She wondered briefly, if she should call Rina and tell her what happened but decided not to. Telling Rina would cause her to rush over in an effort to comfort her. She didn't want the comfort now.
"What should I do?" she whispered. Nothing came to mind. She knew she should call the police, but she'd seen enough television to know there wasn't a whole lot they could do. He hadn't killed her, after all, and she was still his wife. She knew the bruises on her face would help, but not enough to hold him for long. She finished her shower, still unsure about what to do. One thing was for sure. She was exhausted. Pulling on a pair of pajamas, she climbed into bed and stayed there until Monday morning.
Chapter 8
Sophie didn't like going to the doctor. She reasoned half the time they had no idea what they were talking about, and the other half, when they did know, it was never good news. At the moment, she sat on an exam table, waiting for the doctor to come back and talk to her.
The room was formal, equipped with an examination table, a computer, some cabinets, a sink and magazines. The walls were a pale yellow. No framed pictures hung from the walls, but someone had taped a few posters on them instead. A cute, cuddly kitten, hanging from a tree branch with a caption underneath, which read, Hang in there!, and others along the same inspirational line. She read them, trying to distract herself.
They weren’t doing the trick.
Dr. Johnson had asked a bunch of questions she thought were unnecessary, including why she had a bruise on her cheek, although she knew he was just doing his job. Then he'd asked her to go to the lab and have her blood drawn, which she'd done. Dr. Johnson had told her he wanted to check her white cell count and a few other things, but hadn't told her what.
What could it be, she thought. She worried she might know, prayed she was wrong. Please be wrong, she thought, as Dr. Johnson knocked before coming in.
"Well, I've got your blood work back," he said with a smile.
"And," she asked, trying to urge him along.
"And you don't have a stomach virus or anything else wrong with you."
"I don't. Then why am I throwing up? Why do I feel nauseated?"
"Well," he said, still smiling, “You're pregnant. About five or six weeks along, I'd say."
"What? No," she blurted, too shocked to say more.
"You had no idea? Wasn't this planned?"
"No, well, I mean, my husband and I had been trying.” She was physically incapable of elaborating; all of her newly found courage disappearing. Without realizing it, she crumpled into a ball on the examination table and began sobbing uncontrollably. Her heart ached with the pain of hating the man she loved.
Dr. Johnson rushed over to her and said, "Mrs. Berkeley - Sophie, it’ll be all right. If you don't want this baby, we've caught the pregnancy in time; there are alternatives."
His words only made her feel worse.
"Sophie, why don't you go home and talk to your husband about it. I'll have my nurse give you some information. You can call me when you've made a decision. Sophie?"
She heard him talking to her but it didn't register.
“Doctor, what’s wrong? Is she going to be all right,” the nurse questioned professionally.
He uttered something inaudible to the nurse. Then Sophie heard the door close.
The nurse came to her. "It's going to be all right, Mrs. Berkeley. Dr. Johnson went to get you something to help you relax. We’ll call your husband. You're in no condition to drive. The doc may need to admit you. Don't worry. He’ll take care of you."
The nurse’s words resonated deep within Sophie’s brain. Dr. Johnson wanted to call David!
“No,” she cried, sitting up. Rapidly, she wiped her tears with her sleeve. "I'm fine,” she lied. “There's no need to call my husband. I don't want him to know about the pregnancy yet." Then more earnestly she urged, "Please, tell Dr. Johnson right now not to call him. I mean it! David cannot know." She hopped off the exam table, grabbed her purse and opened the door to leave. "Tell Dr. Johnson I'll call him in a few days with my decision, and make sure he doesn't call David."
The petite, bleached-blond nurse was obviously flabbergasted, unsure of what to do. Finally she muttered, "But the doctor wanted to bring you something to calm you down."
"Yes, I know, but I'm fine now. See?” She gave the blond nurse a big smile. "Now, tell him not to call David and I'll be in touch. Okay? Thank you so much," she finished, closing the door, not waiting for a response.
#
"Why have you been avoiding me? You haven't returned my calls; you practically run when you see me in the halls. I've been patient because I figured you needed some space, but enough is enough. I'm your best friend. Spill it.”
Sophie grimaced inwardly at Rina's tirade, waiting for her to sit across the desk from her. “Hello to you, too, Rina,” she stated lightly, lifting her head. “Fine, I'll spill it.”
Rina looked at her with a confused expression, before beginning a concerned interrogation.
“What happened to your face? Why is it bruised? Did David do this? Why didn't you tell me about it? What happened?" But, before Sophie said anything, she questioned, "Is this why you've been acting weird lately?"
"Weird, huh? Yes, it’s been because of what David did to my face,” she answered, pointing to the menacing bruise on her cheek. “There’s another reason as well."
Rina’s head seemed to expand with anger. Sophie could almost hear the words before she said them. “Insane lunatic. Why can't that asshole pick on someone his own size?”
She listened patiently, even though she never enjoyed Rina’s mouth. In this case, she wholeheartedly agreed.
Relenting, Rina murmured, “I'm listening, sweetie.”
“The first thing is, I took David the divorce papers on Saturday.”
“Yeah, and apparently I was right. He didn't take it well, did he?” she retorted, touching her face tenderly.
“No, he didn't. But, believe me when I say, I think he may have come out worse in the situation than me.” She was surprised she sounded so confident. When she thought about what he’d done, and had tried to do, a knot of fear bound-up her insides. Pushing the thought aside, she sat up a little straighter reminding herself she'd escaped, she'd hurt him too, and he hadn't been able to finish what he started.
"What do you mean? You didn't kill him, did you?"
"No, I didn't kill him, but I did smash his precious ‘Restaurant of the Year’ award down on his head."
"Do you know for sure? You didn't kill him?" Rina quipped, obviously concerned.
"Yes, I know. He's called my cell phone a few times since then and left messages."
"I'm disappointed he's still alive, but I'm glad you didn't kill him." Rina breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well at the time I didn't care one way or the other, but I'm glad he's not dead, too."
"Why didn't you care at the time? What did he do?"
She looked down, glancing at Rina out of the corner of her eye. She'd decided she wasn't going to tell Rina, but now realized, she should.
"Sophie, what happened?"
"He slapped me a few times, obviously, and he . . ." She looked over at her classroom doorway to make sure no one else was around. “He tried to rape me.” She saw Rina had something to say, but Sophie wanted to explain away what he’d done. "I mean, I know he's still my husband, which means I guess rape isn't the right word, but he wanted to force me to have sex with him."
"Sophie, dear, you just repeated the exact definition of rape." Rina touched her bruised face again and said, “Shit Sophie, I want to kill him. Is there anything I can do? You said he tried. Did he hurt you? I mean, other than there?" She questioned, motioning toward her bruised face.
"No, not really," Sophie whispered, a tear trickling down her face. She brushed it aside, sitting up taller, and added, "Actually, I'm fine. I didn't let him do it. I stopped him."
"Oh, I’m glad, sweetie. I'm proud of you, you know. I knew you had it in you.
" Rina reached over and embraced Sophie.
She let Rina hold her for a long time, enjoying the safety of her friend’s closeness. After a few minutes, she gently pushed away. “Thanks for being here for me. I know I'm a mess. If you can handle it, there’s one more thing I'd like to tell you."
“Okay.” Rina looked guilty.
“What’s the matter?”
“There’s something I need to tell you, too.”
“Sure. Go ahead. Your turn.” She wondered what was wrong. Rina looking guilty was a rarity.
“Well, David’s left me several, colorful messages as well. Sixteen to be exact.” Rina stopped, looking at her imploringly.
“What is it, Rina? What did he say to you?”
“Oh, honey, it doesn’t matter what he said, it’s what I did in response.”
“What?”
“Sophie, I hate to say this but I called him back and, after a few colorful words of my own, let it slip you were going to give him divorce papers.”
“Oh . . .” She now understood more fully why he’d been out of control when she went over. It explained, a lot.
“Can you forgive me,” Rina asked, her face ashen.
“Of course. I know you didn’t mean to do anything to hurt me, right?” She could tell Rina beat herself up inside enough for both of them. Rina made an honest mistake, and let her temper get the best of her. “What’s done is done.”
“Right.”
“All is forgiven Rina. Really. Anything else,” she asked, tenderly.
“No. What else did you need to tell me?” Rina eyed her friend. “You did kill him, didn't you?”
"No," She said in mock severity, knowing her friend tried to lighten the mood a little. "I'm pregnant." She let the words spill out effortlessly.
After an uncomfortable minute, realization dawned on Rina.
"That's why you've been throwing up," she said, obviously shocked.
Sophie nodded, thinking, apparently the thought hadn't crossed Rina’s mind either.
“Yes. My doctor thinks I'm five or six weeks along."
"Well, at least you've found out in time. When are you going to terminate it?"
Sophie noticed she'd gone right to abortion as the solution. It was an option she seriously considered. "I know it seems like the obvious answer, but I've thought a lot about it and it's not for me. I don't want to have an abortion. I want to keep this baby." Rina gasped. Sophie knew Rina would be shocked, which was the main reason she'd been avoiding her. She wanted to seriously consider her choices on her own.
Money wasn’t an issue, but more importantly, Sophie wanted the child. Wanted to give her baby the love, time and attention it would require, the same attention she'd received as a child, and up until her parents died. The prospect excited her more than she probably ever could express.
"Sophie, maybe you don't realize what you're saying. A baby. His baby. Why would you want to keep it?"
"I know. At first I thought it was a crazy idea, too, but the fact is, I've loved him, and when this baby was conceived, it was done willingly and happily."
"Come on, really? I mean you've told me a lot about your relationship. How happy was it," she stated in matter of fact tone. "Are you sure you're being honest with yourself?"
"Okay, you're right,” Sophie conceded. “Maybe not completely willingly or happily, but I have loved him, and this baby came from there.” She looked at Rina pleadingly, then said, "Please know I've thought a lot about this and I need your support."
"I adore you and I'll support you dear. You know I will," Rina answered slowly.
"Thank you. I'd hoped you'd come around. One other thing, though, I want to keep it a secret for now. I've got a lot going on and I'm not ready to share this with anybody else."
"I agree. I think keeping it quiet would be for the best."
Sophie reached out and lovingly grabbed her friends’ hand. "You're my dearest friend. You know that, don't you?"
Rina smiled as she stood and said, "Sweetie, I'm your only friend."
Sophie watched Rina walk to the door. She knew Rina was right. She was her only friend, but she called after Rina, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Rina turned, giving her a wink, then said before she left, "Thanks. I'll talk to you later, dear."
"Bye," she returned.
#
Alone, in her hotel room, she pulled out her planner.
Time to get organized, she thought, dialing the first of several numbers on her to-do list.
"Hello, I'd like to speak to Mr. Wodden please."
"Sure, may I tell him who is calling?"
"Yes, this is Mrs. Berkeley."
"Fine, Mrs. Berkeley, one moment please."
Sophie waited on hold until a deep, male voice answered. "Mrs. Berkeley. How can I help you?" Mr. Wodden asked.
"Mr. Wodden, I gave my husband the divorce papers, but I don't think he'll sign them." She paused, hoping he'd tell her what to do.
"I was afraid something like this might happen, but listen, it's not a problem. I'll have my assistant mail him a copy of the papers by certified mail. This way we'll have documentation he's received them."
"Okay, great. I was wondering, what if he never signs the papers? Do I have to stay married to him," she asked nervously.
"Good question and the answer is no. Here in Utah, we can file separate paperwork and then, if within six months he still hasn't signed the papers and he hasn't formally contested anything, the state will officially consider you divorced."
"That's a relief. Is there something else I need to sign then?"
"No, the rest of the paperwork is up to me and my office. There will, however, be a few additional fees. I can have my office bill them to you, if you'd like. "
"Sounds good. I appreciate your help. I’ll need to give your secretary my hotel address."
"It's no problem. I’ll transfer you back to Mrs. Morgan. She’ll get the information from you. Did you have any other questions or concerns?"
"No. Mr. Wodden, thank you."
"You’re welcome. One moment while I transfer you."
She hung up after giving Mrs. Morgan her address, then quickly dialed Dr. Johnson's office. When the woman answered, she asked to speak with him. The woman informed her Dr. Johnson was extremely busy right now and could she take a message.
“Would you tell him it’s Sophie Berkeley and it’s important?”
"Oh, Mrs. Berkeley. Hang on a moment. Let me see if I can get him for you," the woman responded.
Seconds later, Dr. Johnson answered. "This is Dr. Johnson."
"Yes, this is Mrs. Berkeley. I wanted to thank you for your help the other day and apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused."
"No, no problem. Is everything okay? Have you made any decisions yet?"
"Yes, I'm going to keep the baby."
He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, as he said, "What a great idea, Mrs. Berkeley. Would you like me to recommend an OB-GYN?"
"Thank you. A recommendation would be appreciated."
She called the OB-GYN he’d recommended and made an appointment. Then she called the last number on her list, Eva Simms, a real estate agent. She told the agent what kind of a house she wanted, her price range and location. Eva promised to call back in a few days with something to show her.
Sophie finished her work and sat back to enjoy a moment of contentment. It was six o'clock. She called a local delivery place and enjoyed eating in while watching a movie. She was asleep by eight thirty.
#
“Let’s make this quick as possible. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“Yes, doctor.”
“I’m going to make the incision. My number fifteen blade, please.” After a moments pause, he continued, “Thank you Nurse Sumpter. Here we go. I need suction, please. All right, let’s open her up. We need to get the baby out pronto.”
Sophie sat up with a start, beads of sweat covering her forehead and tears soaked her face.
The dream seemed so real, she thought putting a hand over her abdomen to make sure it hadn’t been cut open.
“Baby, what are you doing to me?” she whispered, before her morning sickness took over and she had to run to the bathroom.
After flushing the toilet, she brushed her teeth, and took a shower. When she was done, she got dressed and then graded some papers.
Around four o’clock, Rina called. "Hello, prego. What you doing?"
"Watching a movie. You?"
"I'm calling to tell you you're going out with me tonight."
"Rina, I don't know. I'm still not in the mood and I worry about the smoke."
"Don't worry. We're going to a nonsmoking club tonight. You’d better get in the mood, because I'm picking you up at eight o'clock. We'll have some dinner before meeting some friends at the club by ten."
"Will you take no for an answer?"
"No way! Oh, and wear something nice. We're dressing up. C’mon, it’s Saturday!"
"Who are these friends?"
"You'll find out when we get there. I'll see you in a few hours. Bye."
Sophie hung up the phone, still grinning. It may be fun. Opening the closet, she pulled out the red dress—the one David bought her.
“No reason it should go to waste and it would serve him right if I wear it to a party and have fun," she murmured, defiantly.
#
They ate at The Melting pot. Set in the bottom corner of a huge, old building; it was cozy. Rina had made reservations so they were immediately taken to their table.
The table had two burners sitting on top. She was excited, having never eaten here before. Rina explained the menu and way this restaurant, which was fondue, worked.
First, you had to pick the cheese mixture you wanted, then you chose the meat’s you wanted and finally, the chocolate mixture you wanted.
Sophie and Rina placed their order and then talked and talked. The waitress came by occasionally to melt the cheese, warm the oil and chicken broth for their meat and then melt and mix the chocolate.
The food was great, the atmosphere amazing. Sophie didn’t say much, letting Rina do most of the talking. She realized, lately all of their conversations had been about her.
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