23

The apartment was quiet, the only sound being the soft music from the living room. Jenna was lying on the couch, staring up at the ceiling as her thoughts whirled around in her head. The events of earlier in the day replayed in her mind over and over again in a constant loop. The shock had faded a bit, but the situation hadn't begun to feel any less surreal. She couldn't stop thinking about how she was going to tell you about the pregnancy and what your reaction would be.

Emma: "You hungry?"

Jenna roused from her thoughts at the sound of Emma's voice. She wasn't particularly hungry, but she hadn't really eaten much since breakfast.

Jenna: "I don't know, maybe a little, I don't think I can stomach too much right now, tho"

Emma: "That's alright, I'll make you a soup or something that won't upset your stomach so much"

Jenna: "That'd be nice, thank you"

She closed her eyes again, the tiredness seeping in. She was beyond grateful for Emma being there, taking care of things while her mind was a mess.

Emma: "No problem"

Emma headed to the kitchen, leaving Jenna to her thoughts. Jenna shifted on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position, but her mind kept wandering back to you and how to break the news. She wished there was a way to know how you would react, but she knew she'd have to face the uncertainty sooner or later.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Emma began gathering the ingredients to make a light soup. She knew that Jenna needed something easy to digest in her current state, and she wanted to make sure that she got some nutrients in her system, even if her appetite was limited.

While she cooked, Emma glanced at the living room, catching sight of Jenna on the couch. She could tell that Jenna was deep in thought, probably trying to sort through her emotions and thoughts about the situation. Emma felt bad for her, knowing that Jenna was probably overwhelmed by it all. Once the soup was ready, Emma served a bowl for Jenna and brought it to her in the living room.

Emma: "Here, soup is ready...think you can eat a little bit?"

Jenna opened her eyes and sat up, taking the bowl from Emma. The warm aroma of the soup was appetizing, and her stomach grumbled slightly, even though she didn't feel all that hungry.

Jenna: "Yes, and thanks by the way"

She took a spoonful and sipped at it slowly, the warm liquid sending a small wave of comfort through her.

Emma sat down beside her, silently watching as Jenna ate. She could see the exhaustion in Jenna's eyes, both physical and emotional. She wanted to say something, anything, to make Jenna feel better but knew that words weren't going to be enough to take away her worries.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound being the occasional clink of the spoon against the bowl. Jenna managed to eat half the bowl before her stomach started to protest. She set the bowl down, feeling a little less hollow but still no less weary. Emma noticed the half-empty bowl and gave Jenna a soft smile.

Emma: "You did good, you got some food in you, that's all that matters right now"

Jenna nodded, feeling a bit better despite her chaotic thoughts. She leaned back against the couch and closed her eyes, feeling the soup settle in her stomach. The silence was broken a little later, as she spoke up, her voice soft.

Jenna: "Emma"

Emma: "Yes?"

Jenna: "Can I ask you something?"

Emma: "Of course you can"

Jenna: "Have you ever had to keep something from someone you care about? Like, something you knew would change things but were too afraid to tell them?"

Emma: "Not really"

Jenna was a bit surprised by Emma's immediate answer. She opened her eyes and looked at her, studying her face.

Jenna: "Never, not even once? Not even a little fib or secret you were afraid to share?"

Emma: "Nope, Im known for how brutally honest I can be"

Jenna: "How do you get the courage to be so bluntly honest? I'm usually pretty bad at keeping secrets, and even worse at lying, but right now, I'm terrified of telling Y/n about"

She trailed off, the words 'the pregnancy' catching in her throat. Emma looked at her sympathetically, understanding the weight of what Jenna was trying to say. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Jenna's leg, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Emma: "It's like ripping off a bandaid, you know? It's going to hurt, and it might even bleed a bit, but delaying it won't stop the pain. And Y/n, she deserves to know, especially if it involves her"

Jenna nodded, tears stinging her eyes again. She knew Emma was right. Delaying it wouldn't make it any easier, but that didn't make it any less terrifying.

Jenna: "I know I do, it's just how the hell do I even start? What do I say? 'Hey, I know we've never really discussed anything this serious, but surprise, I'm pregnant'...yeah, that's sure to go over well"

Emma: "Not exactly, you could start by talking like you always do with her and then say something like 'hypothetically speaking' or 'changing topics I need to tell you something important' you get the point"

Jenna nodded, listening intently to Emma's advice. It was simple, but it made sense. She took a breath, picturing herself having that conversation with you.

Jenna: "Right just ease into it, start casual and then drop the bomb"

Emma: "Exactly, oh and don't stress over it too much, you know Y/n better than anyone, she'll listen no matter how you start the conversation"

Jenna gave a weak nod. Hearing Emma's words of reassurance helped a tiny bit with the anxiety that was constantly gnawing at her. She closed her eyes again, the fatigue making her head feel heavy.

Jenna: "I hope you're right, I just...I just want things to go alright, I'm terrified of losing her"

Emma: "We've talked about this Jen, you won't lose her not today, not tomorrow, not anytime soon"

Jenna smiled weakly, knowing Emma was trying to reassure her. But a part of her still harbored lingering doubts. She let out a shaky breath.

Jenna: "You make it sound so easy, but nothing's ever guaranteed, you know? What if this is it? What if this is the thing that ruins everything?"

Emma: "Well if it is, then good thing you're a strong woman who I know will get through whatever challenges life throws at you"

Jenna felt a lump in her throat at Emma's words. They weren't just empty reassurances, she knew Emma wholeheartedly believed in them. She took another shaky breath, trying to get her emotions under control.

Jenna: "Thank you, I just wish I had your confidence right now"

Emma: "You don't need it cause I know you got this"

Jenna smiled again, feeling a small surge of determination. Emma's unyielding faith in her was infectious, even if her own anxieties were screaming at her in the back of her mind. She opened her eyes again, looking at Emma with a resolute expression.

Jenna: "You're right, I can do this. I'm terrified, but I can do this"

Emma: "Hell yeah you can"

Jenna let out a shaky laugh. Emma's casual support and enthusiasm were a stark contrast to the dread that had been weighing on her. For a fleeting moment, she felt like she could conquer the world. But then reality came crashing back, leaving her with the same sense of trepidation.

Jenna: "Yeah, I'm gonna do great, I'm just gonna call Y/n and tell her"

Emma: "You do that"

Jenna steeled herself. She knew the sooner she got this over with, the better it'd be. With a small nod, she pulled out her phone and looked at it for a long moment, her heart thundering against her ribs. She took a deep breath and dialed your number and as she did Emm stood up from the couch and went to her room to give Jenn privacy.

The phone rang, each second feeling like an eternity. Jenna listened to the sound of the rings, feeling the butterflies in her stomach intensify. She was so busy trying to remember how to breathe that she almost didn't notice when the ringing stopped and your voice came through the receiver.

Y/N 🌎

Hello love

Jenna's heart skipped a beat at the sound of your carefree greeting. For a brief second, she longed to pretend that everything was normal and that nothing was wrong. But she knew she couldn't do that.

Hey, baby

How was filming? How's Emma?

Filming was fine, but I-I need to talk to you about something

You notice the slight change of tone in Jenna's voice as she said that last part, which caused you to grow concerned.

What's wrong? Did something bad happen? Are you ok?

Jenna felt a rush of emotions hearing the concern in your voice. It made her even more hesitant to say what she needed to say. But she swallowed the lump in her throat and gathered her courage.

Yeah yeah, I'm okay, but there's something I need to tell you, it's kind of important, and I don't know how to

She trailed off, her voice wavering slightly.

That's fine take your time don't rush, I'll be listening

Jenna took a deep breath, appreciating your understanding tone. It gave her the nudge she needed to continue.

Okay well, okay uh there's really no easy way to say this I just, I need to be honest with you, and

She paused again, feeling the words get stuck in her throat. It was proving harder than she thought to actually say the words.

You waited patiently on the other end of the line, your concern for Jenna growing as you heard the shakiness in her tone. But you remained completely silent, giving Jenna the space she needed to find the right words.

Jenna took another breath, gathering up the last of her courage. She knew she just needed to rip the bandaid off, like Emma had said. So she closed her eyes and just blurted it out.

I'm pregnant

Silence, that's all the noise that was heard. Jenna felt her heart plummet at the silence on the other end of the line. Every second that ticked by increased her anxiety. She clutched the phone tighter, her knuckles white. The silence was deafening, making her doubt every decision she'd ever made. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jenna's voice broke the silence, almost in a whisper.

Babe, say something please

Right, sorry, I was just processing what you just said

Jenna felt a mix of relief and dread at your response. She knew she had dropped a huge bomb on you, and processing information like that took time. But the uncertainty was killing her. Not knowing what you were thinking or feeling was pure torture.

I know it's a lot to take in and trust me, I'm still having trouble believing it myself.... are you okay?

Are you fucking kidding me, I'm feeling great, I'm gonna be a fucking MOMMA

Jenna was taken aback by your response. For a second, she thought she had misheard. But then your words registered in her brain, and she realized you were excited? It was the opposite of what she was expecting and left her feeling a bit stunned.

Wait you're not mad?or freaked out?or anything negative?

Why would I be?

That was not the response Jenna was expecting. She had braced herself for a whole gamut of reactions, ranging from shock to disappointment to straight up anger. But excitement? That was completely unexpected.

I don't know, I guess I thought you might be upset or at least as freaked out as I am, after all this is a big deal, you know?

You laughed on the other end, the sound bright and filled with genuine joy.

Oh, trust me, I am, I'm just actually really happy, I know that we never actually had a serious discussion about kids or anything like that but I don't know, the thought of you and me being moms, it's just, it's exhilarating, I know it's gonna be a lot of work, but I'm honestly really excited about it

Jenna felt her heart swell at your words. To hear you being so utterly excited and joyful about the news was almost overwhelming. It banished all the doubts and fears that had been haunting her. For the first time since realizing she was pregnant, she actually allowed herself to feel hopeful.

God, you really have no idea how much of a huge weight you just lifted off my chest, here I was expecting the worst, and you're just over there being completely excited

Yeah, well I'm just really hyped up right now, like, I'm already envisioning us as moms, all baby bumps and diapers and midnight feedings, it's gonna be a wild ride, but it's gonna be awesome

Jenna felt a bubble of laughter rise up in her throat. Your enthusiasm was infectious, and it was hard not to be swept up by it.

God, you're actually insane, you know that right? You're genuinely excited about midnight diaper changes?

Totally, I'm talking glow-in-the-dark onesies, baby monitors with lullabies, the whole shebang, oh and can we have, like, a baby swing that plays Billie Eilish or something? I want our little one to have great taste in music before they can even walk

Jenna couldn't help but shake her head, laughing at your ridiculous but endearing suggestions. The vision of a mini-you listening to Billie Eilish seemed amusing, but she had her own ideas too.

Of course, that's your main concern, not getting enough sleep or having to deal with a crying baby at 3 am, but making sure they have top-tier music choice

Hey, priorities, love, besides baby's gotta have a killer soundtrack for when they're doing all sorta stuff right? We need to get on those playlists ASAP

Jenna rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. You had a way of making the most mundane things sound like the best ideas ever. It was both annoying and endearing at the same time.

I can't believe you've already gone from hearing I'm pregnant to planning an elaborate playlist for our future child, where did the responsible adult go?

Oh, she's on a temporary hiatus, she'll be back when it's time for diaper duty, until then, I'm the captain of the hype train

Jenna couldn't help but burst out laughing again. Your ability to switch from excited to humorous was incredible. It helped ease the last shreds of anxiety still present in the back of her mind.

Alright, alright, captain of the hype train, just please remember that we're gonna need to start making some less fun decisions soon, like you know, doctor's appointments, baby supplies and all that other stuff

Ugh, you had to ruin my vibe with all that adult responsibilities talk, didn't you? but yeah, you're right, we can't just live in La La Land forever, we gotta think about things like health care, baby proofing my place , and most importantly, baby name brainstorming sessions

Oh God, don't even get me started on baby names, I swear you're just gonna come up with the strangest, most eccentric suggestions, aren't you?

Damn straight, I'm thinking something unique, like 'Apollo' if it's a boy or 'Eris' if it's a girl and don't try to make me pick normal names, we're not doing 'John' or 'Sarah' here, our kid deserves a name that's going to make people wonder 'did you just name your child after a Greek god?'

Jenna couldn't help but laugh again. You really were something else.

Of course they do, because nothing says 'I love my kid' more than naming them after a Greek deity or a mythological being, I'm telling you right now that if you try to push those names past me, I'll veto them faster than you can say 'Hercules'

Well there goes my plan to name our kid 'Athena' but alright, I get it, no crazy, godlike names, we'll pick something a bit more conventional, I guess or at least something that won't have our kid explaining its meaning to every single person they meet

Good.......Jenna was currently laying down in her bed as she stared up at the ceiling, her mind still buzzing with the conversation she had with you. The excitement and enthusiasm in your voice echoed in her mind, and she couldn't suppress a smile. She still couldn't believe how positively you had reacted. It made all her fears and anxiety about breaking the news seem almost silly.

She closed her eyes, trying to imagine what the future would be like. A baby bump, midnight feedings, cute onesies, and baby-themed playlists, it was all so real now. It was real and it was exciting, although a little terrifying too. After all, you both had nine months to get your lives in order.

Jenna let out a thoughtful sigh. She knew you both had a lot to discuss and plan out before the baby arrived. Finances, living arrangements, work situations, the list was endless. But she also knew, with you by her side, you'd figure it all out. After all, you were a team now, and soon you'd be a trio.

For the first time since finding out about the pregnancy, Jenna felt a sense of peace settle over her. She opened her eyes and looked down at her stomach, lightly placing a hand over it. She smiled as she felt the beginnings of a fluttering inside her, a gentle reminder of the new life growing within her.

She knew there would be hard times ahead. There were bound to be moments of stress and frustration and exhaustion. But right now, in the quiet of her room, everything felt right. And as she began to drift off to sleep, all she could think was that she couldn't wait to embark on this crazy, wonderful adventure with you by her side.

Seems like Jenna telling you that she's pregnant went well, question is will you still manage to name your kid like a Greek god/goddess when they're born?