The doctor stopped due to sheer surprise. He looked as if it had not occured to him that the pregnancy might not be welcome news to the couple.
Jiang Philip whipped around to look at her so quickly that he felt dizzy. She made the decision just like that? She wouldn't even consider discussing it with him?
The doctor's eyes moved from Su Qianhua to Jiang Philip. Since the young lady seemed very resolute, and the man didn't say anything, the doctor became professional again.
"Since that is your choice, it's alright. We would need to run some tests however, just to make sure you're fit enough to undergo the procedure.
There are two options available: The use of medication and surgical methods. Which would you prefer?"
Su Qianhua thought for a moment. "I think using pills would be better for me." She studiously avoided Jiang Philip's wounded stare.
"Alright. Do you know if you're allergic to any drugs?"
"I'm not sure."
"Have you ever used a drug called Cytotec?"
"I don't know. Oh, wait, I think so. Is it used to prevent stomach ulcers in people using Advil?"
"That's the one."
"Oh, then yes, I'm allergic to that." She just remembered that she once had a terrible reaction to that drug some years ago.
Back in her early days as a police officer, it was prescribed by a doctor to prevent stomach ulcers since she had to use antiinflammatory drugs for a long period of time for her chronic aches and pains, but she reacted so badly that it was stopped immediately.
"I see, then I would not recommend you going that route. It is one of the drugs commonly used for medical abortion as well, and it is not advisable for those with allergies to use it.
"So let's prepare for a surgery then. You can proceed to the room at the far right. A nurse will be there shortly to draw your blood for the necessary tests."
"Sounds good. Thank you doctor." Su Qianhua said and stood up. As she walked out of the doctor's office, she could hear Jiang Philip's footsteps behind her.
She winced when the nurse stuck the needle in to draw her blood. She hated needles with heartfelt passion, but not enough to not break the heart of the man behind her.
She froze when she felt Jiang Philip's hands on her shoulder, steadying and soothing her.
She sighed internally. She felt like a bad person for doing this without even talking to him. The quieter he was, the guiltier she felt.
Still she didn't change her mind. Bringing a child into the world was a huge responsibility she didn't feel ready for.
The invisible angel on her right shoulder quietly said, 'You shouldn't have called the child over by doing that then.'
She readily ignored it. It was a mistake!
"The results will be ready tomorrow morning. We can send it to you via email, but you might also have to come in to discuss with the doctor."
"Alright, thanks."
Jiang Philip was quiet throughout the short walk to the parking lot, but even the way he walked hinted at his feeling of defeat. The sound of his feet hitting the ground made Su Qianhua's heart clench, but she refused to budge.
He quickly went forward to open the door for her. Su Qianhua looked at him for the first time since the news, before getting in and wearing the seatbelt.
The silence lasted only until he entered the car. He took a deep breath before turning to her and saying in a quiet, wounded voice.
"Didn't you even think about discussing this with me? Why did you make such a huge decision in a split second? Don't I deserve a say?"
Su Qianhua was having none of this. "Even if we discussed this, my answer would not change. I don't want a baby. I'm not ready!"
"But I want this baby!" The anger that had been simmering underneath his calm facade erupted at this moment. "This is my child as much as it is yours. I want him!"
"At Jiang Philip's outburst, Su Qianhua flinched, making Jiang Philip regret his harsh tone. But she quickly recovered.
"Well, I'm sorry I don't! I don't want to be reminded of that night every single day of my life. I don't want to pay for my mistake by bringing another human being into this world!"
So intent on her reasoning, she missed the expression of pain that crossed his face. So the memory he cherished so much was merely a mistake to her? One she didn't even want to ever remember?
She continued "Besides, have you thought of how the child will feel? Born out of wedlock, he or she would be stigmatized. I would not want anyone to live like that, much less my child."
"We could just get married then." Jiang Philip said, much calmer now.
Su Qianhua looked at him as if he had just announced the beginning of the apocalypse. "Don't joke around with such serious matters. I'm really not in the mood to appreciate such jokes."
"I'm dead serious!"
The more Su Qianhua looked at him, the more angry she became. But very soon, her anger morphed into upset, and soon, she could feel tears clouding her vision. Frustrated, she dashed them away.
Jiang Philip brought out a tissue to wipe her eyes, but she avoided him. He really could not fathom her response. He tried to ask.
"Is the thought of marrying me that repulsive to you?"
Su Qianhua could not answer, she kept sniffling.
"Fine, I understand." Jiang Philip sighed. "But I still want to beg you, if you could, please change your mind. Even if you don't want to marry me, I still want this child. I could even pay you to...."
"Shut up!" The rage rose up so suddenly that even Su Qianhua herself was shocked. It was very unlike her to experience such extreme mood swings. But she didn't dwell on it for long.
She rode on this wave of anger and practically snarled at him.
"Don't you dare cheapen me into a baby making factory or a surrogate you inseminated naturally. I will get rid of this baby, and that's final! Excuse me!"