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There was something surreal about it when Cecile saw the second risk becoming darker and darker in her pregnancy test – almost as if it was happening to someone else. She didn’t really know what emotional response would be appropriate – a part of her was definitely thrilled and excited – but the newness and the uncertainty of the situation had taken her aback.
After Cecile’s first pregnancy, the couple had not even vaguely discussed having another baby. They would have to change a lot of their Long-Term Plans if they were indeed having a second child, and prepare to the harsh possibility that this child may not come at all. They would have to start thinking about finances: the two of them were professors – Cecile worked as an English teacher at the local high school and Mark was an entomologist who ran independent research and gave classes at the town’s community college. They were financially well enough to maintain a family of 3, but adding another person to it would have a big impact in the family’s dynamic. More importantly, there was Sophie.
Sophie was indeed a special child. So special, in fact, that not everyone could really get her. She had just started kindergarten, and was a very curious child, but her questions were often perceived as annoying and repetitive. She would start by asking the teacher how to write a certain word, and from there she would ask, “Why do we write it like this?” and “Who invented this word?” and “Who invented English?” until the teacher was convinced that Sophie was just trying to disrupt class.
Mark was probably the most understanding of Sophie, and tried to channel her energy and curiosity in the best way he knew. He would take her around the backyard and show her all the insects he could name, and let her make as many questions as she wanted.
“I am sure Sophie would take it fine,” said Mark, when Cecile finally sat down to talk about the pregnancy results. “She will probably love it,” he added.
“Sophie has been talking about how she is feeling rejected at school, maybe this is not the perfect moment,” said Cecile.