That Special Magic
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or-  http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net

A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"

> Chapter 22 - Seeking Guidance <

        Sitting at a table in a large bookstore, Mamoru sorted through a stack of books, trying to decide which ones were worth purchasing. Just then, Motoki approached.
        "Hello, Mamoru," Motoki said, sitting down. He too was carrying several books. "What's all this? Do you own stock in those publishers?"
        Mamoru shook his head. "No. I need several of these for classes, and I'm looking at the others for possible supplemental reading."
        Motoki picked one up and looked at the price. "Deplete the great Chiba fortune is more like it," he said with a wince. "Did you see this price? It's outrageous."
        "Maybe I should buy the company and cut prices," Mamoru suggested with a grin.
        Motoki shook his head. "I think you'd be wasting both your time and your money. Your best choice would be to just not buy this book. Besides, I've heard this guy is a real nut."
        "Unorthodox," Mamoru said. "Some of the great pioneers were at first dismissed as nuts."
        "True," Motoki conceded. "But even more of those considered nuts really were crazy, you know."
        Mamoru nodded. "Well, I doubt I'll need to buy that one anyway. I already have copies of two articles he published, which will directly relate to my class."
        "OK. Into the reject pile," Motoki said with a grin, placing the thick volume down on the end of the table.
        "This one can go too," Mamoru said, handing over another book.
        Motoki took the book and placed it with the others. He then leaned closer to his friend. "So, how's your relationship with Usagi going?"
        Mamoru glanced up at him, then nodded. "Fine."
        "Oh, come on. You don't get off that easily," Motoki said. "You cut short this great romantic getaway..."
        "Who said anything about a 'romantic getaway'?" Mamoru interrupted.
        "Oh, please. You told me you were going up to visit your family vacation cottage for a week, and it just so happens that Usagi's gone for exactly the same time, and I know it wasn't with her parents. It doesn't take a genius to put the pieces together, you know," Motoki said. "Besides, all sorts of gossip filters through the arcade."
        "And right to your eager ears," Mamoru quipped.
        Motoki ignored him. "And now, you both are back early... and Usagi's wearing a very nice ring... on the third finger of her left hand."
        "Are you sure you want to be a doctor?" Mamoru asked. "Maybe you'd be better in the intelligence service, or as an investigative reporter."
        "I take it you're not going to tell me anything," Motoki countered.
        "There's not much to tell," Mamoru said. "Yes, we're back early, and yes, I did give her that ring, but that's it."
        Motoki looked at Mamoru disbelievingly.
        "And anything you might hear otherwise is just baseless rumor," Mamoru added, before Motoki could say anything.
        Motoki sat there quietly for a moment. "I sure hope you know what you're doing," he said softly. He glanced up at the clock. "Oh, damn! I have to run or I'm going to be late for my shift." He scooped up his books.
        "Goodbye," Mamoru called, as Motoki hurried toward the stairs.
        "I'll expect to continue this conversation later," Motoki said.
        "I wouldn't bet on that," Mamoru answered.
        After Motoki was out of sight, Mamoru returned to the books he was considering, quickly deciding on three, and returning the others to the shelves. He collected his books and turned toward the stairs. Passing the information desk, he paused, then stepped up to the desk uncertainly.
        "May I help you, sir," the woman at the desk asked.
        "Uhm, yes," Mamoru said. "At least I hope so... I was wondering if by chance there, ah, might be a book for, uhm, expecting parents...?"
        "A book?" the woman asked with a smirk. She indicated to Mamoru's right. "The parenting section is just over there, sir. Try the second aisle."
        "Thank you," Mamoru said, slightly taken aback.
        He walked to the parenting section and into the second aisle of book shelves. Looking around, he was amazed to find both sides of the aisle filled with books relating to pregnancies and expecting parents. Slowly moving along the aisle, he examined the different titles. Reaching up, he took down a particularly large volume entitled "The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Pregnancy". He opened the book and skimmed through it.
        'This reads like some of the worst of my university textbooks,' he thought, finding detailed medical and biological explanations of everything the woman would be experiencing. 'I certainly can't imagine Usagi getting through this.' He returned it to the shelf.
        Farther along, he found a large paperback book on a lower shelf. Opening it, he found it made up mostly of very clever manga-style drawings, each with a simple caption, and a brief overview opening each chapter. 'This might make a decent introduction,' he thought. 'But it seems pretty sparse on real information.' He flipped through several more pages, deciding it might be useful for a health or sex-ed class, but not much help to a woman actually pregnant.
        He next found a number of diet and nutrition books. Looking through these, he quickly recognized a common piece of advice to avoid a lot of sweets. "Usagi's not going to like that," he said softly to himself with a wry grin.
        Finally, he found several books that looked more helpful. Broken down month by month, they explained what the mother was likely to be experiencing, offering tips and advice in a language which the layperson could easily follow. For some of these books, there was a companion journal for the expecting mother to record what she was experiencing every month, helping her keep track of developments and any details she might want to discuss with her doctor. After looking through these, he selected one of the books, and the journal that went with it, then headed for the stairs.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        "Hi, Mamo-chan," Usagi said, as she entered his apartment, closing the door behind her. "How was your day?"
        "Fine," he said, kissing her. "How was yours, Usako?"
        "It was OK... for the most part," she said.
        "Problems?"
        "Not really... I just found myself having to run to the bathroom a lot more than usual," she said.
        He nodded. "I've heard that's pretty common."
        "Yeah. I called Mom during lunch and she told me the same thing," she said. "In fact... while I'm here, I'd better make a stop."
        "OK," he said. "When you're done I have something for you."
        "Really? What is it?" she asked as she walked to his bathroom.
        "You'll find out when you're done," he said.
        She returned several minutes later to find him sitting on the couch. A large bag was on the table in front of him. She sat down next to him. He smiled, then leaned over and kissed her.
        "Have I told you lately how much I love you, my beautiful princess?" he asked.
        "Not lately... and you know I never get tired of hearing it, Mamo-chan."
        He kissed her again. "I love you more than anything, my love, and I am very much looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you."
        She smiled happily, and kissed him in return. "Oh, Mamo-chan," she sighed. "You make me so incredibly happy."
        "That's part of my job," he said softly.
        "So, you said you had something for me?"
        He nodded, reaching for the bag and retrieving two books.
        She looked at them curiously. "What's this? 'The Month-by-Month Pregnancy Handbook' and 'The Month-by-Month Pregnant Woman's Journal'?"
        "I thought you might find these helpful," he said. "Actually, both of us probably should read these... The handbook contains advice on what you're going through and will help you know if what you're experiencing is normal or not. And the journal is meant for you to keep track of what's happening throughout your pregnancy, since you're not going to remember everything."
        She looked over the books, then opened the handbook and glanced through it. "Wow, there's really a lot here... Do I have to learn it all?"
        "Well, you have nine months," he said. "And the way the book is arranged, you have one chapter for each month of your pregnancy."
        She turned to the next page of the table of contents, and started giggling. " 'Advice for the expecting father: be patient, be helpful, be more patient'... Are you going to have sympathetic labor pains, Mamo-chan?"
        He smiled. "I don't know. But remember, I don't know much more about the specifics of pregnancy than you do. I want to do everything I can to support you and help you through this, so I need to read this just as much as you do."
        She grinned at him, then leaned back against him. "Shall we read the first month chapter together then?"
        "That sounds fine to me, my love."
        He slid an arm gently around her as they sat together, reading. She shifted position, growing uncomfortable as they read the section about her first prenatal checkup.
        "All these blood tests!" she exclaimed. "How much are they going to draw?"
        He chuckled softly. "Probably not that much, Usako. I've heard that most medical tests don't really need that much blood, so I would have to assume these tests don't need much either."
        She nodded, reading on. "Eeeewwww," she groaned, a shudder going through her. " 'Swab samples of secretions from the cervix'? Does that mean the doctor's going to stick something... up there?"
        "I guess so," he said softly, her response reminding him once more of just how young she still was. "That might be something to ask your mother, since I'm sure she's gone through that."
        Usagi shuddered again. "There's only one thing that belongs in there, and it's large, and warm, and attached to you, Mamo-chan," she said, looking up at him, a grin forming on her face.
        He nodded. "I know what you mean, Usako... but they have to do this to make sure there aren't any problems there, since that relates to your ability to have children."
        She continued to look up at him, her grin fading. "Well... if that's the case... then I guess I can endure it." The expression on her face was less than convincing.
        He leaned down and kissed her. "I really think you should talk with your mother about this, Usako. She'll be able to tell you what this sort of exam is really like, and I think you'll feel better going into it if you know pretty much what is going to happen."
        She fell silent for a long moment, her eyes drifting over the page once more. Finally, she nodded. "OK. I'll talk to her as soon as I can."
        He kissed her again. "This is a learning experience for both of us, my love. We're going to go through it together, but we'll still need help."
        She smiled up at him. "Just as long as we're together, Mamo-chan. You're what I need the most."
        "And you are definitely what I need the most, Usako," he said softly.
        She sighed happily, leaning back against him and enjoying the feel of his arm around her. As always, she felt so incredibly comfortable and secure in his embrace, knowing that this was where she most wanted to be. There was still so much she would have to go through, and judging from the book he had given her, a great deal that she had never anticipated, but she knew they would be together for it all.
        A familiar warmth filled his heart as he held her. She was the only woman he had ever loved, and he knew with certainty there could be no one else for him. Since his parents had died, he had tried to close himself off, but with her he was learning the joys of life and love. She was now his family, she and their child growing in her womb. He leaned down and kissed her softly, knowing he could never bear to go back to the loneliness that had been his life before he met her.
        "I love you, Usako," he whispered.
        "I love you, Mamo-chan," she said happily.
        "I just like telling you that," he said.
        "Well... you know... I'm feeling better today," she said with a grin. "Maybe we could make a little playtime this afternoon."
        He smiled at her, feeling a part of himself responding very favorably to that idea. As he glanced at the clock, another part of him urged caution. Reluctantly, he shook his head.
        "I don't think that would be a good idea," he said softly. "Remember your mother's rule that you spend the week at home?"
        Usagi nodded. She and Mamoru had decided that they would make sure she was home before dinner to avoid giving her parents any grounds for protest.
        "And if she's still trying to smooth things over with your father, we don't want to take any chances," he said.
        "OK," she agreed.
        He kissed her again. "Let's just give it some time, Usako. I'm sure things will work out."
        She turned around and kissed him. "Mamo-chan, I love you so much," she whispered.
        He embraced her tightly. "And I love you, more than anything."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Mamoru pulled his car up in front of the Tsukino home, leaning over to give Usagi a kiss.
        "Have a good night, my love," he said.
        "You too, Mamo-chan," she replied. "I love you."
        "I love you. Do you want me to pick you up for school in the morning? It's supposed to rain."
        "I'd like that. Thank you," she said, opening her door. She leaned back and kissed him again. "See you tomorrow." She picked up her books and stepped out of the car.
        "I'm already looking forward to it, Usako," he said.
        She smiled at him, then blew him a kiss as she closed the door. He slipped the car into gear, waved, and then pulled away. She stood there for a moment, watching him go, then turned and headed toward the house. Looking up, she saw her father standing, looking out through the living room window.
        "Hi, Daddy. Hi, Mom," Usagi called, as she stepped inside and slipped off her shoes.
        "Hello, Usagi," Ikuko called. "I'm glad you're home. We're eating early tonight. Your father has a meeting later."
        "OK," Usagi said, putting down her briefcase. As she did she recognized that it was a good thing Mamoru had insisted on not lingering at his apartment. "I thought this new job wasn't supposed to have you working late, Daddy."
        "Hmm? Oh, well, usually it won't," Kenji said. "But two of our reporters have had to revise a planned story, and need approval of the revisions. If we don't approve it tonight, the story won't make the next edition." He looked at her for a moment. "I'm pleased to see Mamoru got you home on time."
        "We both do our best, Daddy," Usagi said.
        She picked up the two books Mamoru had given her and walked into the kitchen.
        "How was your day, dear?" Ikuko asked.
        "It was OK," Usagi replied, setting the books down on the counter.
        "What are those?" Kenji asked.
        "Mamoru bought them. One's a pregnancy guide, and the other is a journal for me to record what I'm experiencing," Usagi said.
        Ikuko glanced over at them. "That was very thoughtful of him. I understand some of those books are quite helpful."
        Usagi nodded. "Mamoru and I read the first month chapter together this afternoon."
        "That's a very good idea," Ikuko said, glancing over at Kenji. "You should do that together. I'm sure that will be helpful for both of you."
        "Yes. The book has advice for the expecting father, as well as for the mother," Usagi said.
        "I don't think they had books like that when I had you, dear, but your father made a point of coming with me to all my checkups, as well as the childbirth classes," Ikuko said. "I think it was good for both of us."
        Usagi stepped closer. "Uhm, Mom... Can you and I talk sometime after dinner?"
        "What is it?" Ikuko asked.
        "Well, I have some questions about some of the things in this book. Mamoru couldn't answer them, and suggested I talk with you," Usagi said softly.
        Ikuko smiled. "I understand, dear. I'd be glad to help in any way I can."
        "Thanks, Mom."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Later that evening, Ikuko entered Usagi's room, finding her reading a manga.
        "I think you said you wanted to talk," Ikuko said, closing the door.
        Usagi nodded, reaching for her pregnancy guide. She quickly opened it.
        Ikuko sat down next to her and looked at the page. "First prenatal checkup?"
        "Yes," Usagi said.
        "I'm not surprised you'd have questions about that," Ikuko said. She quickly read the description. "Yes. The authors assume that you've already had a routine exam of this type."
        "You mean, this is done on a regular basis?" Usagi asked, her face wrinkling with distaste.
        "Oh, yes. I'm afraid it is," Ikuko said. "Ordinarily you wouldn't have your first until you're a little older."
        Usagi frowned. "So... how is it done? The book says they swab secretions from the cervix."
        "That's right," Ikuko said, struggling a bit with just how to explain it. "That's the opening at the base of the uterus, and the doctor will be looking to see if the fluid there is healthy or not. Since you're pregnant, the cervix should close up with what's called a mucous plug. The doctor will want to be sure that plug is there and in good condition."
        "But doesn't the doctor have to stick something up there?"
        Ikuko nodded. "Yes. That's true... The doctor uses an instrument called a speculum to spread open the vaginal opening..."
        Usagi cringed. "Isn't that uncomfortable? It sounds awful."
        "Well... I guess it's relative," Ikuko said. "There are plenty of more pleasant experiences, dear, but how uncomfortable it is depends on the doctor. As long as the doctor is careful and not in a hurry, it really isn't that bad."
        "Is there likely to be anything wrong?" Usagi asked.
        "In your case, probably not," Ikuko said.
        "Dr. Ogawa said I'm at a higher risk."
        "I think he was referring to your age, and that you're still growing," Ikuko said.
        Usagi thought for a moment, then nodded. "I guess I do remember him saying something about that."
        "Have you decided on an obstetrician yet?" Ikuko asked. "I would have recommended mine, but he's about to retire."
        Usagi nodded. "I remembered you saying that. I called Dr. Ogawa's nurse, and I got some input from Ami's mother, since she's a doctor." She retrieved the list of names Dr. Ogawa had given her. "Based on their advice, I think I'm leaning toward Dr. Hamada."
        "OK... I don't know him, but your choice is what matters," Ikuko said. "Have you called his office yet to see about an appointment?"
        "Not yet," Usagi said. "I was planning to call tomorrow after school. I had wanted to talk with you first about it."
        "Well, as I said, I don't know Dr. Hamada," Ikuko said. "But I think when you call, you should be very upfront about your situation, and your age, and see how the nurse or receptionist responds to you. One thing to be aware of is that some doctors will try to push someone your age to not have a baby. If you get that impression from the doctor or the nurse, you'll probably want to find a different doctor."
        "They'll really do that?"
        Ikuko nodded. "I'm afraid so. Some are convinced a girl your age is simply too young and that it's in your best interest not to have the child."
        "Well, that is just not an option," Usagi said firmly.
        Ikuko slipped her arm around her daughter's shoulder and gave Usagi a hug.

< To be continued >

* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: Once again, special thanks are due to my lovely better half, Hopeless Romantic, both for all her usual input and support, and for continuing 'technical' advice. The book titles I've used in this installment are entirely fictitious, and are not meant to refer to any specific existing pregnancy guide. More to come.

Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.

-11.30.2001
 

Free Web Hosting