“Hey, I didn’t say irrational.” She feigns hurt.
“We all know you meant it,” says Bella with a laugh. “But she’s right. It’s time you both grow up. If you want to bring a baby into this relationship, you have to learn to communicate your feelings. Learn from my fuck-ups. You have to talk shit through like adults.”
I nod, but my mind is already wandering back. I narrow my eyes, the dates running through my head, and the colour drains from my face as I realise I’ve been so consumed with everything going on lately that I hadn’t noticed I’ve missed my period.
“What’s wrong?” Bella asks, giving Red a worried look. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound harsh.”
I shake my head, emotions choking me as tears prick my eyes. “I’m late.”
Red’s mouth falls open, her eyes widening. “Oh my god, really?” I nod, a watery smile pulling at my lips. She grins, clapping her hands together. “This is perfect to get you both back on track. You can organise a date night and tell him then.”
Bella leans over, wrapping her arms around me. “This might be the best news,” she whispers.
I take a breath as she pulls away and rub my clammy hands down my jeans. “I can’t take the test alone,” I announce. “If it’s negative . . .” I swallow hard. “Well, I just need you girls there in case.”
“We got you,” Bella reassures me. “There’s no need to do it alone.”
“Let’s have a pamper evening. We can relax, do the test, and that way, if it’s neg?—”
“Don’t say it, Red,” I interrupt. The last thing I need is anyone jinxing it.
Red sits in the plush beanbag on my bedroom floor with cucumber resting over her eyes, looking the complete picture of relaxed. Meanwhile, I sit impatiently in front of the mirror, my hair in tight curlers that pinch my roots.
The door bursts open, and my head snaps in that direction, watching as Bella juggles shopping bags.
“Did you get it?” I snap, then inwardly groan. “Sorry.”
“Of course,” she says calmly, resting the bags on the bed. She reaches into one and retrieves a pharmacy bag, wiggling it in my direction. I dive over the bed to grab it, my hands shaking as I peer inside.
She begins unloading the other items onto the bed. “I also got you some prenatal vitamins and some of this amazing moisturiser I used when I was pregnant.”
I stare at her wide-eyed. “Fuck, I said don’t jinx it.”
I huff out a breath then move to the bathroom, shaking my head in irritation.
I carefully remove the test from the box, eyeing it as if it’s burning me. I catch my worried reflection in the mirror and fix myself with a hard stare. I take a deep breath then whisper, “You got this.”
I rip the foil packaging as I lower to the toilet. I’m shaking so badly as I remove the cap that I almost drop the damn thing. I pant out another heavy breath, trying to slow my racing heart as I pee on the stick.
Once I’m finished, I replace the cap, rest the test face-down on the unit, then set the timer on my phone for two minutes.
I glance at the door, knowing the girls are waiting with bated breath . . .just like me. But the thought of seeing anothernegative result fills my heart with dread. I pull my dressing gown tighter at the waist and opt to sit on my own for the two minutes.
My hands tremble as I pick up the test, watching as the first line appears. I close my eyes tightly, mentally psyching myself up for the outcome. And when I open them again and look down, I see the second line appearing right before my eyes.
Holy shit.
I grab the box and scan the instructions again. Maybe in all the excitement. I misunderstood the two lines. Maybe I’ve got it wrong. But deep down, I already know I’m staring at a positive because I’ve done this too many times before.
My eyes fill with tears as nervous excitement builds, and then, like it’s ripped from me, I scream with happiness.
The door swings open, knocking back into the wall, and Bella and Red stare at me in anticipation. When I don’t speak, they glance at one another warily.
I lower onto the closed toilet seat, the stick still gripped tightly in my hands.
“It’s positive,” I croak, glancing up at them. “We fucking did it.”
“Oh my god,” Bella screams, her hands flying to her mouth.
