Chapter 3

River Tam sat on the edge of the infirmary counter kicking her feet back and forth making wave in the hem of her blue dress. She was waiting for her brother. She knew he had come to a decision. Simon entered the infirmary a few moments later. He ignored his sister and walked over to the opposite counter and opened his note pad and began writing. Neither of them spoke or acknowledged each other for some time.

“I know what you are doing,” Simon said, finally breaking the silence.

“So now you’re a reader?” River asked in reply still concentrating on the hem of her dress.

Simon turned around to look at her, “No, but I know my sister well enough to know what she is doing.”

“Well, what am I doing?” She asked looking at him with a smile.

“Gloating,” Simon started, “you’re gloating over the fact that I changed my mind and you’re going to get what you want.” As he finished he turned and retrieved a small vile and syringe from a nearby cabinet.

“You should just listen to me right away,” River said playfully.

“If you’re going to be a brat…” Simon said stopping his preparation.

River stuck her tongue out at him invoking a smile and the continuation of his work. Once finished Simon turned and walked over to his sister with a full syringe in hand.

“This will not be fully effective for 8 hours,” Simon said as he swabbed Rivers right bicep, preparing it for the injection, “no sexual activity until after that time.”

“Simon, I know,” River said, winching slightly at the injection.

“As your doctor it is my responsibility to tell you these things,” Simon continued. “The injection is 99.9% effective against preventing pregnancy and will boost immunity to the most common sexually transmitted diseases. I would still suggest any male sexual partners you…you may have are also on a sperm blocker.”

“Thank you,” River said.

“You will need another injection in a week, then they will be monthly,” Simon continued in his formal tone. “Make sure you tell me immediately if you experience anythin