Chapter 28

It was the last week of August, and Ulric was the first one up. He rolled over and kissed Jesse on the cheek. "Babe, it's time to wake up," he said.

"I'm tired," "Let me sleep longer," Jesse mumbled.

"You've been acting worn out lately," Ulric said. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"My stomach has been a pain in the butt the past few days," Jesse said.

"I'll order you soup and crackers," Ulric said. "You rest," he said. "Then I'm making a doctor's appointment with Dr. Ramos," Ulric added.

After Ulric ordered food for both of them, he kissed Jesse goodbye and headed to the cafe. While he waited for their orders, Mac and Neil walked up.

"Hi there," Mac said.

"Hello, Ulric," Mac said. "Where's Jesse?" he asked.

"Back at home," Ulric said. "His stomach is bothering him," he said.

"Is he still throwing up?" Neil asked.

Ulric rubbed his chin and furrowed his eyes in thought. "Yes, he is," Ulric said, nodding his head.

"I'm having the same symptoms," Neil said. "I found out last week that I'm pregnant," he said.

"Are you saying that Jesse might be pregnant?" Ulric asked.

"From what you're telling us, he might be," Mac said.

"When is his appointment?" Neil asked.

"Monday at 9 a.m.," Ulric said.

When Ulric's order arrived, he said his goodbyes and congratulated Neil before heading back to the dorm room. When he entered the room, the sounds of retching were heard from inside the bathroom. Ulric sat the bag on the desk and opened the bathroom door.

"Here, let me help," Ulric said, kneeling down next to Jesse and pulling Jesse's hair from his face as he threw up into the toilet.

"I feel awful," Jesse said, leaning against the tiled wall.

"You'll see the doctor on Monday," Ulric said, dampening a rag and wiping Jesse's face and neck.

Ulric helped Jesse to his feet and to the bed. "I got you tomato soup with saltines," he said, handing Jesse the bowl. Jesse laid the towel that Ulric handed him on his lap and took small sips of the warm soup. After taking a few sips, Jesse ate two crackers. His stomach was still queasy, and the saltines seemed to help.

"I bumped into Mac and Neil while picking up our food," Ulric said.

"How are they?" Jesse glanced up and asked.

"They're good," Ulric said. "Neil is pregnant," he explained.

Jesse sat there, staring at his bowl. "Is that what you think is wrong with me?" he asked.

"I just want to check and see," Ulric said. "Plus, we haven't used protection," he said.

"I'm on my pills," Jesse said.

"Remember, the doctor said that they aren't one hundred percent accurate," Ulric said.

"What do we do if I am?" Jesse asked.

"We'll figure it out when the time comes," Ulric said.

"If I am pregnant, I want to contact Grandma and find Mom," Jesse said.

"Okay, now eat up," Ulric said, kissing Jesse on the forehead.

Jesse finished eating his soup and crackers while Ulric ate his meal. Jesse handed the empty bowl to Ulric and slowly rose from the bed. His legs were still wobbly, so he held onto the bed rail to steady himself. When he felt that it was safe enough, Jesse walked into the bathroom.

"I'm going to take a bath," Jesse said before he closed the door. Ulric listened for anything unusual but relaxed when he heard the sound of running water. Ulric tossed the trash and entered the bathroom.

Ulric undressed and got into the tub behind Jesse. He wrapped his arms around Jesse's waist and let the raven-haired young man lean into his embrace.

"Are you feeling better?" Ulric asked.

"I'm okay for now," Jesse said. "It comes and goes," he said.

"I'll go to the cafeteria and grab some more crackers later," Ulric said. They stayed in the tub until the water cooled.

Jesse got dressed and meditated while Ulric got dressed and then went over to the cafeteria. Ulric returned with a box of saltines and set it down on the table. Jesse had just finished meditating.

"I decided to do meditation only until we talk with the doctor," Jesse said.

"That's a good idea," Ulric said. "It's better to be safe than sorry," he said. Once done, Jesse leaned back against the pillow and sighed softly. The weekend passed quickly, and Monday came with Jesse and Ulric sitting in the waiting room to be seen.

A door opened, and a short brunette male walked out. "Mr. Jesse Keller," the nurse said, calling his name. Jesse and Ulric stood up and followed the nurse through the door and down the hall.

"I'm going to check your weight and blood pressure," the brunette said. Jesse hated hospitals, but he let the nurse do his job. After that was done, they followed the nurse to an empty exam room. "The doctor will be in to see you soon," the young man said.

The door opened five minutes later, and Dr. Ramos walked in, carrying her trusty clipboard.

"I hear that you have been feeling yucky lately," she said, sitting down on the stool.

"Yeah, I've been tired and throwing up," Jesse said.

"Have you been sexually active lately?" the doctor asked, scribbling notes. Jesse glanced at Ulric and blushed hard. "I take it as a yes," Dr. Ramos said with a small smile. "I'll need a blood and urine sample," she said.

Jesse reluctantly headed to the lab and let them take his blood. He closed his eyes and took several breaths while the needle pricked his arm.

"I'll need you to pee in this," the lab tech said, handing Jesse a small, clear cup. Jesse entered the bathroom and did his business. Jesse came out white as a sheet, which made Ulric a bit concerned.

"Let's get back to the room," Jesse said. "I need to lie down," he said. When they arrived back at the room, Jesse laid on his back while Ulric sat in a chair.

"Are you feeling sick again?" Ulric asked.

"I'm a little dizzy," Jesse said, closing his eyes. "It's probably because of the blood draw," he said.

Jesse kept his eyes closed even after the doctor entered the room. "Can you sit up for me?" Dr. Ramos asked, sitting down.

"Too dizzy," Jesse said, shaking his head. Concerned, Dr. Ramos stepped up and checked Jesse's pulse.

"Your pulse rate is rather fast," the doctor said. "You are also underweight," she said.

"What are you saying?" Ulric asked.

"Your mate is a month pregnant with twins, which makes it a high-risk pregnancy," she explained.

Ulric helped Jesse sit up, and he propped a pillow behind him. They watched as the doctor scribbled some stuff down.

"Has your mother or grandmother had issues like this?" she asked.

"I don't know," Jesse admitted.

"I want to keep you here for a few days and run more tests," she said. "Ulric, please contact his family because we need to know if it's hereditary," she said.

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