Singularity

It was late a late summer afternoon. Ciara looked at Derek, held his hand, and smiled. Their dark red sedan cruised up the road smoothly. They were headed out for an early supper in town. Once a week they would go to their favorite restaurant on the river front. As he drove on he turned to her and smiled only for a second and then his eyes went wide. The next thing she felt was the impact of her skull on the door then it all went black.

When Ciara opened her eyes her head was pounding. Derek sat in the chair beside her with a book in his lap. When he saw that she had awakened he put the book down and took her hand gently.

“How are you feeling love?” He asked softly.

“You’d think, being in a hospital, they would have something to ease this pain in my skull.” She smiled.

“Anything stronger than Tylenol would hurt the baby Ciara.” He scolded.

“Christ, I’m pregnant?” She replied.

“Doctors confirmed it earlier. They set up an ultrasound for today to make sure it’s alright after the accident.” He smiled.

“A baby,” She sighed. “I can’t believe it.”

“Well, I couldn’t be more proud Ciara. We have the perfect life. This just makes it that much better.” He replied and kissed her tenderly.

“After all the hell we’ve been through, we deserved a bit of good news.” She smiled.

“I’ve got more good news.” Derek grinned. “Once this test is done and we know the baby is alright we can go home.”

“That’s great,” She smiled. “I miss our bed. But, what are we going to do about the car? It was totaled.”

“I already got the rental from the insurance company. Now you quit worrying darling. I’m going to take care of you.” He chuckled.

“Yes dear, you always do.” She kissed his lips. “I’m glad we’re alright.”

“Me too,” He smiled. “How’s your memory?”

“Coming back in pieces. I remember the wreck now.” She admitted. “And a few other things. A stable near the woods, and a creek, and a big house with a library full of books.”

“See, I knew you would be alright. That’s our house and it has a barn. We have two horses that we take care of.” He smiled.

“I liked to ride a lot.” She remembered. “I’d take the brown one to the fair.”

“That’s right.” He patted her hand. “I love you Ciara. Rest that pretty brain of yours.” He laughed.

“I love you too Derek. Go tell the doctor to put a rush on it. I’m ready to go home.” She smiled.

“You got it love.” He replied.

“Oh, and a cup of coffee would be fantastic.” She said as he was headed for the door.

“Anything else?” He chuckled.

“Nope, think that’s good.” She replied.

Derek nodded and disappeared down the hall. Ciara propped herself up to sit and wait. It only took a few minutes before the nurse rolled in with the ultrasound machine. Behind her followed the doctor and Derek with her coffee.

“How are you feeling today?” The doctor asked as she sat down next to the bed.

“I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.” Ciara smiled.

“I’m sure,” The doctor laughed. “Nice to see your sense of humor is intact.”

“Of course,” Derek smiled, handed her the cup of coffee, and took her by the hand.

“Well, let’s get started shall we?” The doctor said as she flipped on the machine.

The doctor lifted Ciara’s gown and squirted the ultrasound gel on her stomach. She flinched at how cold it was as the doctor took the wand and moved it around. As the image appeared on the monitor, the rapid thump of a heartbeat came from the speakers and the doctor turned to them with a smile.

“There we go. That’s your baby right there.” She said pointing to the blob on the screen.

“Would you look at that.” Derek smiled as he squeezed her hand.

Ciara sighed deeply and replied, “Wow.”

“The baby is just fine. We have a strong heart in this one.” The doctor said as she wiped the gel away.

“That’s great news. Thank you doc.” Derek replied. “When can I take them home?”

“I’m sure we can have you out of here sometime this afternoon.” The doctor replied.

“That would be wonderful.” Ciara smiled. “I can’t tell you how happy I’ll be to be getting out of this place.”

“Of course,” The doctor smiled. “I’ll have the nurse come in soon to get you off the IV and start your discharge papers.”

“Thank you,” Derek replied as the doctor left the room.

Derek kissed her forehead and smiled. “I’m going to run down to the store and get you some clothes.”

“Alright,” She replied.

“You rest up. I’ll be back soon.” He said and left swiftly.