eyes for a moment. This journey won’t be easy, but with my sister by my side, I know I can handle whatever comes my way.