I was coming down the hall, and saw Lara coming my way with a loaded syringe, and for some reason, had a mixed feeling of both dread and also wonder, wondering if perhaps I might be the subject of her interests after my exam. Or, even better, Ms. E. .

I heard voices, and Dr. J had stopped in to chat with Tony, and she smiled when she saw me. She told me that Ms.E would be in shortly, but if I wished, I could go ahead and get ready. Smiling, she said I needed to “strip to (my) undies, ” emphasizing that I could, for now, leave my “bra” on.

She left, and I smiled shyly at Tony. Well? What shall we do? I smiled, and said, I think I’ll at least deepening my voice, STRIP to the waist.”Smiling, I unbuttoned my blouse, untucking it, and placed it over the back of the other chair. That revealed my “a shirt”, which came off next, revealing the pale blue tube top which I had gotten at the Chase just yesterday.

Tony nodded his approval, smiling broadly. I reached into my right pants pocket, pulling out a hair thingy and put my hair up in a ponytail, smiling. It makes it easier for the exam. You’ll see what I mean in a bit, I said smiling.

We heard the door next door open, and assumed Lara has done what she needed to, and is leaving.

Tony wondered aloud about if I’d get an EKG before. I hadn’t even thought about that possibility, just like I had ignored the possibility of my needing a shot for my strep until he mentioned it and said how good Ms. E. was. Now, my mind is racing, with other thoughts. I don't know, I said, my voice trailing off, The door next door opens, and the patient must be leaving. I wonder when Ms. E will get here. I wanted her to, and then I didn’t.

Do we want to start the vaccine today? I asked, thinking it might be a good time. He replied sure! I smiled, thinking of us, together, in the future.

A single knock and Lara stuck her head in. Smiling as she saw me, Ms. E asked me to let you know she’ll be in very shortly.Tony smiled, I thanked her, and she shut the door quietly.

True to her word, in less than five minutes a single knock and Ms. E entered, smiling. Good morning, you two!

MAN, she’s cheerful, I thought. I greeted her with slightly less enthusiasm. Dr. J told me she had seen you two, and Lara told me that she had recapped that you do want to go through with the well woman. I nodded, and she continued, then, Kim, as with Tony’s, if you don't feel like continuing with the couples option, please, PLEASE let us know and we’ll adjust. Okay?

I nodded, and she began.Temp, bp, pulse, all of those were done, in rapid fire order. Pockets empty, she asked. I said yes, and she instructed me to go to the scales, and we weighed. 139, 67.5. Lost a couple pounds, Kim! Wish I could! Smiling, Lara also told me that you had already done the urine. I’ll come draw your blood. I can't see you getting out and walking down when you don’t hafta.

And I’ll do the EKG after we get your top off, probably either just before or after the breast exam. They ARE nuisances,.. Smiling. I’ll be right back!

Tony smiled. At least you don’t hafta be stripped to the waist for real, for very long.

I admitted, yeah, I guess I’m not really, huh? Smiling at the thought of him that way. A single knock sounded, and Ms. E entered with a tray and some tubes, a thing to wrap around my arm and a needle thing. She was an expert when it came to drawing blood. Shaking my head as I watched her work, and smiling slightly, I’m constantly amazed by these people. She loosened the wrap, and applied a bandage, smiling. All done!

Either of you have questions?

We shook our head, silently. Okay, she continued. Dr. J will come in, and visit for a bit before she starts your exam. She’ll need you in just your bra and panties, to start, Kim. Then, she’ll get to the end of the generic physical, much as she did with Tony’s the other week, and then she’ll have you strip, and gown, or strip and drape. Your call.

To preserve your modesty, we’ll hold the EKG to that part, and then after the EKG, she’ll do the well woman. It’s a breast exam, then a pelvic.

Then, you two can visit with Dr. J and ask anything you’d like. That sound good?

I gulped a bit, smiled, and said yes. Okay.

I’ll see you in a bit! Closing the door softly, the two were left as Kim prepared.