Read November Blues for Free Online Page A

“Feet!”
    â€œIt’s about a half inch long, and most of that is taken up by the head,” the doctor continued.
    â€œJosh had a big head,” November said in a soft voice.
    Dr. Holland smiled. “The baby’s eyes are forming now, as well as its ears, nose, and mouth. When you come for your visit next month, you will be able to hear its heartbeat.”
    â€œReally?” November glanced down at her belly, afraid to touch it.
    â€œYes, indeed. Loud and clear. All your baby’s internal parts are present, but they are tiny and immature.”
    â€œWhen will I start to show?”
    â€œYou already have a little swelling around your waist.” Dr. Holland looked directly into November’s eyes. “You’re not going to be able to keep this a secret much longer,” she said gently.
    â€œAre you going to tell my mother?”
    â€œNo. It’s not my place to tell her. But you should confide in her as soon as possible. You’re going to need your mother’s help.”
    November suddenly felt claustrophobic. She couldn’t tell her mother—she just couldn’t! She covered her face with her hands.
    â€œAre you okay?” Dr. Holland asked when November didn’t respond.
    â€œI can’t tell my mom,” November blurted out. “She’ll be so disappointed.”
    â€œDoes your mother love you?”
    â€œYeah. I’m like her dream child—the one who makes it. I can’t do this to her.”
    The doctor nodded slowly. “Yes, you can. Trust her. Ihave confidence that she has enough love for you to handle this.”
    November shook her head, then asked, “When will this happen? I mean, when am I due?”
    â€œSince we are pretty positive about the date of conception, I’d say around November second.”
    November looked up with a small smile. “Hmm. A November baby. How ironic.”
    â€œThere’s nothing ironic about it, my dear. Everything is very physiological from now on.”
    â€œThanks for being straight with me. There’s so much I don’t know—I’m not even sure what questions to ask,” November admitted.
    â€œYou can call me any time of the day or night. I promise to get back to you within a day if it’s a general question, and right away if it’s an emergency. I’m here for you and your baby. Understand?”
    November felt herself getting teary-eyed. Her emotions changed as quickly as she blinked, it seemed. She sniffed and thanked the doctor once more.
    â€œHere are some pamphlets that describe every single month in bright juicy detail, as well as some vitamins I want you to take every day.”
    November opened the jar and looked at the large red capsules inside. “How am I supposed to swallow these things? They’re huge!” November sniffed the bottle and made a face. “And they stink. Why do I have to take them?”
    â€œTo keep your baby healthy. Don’t worry—you’ll get used to them,” the doctor said. “You’ll be surprised what you’re going to get used to in the next few months.”
    â€œLike what?” November asked. All this information was making her dizzy.
    â€œYour body is making room for a very demanding passenger. The baby rides first class. You’re just the transport system. So take good care of both of you. You don’t smoke or drink, do you?”
    November shook her head emphatically.
    â€œGood. Don’t start now. You’ll do just fine. Drink lots of water and juice. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. No fatty foods like french fries and fried chicken.”
    â€œThat’s all the good stuff,” November muttered.
    â€œHere’s a list of foods you should concentrate on, and some menus as well,” Dr. Holland said, reaching for a booklet.
    November flipped through it. “Broccoli soup? Roasted asparagus? Yuck!”
    â€œAnd oranges and apples