Chapter 4 Chapter 4
Life had moved on quickly after the disaster with Ryan. The engagement was officially over, her mother had stopped calling for a few days, likely out of frustration. And Amelia had thrown herself into work.
Working from home meant she could easily bury herself in her laptop. It helped, most days. But lately something had been off.
Amelia sat at the small table by her apartment window early one morning, her laptop open in front of her, working through edits on an article due that afternoon.
Her hair was tied up in a messy bun, and she wore oversized pajamas that she had no intention of changing out of anytime soon. Beside her sat a mug of freshly brewed coffee. Normally, the smell alone would energize her. But today, it did the opposite.
Her nose wrinkled. The scent of coffee suddenly felt overwhelming, making her stomach twist.
“That’s weird.” she murmured.
She picked up the mug and took a small sip anyway.
The reaction was immediate. Her stomach lurched violently and she slapped her hand over her mouth, barely making it to the bathroom before vomiting into the sink. Her body shook as a wave of nausea passed through her. When it finally subsided, Amelia turned on the tap and rinsed her mouth.
Then she slowly lifted her head at her reflection in the mirror. Her skin had turned pale, almost grayish. Dark circles sat under her eyes. She had been feeling unusually tired lately too.
She splashed cold water on her face and leaned against the counter.
“Just great, now I’m sick. How convenient.”
By the afternoon, however, she felt even worse and her stomach still felt unsettled. When the doorbell rang, she groaned softly and shuffled toward the door.
She opened it to find Tessa standing there with a bag of takeout in one hand.
“Emergency best friend visit.” Tessa announced cheerfully.
Amelia blinked. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“You’ve been ignoring my messages all morning.”
“I was working.”
“That probably explains why you look so terrible.”
“Wow, thanks.” Amelia said dryly
Tessa set the food down on the table.
“Seriously, you look sick.”
“I think I caught the flu.” Amelia said
They sat down on the couch together. Tessa opened the food containers and began eating.
“So,” Tessa said between bites. “have you spoken to Ryan since the breakup?”
“Ew no.” Amelia replied, grabbing the other container. “Mom had been trying to gaslight me into taking the blame for it so I stopped picking her calls. But she won’t let go that easily.”
As the smell of the food reached her nose, her stomach twisted again. She shot up from the couch and sprinted toward the bathroom.
Tessa stared after her. Seconds later, the unmistakable sound of vomiting echoed from the bathroom.
“Wow, you’re really sick.” Tessa said as Amelia returned to the living room.
Amelia groaned and sat down.
“I told you. Flu.”
Tessa crossed her arms.
“How long has this been happening?”
“Some days ago.”
Tessa tilted her head.
“Let me guess, you’re nauseous?”
“Yes.”
“And tired?”
“Yes.”
“And pale?”
“Yes, Tessa. Congratulations, you can observe.”
Tessa was quiet for a moment.
“Amelia, are you pregnant?” She asked carefully
Amelia froze. Then she burst out laughing.
“Pregnant? That’s ridiculous. I haven’t slept with anyone.”
Tessa stared at her and she paused.
“Oh.”
“Well, that was one time,” Amelia added quickly.
“That’s exactly how it works.”
Amelia shook her head.
“No. Absolutely not. I’m not pregnant.”
“Wait here. I’ll be back.”
“Wait, where are you going?”
But Tessa had already grabbed her purse and hurried out of the apartment.
Amelia stared in confusion. “What the hell?”
Twenty minutes later, Tessa returned and placed a small box on the table.
Amelia looked down at it.
“Is that–
“A pregnancy test kit.”
Amelia immediately shook her head.
“No. I’m not using that.”
“Amelia–
“I’m not pregnant!”
Tessa sighed. “Look, it’s better to be sure. Just take the test.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
They stared at each other. Finally, Amelia grabbed the box.
“Fine.” she muttered and disappeared into the bathroom.
Minutes passed. Then suddenly, she screamed and ran out.
“TESSSAAAA!”
Tessa jumped. “What happened!?”
Amelia stood frozen in front of her. Slowly, she lifted the small test stick.Two bright lines stared back at them. Positive.
“Oh my God!” Tessa gasped, grabbing Amelia’s shoulders excitedly. “You’re pregnant!”
“I’m going to be an aunt!” She squealed
Amelia didn’t move. Her brain was still struggling to process the words. She was pregnant.
“Tessa, this is not good news.” Her voice cracked. “I’m pregnant with a stranger’s baby.”
“Oh.” Tessa blinked, reality settling in.
Amelia’s shoulders sank. “No, this wasn’t supposed to happen.” she whispered.
Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t even know the father. How am I supposed to explain this?”
Tessa wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“Hey… it’s okay.”
Amelia shook her head.
“It’s not. I’m not ready for this, my life is ruined.” She sobbed
“Don’t say that.” Tessa said softly. “You don’t have to figure everything out today.”
Amelia looked at the test again and she exhaled shakily.
“What am I supposed to do now?”
“Do you want to keep it?” Tessa asked
Her heart pounded in her chest. She hadn’t even considered that question yet. Before she could answer, her phone rang suddenly on the table.
Both girls turned toward it. The screen lit up displaying Ryan as the caller ID.
