Page 40 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

40 | FRANCESCA PE NN

If the baby isn’t mine, I will have to deal with losing someone I started to love.
I know it’s not the end of the world, but it will still hurt. I start bouncing my knee
up and down, a nervous trait that I’ve had since I was a child. I rub my sweaty palms
on my slacks. The hospital is in view; the large building taunts me.
We are lucky to find parking in the first row. Sanya does a fist pump and brags

about our “VIP” parking. Her smile keeps me sane. I take in her gray slacks and
black shirt. It is sheer with a tank top underneath. Sexy, yet work friendly.
“No theme today?” I need to talk about anything except the reason we are
crossing the glossy tile floors in a building that smells like bleach, medicine, and
coffee.
She shakes her head. The puffy ball at the top of her head is beginning to be
one of my favorite hairstyles. It is animated like her.
“I wasn’t feeling inspired.” She looks up at me. “Had I known this is where the
day would take us, I would have worn something nurse-like.”
She visibly cringes then covers her face. “I’m sorry; that sounded naughty,” she
apologizes from behind her hands.
I laugh, and she peeks between her fingers. “I know what you meant, Sanya.”
I omit that I’d immediately conjured up the image she wasn’t trying to give me:
Sanya in a little nurse’s dress, her top open to reveal a red, lacy push-up bra, thigh-

high fishnet stockings, a garter belt, no panties, and red stiletto pumps. Damn. I
can get jiggy with that. I can’t help but wonder if she is freaky. Does she dress up
for her man or do other kinky acts? My outer body is starting to react to my inner
thoughts. I need to switch gears before Sanya thinks I am some freak that gets
turned on by being in a hospital.
“I like your themes. They are quirky like Ms. Frizzle.” Her expression is part
amusement part indignation.
“The Magic School Bus teacher?”
“Yes. You know; her outfit would be themed for the episode. Even the little
things on her shoes.”
She stops and turns to me. “I guess my style is quirky chic then.”
It takes me a moment to notice the stuffed bear being dangled in my face. It is
gray and plush with a yellow ribbon tied in a bow around its neck. The bear’s foot
reads “Baby’s 1 Teddy.” Sanya eyes me cautiously to gauge my reaction. I tune
st
into my surroundings. She’s guided me into the gift shop without me noticing.