by Kari Alice
“I’ve heard how nice this place is. Turns out that all the rumors are true,” Ashley whispered.
“I didn’t expect any of this. It’s incredible,” Lexi whispered back as her eyes darted around the elegant lobby. Her hands brushed down her simple shirt and skirt as she tried to make herself more presentable for the posh environment.
Lexi walked to the first available receptionist to check in, and she was given an electronic tablet to fill in her patient questionnaire forms. Not only did the office look spectacular, but even the standard patient forms were more up to date than any office she had ever been. Lexi took the tablet and sat down by Ashley. Lexi quickly completed all the required forms and submitted her electronic signature.
“Did you want me to come back with you, or will you be okay?” Ashley asked in a whisper.
“Honestly, I think I’ll be fine. Maybe they’ll put me in the wrong room and I’ll end up getting a Swedish massage,” Lexi said. The surroundings had calmed her to the point where she could now mask any lingering fears.
“You wish you were here for a massage,” Ashley said with a playful grin.
A few minutes passed, then a woman in a petal-pink uniform called, “Lexi.”
Lexi grabbed her purse and followed the woman. The nurse first took Lexi’s vital signs, then led her to the doctor’s office.
“Have a seat in here.” The nurse directed Lexi to an oversized ivory-tone leather chair that was in front of an empty desk. “You’ll get to talk with Dr. Ives first, before the exam.”
Moments later a middle-aged woman with a small frame and bluntly cut hair entered. The doctor shook Lexi’s hand as she introduced herself. “You must be Lexi. I’m Dr. Ives,” she said with a warm smile.
“Nice to meet you, Doctor,” Lexi said in a shaking voice. Lexi had faked calmness in the lobby, but that control had evaporated.
“So I’ve reviewed your medical history and noticed that this is your first time at a gynecologist?” Dr. Ives verified.
“That’s correct. I’ve never had a vaginal exam before,” Lexi said with hesitation.
“I saw that you didn’t check off any problems, so will this be a general exam?” Dr. Ives asked.
“I guess so. I need birth control.” Lexi bit her lower lip.
“I think that could be arranged. Do you have any preferences? Most women your age generally like the combination pill, but there are also injections, patches, rings, and even an implanted device if you’re looking for low maintenance,” Dr. Ives said, not unlike a salesman outlining various products and their features.
“I can’t do anything that would require any degree of cutting, or even oddly placed devices,” Lexi said with a grimace.
“Well, that narrows it down some, anyway. How good are you at remembering to take pills on a daily basis?”
“Honestly, my memory isn’t that great,” Lexi admitted.
“There is always the Depo Provera injection. You only have to come in once every three months to keep it effective.”
“Could I start with something like that? At least I’d be covered. I would hate to miss a pill,” Lexi said, decision made.
“Certainly. After your exam you’ll get your first injection. Just remember that you’ll need to come back in ten to twelve weeks for another shot.”
“I’m putting a reminder in my phone now,” Lexi said as she scrolled though her phone to set a reminder. The screen took a second to transition to the calendar application, but now it was set.
“Do you have any other questions that I can help you with today?” Dr. Ives asked.
Ideas flooded her mind, but all were too embarrassing, so Lexi shook her head.
“Okay, just follow me to the exam room.” Dr. Ives pointed to the robe on the examination table. “Everything has to come off, but cover yourself with the robe.”
Lexi went into the examination room, and Dr. Ives closed the door. Lexi hurried to undress and slid the robe on as quickly as possible, not wanting to give the hall a show if Dr. Ives prematurely opened the door. She sat down on the exam table and scooted back on the crinkling paper. She took deep breaths as she readied herself for Dr. Ives’s return.
The exam room was spacious but was nicely decorated in more spa-inspired accents. Something about the cavernous feel of the room caused the hair to rise on her arms. She rubbed at them, but it was a pointless act. This room was such a contrast to the exam room she’d been in as a child to see the pediatrician. That exam room was so tight that there’d been just enough room for the doctor, Lexi’s mom, and Lexi. If a nurse was needed, then the door had to be left open.
Little things caught her attention; her elevated nerves had her on high alert to every detail. Weirdly enough, the table paper was somehow thicker and smoother than she remembered. It wasn’t as thick as card stock, but there was no doubt of its quality. She ran her fingers against the exposed sides of the examination table, which felt like buttery leather. Even with the comforting environment, she still wanted to run away. Her stomach knotted in anticipation, and she hoped her sweating would cease before the doctor entered the room.
A knocking on the door snapped Lexi from her thoughts. In walked Dr. Ives, and right behind her was the nurse wearing the petal-pink uniform.
“This is Jessica. She’ll be assisting me with your exam,” Dr. Ives said as she motioned to the nurse.
Lexi nodded briefly to acknowledge Dr. Ives and to give her consent. Jessica appeared to be in her early twenties, wore her thick brown hair on top of her head in a heavy bun, and had wide eyes that revealed their shocking green color. Her eyes had a sparkle to them, like twin gems.
Jessica adhered Lexi’s name and birth date, which was printed on a sticker, to a medical tube. Dr. Ives instructed Lexi to lay back, and then she proceeded to examine her breasts. This part wasn’t as horrible as Lexi had thought it would be, though the doctor’s fingers were cold on her bare chest. Lexi stared up at the ceiling in an attempt to separate herself from the exam.
“Okay, I need you to scoot down to the edge of the table. You’re not going to fall off,” Dr. Ives said.
Lexi slid down to the table’s edge; the whole process seemed unnatural. Her body was exposed, and an examination light likely detailed her every crevice.
“It’s going to be a little cold,” Dr. Ives said as the exam began.
Dr. Ives’s touch had been anticipated, but… “Holy cow!” Lexi shouted. She blushed, though no one was focused on her face.
“Sorry. I know it’s a bit uncomfortable,” Dr. Ives said apologetically. “Next is the pap smear, which is a bit more intrusive.”
Lexi tried to process that last bit of information but then was overwhelmed by the startling chill of the speculum. She reflectively closed her legs, but that motion was interrupted by Dr. Ives’s gloved hand. With effort, Lexi let her legs drop open. It was as if her innermost region was being vacuumed out of her body. She stifled a cry at the unexpected pain.
“It’s all done,” Dr. Ives said.
Lexi closed her legs to safeguard herself from any more intrusions. How could sex be pleasurable at all, when this had been so uncomfortable and embarrassing?
Jessica smiled kindly and took Lexi’s hand to pull her upright. “Go ahead and get dressed. I’ll be back in a few minutes to give you the Depo Provera injection,” Jessica said.
“Everything looked good today. Be sure to schedule your next appointment in three months for your next shot,” Dr. Ives instructed.
“This kind of appointment is just once a year, right?” Lexi asked.
“Of course it is. You did fine, Lexi. It was nice meeting you,” Dr. Ives said as she left the room.
Lexi quickly dressed, though her legs were shaky and unbalanced. Dr. Ives wasn’t cruel or rough, but the pain was as if she’d fallen on a fire hydrant…crotch first.
Minutes later Jessica came back into the examination room. She was holding a tray with a concealed syringe on it. Jessica had Lexi sign consent for
the injection. The nurse explained that normally the first injection coincided with the menstrual cycle, but since Lexi’s cycles were so unpredictable, they would give her first injection today.
“I performed a pregnancy test on your urine, which was negative. We have to do that for the initial injection, as well for any injections given out of the recommended time-frame window,” Jessica explained.
“Okay, that’s good, I guess,” Lexi said.
“So I need you to stand by the table, and I’ll need the top of you buttocks—either side is fine.”
Lexi tensed when the needle went in, and let out a small “Ouch!”
Jessica covered the injection site with a small Band-Aid and then handed Lexi an appointment card. “This is when your next injection is due. Anywhere within the time frame is fine.”
“When will this be considered effective against pregnancy?” Lexi asked sheepishly.
“Any time after twenty-four hours, you’ll be good to go,” Jessica said while still wearing a friendly smile.
“Thanks. Have a great day,” Lexi said as she turned and hobbled toward the lobby. Her day was wrecked. Why shouldn’t the nurse have a good one?
When Lexi returned to the waiting room, Ashley appeared to be engrossed in a conversation with a raven-haired stranger. The unfamiliar woman’s back was to Lexi, and something in the way Ashley looked at the woman seemed like a warning. The woman had thick, silky dark-brown hair that cascaded down her back. She could have modeled for Pantene, with the way her hair shined. The woman sat sideways in the chair with her long legs crossed, facing Ashley. The strange woman had skin that was both pale and flawless, like porcelain. Lexi walked with an involuntary limp, which made her look clumsy. The injection had left her left buttock sore.
Even though Lexi resembled Bambi in the way she hobbled, she still wore a smile as she approached Ashley and the stranger. Ashley’s eyes widened as Lexi approached, and then it all became clear. Sitting opposite was none other than Corrine Wylie. Her hair was simplistic compared to how it’d been at the Labor Day office party, as was her outfit, although her overall appearance was anything but forgettable.
Ashley looked as if her restraint had been tested. “Lexi, this is Corrine Wylie.” Ashley then gestured to Lexi. “Corrine, this is Lexi Lindsay. You may remember her from the Hale Health office party? We’re cousins.”
Corrine extended her hand, which was pale and manicured, with rosy-pink nails. “Nice to meet you,” Corrine said in a clear voice.
“You too,” Lexi said politely, even though her first impression from the party had all but been burnt into her memory. Lexi casually looked at Corrine from the top of her head to the tip of her expensive-looking high heels. Everything Corrine wore looked designer quality, but her smugness was her most discernible quality. Corrine exuded superiority, and she seemed to look down on both Ashley and Lexi. Corrine extended the handshake for longer than would be considered polite. Lexi’s palm was clammy in the grip of Corrine’s dry and powerful handshake.
“I hear that you’re working at Hale Health?” Corrine asked, though her eyes resembled that of a Cheshire cat.
Lexi smiled slightly, though her cheeks flushed. “Yes, I’ve worked there for a short time.” Corrine likely already knew this information.
“How nice. It’s such a nice little office.” She released Lexi’s hand. Corrine looked down at the gold watch on her wrist. “I’ve got to meet up with Dr. Ives. We were supposed to have a lunch today, but my schedule was overbooked. I’m going out of town on business this evening, so I wanted to get all of my appointments taken care of today before I left.” Corrine shook her hair as if to sort out any unseen knots.
The receptionist called for Corrine. “Ms. Wylie, Dr. Ives is ready to see you now.”
Corrine stood up and pulled the strap of her sleek black briefcase over her shoulder. “Ashley, tell Mike I was asking for him. I don’t think I’ll ever get his lava cake out of my head. So good,” she purred.
Ashley smiled politely. “I’ll tell him. It was good seeing you.”
“And you as well.” Corrine shifted her gaze on Lexi. “Nice meeting you, Lexi. It’s a small town. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again,” Corrine said as she waved and then let herself through the door that concealed the hall to the offices and examination rooms.
“Bye,” Lexi muttered. She had also tasted that lava cake, and suddenly her memory of it became tainted. Now that Lexi had officially met Corrine, it’d be impossible to erase her from memory. Although looks weren’t everything, Corrine’s looks had to be a huge advantage for her. And a huge disadvantage for Lexi? She tried to shrug off her diffidence.
“Come on,” Ashley said as she pulled Lexi to the door. “How did you like Dr. Ives?”
Lexi walked with Ashley, but she stared ahead vacantly. “She was nice,” Lexi said faintly. Corrine clouded her mind and soured her stomach.
“Good. Then it wasn’t as bad as you had anticipated?” Ashley asked with purposeful enthusiasm.
“All I can think about now is Corrine…”
Ashley looked defeated. “I was hoping she’d be gone by the time you were out from your appointment. I knew that meeting her would upset you. Her personality tends to be overpowering.”
“That’s not all that’s overpowering. I mean, look at her and then look at me,” Lexi said morosely.
“Were not going to do this, Lexi. I know that Corrine might look like a perfect package, but you know she’s not,” Ashley said as they walked toward their vehicles. Ashley stopped in between their cars. “She can be mean, and she can also be very cruel. Don’t let her get to you. She never made Caleb happy, and she never could,” Ashley said sternly.
“It’s not that I think I’m ugly or have serious body issues, but looking at her really makes me wonder why Caleb would ever leave her and choose me,” Lexi admitted. “I didn’t really focus on her at the party, but this time it felt personal. Like she wanted me to take her all in so that I could see what Caleb was missing.”
Ashley shook her head. “Why don’t we just go out for dinner? You’ll feel better.”
“Why not? I feel like my body’s already been violated. Why not get a meal out of it too?” The gynecological examination had been as intrusive as she’d feared, but meeting Corrine was much worse and somehow more intrusive.
“I’ll call Mike and let him know we’re on our way. He’ll make something to salivate over,” Ashley said. “How about we drive by the house and you drop off your SUV?”
Once on the road, Lexi’s cell phone buzzed. “Hello?” She answered the phone without reading the caller ID.
“There you are,” a familiar male voice said. His husky voice calmed her jittery nerves in a way she still didn’t fully understand.
Lexi looked at the screen to verify what she already knew. Caleb. “Here I am.”
“How are you doing? After your appointment, that is,” Caleb asked as he cleared his throat.
“Well, I survived it, but it was touch and go,” Lexi said.
“Well, I’m glad you pulled through. I wanted to let you know that I have to go to a meeting in Bangor tomorrow. I actually have to leave tonight,” Caleb said. “Dr. Hale was supposed to go, but he asked me last minute. One of his older patients is in the hospital, so he wants to be able to check on him tomorrow.”
Lexi’s heart sank. After the afternoon she’d had, his comfort was needed now more than ever. “When will you be back?” she asked, her voice cracking.
“Friday evening. I’ll call you when I get back. Maybe we could got out, or stay in. Whatever you want is fine. Oh, I nearly forgot. Have you ever been camping?”
“No…” The image she conjured was primitive, not something she wanted to do.
“It’s just that I’ve rented a cabin for next weekend, and I wanted to take you there. We’d be gone from Thursday until Sunday. It’s all electric inside, and it’s supposed to be right on the lake,” Caleb said.
Lexi smiled
. She hoped that flushing toilets were a part of the all-electric package. Nothing brought a couple down quite like faulty plumbing. She didn’t even consider saying no. “Yes, I’ll go. That sounds great!” Her voice had regained something it’d lacked since her gynecological encounter, something like hope.
“Well good. I’m glad that’s settled. I’ve got to go. I need to get my things together before I leave tonight. I still have a long drive ahead of me.”
Lexi’s throat was raw, though she didn’t want to admit how much she’d miss him. “Okay. Please be careful.”
“Always, baby, you know I will,” Caleb said.
“Bye,” Lexi said as a few tears ran down her face.
“Bye, baby,” Caleb said before disconnecting the call.
***
It was still too early for the dinner crowd at The Chop House, which gave Lexi the semi-isolation she craved. Lexi and Ashley were led to a small table in the bar area. The hostess seemed to know Ashley, and she spoke politely and sported a hundred-watt smile. The table was fashioned out of an old wine barrel and had a polished tabletop. Lexi easily pushed herself up onto the tall chair, while Ashley struggled, finally managing to settle onto the seat. Lexi grinned at her. Ashley’s short legs hadn’t been made for bar-height chairs.
Moments after they sat down, Mike brought them tall mugs of what looked like hot chocolate topped with ample whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Lexi picked hers up and tasted the whipped cream.
“It’s called the Blitzen. Don’t ask me what’s in it, but I wouldn’t drink more than two of these in a sitting. It’ll get you blitzed before you know it!” He kissed Ashley on the forehead and gave her an abbreviated hug. Mike always seemed to make it a habit to touch Ashley whenever she was in close proximity, as if she had a magnetic pull.