Henry's POV
After I returned to my hotel room, I wanted to call her but decided against it. I knew Camila probably wouldn't want to pick up after our argument.
I sighed deeply and sank onto the bed.
Lying there, I couldn't help but replay our argument over and over in my mind. I knew she was upset, but all I had wanted was to help. Still, it seemed like whatever I did only made things worse.
I wanted to make things right. I just didn't know how.
A wave of exhaustion hit me, and I closed my eyes, hoping for some relief from the relentless swirl of thoughts. But sleep wouldn't come. I tossed and turned, restless and frustrated. Finally, after what felt like hours, I drifted into a fitful sleep.
The next morning, I woke up groggy and unsettled. The argument with Camila still weighed heavily on my mind, and regret gnawed at me. I needed to fix things, but I had no idea where to start.
As I sat up in bed, trying to clear my head, my phone buzzed with a new message. I grabbed it, my heart thudding when I saw the text was from Nancy.
"Hey, Henry. It's Nancy, Camila's friend," the message read. "I don't know what happened between you two, but she was really upset about yesterday.
If you want to make it up to her, show up at her gynecologist appointment today at 10 a.m. She needs support right now, more than anything."
As I read, a mix of emotions flooded me. I was grateful for Nancy's message, but the thought of going to the appointment overwhelmed me. It felt like a huge step. Was I ready for this? Could I handle it?
I hesitated, unsure. But just then, another message came through.
"You being there isn't going to make things worse," Nancy had written. "You'll show her you're willing to be there as the father of the baby. That's what matters."
I felt something shift inside me. I texted her back, thanking her.
"It's no problem," Nancy replied quickly. "If you want, I can meet you there. It might be easier with a friendly face beside you. I just want to make sure you have support too."
I thought about it for a moment. Having Nancy there might help ease the tension. I wasn't sure I was ready to face this alone, especially not with Camila still so upset.
I finally texted back, "I'd appreciate that. I'm not sure what to expect, and it would help to have someone there."
"I'll be there!" Nancy responded, her message bright and reassuring. "We'll figure this out together. And hey, who knows? Maybe this will turn out to be a positive step."
I exhaled deeply, feeling a small but real sense of relief. Having Nancy with me gave me a little courage.
"See you there at 10 a.m.," she texted.
"I'll be there. Thanks again, Nancy," I replied.
I got out of bed and headed for the shower, realizing time was running out. After getting dressed, I felt a bit more grounded. Leaving the hotel, I hailed a cab to the Miller Clinic, where Camila's appointment was scheduled.
The cab ride felt endless, my mind running in circles. But eventually, we arrived. I stepped out, took a deep breath, and walked inside.
At the front desk, I asked the receptionist for directions. She pointed me to the third floor, where the obstetrics and gynecology department was located. I took the elevator up, my heart pounding.
As soon as the doors opened, I spotted Nancy waiting in the lobby. I walked over to her, grateful for her presence.
"Hey, Nancy," I greeted her. "Thank you for texting me. I really needed that."
She smiled warmly. "I'm glad I could help."
I glanced around, searching for Camila, but I didn't see her.
"Where's Camila?" I asked.
"She's inside the exam room with the doctor," Nancy explained. "But we can wait here until she comes out."
I nodded, managing a small smile. "Do you think it'll take long?"
She shook her head. "I don't think so, but let's sit while we wait," Nancy said, motioning to the chairs.
I sat down beside her, and she handed me a magazine to pass the time. I flipped through it absently, unable to focus on the words. My eyes kept drifting to the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Camila.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door opened. Camila stepped out.
Her eyes widened when she saw me, surprise flashing across her face.
She hadn't expected me to come.