Maria called her doctor from the pay phone down the street and was able to change her appointment. She and George decided that they could not wait until the next day to find out if she was pregnant or not. George drove her to the office and together they went in.
He stayed in the waiting room while she went into the examination room. She peed in the cup and then waited for the doctor.
"Maria?" Dr. Samson walked into the exam room. "How are you feeling?"
"Nervous." Maria answered wringing her hands.
"Then I'll put you out of your misery." She looked down at the chart. "You are not pregnant."
"Really? I'm not?" Maria gave a huge sigh of relief.
"No, you're not." Dr. Samson smiled. "Now, I'd like to talk to you about birth control."
"Could we do that some other time? I really need to let my boyfriend and my mom know." She stood up.
"Of course, Maria, but I want you to come back and see me soon."
"I will." She practically ran into the waiting room.
George jumped up out of the chair. "Well?"
Maria shook her head and the tears started down her cheeks. "I'm not." She rushed into his arms and cried against his chest. "I'm so relieved."
"Me too, Ria." He held her tightly. "I love you and someday maybe will have a baby when the time is right."
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When George and Maria walked into Micky and Madison's house later that evening, the four parents jumped to their feet. "Where have you two been?" Samantha exclaimed.
"We went to see the doctor." Maria answered calmly. "We couldn't wait until tomorrow."
"Are you alright?" Madison asked.
"I'm not pregnant." She sat down on the couch with George tightly holding her hand.
"Oh, thank God." Samantha sighed in relief. "Come on, Peter, let's take her home."
"No!" Maria stated firmly. "I have some things to say."
"I'm sure you must be tired, honey, we can talk about this tomorrow." Samantha took her arm pulling her from George.
"Let her speak, Sammi." Peter said gently, but firmly and Samantha nodded.
Maria walked over to Madison and Micky and gave them each a long hug. "Thank you for being so nice to me today."
"We love you, sweetheart." Micky smiled. "You're a part of our family."
Maria then walked over to Peter. "I don't tell you this often enough but I love you. Thank you for being so calm today."
"I love you too." Peter hugged her tightly.
She then turned to Samantha. "Mom, I know you are disappointed in me, but I'm not a little girl anymore and its time that you let me make my own mistakes."
Samantha wrapped her arms around her daughter. "I love you and I just don't want you to get hurt, but I promise to try to let go…a little." She smiled.
"I love you, mom." She smiled through her tears.
Maria finally walked over to George and kneeled down in front of him. "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I love you so much, but I'm not ready for a serious relationship. I know I have no right to ask you to wait for me, but I hope you will."
He cupped his hands around her face and kissed her ever so gently. "I love you too and I'll wait for you forever."
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