Chapter 2.24 Perfectly Unpredictable

Once they heard the exciting news, Cindy and Ryan were on the next flight to Twinbrook. Although they were overjoyed at the idea of being grandparents, they still had some very valid concerns. Cindy’s mother died after giving birth. Cindy herself had some complications with Stella and had to have an emergency C-section. Difficult pregnancies run in the family, so Cindy wanted to be there for her daughter every step of the way.

“Please, take the spare bedroom so you can be close.” Brandon, who shared in their concern for Stella, told his in-laws.

 

April, May, and June were also overjoyed to be grand-aunts. May came by almost everyday to make sure that Stella ate nothing but healthy food. June coached her in yoga and various relaxation techniques, and April brought over every book, magazine, and newspaper article about what Stella and Brandon can expect now that they are expecting.

“I am a doctor, or did everyone just suddenly forget?” Stella didn’t like everyone fussing over her. “I know what is involved with child birth.“

“You may think that you know,” Cindy schooled her daughter over a cup of tea, “”But you have no idea.”

 

Stella’s family weren’t the only ones concerned. Stella’s coworkers at the hospital made sure that Stella and Brandon went to their monthly doctor visits.

“It is very nice to see you again, Doctor Charming,” Becky the nurse said.

“When I am in my scrubs then you can call me Doctor Charming,” Stella had to remind Becky for now the hundredth time, “here at my ultrasound I am just Stella.”

Stella really liked Becky as a person, and as a nurse she was very good at her job. She has always been able to find a vein when drawing blood and her bedside manner is second to none. Becky’s only flaw would have to be her confidence. For whatever reason she was nervous when Stella had her appointments. Stella assumed it was because she is Becky’s boss, and no one wants to screw up around their boss. Stella smiled and trying to calm the poor girl, but nothing helped.

“Yes Doctor Stella,” Becky nervously replied.

 

“There is the head, one hand, two hands,” Doctor Norris was showing the baby to Brandon on the ultrasound monitor.

Stella followed along when she noticed something strange on the monitor. It was hard to see at that angle, but there was something that looked out of place.

“Is that what I think it is?” Stella pointed to the monitor. Doctor Norris knew instantly what it was, but to Brandon it was just another little white blur on the black screen.

“I can’t believe that I didn’t see that before.” the doctor replied. “It must have been hidden behind.”

 

Neither Stella nor the doctor sounded worried, but Brandon started to worry. What could be wrong with the baby?!

Stella wouldn’t take her eyes off of the monitor, while Brandon began to freak out. It was like Stella and Doctor Norris were both in on a secret joke that they didn’t want Brandon to know about. What could they be keeping from him? His mind began to come up with the worst possible scenarios. What don’t they want him to know?!

“What am I missing?” Brandon asked when he couldn’t take it anymore. His face was turning red and sweat began to drip from his forehead. “What is on that monitor?!”

“I saw a third arm.” Stella stated matter-of-factly.

“I don’t get it,” Brandon still didn’t comprehend what was going on. Did his baby have three arms?! “What does that mean?”

“It means that we are going to have twins!”