Twenty Weeks and Counting

Ashley sat nervously in the hospital waiting room, fidgeting with her hands as she waited for her 20-week scan. It had been a few weeks since her last visit with Nicole, and she had been doing well. Her rehab check-up had gone smoothly, and her therapist was pleased with her progress. But despite her outward success, Ashley couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety that had been building up inside her. She was going to be a mom, and the reality of it was starting to hit her hard. As she waited for the doctor to call her name, Ashley's mind wandered to the baby growing inside her. She had been watching labour videos online, trying to prepare herself for what was to come. But the more she watched, the more anxious she became. What if she wasn't ready? What if she wasn't good enough? The doctor called her name, and Ashley stood up, smoothing out her clothes. She followed the doctor to the ultrasound room, her heart racing with anticipation. The doctor began to explain the procedure, and Ashley listened intently as she started to scan the baby. As the doctor pointed out different features of the baby's body, Ashley felt a surge of excitement. The baby was growing, and it was getting closer to being born. The doctor then started to explain the genetic testing they would be doing, to check if the baby had any genetic damage. Ashley's heart sank, as she thought about all the what-ifs. After what felt like an eternity, the doctor finished the scan and started to explain the results. Ashley listened anxiously as the doctor told her that the baby was healthy, and that there were no signs of any genetic damage. Ashley felt a wave of relief wash over her, and she couldn't help but tear up. As she left the hospital, Ashley felt a sense of relief wash over her. The baby was healthy, and that was all that mattered. She was grateful for Nicole's support, and she knew that she couldn't do this without her. But as she walked to the car, Ashley's mind started to wander to Axel. She had been thinking about calling him a lot lately, wondering if he had any idea about the baby. She had debated it for weeks, but something was holding her back. As she reached the car, Ashley pulled out her phone and started to dial Axel's number. But just as she was about to press call, Nicole appeared out of nowhere, her eyes blazing with anger. "Ashley, what are you doing?" Nicole demanded, her voice low and urgent. "You can't call him, not now. You're not ready to deal with him." Ashley felt a surge of defensiveness, and the two of them got into an argument. Ashley insisted that she was old enough to make her own decisions, while Nicole argued that she was still a teenager, and that Axel was not good for her. As the argument escalated, Ashley started to get frustrated. Why couldn't Nicole just understand her? But as she looked into Nicole's eyes, she saw the fear and concern there. Nicole was only trying to protect her, and Ashley realized that she was right. She wasn't ready to deal with Axel, not yet. With a sigh, Ashley put her phone away, and Nicole's expression softened. "I'm sorry, kiddo," she said, wrapping Ashley in a hug. "I just want what's best for you, and I know that Axel is not it. At least, not right now." Ashley nodded, feeling a sense of understanding wash over her. She knew that Nicole was right, and that she needed to focus on herself and the baby right now. She was grateful for Nicole's support, and she knew that she could face whatever came next, as long as she had her mom by her side.