Rita’s POV
“Why are we at the hospital?” I inquired since we left the office.
Finn finally stepped on the brake.
“For the medical check up!” Finn answered.
Oh My God! I made up my mind the last night to tell Finn that I was only joking, I trust him and he doesn't have to take the medical test but here we are now.
I looked at his face for sign of nervousness. I took his hands into mine “I love you so much, no matter what the result maybe”
“I love you more Rita”
We headed inside, through the sliding automatic doors. The hospital sterile smell filled the air, as though reminding us of the gravity of the situation.
Finn was a very important person, the nurse led us to the Doctor's office without having us wait.
“You kinda look alike, is she your wife?” The doctor teased. We looked at ourselves and giggled.
“Yeah, she is my woman” Finn said, placing his hands over my neck.
The doctor smiled: “How may I help you Finn?” It was then, it dawn on me that they were acquaintances.
“Actually, Dr Chris, I'm here to take the HIV test” I can't believe Finn boldly said that while I was embarrassed on his behalf.
The Doctor peered at us for some moment then ask: “ Are you ready?”
“I am more than ready” Finn responded boldly.
“Your partner doesn't seem like she's ready”
“I… I’m ready” I finally spoke after so much hesitation.
“Come with me to the laboratory, my nurses will attend to you. Just a few droplets of blood sample and the result won't take so much time” Doctor Chris beckoned.
I motivated Finn to be calm when I wasn't even calm.
***
We returned to the doctor's office while waiting for the test result.
“You know, your HIV test result will also predict her result” The doctor said.
“Yeah, actually.. I was gonna say that too” Finn replied shamelessly.
“Dr Chris” I decided to speak up about what has been bothering me for some times now.
“How may I help you miss?”
“I… I can't have sex because I cannot” I told him.
“What?”
“Rita, you don't really have to bring this up” Finn whispered.
“Finn, I'm worried. I am in pains” I said.
“Please feel free, go ahead. What's your complaint?” Dr Chris said, supportively.
I exhaled heavily. “I am still a virgin because I can't have sex, not even a finger could penetrate into me. I feel this sharp pain” I blurted out freely, not minding that the doctor I was complaining too was a man.
“It's more like your vagina is blocked?”He asked.
“Yes” Finn replied before I did.
“Exactly. Is this as a result of being a virgin for a very long time? What the heck is this? The pain is so unbearable for me.” I almost cried.
The doctor looked at me with concern, he listened attentively as his brows furrowed in deep concentration.
“I understand you very well Miss Rita” He said: “You are not the first woman to complain about this”
“So is it normal or abnormal?” Finn was as nervous and curious as I was.
“It is abnormal” Doctor Chris said. “It is called Vaginismus, it means the inability to have sex, your vagina is blocked, neither can the male s*xual organ can't penetrate into your vagina” He explained.
“What??” Finn and I exclaimed.
Fear washed over me as his words sank in.
I was going crazy.
“So it's something really serious” Finn panicked.
“I've seen people heal from it. Vaginismus is not permanent”
“Can I also breakthrough from that ailment?” I inquired further.
“Of course. Why not! But you can not do it alone. Mr Finn, you have to stand by her always because vaginismus can also be traumatic” The doctor added.
While I fought back my tears, Finn interlinked fingers with me and kissed it.
“I'll always be by your side no matter what” He promised, tears welled up in his eyes.
Doctor Chris went on to explain the different treatment option available, there was literally no medical explanation or solution. He had insisted that with time, I'll be fine. As for now, I was devastated; I cried inwardly.
This wasn't about me alone, Finn was hurt as much as I was. His HIV test came out negative, we were met to cheer and celebrate but no, there was another situation on ground. He couldn't focus nor drive either, he packed his car and consoled me.
“Am I less a woman to you now?” I didn't know why I asked the question but I asked anyways.
“No” He blurted. “You are my woman no matter what, the absolute love of my life and it's high time I introduce you to my mom” He assured.
“I can't get married to you if we can't have sex”
“Rita, we’ve just got to keep trying. It's no big deal, I want you to be the mother of my unborn kids” He wiped off my tears with his fingers.
“I love you Rita, no matter what” He said.
“I.. I love you too Finn. I will marry you” I responded, forcing a smile amidst the tears.
I felt I'd become a burden to Finn, I felt I was now less of a woman but a log of wood but Finn promised to be with me forever.
*****
To Be Continued