Breathing Life

A minute and a half, ninety seconds... it doesn't seem like a very long time. I mean, it takes about that much time to channel surf through all 90 stations on basic cable, or to tie up high top converse.1

But this minute and a half, these long, drawn out ninety seconds, were enough to make me crazy.2

I reread the back of the small cardboard box over and over as I paced barefoot on the cool tan linoleum of my bathroom floor.3

"Blue means pregnant, blue means pregnant..." I mumbled over and over to myself, mostly out of nerves. I glanced at the timer I'd snatched from the top of the oven as it ticked quietly. I had another forty-five seconds.4

I slapped the box gently against the palm of my hand, then glanced at my reflection in the mirror. Brown hair, hazel eyes, a small nose and mouth and large, questioning eyes, a long neck and delicate shoulders, slender figure but short legs... which of these features could be passed on if the test were to come out positive?5

I pictured every possible reaction my fiancé', Sam, could have. Rage? That was the least likely. Fear? That was unavoidable, for my knees were shaking already. Happiness? I could only hope.6

Would it be a boy, or a girl? Would I be driving him or her to t-ball or combination ballet/tap? Would I be watching 'Sleeping Beauty' or 'Thomas the Tank Engine'?7

The loud, irritated buzzing of the timer startled me from my thoughts, and I sighed as it went quiet.8

The plastic strip sat on the counter before me, and I reached with my trembling hand to pick it up. I brought it close enough to see and stared at it as long as possible, before accidentally dropping it into the sink and clapping both hands over my mouth to muffle an excited scream.9

Positive!10

Dear Lord! I was pregnant!11

There was a sudden excitement in me, making my heart thud against my ribs, my breathing quick, the smile never fading from my face.12

I was supposed to meet Sam for dinner in fifteen minutes, since he was getting off work. I'd already showered, so I went into the walk in closet and pulled out a light blue dress with capped sleeves and a fifties-style circle skirt. I put it on quickly, stepping into a pair or white peep-toe heels and putting on a pair of diamond studs.13

This was one of the last times for a while that I would be able to wear the dress, so I decided to enjoy it while I could.14

I brushed my softly curled hair and put on just enough makeup, grabbed my purse and headed out the door to my green Honda Element, driving to the Salatip Thai restaurant, one of our favorite places to eat.15

Sam was already there, and the familiar waitress led me to him. He seemed even more handsome today than usual, his brown hair slicked in typical businessman fashion, his gray blazer hanging from his chair, his black tie loosened slightly around the collar of his white shirt.16

He smiled up at me, and then cocked his head to one side. "Honey?"17

"Y-yeah?" I was a little confused by his greeting.18

"Why are you glowing?"19

Oh my goodness! The pregnancy glow!20

I sat down, and his brown eyes followed me. "Baby, what's up?"21

I looked at him for a moment, unable to keep the smile off of my face, and the waitress came back.22

“I get you drink?” asked the woman, smiling down at us. We were regular customers and she liked us.23

“Just water for me, please,” I said, and Sam stared at me. It took the waitress a moment to get his attention.24

“Oh, uh, I’ll have the same.”25

“Ok, I get.” She bowed slightly, then rushed off.26

Alan was still staring at me as I began to look at the menu. Baby friendly… Beef and Broccoli with steamed vegetables. Yum.27

When I looked back up, he was still staring.28

“Babe, what’s going on? Don’t leave me hanging, come on!”29

The waitress returned with our drinks then, and I thanked her for Sam and I, then took a sip of my water. Cold and refreshing.30

“I’m pregnant,” I said, almost as if musing to myself. I glanced up to see his reaction a moment later. He was still staring.31

“Come again?” he said finally, his voice hoarse, as though he needed to clear his throat.32

“I’m pregnant,” I repeated, laughing happily as I spoke.33

“Pregnant?” His voice was small, still hoarse. Uh oh. He was upset. “Pregnant,” he repeated, more as a statement this time. He paused a moment, as if participating in a wine tasting and letting the flavor sink in. “Pregnant?”34

“Pregnant,” I confirmed.35

“With what?” he asked, and I knew he was just asking stupid questions out of shock.36

“With a dolphin, Honey. With a baby! What else would I be pregnant with?” I giggled, and he cocked his head once again.37

“Pregnant. Huh.”38

He was silent for a moment, so I went back to looking at the menu.39

“Dear God!” he suddenly shouted, jumping out of his seat, causing me to start and bump the table, the silverware clanging loudly. “You’re pregnant! I’m gonna be a daddy! Holy crap!40

“Honey, you’re yelling,” I giggled again, looking up at him. He looked absolutely ecstatic, and he came around the table, pulling me out of my seat and wrapping his arms around my waist, kissing me passionately. People in the restaurant were clapping, and both of us were laughing as we pulled apart.41

“Thank you, Tori, thank you so much. I love you,” he said, and before I could reply he kissed me again.42

How many times would he have to run to the store to buy me soy milk or lemons or Cheez-its, I didn’t know. How many times I’d have to visit the doctor, or eat for two people were countless. Sam would have to put up with random crying and silly arguments, but he would keep me sane. Together, he and I were bring a new being into existence, a new life to the world, and breathing life into this world was the greatest feeling I could ever, ever ask for.