Chapter 2

My second appointment was coming up with Greg. I was looking forward to it, actually. My morning sickness had dissipated to only short bouts of nausea when I smelled greasy food or grass clippings. I didn't think this was too odd. According to the books I had picked up, a heightened sense of smell and reactions to smells were normal during pregnancy.

I was enjoying being pregnant now. My belly still appeared flat. When I lay my palm on my stomach and spread my fingers I can just barely detect a hardened ball of muscle underneath my skin. It felt comforting.

I prepared for this appointment more carefully than the first. Secretly I wanted Greg to see me as attractive. I would never tell him so. I wouldn't confide that to anyone. I was feeling so beautiful lately that I hoped it spilled over to others.

I let my hair drift over my shoulders and down my back today. My chestnut-colored hair had taken on a lustrous shine and softness lately. I was wearing a short cotton sun dress in red, a dress I purchased on my last trip to Barbados with Michael. I thought I should get the wear out of it while I still could, while my stomach was still relatively flat. My skin was fair. I didn't care for much makeup, just a bit of mascara, blush and lipstick. On this day I chose a sumptuous shade of red for my lips. Did I mention that I was feeling very sexy?

My legs were tanned from all the time I spent walking in the park near my house. I slathered scented lotion on my limbs. The slight scent of lavender filled the exam room, adding to my good mood. Nancy had already commented on how much better I looked today than the last time we met.

I looked up at the door and smiled as Greg came through the door. Only it wasn't Greg, it was Dr. Trimble followed by Greg. I hoped my smile hid my disappointment.

"Good morning Ms. Rogers. I understand you will be one of Dr. Dixon's first patients. It's just a policy we have that I observe an exam and give a passing grade to the board. Rules, you know." Dr. Trimble smiled at me behind his bushy, gray mustache.

"Of course. I understand."

"Now, all you need to do for today is slip off your panties and lay the sheet over your lap. There's no need for a breast exam today. We'll just do a pelvic and you can go."

I blushed a little at the mention of my panties. Dr. Trimble was elderly and I noticed he treated some of his patients a bit unconventionally. That was fine with me, as long as he didn't put things where they didn't belong. Greg on the other hand...

Speaking of Greg, I caught his amused look over Dr. Trimble's shoulder. I smiled back. "Well, could you two at least turn your backs so a lady can slip out of her panties?"

It was Dr. Trimble's turn to blush as Greg choked on a laugh. "We will just step out into the hallway. Oh, and we will knock before entering."

"Thank you." Nancy and I giggled like two devilish schoolgirls when the men left the room. "I shouldn't have said that but I couldn't resist. I'm feeling so much better lately and I can't help myself sometimes."

The exam went well. I wonder sometimes if something is wrong with me. Here I was, legs spread wide and wantonly in a cold exam room with a gloved hand probing my most private and delicate parts and I was feeling aroused. Could Greg and Dr. Trimble see the outline of my hard nipples beneath the red fabric of my dress? I hoped that they could. I was deranged. A lunatic.

After the exam Greg returned to the room to give me a few more pointers and the results of my latest urine test. As I was gathering my purse to leave, he stopped, hand on the doorknob and looked at me. "Becca, I couldn't help but notice that you live at 3201 Washburn. I just bought a condo out there. Maybe I'll run into you at the park one day. Or the pool. By the way, red is definitely your color." He winked and smiled before stepping out. My heart skipped a beat. Wetness dripped into my panties. Was it the remains of the KYJelly or my own lubrication?

The days were passing slowly. I noticed little things about myself that took on a new significance. My breasts felt tender but not uncomfortably sore. My nipples, once light brown, had darkened and grown a little larger. I noticed for the first time little milk-like blisters forming on the areola. These didn't feel like blisters. I just didn't know how else to describe them.

I often stood naked in front of my full length mirror in the bedroom and studied my blooming body. I had gained a little weight. My breasts had filled in somewhat. My belly had taken on the graceful curve of a pregnancy four and a half months along. I didn't worry about my lost waistline, instead I reveled in the newfound awakening in my body.

I sat in my vanity chair and faced my reflection. I opened my legs, spreading myself open with my fingers. I was amazed at the sight of my swollen and darkened labia. All my senses were heightened to a new level. I was never embarrassed to look at myself, to examine my pussy in the privacy of my home. My giving cunt had served me well over these years. Never giving up the fight, always giving in to powerful, body-throbbing orgasms for me to relive. I lightly pulled back my soft hood, watching my clitoris in reverence. My finger stroked the smooth folds of my sex, which felt velvety and soft. I tickled my clitoris with my middle finger and passed my tongue over my lips as the usual flow of wetness slicked my swollen sex. It wasn't long before my stroking gave way to another satisfying orgasm. Ahhh... the body is a beautiful thing.

The crystal blue shimmer of the complex's swimming pool beckoned me. The pool and jacuzzi were usually empty, but on this Sunday a few people lounged around the pool. I decided to take it easy and read a book by the water after finishing my routine walk.

I decided to wear a red tank suit I picked up on a recent shopping trip. After Greg made the comment about red being a good color for me, I found myself buying more clothing in red. I was proud of my bulging belly and didn't feel the least bit embarrassed about showing it off. I slipped an oversized T-shirt and a pair of roomy shorts over my swimsuit and left my house.

The dreaded summer heat had not set in yet. The park was shady and breathtaking in its early summer splendor. Vinca, zinnia and mounds of daisies' were in bloom. Jasmine crept along the wrought iron security fence that separated the condominium units from the public park. The heady fragrance of the blooms made me inhale deeply. It was that moment I have etched in my mind for eternity. I stopped in my tracks, hands over my belly and prayed for the feeling again. There! It happened again. I knew instantly what it was. What else could it be? I felt my baby move inside me for the first time. The life growing inside me stirred and I felt it. Tears clouded my vision. More than one person gave me a quizzical look as they jogged past. I didn't care. This was a day to remember.

Greg. That's the next coherent thought that came to my mind. I want to tell Greg. I know he said we lived in the same complex but there were so many units. I never ran into him. Maybe he would be taking advantage of the beautiful day too. Maybe I'll spend more time lounging by the pool. Maybe I'll see his smiling face, his sexy swagger, hear his smooth voice. Maybe I will see him on this beautiful, memorable day. Maybe.

Nothing could have wiped the smile from my face. Not even walking upon Greg and his girlfriend at the pool. I didn't care that I had interrupted their kiss. I ignored the look on her face when Greg pulled away to greet me. All I saw was Greg. He filled my vision. The smile on his face created a sparkle in his eyes, a sparkle I wanted to cause. It was a hard realization to face, but at that moment I felt love stirring in the back of my mind, snaking it's wicked way down my spine to ebb and flow into the rest of my limbs. I was falling in love.

"The baby moved. I felt it!" I gushed.

"Yeah? That's fantastic, Becca. What did it feel like? A flutter or a kick?"

I froze. The color drained from my face. "It was a flutter. Why? Does that mean something is wrong?"

"No, no. Oh God Becca, I didn't mean to scare you. Everything is just fine. Don't worry. You've been doing everything right. C'mon and sit down." He patted the chair next to him, across from the woman. The woman was now studying me with what looked to be curiosity, and maybe a little contempt. True, I couldn't see her eyes behind her sunglasses, but the slight sneer on her lips said a lot.

"Greg, I don't want to intrude. I just couldn't hold back. I wanted to tell someone and I saw you and... "

"You're not intruding. I'm glad we finally ran into each other. Here, sit down." He pulled the chair out, patting the seat. I sat.

"Becca, this is Jennifer. Jennifer, Becca is an old friend of mine and a new patient." Greg looked from me to her, a big smile on his face.

"It's nice to meet you, Jennifer." I extended my hand.

"Becky. How nice to meet you, too." She smiled and leaned forward, lightly taking my hand in hers. Her generous breasts nearly popped out of her bikini top. I noticed the woman was beautifully... sculpted. Yes, sculpted. Her breasts didn't seem to have the natural fall and slope of real breasts. I didn't want to be 'catty', but her nose didn't look too real either. Her legs were long and lean and her hair was Summer Blonde number 38. Greg's taste in women wasn't a big surprise. What man wouldn't fall for a gorgeous Barbie doll type?

"I haven't been called Becky since first grade. Please call me Becca." I sat back in my chair and continued to study the woman that had captured Greg's attentions. We couldn't be more opposite. Still, I wondered if Greg felt the least bit attracted to a woman like me.

"Pregnancy agrees with you, Becca. It's true what they say about pregnant women. Y'all do glow." Greg winked at me. Jennifer uncrossed her legs, recrossing them languidly. We both couldn't help but look at her display of sultry tanned and toned leg.

I could tell this afternoon was going to become awkward very fast. I was uncomfortable under the scrutiny of Jennifer. The more I watched them, the more I felt like a third wheel. Jennifer was beautiful and demanded attention from all the people in her vicinity. I was beginning to feel frumpy. No, I wasn't going to allow this unpregnant-looking woman to unknowingly create doubts in my blossoming body. So, despite my unlimited energy, I faked a yawn. "Greg, Jennifer, I'm afraid I need a nap. Y'all enjoy the afternoon." I stood and waved, walking away before anything else could be said except "Goodbye and sleep well."

It felt wonderful to be able to admire the rows and rows of food at the grocery store without feeling ill. My appetite had grown measurably. I also noticed a few odd cravings, foods I desperately wanted to eat before which never appealed to me. Green beans and cream gravy, tortilla chips with ketchup, pistachios and peanut butter. I was picking apples from a display when a familiar person caught my eye. It was Dylan.

I observed him for a few minutes. He seemed more relaxed. The once unkempt black- died hair which obscured his attractive face was now tied neatly back in a pony tail at the nape of his neck. He wore a denim shirt and khaki pants, the standard uniform for the Marketplace. He was actually smiling and talking to a customer, apparently helping her locate an item on her list.

He finally looked up and noticed me watching. I waved to him and smiled when he waved back. "Becca!" Dylan called out. "Hey, how are you doing?"

"Fine, Dylan. You look like you're doing fine also. Do you like your new job?"

"Yeah. I like feeling useful, you know. The people here are very nice, especially Sam. I already got a little extra responsibility added to my job description. It's working out. I'm making enough money to pay Aunt Sara a little for keeping me, feeding me. I get a discount on our groceries and, you won't believe this, my grades have even improved a little."

"Dylan, that is so wonderful. I'm so happy for you." Truly, I think Dylan had made a breakthrough.

"But, I mean, that doesn't mean, like, I have to stop seeing you? For our sessions, I mean?" Dylan asked.

"No, of course not. I would like to keep in touch with what's going on in your life. We could probably lengthen the time between appointments, though." I smiled at him, noticing a slight shift in his demeanor.

"Oh. Yeah, I guess we could do that. Is that what my probation officer would tell you to do or is that your idea?" He asked.

"Mr. Griffin would probably want you to continue seeing me as per your usual schedule. Eventually, maybe after three more months or so, he would suggest tapering off. We don't have to do that, though, if you feel the need for our discussions."

Dylan nodded, his smile growing a little brighter. "Yeah. Okay. I don't want to change anything yet." He looked over my shoulder and smiled brightly at Sam. "Hey Sam. Look who's here."

I turned to Sam. Sam could be my grandfather. He was an elderly Italian man with the happiest disposition. You couldn't help but smile when you were around him.