Dorothy looked at me amused, “When I was at that party, I really didn’t want to be there. My friends made me. The boys were only after my breasts. Ever since they appeared, boys have had their eyes on them. I doubt if many could say the colour of my eyes. Jeremy was the only one who looked me in the eyes. His smile was so genuine and his eyes showed he was gentle, I relaxed as we spoke. I did find him attractive, highly intelligent and although we disagreed on stuff, we could discuss amicably. I knew within five minutes he was worth knowing. Within weeks I could not envision my life without him.”
Sarah smiled, “How soon were you discussing what your future would be? Did you discuss children, adultery?”
Dorothy spoke sadly and softly, “It seemed next to no time we were discussing these. We both wanted children. I have two sisters and I love playing with my nieces and nephews. They have never asked me about when we are having children but I know my mum is waiting. Jeremy told me about his mother and how he wouldn’t stand for that. I was all for that. I knew how big a catch he was and I didn’t want competition, I couldn’t match them.”
I replied, “I was in love with her before I dropped her off that night. It was so natural to speak about our future. I love children, the way they see life and I hoped I would be a good dad, like my dad was before my mum’s affairs. That destroyed him and I would never settle for that behaviour.”
Sarah looked thoughtful, “What you said gives me hope we can achieve what you wish.
“We have a lot of ground to cover but I think this is a point to address the elephant in the room. I have your test results from the clinic. I can tell you or give them to you so you know. You can tell the other or exchange your results.”
Dorothy spoke quietly, “I’d like to see mine please. So much went wrong after that clinic, I need to see to ensure their result was correct at least.”
I nodded.
Sarah gave us each our results. I was even more nervous than when I opened my exam results. It took a few minutes to dawn on me, I was fertile. I think my sigh of relief was heard in the next town. It brought a smile to Sarah’s face.
Dorothy finished reading hers and handed it to me. I gave her mine. She dissolved into tears as she read it.
“Why? Why? Why didn’t I speak to you? If I had we could have avoided all this. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know how to approach you as they made it clear you were infertile. It would so damage your ego if I told you without seeing that counsellor. Why did I listen to them?”