15 minutes felt like an eternity. Noah had covered Emma’s butt as best as he could with the gown, but she was still feeling exposed. Alex didn’t mind seeing her exposed though.

Eventually, Dr Shaw returned and Emma was repositioned into the stirrups, a the lamp shining on her again. “Emma this speculum is a bit bigger, but you should be less tense with the medication.” The doctor could see by her face she was less tense too, or at least less reluctant to follow instructions.

This time the gown was bunched up around Emma’s stomach, meaning Alex could see what the doctor was doing between her legs. He watched large bills disappear between the folds, and watched as they clicked, opening Emma further and further. The doctor laid a hand on her thigh, asking “How does this feel? Any pain?”

“No, it’s uncomfortable but not like before.” Emma answered.

“Great, the medication is working. Next I will grab the IUD with some forceps and start the removal.” Alex didn’t really know what the doctor was saying, but the tools looked like something from medieval dentistry. No wonder Emma had avoided doctors for so long…

“Ah!” Emma cried out and moved her hips in response to the pain. The doctor made eye contact with Noah and nodded.

“Emma, Noah is going to help keep you still ok? We don’t want you getting hurt from moving at the wrong moment.” With that Noah placed two firm hands on Emma, one on each hip, as he stood on the opposite side to Alex. He still had the same cheerful smile, Alex wondered how his cheeks don’t hurt at the end of the day.

“Ow ow ow” Emma squirmed, but had Alex holding both hands now and Noah her hips, there wasn’t much she could do but curl her toes.

“Great job Emma, the IUD is out, and it’s all in one piece so nothing left inside should irritate you.” Noah stepped back as the doctor closed the speculum a few clicks. “Now you will probably experience some light bleeding, and you will still be very sensitive for a few days. You’re also not on any form of birth control now, so why don’t we make an appointment for a week from now to check how everything is healing up and get you on an alternative?”

“Yes doctor, thank you.” Emma was relived to feel the speculum leave her and be able to sit up.

“Great. I’ll leave you to get dressed again and when you’re ready the receptionist will make an appointment with you.” The doctor smiled and left again, but would see both Emma and Alex again soon…