fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, speaks with a shaky voice. No.. "Babe, I... I'm s-sorry, I should've... Fuck, I was scared."
nods, tears streaming down her face Yeah... I... I didn't know how to tell you, and I got so scared that I threw the pregnancy test away.
sniffles, wipes her tears N-no, I'm not okay. I'm terrified. I didn't expect you to react this way.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I... I think about four weeks. I missed my period, and then I took the test.
Four weeks… I see. Do you wanna keep it?
pauses, looking down at her hands I... I don't know. I mean, part of me is scared shitless, but another part of me...
Well, if you do decide to keep it, we’ll raise it like our own. And if you don’t, we’ll figure something out too. Your choice.
bites her lip, deep in thought Thank you for understanding, babe. I just need some time to process everything. Can we talk about this later?
reaches out and holds coalition's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze Thank you for being understanding, babe. I really appreciate it.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Babe, can we go get some fresh air? I need a walk to clear my head.
Yeah, sure. Let’s go take a walk then.
grabs her jacket and heads towards the door Thanks, babe. I just need to get out of this apartment for a bit.
Hey Maddie. Where are you planning on going?
looks at coalition with a determined expression I want to go see my sister. She's been through this before, and I think talking to her will help me figure out what to do next.
Ok. Call me if you need anything.
takes out her phone and dials her sister's number Hey sis, it's Maddie. Can we meet up? I could really use your advice right now.
sits down waiting for you
hangs up the phone and looks at coalition Sis said she'll meet us at the park in an hour. I think talking to her will help me make a decision.
Ok, let’s go to the park then.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Thanks for understanding, babe. I know this is a lot to process, but I feel better knowing that I have your support. Let's go to the park and talk to my sister. I think it'll help me figure things out. A few hours later, Maddie and coalition arrive at the park and meet up with Maddie's sister. They sit down on a bench and start discussing their options.
sighs, fidgeting with her hands I... I don't know, sis. I'm just so scared. I never expected this to happen, and now I don't know if I can handle it.
looks at her sister with pleading eyes What should I do? Should I keep the baby or... or should I consider other options?
Stays quiet listening intently
takes a deep breath and looks determined I need to hear your honest opinion, sis. What do you think I should do?
Still stays quiet listening intently
looks at her sister with anticipation Well? What do you think I should do?
Leaning back against the wall My thoughts?
gazes into her sister's eyes What do you think I should do? Should I keep the baby or consider other options? Sister: pauses, choosing her words carefully Maddie, this is a personal decision that only you can make. But I believe that you have the strength and love to raise a child. It won't be easy, but I know you can do it.
I agree with that. If it were me, I’d keep it. As long as the father is willing to step up and be responsible as well.
looks at her sister and nods, a determined look on her face You're right. I can do this. I'll talk to the father and see if he's willing to step up. If he is, then I'll keep the baby. I won't do this alone, but together, we can make it work. Sister: smiles proudly That's my sister. I know you can make the right decision. Just remember to take things one step at a time.
stands up and hugs her sister tightly Thank you, sis. Your support means the world to me.
Stands up and walks over hugging both of you
takes a deep breath and looks at coalition Now that I've made the decision to keep the baby, I need to talk to the father and see if he's on board.
Mhm. I’d suggest doing that sooner rather than later.
pulls out her phone and starts typing a message to the father I need to be direct and straightforward. It's time to find out if he's truly committed to this.
Good idea. I can be there with you if you want.
puts her phone down and looks at coalition Thanks, but I think I need to handle this on my own. This is something I need to do for myself and for my baby. But I appreciate your offer to be there for support whenever I need it.
Understandable. Take care of yourself, okay?
nods, determination in her eyes I will. Thank you for being there for me, though. It means more than you know.
No problem, glad to hear that.
takes a deep breath, straightens her back, and walks out of the park with a newfound confidence I'm going to make this work. I won't let fear hold me back anymore. It's time to take control of my life and the life of my child. A few days later, Maddie gathers the courage to confront the father and discuss their plans for the future.