306. FINALLY

CYNTHIA's P O V

At this moment, tears were beginning to run down my face. I couldn’t keep them at bay. Now that it is almost certain that I’m losing this baby.

I may not know a lot about pregnancy, but I knew that bleeding was a bad sign.

As soon as we entered the emergency room, an array of questions and answers ensued, and I answered them to the best of my ability, while my parents and Jake were listening attentively. Jake refused to let go of my hand even when I was wheeled back toward a room and directed to strip for an ultrasound.

The nurse stopped Jake when he was about to enter the changing room, insisting that he wanted to help me change into a hospital gown. ‘‘I can help her, Sir. Just stay with her parents outside…’’

Jake did not immediately follow the nurse after initially hesitating, but he did so eventually. Soon after, he began to loosen his grip on my hand before leaving completely.

My parents sat in a chair along the far right wall, and Jake stood a few feet away from