Their Double Blessing

“George, breathe, she’s fine just stay calm. I knew this might set you back,” Cynthia fussed, trying to catch his attention, prepared to help her boss. “Good, now look at me and breath deeply. Let go of all your troubles and build new paths for those you can’t ignore or forget.” She took the phone from him as he obeyed. “Listen Patricia, just hold for a bit. George needs a moment to center himself. He’ll be back on the line with you in a bit, I promise.”

“George? Is he okay?” Patricia called out over the line. The ragged breathing and high pitched voice betrayed her fear.

Cynthia talked him through it. Going over breathing exercises and saying soothing words of encouragement. More than ever he was grateful to have her. The bodyguards came closer but they couldn’t do what she could. He always saw her as a maverick but this woman was also a saint and his saving grace. Any moment he thought of firing her was a giant mistake never to be considered again. The idea of panicking alone nearly gave him another attack.

“Are you ready to talk to Patricia? I told her to hold but I don’t think she’s taking it well.”

George cleared his throat and took his cell. Feeling awful that Patricia was already at the hospital and he’d just made her feel worse. “Patricia darling I’m fine. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t treat me like an idiot, George. Me being hospitalized clearly upset you. Just let me know that you’re really okay. I couldn’t take it if Cynthia has to come to my apartment just to tell me something bad has happened.” Patricia’s voice started to break.

“No, no, no,” George said. “I swear that I’m okay. Yes, I had a panic attack but Cynthia knows how to help me and if it was that bad a doctor is on call. It’s fine, I just want to know why you’re hospitalized.” This situation couldn’t get any worse. He upset his girlfriend who was laid up in the hospital. Talk about great boyfriend material.

“I’m pregnant,” Patricia revealed. “Guess I should just let the cat out of the bag. I had some pain at work and had to be taken away by ambulance. You know about my miscarriages? Well, I need to be extra careful as being pregnant stresses my body nearly ten times the average woman. At least that’s what the doctor said, I was still groggy at the time.”

“Pregnant? With a baby…but how…” George was in shock. Of all the things he expected to hear this was not it.

“Penthouse, remember? Please don’t ask me if it’s yours,” Patricia said.

“I would never do that,” George swore. “I’m so surprised. Congratulations.”

Patricia burst out laughing. “Thank you, George. So I guess you’re okay with this.”

“Okay? I’m ecstatic. We’re having a baby, I can’t wait to get back. I’ll be there tomorrow evening and I’m heading straight for the apartment,” George declared.

“I’ll be waiting with bells on. I won’t have much to do since I can’t work until after the baby’s born.” Patricia’s voice sounded sad. He knew she enjoyed being busy and helping others.

“I’m certain there are ways to do little things until the baby comes,” George said, “Does Mary know? She can stay with you.”

“Mary and I had a bit of a falling out. Her ex-con boyfriend is back in her life. Worse, they’re engaged and she’s giving me the cold shoulder because I gave her notice to leave.”

“Well if he’s dangerous that was the right thing to do. I’m sorry,” George sighed.

“Right, anyway the nurse passed by signaling for me to hang up. Need that beauty rest.”

“Okay, goodbye and see you soon.” George ended the call.

The room broke out in applause and congratulations all around.

****************

Patricia decided to take a taxi home. Mary had promised to come for pickup but she wasn’t comfortable with that. Something was off with her sister and she didn’t like it. As if the woman was dissociating for some reason. Perhaps because of their argument but it felt deeper than that. Whatever it was she didn’t need that drama while pregnant.

She also didn’t want Ronald sniffing around. He was the worst sort of weasel and criminal. No matter what Mary claimed, that was man dangerous. She’d heard stories of people talking out against him getting severely injured or worse. Most were thought to be accidents which scared her even more. Being prepared for a gunfight was one thing. But for someone who had people ready to harm you and make it look benign? That was another thing all together. She wanted to live a long life and that was best far from that tricky monster.

It was sad to lose yet another family member to drama and bad decisions. But she knew deep down and Mary would never be the sister she could rely on long term. She was always there but that solidarity was rarely returned. Now there was an end date making her both sad and relieved. At the end of the day she needed to what was best for her and now a baby. George was in her life now and that was a great weight off her shoulders. Plus, she had a supportive community at her side. Though Mary had done something to keep them away.

She’d called up friends only to get either surprise that she wanted to talk them or sent to voicemail. Since she knew when best to call them, the latter was likely on purpose. At another time Patricia would confront Mary about this passive aggressive move. Acting out against her was one thing but dragging in her friends was just low. This was an act of spite that made her more determined to move on without the young sour puss. If that girl wanted to end their sisterhood on a bad note that was her choice. She had better things to do.

Doctor Wharton and the hospital staff had been amazing. She felt like a princess during her time there. They ensured all her needs were met and kept the guard well rested. Even when it went against her personal wishes. She wanted to stay on the phone with George forever. But her vitals had gone haywire and it took everything to keep staff out of the room as agreed. She’d heard whispers of a few wondering if the boyfriend was a secret agent or criminal. The latter was annoying to hear because that stereotype was so old and stupid.

She used the time in the taxi to make some calls. Including to her job to check in if things were okay. The supervisor made it clear that Patricia had nothing to worry about. They were glad that she was okay and not in worse condition. Upon revealing her pregnancy there was squealing and lots of congratulations. Tempered by a bit of teasing about the secret lover people were theorizing about. There was no way to deny or ignore it now. But at least the call was short and in the end she knew everyone meant well, wanting the best for her.