...has arrived. I took the little orange card they gave me two weeks ago and walked into the Health Department with my head held high. I marched right up to the counter and the woman just looked at me. I handed her the card. She typed some things into the computer and disappeared into the file room.

She came back with my file and directed me to the waiting area outside of exam five. Enya was playing on the sound system. I usually find the music relaxing, but it only heightened the anticipation today.

After an enternity, the doctor emerged from exam five and called me into the room. I took a seat while she went over the paperwork. She told me I didn't have syphillis, which was good to know, but that she'd have to go to another room to get my HIV test results.

She had me sign some more forms (the hell?) and then made small talk with me about the war on Iraq as I mentally tapped my foot and visualized her head exploding (violent tendencies? me? no.). She took the hint and disappeared again.

She returned and closed the door. "I have your test results here." No shit. "You are negative for HIV." Thank God! It was a long two weeks of waiting, but it was soooo comforting to hear someone officially tell me what I already knew.

Of course, she made me wait again while she made a photocopy of my results for me, but that was it.

So, I'm negative! Yay!