Laughing Rheia pointed to the paper-covered table. "Have you ever had a pelvic exam before?" She opened the first cabinet and was pleasantly surprised to find the examination gowns.

"I started getting them in college as part of my yearlies."

"Good, then you know the drill. Normally I would step out of the room while you undress, but to save time, I'll just be over here assembling the needed supplies, that is, if that's okay with you?" Rheia handed her the paper gown.

"Fine by me, I'm just glad it's you looking up my who-ha and not Adam. Can you imagine how awkward that would have made family holidays?" Meryn asked.

Rheia snorted and started opening the other cabinets. She found a speculum and the lubricant and lined them up side by side on the metal tray. Looking around she found an assortment of non-latex gloves by the sink. She put on a pair and turned to find Meryn playing around with the blood pressure cuff.

"Ready?" she asked sliding the tray in her direction.

Meryn nodded and tried getting on the table but it was too high. They found the small metal step stool and she hopped up on the table.

"What do you guys listen for when you use that thing anyway?" Meryn asked, pointing to the cuff.

"Your heartbeat, now lay back and get comfortable."

Meryn reclined back.

Rheia pulled out the stirrups from either side of the bed. "Okay scoot down to the edge of the table."

Meryn wiggled down and Rheia helped place her heels on the stirrups.

"Okay, while I do this, you can tell me about matings, because to be honest with you, everything feels like it's moving too fast for me," Rheia said, starting the exam.

"Well. Being mated to a paranormal is way different than being with a human. It's like you're slipped this really cool happy drug that makes all your defenses come down and bam, you're exposed. But you realize it's okay, because no matter how crazy or broken or unworthy you think you are, your mate loves and wants you just the way you are. And just when you're about to freak out that this stranger can see right to your heart, you realize his walls are down too. Before you know it, your souls are reaching out for one another and you feel incomplete without him. You look at this man you just met and know that no other will ever compare. Plus the sex is really hot, hence my current condition."

Rheia finished the exam and helped Meryn to sit up. "You're a nut, you know that right?"

Meryn nodded. "Yeah, but I can be nutty and crazy, immature and brilliant and it doesn't matter, because Aiden loves me no matter what, even after I accidentally shot him, so everyone else who can't take a joke can fuck off."

Rheia took off her gloves and washed her hands. "I'll step out so you can clean up, I'll wait for you outside."

"Okie dokie."

Rheia handed Meryn a box of tissues and opened the door to step out into the hallway. A couple minutes later, a dressed Meryn emerged. "So is everything kosher down in lady town?"

Rheia laughed. "Yes, everything is fine."

"Good. I have enough problems with functioning with no caffeine and having low iron."

"The supplements should help a lot."

"Thanks. Hey, can I ask you something?" Meryn stopped.

"Sure."

"Why doesn't Penny talk?"

Rheia shook her head. "I don't know. She wasn't physically injured during the attack which killed her parents, so it has to be psychological. When I asked around at the hospital, to get a recommended course of action, they all said to institutionalize her. There's no way I would do that to her, so I decided to let her go at her own pace. When she's ready to talk, she will."

"That's cool; I just didn't want to put my foot in it, in case it was something specific. I do that a lot," Meryn admitted.

"You?" Rheia asked, feigned surprise.

"You're so funny." Meryn smiled. "She's a really neat kid; I've never met another Whovian who was so young before."

"It was the only thing that caught her interest after I got her."

Meryn made a face. "I'm not judging, because I think that's a dick thing to do, but as much as I love the Doctor, do you think it's appropriate for a little kid?"

"Trust me I know exactly what you're talking about. I tried every cartoon in existence, even the annoying singing ones, but she would stare at me then turn off the television."

"Some of the bad guys can be pretty scary."

"She's seen real monsters. I don't think much scares her anymore."

"I've seen them, too," Meryn said quietly.

"Meryn, be honest with me. How safe is it here? The things that attacked my house, they were like rabid dogs." Rheia shuddered at the memory.

"It's safe, but it isn't."

"That's helpful."

"It's safe because we're surrounded by unit warriors. They do patrols at all hours to guard the city's perimeter. It isn't safe, because the ferals know where to find us."

"There's no way to keep them out?" Rheia asked.

"The men are working on it." Meryn resumed walking, heading back to Adam's office.

Rheia opened the office door and they walked in.

Adam stood. "So, everything okay?"

"She's fine. If you hand me her chart I'll make notes." Rheia held out her hand.

"Good to hear." Adam walked over and handed her the folder.