Maybe she’s busy?
Meghan
Busy doing what? Ignoring her friends? Rude.
Inès
Meg, chill. She probably has a lot on her plate.
Meghan
Okay, fine. But she could at least drop an emoji or something.
Alright, now I’m officially worried. Did something happen?
Inès
I was just thinking the same thing. Should we text her directly?
Meghan
Already did. No answer.
Guilt floods me instantly. I should’ve said something, anything, instead of leaving them hanging.
Hi girls, I’m so sorry! A lot has happened, and I had to come back to Paris. I turned my phone off for my mental health.Please don’t hate me!
I hit send and stare at the screen, heart pounding. Less than a second later, their replies start flying in.
Meghan
GIRL. What the hell happened?! We’ve been freaking out!
Inès
We could never hate you, but we were so worried! Are you okay?
Meghan
And Paris? Explain. Now.
You know what, never mind. I’m calling. Right now.
My screen lights up with an incoming FaceTime call from Meghan. I don’t hesitate. I swipe to answer immediately.
Her face appears on the screen, eyebrows furrowed with concern and frustration. “What the hell is going on?”
I groan as I throw myself on the couch. “It’s a long story, but I promise I’ll explain everything soon. Just… know I’m okay, or at least trying to be.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need anything?” Inès’ voice comes through the call. She’s out of frame, though, and I can only see Meghan from the chest up. She looks like she’s wearing… a hospital gown?
I frown. “Where are you guys?”
Meghan doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she flips the camera. My jaw drops as the screen reveals a hospital room. Inès is standing off to the side, holding a tiny baby wrapped in a blanket. My eyes widen, and before I can stop myself, I let out an excited squeal.
“Oh my god! Is that…?”
“Blair, meet Ethan Maxwell Williams,” Meghan saysproudly, her voice full of joy. She hands the phone to Inès, who brings the baby closer to the camera.
