"Good to see you again, Cassie," Dr. Foster said, as she walked into the exam room. "How are you feeling?"
"Well, that's the issue," I replied. "I was sick as a dog this morning. Tea and soda crackers was all I could keep down."
"I see. Any idea what might have brought that on?"
"Not a clue. I also can't tell you why I'm feeling better now."
"Interesting." She checked my chart. "Your basal temperature is a little elevated."
"Could that have something to do with this?" Mom asked.
"Possibly," the doctor replied. Turning back to me, she asked, "Have you noticed any other symptoms?"
"I've been peeing more often. I didn't think it was too important."
"When was your last period?"
"Two weeks ago. It was lighter and spottier, but it was right on time."
"Hmm. Are you sexually active?"
"Not at all."
"Doctor," Mom said, "it sounds like you're suggesting Cassie is pregnant."
"I'm just getting as much information as I can, Mrs. Pennant. I'm going to order some blood and urine tests; they should tell us what we're dealing with."
I went to the lab, where they drew my blood. Then, they gave me a cup, and sent me to the bathroom. I was going more frequently, so I didn't even need to turn the faucet on to start the show. Then, Mom and I went back to the exam room, and waited.
It was going on lunchtime when Dr. Foster came back. Turning to Mom, she asked, "Can we have some privacy, please?"
Mom nodded, and left for the waiting room.
"What is it, Doctor?" I asked.
"Your mother had the right idea, Cassie: You're pregnant."
"Pregnant? No, I can't be. I'm a virgin."
"Cassie, we found a hormone called hCG in your blood and your urine. People who are pregnant produce hCG; people who aren't, don't. You're producing hCG, so you're pregnant."
"I told you, I'm a virgin. If you don't believe me, check me out yourself; my hymen is intact."
"The hymen doesn't work that way, Cassie. It's just a membrane, not a factory seal. Many things can break it, and it can heal up, good as new."
I put my head in my hands. "I just don't understand this. How could I be pregnant?"
She put a hand on my shoulder. "I can see that this is an issue for you. But I can assure you, you really are pregnant, Cassie; about six to eight weeks, I'd say." She took a breath. "Are you worried about how your family will respond to this?"
"No. We love each other. I just... don't know how I got this way."
"Would you like for me to explain this to your mother?"
"I can tell her. I just can't answer the next question."
"What do you want to do about this?"
I shook my head. "I can't get rid of it. I just... don't know how it got there."
"Very well. Make an appointment for two weeks from today, and we can start getting you ready to have this baby." And she let me go.
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