Where Do We Go From Here?

Both Callie and I sat nervously in the OBGYN’s office. I always hated visiting my doctor, mostly because I didn’t really visiting any doctor, but also because I didn’t really like the idea of someone inspecting my vagina. The entire process made me cringe with embarrassment.

“Thanks for not telling my mom the entire truth.” Callie whispered to my mother who sat on the other side of me.

My mother smiled. “Well, you’re gonna have to tell her soon. As much as I don’t always agree with your mother, I do believe that you should let her in once in a while.”

Callie nodded before sinking back into silence. She then glanced at me, giving me a knowing smile. I rolled my eyes because for the past few days Callie has been incessantly poking fun at me—in a sisterly/best friend way, of course. On occasion I would make a sarcastic remark at Callie’s expense, resulting in the both of us to bite our tongues—figuratively speaking. I stuck my tongue out at her, eliciting a giggle from her mouth. My mother’s eyes cut to us before the both of us sobered up our giggling.

Dr. Kendrick’s practice particularly scared me because she had models of female vaginas lying about the waiting room. I was aware that she was a vagina doctor, but there were literally vagina models glaring at me from all angles. It gave you a pretty good idea of what fallopian tubes looked like and where the cervix was located. One of the models even demonstrates how a menstrual cycle goes. All in all, the décor of this place makes me cringe.

Just as my mother had promised, she was seeing it through that Callie and I be put on birth control. Although I have still yet to tell my mother the compromise of my virginity, she still believes that I should be cautious about my ‘womanhood’.

One of the nurses then came out from the hallway with a clipboard in hand. “Verity Abraham.” She called.

My ears perked up as I stood from my seat and followed the short brunette down the hall. Lining the walls of the hallway were pictures of pregnant woman and the process in which a fetus goes through for development. Once again I cringed at Dr. Kendrick’s choice of décor before we arrived to one of the vacant rooms.

“My name is Alice and I’ll be your nurse for this visit. Dr. Kendrick will be performing your check-up as well as asking you a few questions.” She told me as she gestured for me to sit on the bed.

I obliged awkwardly and sat at the foot of the bed.

“You can start undressing and putting on this gown once I leave.” Alice told me with a reassuring smile. “Did you have any comments or concerns?”

I shook my head no.

“Okay, Dr. Kendrick will be in shortly.” She told me before disappearing out the door.

I climbed off the bed and quickly stripped off my clothes before putting on the medical gown. The material felt cold against my skin as it hung loosely off my frame. Positioning myself at the foot of the bed again, I waited patiently. Dr. Kendrick came in shortly after with my clipboard. She was whistling an old Beatles song as she did so.

“It’s nice to see you again, Verity.” She commented happily.

I offered a forced smile. “Yeah, you too.”

“Your mother has told me that she wants to put you on birth control.” She commented. “But before we talk about any of those specifics, I will perform your check-up. However, I am waiting on Alice to return—new state protocols.” She explained.

I nodded my head. Alice returned shortly after.

“Okay, let’s get started.” Dr. Kendrick began.

I placed my legs in the stirrups and leaned back against the bed with my head comfortably placed on the pillow. Dr. Kendrick prodded and poked around my lady business before she resurfaced. I recoiled with embarrassment the entire time, wondering if Dr. Kendrick will immediately know my newest secret. I held my breath when she finished her inspection.

“I’ve noticed that you’re sexually active now.” Dr. Kendrick commented with a knowing look.

I nodded. “That’s why my mother’s inquired about the birth control.” I lied.

“A wise decision.” Dr. Kendrick agreed while scribbling some notes in my file. “Everything seems to be well.” She commented.

“That’s good.” I replied impishly.

“Your mother told me she wants you to take tablets for birth control.” Dr. Kendrick stated. It wasn’t a question since I knew full well what my mother wanted.

I nodded yes.

“You have the choice between Mini Pills—they come equipped with only one type of hormone which is progestin and doesn’t have any added estrogen. This pack will cover an entire month, so it’s a constant thing you will have to remember to take.” She began before adding “Then there’s what all of us PhD owning doctors like to call ‘the Pill’. It’s been around for 50 years and had an estrogen/progestin combo. The pack comes equipped for three full weeks out of the month. You can choose which week you want your period to occur. However, the week you choose will be the week you have to stick with as you continue this contraceptive.”

When she finished explaining I felt like I should’ve taken notes because I was still a little confused as to which type of contraceptive I should choose.

“So which one should I choose?” I asked timidly.

“Personally, I would like to prescribe you the combination pack. It’s the one that comes with both estrogen and progestin, and if you happen to be sensitive to its effect then we can easily switch you to the mini pills.” Dr. Kendrick explained with a warm smile.

“Okay, I’ll go with that one.” I smiled.

Dr. Kendrick smiled. “Now, for the fun part. Under California’s laws, I am forced to tell you how this type of contraception works. I know you’re a smart girl Verity, but bear with me as I give you a complete run-down on how the Pill must be taken.” She deluged.
I laughed.

“The pill is an oral contraception, therefore you must take it by mouth daily. Moreover, the time you choose to take it will be the time you take it every day. Personally, I’d recommend taking it in the morning whilst getting ready so you don’t have to worry about taking it throughout the day. Some common side effects, but aren’t limited to what I’m mentioning are sore breasts, nausea, spotting, and decreased sex drive. Nonetheless, once your body acclimates to the drug, the side effects shouldn’t be prominent.” It was then that Dr. Kendrick explained the different brands of birth control. I chose the one she recommended, of course, and before I knew it my appointment was over.

“Thank you.” I said to Dr. Kendrick.

“Anytime, and be sure to remember that even on the pill, I’d advise to use condoms just as a precaution.” Dr. Kendrick informed me before she headed down the hall and into the nurses’ station.

I followed Alice out into the waiting room, which then Callie was called in to her scheduled appointment.

“How was it?” My mother asked.

“Very informative.” I answered truthfully.

My mother smiled. “I just want you to be safe.”

I nodded. “I know.”

I don’t know why but I felt guilty for not telling her about losing my virginity. I know I should, but I guess I’m a little afraid of hearing another long lecture.

“How are things going with Moira?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Good, I think your father and I have made it past the worst.” She answered contently.

“I’m happy to hear that.” I commented.

“So, are you ready to visit Yia Yiá and the rest of our extended family?” She asked excitedly.

I smiled. “I can’t wait to visit Santorini. I bet baby Mya looks like her mother.” I replied, referring to my uncle’s daughter.

I rarely see them, but when I do it’s like nothing has changed. Yia Yiá’s oldest son Cadmus, married to Julie, and has two daughters, Alexine and Alicia, who are in their late twenty’s and a son named after him. Then there’s Aethra, Yia Yiá’s oldest daughter. She lives in England with her boyfriend, James. She’s a photo journalist and often travels to places like Thailand and Africa to cover human interest stories. Lila has two sons who serve in the military, Alexander and Marcus. She owns her own restaurant in Santorini and helps Uncle Cadmus run the Inn. Then there’s Maisie. Yia Yiá calls her the ‘wild child’ because Aunt Maisie never really settled down. She travels everywhere. She runs a travel blog and gets paid for her posts. Last I heard Aunt Maisie was in Austria. Finally, Yia Yiá’s youngest child—not including my father, of course—is Natassia. Aunt Natassia is one of Yia Yiá’s most ambitious children. She’s an ambassador for Greece and works with Amnesty International. All in all, I was excited to visit my family. It’s been a year since I’ve last seen them, and it’s been long overdue for a reunion.

Notes

A very blah filler "/

Hopefully I can update again. I've realized I did take a small break from writing and now have to get back into the swing of things. Thanks for reading and commenting guys! I truly appreciate it :)

Enjoy <3