She's No Angel by Janine A. Morris

was going to get the doctor to give her the information she needed without having to go into detail about everything. She debated with herself about confiding in her doctor, but the more she thought about having to discuss everything the more nervous she got. She was close to convincing herself to walk out of the office, to forget about all of this and go on with her life as she had. But with her sister sitting there, and her folder being next in the bin, she fought the urge. Moments later, she heard her name.
    â€œCharlene Tanner,” the nurse called.
    Charlene stood up.
    â€œThe doctor will see you now.”
    â€œCan my sister come in with me?” Charlene asked in a low voice, hoping nobody else in the waiting room would overhear her immature request.
    â€œSure she can,” the nurse replied with a smile on her face.
    As Paige stood up and they walked toward the doorway where the nurse stood, Charlene wondered if the nurse found her request odd. She wondered if her fear was obvious and if she looked like a fool. Charlene wished that this visit could be regular, like it was for most women her age. She had dreaded this day for quite some time—not wanting to have a doctor between her legs, to be probed inside and to be told bad news. She didn’t handle it well at all the first time, and she had never quite mustered up the strength to face it again.
    She sat down inside the exam room. She saw the stirrups, and all the medical supplies on the table, and she started feeling on the verge of tears. She told herself over and over to be strong and relax, but the feelings kept wavering in and out. Eventually the voice of the nurse calmed her some. She started asking some basic questions like age, time of last period, medical history. Charlene answered all of her questions to the best of her ability, and then she got her height and weight taken. She was 5’6”, 125 pounds; she had lost four pounds in the past couple of weeks and was happy to see it was still off. After the nurse jotted down her measurements, she left the room and told Charlene to change into the provided robe and that the doctor would be right in.
    Charlene discreetly put on the robe that was practically made of paper. She was slightly exposed for a few quick moments, but Paige saw nothing she hadn’t seen of hers while growing up with her. Paige could see in Charlene’s eyes that she was nervous, so she began talking to her to calm her down some.
    â€œSo, have you decided on the wedding colors yet? ... You’re so indecisive; you’ll probably change it twenty times.”
    â€œI’m still thinking light pink and mauve.”
    â€œThat would be nice, but you need to make up your mind because it sounds like Isaac is trying to have a short engagement.”
    â€œI know ... Isaac has a lot in mind ... whether I have it in mind or not.”
    â€œYou want a long engagement?”
    â€œNo. I just don’t want to be rushed. Everything is on some timetable that’s not mine.”
    â€œMost women would be excited their man can’t wait to marry them.”
    Charlene wasn’t up for a disagreement, and since she knew that Paige was trying to distract her from the nervous feeling sitting in her stomach, and she appreciated those efforts, she went along.
    â€œIf that was the reason ... But his rush is simply because he wants his father to be around.”
    â€œThere’s nothing wrong with that, as long as it’s you that he wants to be with.”
    â€œI guess. I just wish he would see what I want first ... It’s all about what his dad wants right now . . . the marriage and kids to follow. That’s why I’m sitting here half naked ... ’cause of his father being sick.”
    â€œThat’s not nice to say, Charlene,” Paige said.
    Before Charlene could respond, the doorknob turned and in came Dr. Ginyard.
    â€œHello, ladies, how are you doing this