sitting on the couch, crying, his face in his hands as he sobs
She runs up to him and hugs him tightly
sniffles and looks up at mlard I... I don't know what to do, mlard. wipes away tears
takes a deep breath and looks down again But it's not, mlard. I fucked up big time. runs his hands through his hair I should've told you the truth from the start.
Ethan.. no.. We're family, we'll get through this together
looks at mlard with a mixture of relief and guilt Thank you, mlard. I... I really appreciate your support. stands up and hugs her tightly
So how far along are you?
nervously swallows and looks down Uh... I'm about five months pregnant, mlard. his voice cracks
Five months.. her eyes go blank as she looks off into space
takes a deep breath and places his hands on mlard's shoulders Mlard, I know this is a lot to take in, but I promise you, I will be there every step of the way.
Takes a deep breath I've been through worse Ethan. I'll be fine
kneels down in front of mlard, tears streaming down his face No, mlard, you haven't been through worse! This is a whole new level of pain and responsibility!
Tears well up in her eyes I can handle it, Ethan. We'll figure it out together.
stands up and wipes his tears Damn right we will, mlard. We're gonna make this work somehow. grabs her hand
Smiles weakly Together, okay?
nods and takes a deep breath Yeah, together. We'll figure it all out. gives mlard a determined look First things first, we need to tell the dad about the pregnancy.
pauses for a moment and thinks Then we'll deal with the consequences. If he wants to be part of the baby's life, we'll find a way to make that work.
If he doesn't want to be a part of the baby's life then.. I'll be raising this baby on my own.
puts a hand on mlard's shoulder Mlard, you're stronger than you think. If he can't step up and be a father, then it's probably for the best if he's not involved.
squeezes her shoulder reassuringly Look, mlard, I know this is a tough situation, but we'll get through it. We've always been strong together, and we'll find a way to make this work.
smiles and wipes away his tears You don't have to thank me, mlard. I'm just glad I can be here for you.
pulls away from the hug and looks at mlard with determination Alright, let's start by figuring out how to break the news to the dad. We'll need to approach this carefully.
Nods Okay, Ethan. Let's do this.
sits down and starts brainstorming Alright, mlard, let's come up with a game plan.
Listening intently Okay, Ethan. I'm listening.
leans forward, speaking in a low voice Okay, here's what we'll do. We'll schedule a meeting with the dad, just the three of us.
Swallowing hard Okay, Ethan. I trust you.
stands up and paces back and forth, thinking Alright, we need to make sure this meeting goes smoothly.
Watches him nervously What's the plan, Ethan?
stops pacing and looks at mlard with determination Okay, here's what we'll do.
Alright, Ethan. I'm ready.
grabs a notepad and pen First, we need to gather all the necessary information. We'll need to know the dad's address, his work schedule, and any other important details.
Nods Okay, Ethan. I'll get that information.
starts searching online for the dad's address and work schedule Alright, mlard, I'll start digging for information.
quickly turns to mlard Mlard, what's wrong? Did you find something?
no.. no i just thought of something.. like what if he doesn't accept the baby? Or he blames me for this.. what if he tells me to abort it?
immediately takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm Mlard, he won't be able to blame you for this.
Anxious But what if he does, Ethan? I can't bear the thought of losing this baby...
grabs mlard's hands tightly Mlard, listen to me. We're going to fight for this baby. We won't let anyone hurt you or your child.
Takes a deep breath Okay, Ethan. I trust you.
stands up and walks over to the window, looking out with determination Alright, mlard. We need to come up with a backup plan.