15
“What do you mean you’re pregnant?”
Janine squeezed Irving’s hand and smiled. “It means I’m going to have a baby in about nine months. I’m due in January sometime.”
“But, I’m pregnant.” Sydney shook her head. Her mother was pregnant?
The three of them sat on the patio at her parents’ home in Cape Coral. Sydney had driven out there to pay them a visit and to talk about her baby, but her mother shared her news first.
“Are you sure? How could this have happened? Aren’t you too old?” Sydney asked.
Irving patted Janine’s hand and said, “She, I mean… we didn’t do this on purpose.”
“I’m stunned. Speechless, even.” Sydney couldn’t come to herself. She leaned into the chair. She scrutinized her mother noting the excited sparkle in Janine’s eyes.
With a light blush tainting her cheeks, Janine explained. “I thought I had a bad bout of indigestion. I had a serious case of a stomach bug and I was exhausted all the time. Irving was scared something might be wrong with me so I went to see Dr. Sloan.” Janine hugged her chest. “I almost fell off the exam table when she told me I had a nine-month stomach bug. Here I am thinking I was beginning menopause, but since I’m…you know… active, there was still a chance for fertilization.”
“Wow,” Sydney finally found her voice. Instinctively, she rubbed her tummy. “It’s going to take me a minute to process this.”
“It’ll take me a lifetime.” Janine chuckled and looked down at her hands. “I mean I am going to be in my seventies when he or she graduates high school.”
“If it sticks around,” Sydney said.
Her parents’ sharp intakes of breath made Sydney regret her brash comment. “I’m sorry, Mom and Dad. I spoke without thinking.” Suddenly, she burst into tears. “I’m struggling with the possibility of the baby having Down’s syndrome…” She sobbed and covered her face with her hands.
“Let me get you some tissue,” Irving said.
Janine moved her chair closer to Sydney’s and hugged her daughter. “Honey, I feel so guilty because of your situation. But, I knew I had to tell you before I start showing.”
Sydney nodded, “I know,” she hiccupped. “And, I am happy for you. It’s my baby I’m worried about.”
Irving returned with the tissue and sat down. Sydney took some out of the box. “Thank you. Crying is all I seem to do lately. This whole standoff with Noah is taking a toll on me.” She gulped and decided to tell everything. “He feels I should end the pregnancy.”
Irving’s eyes narrowed. “Noah wants you to get rid of the baby? Doesn’t that go against everything he preaches and lectures about?”
“That’s what I don’t understand.” Sydney wiped her eyes. “He’s so attentive to me and generous that I don’t get it.” She sniffled. “Although the other night, when we were talking about it, he said he didn’t want to go through this, again.”
Janine’s eyes narrowed. “What did he mean by that?”
Sydney shook her head. “I was going to ask him the next morning, but he left before I awoke. Sleeping seems to be my favorite thing of late when I’m not working.” She gave an awkward chuckle. “I haven’t mentioned it to him yet because I’ve been swamped with a new case at work.”
Janine tilted her head. “Speaking of work, it might be a good idea for you to take some time off. You have the money and I know you hardly ever take days off. You should think about it.”
Sydney nodded. “Work keeps my mind off…”
Janine’s eyes filled with empathy. “I understand. And, now your selfish mother got herself knocked up while you’re going through this.”
Sydney shifted. “Don’t say that, Mom. Babies are a gift from God. I’ve always wanted a sibling. I didn’t think you’d grant that wish this late though.”
Both women chuckled.
Irving grabbed their hands. “Let’s put everything before God. He knows best.” He led his family in prayer.
While he prayed, Sydney felt the tears ebb and the tension ease from her body. She did need to trust God. When her father ended the prayer, she released an emphatic, “Amen,” and addressed her mom. “I know you must be scared at having a baby at your age, but I turned out okay, and this time, you’ll have Dad with you.”
“Yes, and I am looking forward to it.” Irving grinned.
He had missed the chance of seeing Sydney grow up because Janine kept her pregnancy a secret. They had been foster siblings for a short time and their parents had been outraged by their dating. As a result, Irving had left home and Janine raised her daughter alone. But, once they had reconnected, they realized their love had remained strong. Noah had married them within months of their reunion.
Sydney hugged her parents and left soon after that. She had to meet up with Belinda in Fort Myers to try on gowns.
On the drive home, the tears returned. She acknowledged the jealous fear that now plagued her heart. What if her mother’s child was normal, even though she was now in her late fifties? How would Sydney handle that?
Sydney hated to admit her truth but she would feel inadequate if her mother managed to have a normal baby and she didn’t. She wanted a healthy little sister or brother. But, God would have a lot of explaining to do because that would be the ultimate slap in the face.
Sydney pulled into the dress shop and parked. She rested her head on the wheel. She didn’t want to try on gowns. She wanted to go home, curl up in a fetal position, and just lay there. But, Belinda was waving at her. She mustered up the energy and exited the vehicle.
“Hey, so glad you made it,” Belinda said. She was too happy to notice Sydney’s red eyes.
“Yeah, I’m here.” Sydney greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. She heard her lackluster tone and willed herself to perk up. This was Belinda’s happy day and she was the sole bridesmaid and matron-of-honor.
Belinda held Sydney’s shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
Sydney shook her head. “I have a counseling session and the test tomorrow, and I’m worried.” She waved her hands. “Today is about you. Let’s go dress hunting.”
“Are you sure?” Belinda bit her lip. She rocked back and forth.
Sydney lifted her chin. “I’m positive. Now, tell me about your color scheme.”
Like any future bride, Belinda launched into different colors and shades she was considering.
Sydney tried on all the shades of purple until Belinda decided on a violet-hued empire-waist chiffon dress. Sydney ordered it two sizes larger as she would be well into her pregnancy by then.
Then Belinda tried on several wedding dresses. Dress after dress, Belinda remained undecided. Sydney gritted her teeth but remained supportive.
After what had to be dress number ten, Belinda threw her hands in the air. “This is not it. I haven’t found the one. I don’t know what I am looking for exactly. But, I do know I’ll know it when I try it on.”
Sydney nodded. “You’ll know it.”
“I’ll come back in a week or two,” Belinda stated and scurried to change out of the gown. The harried saleswomen went to assist her.
Once she was ready, Sydney and Belinda drove their cars and met up at Taco Bell. Sydney ordered the Cantina bowl. Belinda chose two chicken soft tacos. Sydney picked at her food. Belinda finished one taco in two bites. She chattered on about her wedding details. Sydney responded in kind, but her mind was far too troubled for engaging conversation.
Sydney was glad when they parted ways. Belinda was going to stop at the mall.
“Sure you don’t want to come?”
Sydney shook her head. “I have to work on my case.”
She took U.S. 41 back into Port Charlotte, stopping by Baskin Robbins to purchase a quart of pistachio ice cream and pint of rum raisin. That was one good thing about being pregnant. She could eat. Sydney pulled in her driveway, undressed and took her ice cream with her to bed.
Sydney’s funk had not lifted as she rode in the passeng
er seat next to Noah the following morning. The two merely exchanged the necessary pleasantries. Sydney hid behind her sunglasses and pretended to sleep. Noah turned on the radio to fill the quiet.
Sydney snuck a glance at Noah. Right at that moment, she hated his movie star looks. The man had no right to look that good when he was behaving like such a monster. After their 8:00 a.m. counseling session, Sydney would face the toughest test of her life. The test that would predict if the baby she was carrying had Down syndrome. The LSAT was a piece of cake compared to this.
Soon, Noah pulled into the parking lot.
Sydney and Noah entered the building. The receptionist ushered them to a room in the back. It was beautifully decorated with a plush, comfortable microfiber couch and a chaise lounge. Though they decided to sit together, they were miles apart.
“I don’t want to do this.” Noah turned to Sydney and took her hand. “I love you and I’m asking you to reconsider. We can try again. My decision goes against my belief system, but I believe it’s the best option.”
“Did God tell you that?” Sydney pulled from his grasp. “You’re a hypocrite. Do you think disabled children are a curse?”
“No, I don’t think that,” Noah said. “But, this is different. I don’t have it in me to live with a Down child. Don’t you get that? They never grow up. Who would care for him if something happened to us?”
Sydney glared. “You preach about God’s leading and how He works everything out for our good, but you don’t believe it. The minute God gave you a challenge you caved. How do you plan to explain to the board and the church members your decision to force your wife to have an abortion?”
Her chest heaved. She made a brash decision and jumped to her feet. “You know what? I’m leaving. I don’t need counseling. I need God.” She moved to the door.
“But, what about the test?” Noah’s eyes grew wide.
“Forget the test. Whatever God gives me, I’ll be content.”
16
The loud slam reverberated through the building. Sydney’s rant had been so loud Noah didn’t doubt those in the waiting area had heard. He sat with his hands folded in his lap and waited. She’d return once she calmed down. He thought Sydney was overreacting but attributed her tantrum to hormones.
Ten minutes passed before Noah accepted Sydney wasn’t coming back.
He retrieved her purse, dug for his keys and exited the room. He noticed the sympathetic smiles of the nurses and receptionist. He lifted his chin and made eye contact. “I guess we’ll call back to reschedule,” he said with a confident smile.
The nurse bit back a smile. “We’ll wait for your call.”
He knew his cheeks were red but Noah gave a small wave before leaving. The humidity hit him smack in the face. Sweat beads formed across his forehead.
Noah strutted to the car expecting to see Sydney tapping her feet in those ridiculously high heels. She wasn’t anywhere to be found. He scanned the lot and walked the perimeter of the building. He still didn’t see her.
Scrunching his nose, Noah called her cell phone. Several times. Each time it went to voicemail. His heart rate increased. Where was she? Wiping the sweat from his face, Noah started up the vehicle and cooled off.
After another ten minutes, Noah drove home, keeping his eye out for Sydney. He hoped the stubborn woman hadn’t decided to walk. It was over 95 degrees. She could get a heat stroke and harm herself and the baby.
There was no public transportation. How far could she have gotten?
He pulled in the driveway and spotted Portia’s car. Noah’s shoulders sagged. Sydney must have called Portia.
“Not her,” Noah groaned. Sydney’s spunky, loyal assistant probably had a gun ready for him. Noah backed his SUV out the driveway and drove the short distance to his grandfather’s house.
He used his spare key and shouted for Gramps. His grandfather’s dog, Scurvy nipped at his heels. Scurvy was scrawny and ugly, but Gramps spoiled him. He kept Scurvy in style.
“Noah, is that you?” Gramps called out.
“Yes, unless you were expecting a young Swedish model.” Noah went into the kitchen and slid onto the barstool.
Gramps came in wiping his hands with a dishtowel. “I was just cleaning the grill. Where’s Sydney?”
“At home.” He sounded sad. Noah cleared this throat and injected some enthusiasm in his tone. “She’s hanging with Portia, so I decided to come check on you.”
“Hmm,” Gramps said, dusting an imaginary spot on his over-washed jeans. He walked to the refrigerator. “Can I make you a sandwich?”
“No, I’m not hungry.”
Gramps made himself a turkey and Swiss sandwich, then came to stand across from Noah. “All right, let’s have at it. Cause I know you didn’t come over here to look at my face.”
Noah shrugged. “Sydney walked out of the doctor’s appointment today. She said she’d let God decide. I don’t get why she’s being so stubborn and unreasonable. I never imagined marriage would be this hard.”
Gramps slammed his fists on the granite counter top. Even though he was in his seventies, Nelson was a strong man. “Doo hickey. This isn’t about marriage. You’ve counseled enough couples to know what you were getting into when you put that ring on her finger.” Gramps looked him the eyes. “This is about you. You’re the one who’s stubborn and unreasonable. I understand your fear, but you have to tackle it with faith. Sydney is walking in her faith.” He tilted his head. “Now, my question is, where is your faith, man of God?” Gramps sat on another stool and bit into his sandwich.
His grandfather’s words pierced Noah’s heart. He stood and stalked into his old bedroom. Noah had lived with Gramps when he first moved to Port Charlotte, until he’d married Sydney. Now, he lived about five minutes away so he was close by in the event of an emergency. He dragged open the top drawer of the end table by his bed and took out the 3x5 picture he kept there. He stomped back into the kitchen.
“My faith is right here.” He held up the picture for his grandfather to see. “It’s right here with the facts. The genetic, scientific facts.” His voice broke. “I don’t get why God would do this to me, again.”
Gramps left the remnants of his turkey and cheese sandwich and walked around the kitchen island. He rested a hand on Noah’s shoulder. “It didn’t just happen to you, son. It happened to me—first.”
Noah nodded. “Yes, but they were my parents. I had to live with them—well, and you. I loved them. But, the older I got, the more I realized how different they were. I had to face the murmurs and the stares.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to handle that.”
“Without your parents, I wouldn’t have had you. You’re normal and healthy and that wasn’t a small thing. When Peter married Mary, there wasn’t supposed to be a child. You are a medical miracle, a scientific impossibility. The doctors urged me to sign the papers to terminate the pregnancy. But, I fought for you. I’ll never forget the look on the doctors’ faces when a healthy male was born. You’re proof God is in charge no matter what man says or think. It will all work out.”
Noah gulped back tears and studied the picture. How could he be ashamed of his parents? It was terrible, but it was true. Noah had never showed Sydney this picture of his parents. She only knew Peter and Mary had been killed by car thieves. She knew about his brief stint as a supremacist, but she had no clue about his parents. He had kept that from her because he’d fooled himself into thinking his past was behind him. Noah knew it was his fault Sydney might have a special needs child. He placed the picture face down.
Gramps washed his hands and put his plate in the dishwasher. He opened the refrigerator to grab two bottled waters. He handed one to Noah before opening his own. Gramps picked up the photo. “Look at them, Noah. Face it. Look at your parents.”
“I did already.”
“Are you ashamed of the people God used to bring you here?” Gramps shook his head. “Well, I am not ashamed of my son. Peter defied odds. He lived as indepe
ndently as he could. Your parents were happy and they were proud of you, Noah. I had to help, yes—but Peter and Mary were your parents and they did the best they could.” Gramps’ voice rose. His body shook.
Noah held Gramps’ arms. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Don’t tell me. Tell Sydney. I’ve loved that young lady from the moment I met her, and you’re doing her wrong. I didn’t raise a punk. You’re lying to her again.” He lifted a chin. “I had hoped you learned from the last time.”
Flashes of his near death experience flew across his mind. His chest heaved. “I had a vasectomy.”
Gramps eyes grew wide. “When? How come you didn’t tell me?”
“About two years ago. I knew you would talk me out of it, so I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to risk having a child with the same gene.”
“But, she’s pregnant…”
“Yep. Another miracle,” Noah said in a dry tone. “When she told me, I was ecstatic. I had regretted doing the surgery so when I heard, I rejoiced. I hoped lightning wouldn’t strike twice.” Noah lowered his head. “But my biggest fear came true. My child might have …” Noah trailed off.
“Down syndrome. Your parents had Down syndrome.” Gramps released a huge breath of air. “I’m in shock. I’m not used to you keeping something so big from me. I can’t believe you had major surgery.” He touched his chest. “You lied to me.”
Noah picked up the picture and studied the telltale faces of the two people staring back at him. Two people who had loved him something fierce. “I knew how you would feel. I’m sorry. I should have told you.”
“I wish you had. After hearing this, I know Sydney having this baby is God’s doing.” Gramps jutted his chin. “You need to tell her. Tell her everything tonight.”
17
“My parents had Down syndrome.”
Sydney shook her head. Surely she hadn’t heard Noah utter those five words. He had arrived home around 7 p.m. and with a, “We need to talk,” had led her into his office.
Lie to Me Page 7
