Then, the other set of questions started.
How would I pay for all this? Where would I live? I was single, unemployed, had no insurance, and currently lived with my grandmother. What kind of mother would I be?
A bad one.
After throwing myself a pity party, I picked myself up off the floor, wrapped the test stick in tissue and threw it away. Just to be extra safe, I tied off the trash bag and replaced it with a new one.No point in taking chances. Gran deserved to be told, not to find out be finding a dirty test stick.
But not yet. I’d tell Gran when I was ready.
I washed my face in cold water to help reduce the red puffiness.
I barely remembered making dinner, but I must have because we ate. Somehow, I got through dinner without my grandmother picking up on my stress. Nah, Gran knew me too well; she chosenot to say anything, trusting that I’d talk to her when I was ready.
After cleaning up, I messaged Emily.
Can I come over?
Of course. Want dinner?
No, I ate with Gran. Thanks.
ETA?
I’m leaving now.
Emily took one look at me when she answered the door and understood. Pulling me into a hug, she said, “I’m so sorry, Ashley. I know this isn’t what you want.” One hand rubbed my back while the other held me tight, providing the comfort I needed.
“I want it, just not with Finn, and not when I’m unemployed, single, and living with my grandmother.” My laugh sounded manic.
“You have the Wyatt job.”
“You know what I mean. Contract work is fine, but it won’t pay for an apartment or doctor’s visits.” Or the expenses of raising a child. I groaned at the thought.
“Come sit. Jamie’s making us tea.”
“Did you tell him?”
“No, I figured this was a secret he’d be okay with me keeping.”
I hugged her. “Thanks. Now that I know for sure, I guess you can tell him.”
“At least we’ll have our babies together.” Emily tried to add a positive perspective.
“That’s the only positive part. Our kids will grow up like brothers.”
“Your what?” Jamie asked, shock evident in his voice.
My eyes rounded. So did Emily’s. “I, um, turns out I’m pregnant too,” I stuttered.
“Is this a congrats or an I’m sorry kind of announcement?” Typical Jamie, wanting to give me what I needed, despite looking lost and confused.
Definitely a sympathy announcement. “I didn’t plan it, and it’s Finn’s.” Just the thought of having his baby made my stomach turn.
“How about I give you a supportive hug and not say anything?” Jamie asked.
I stood and let him hug me.
“We’ll do whatever we can to help,” he whispered before breaking the hug.
