The News

(Shock came over her, the doctor had just uttered the worst words he could)1

Shock washed over her as she starred open mouthed at the doctor. He had just uttered the worst words he could. They were words that put fear into her heart and a couple of stray tears at the corner of her eyes. Those two words caused her heart to beat frantically in her chest as a wave of panic washed over her.2

She was screwed. There was no other way to put it. Everything she'd worked for was about to go out the door, possibly never to be seen again. At least, Kaya thought that was what going to happen. What else could happen to a girl in her position? She was only eighteen. What was she going to do?3

She was only about to be a sophmore in college and she was already close to having a panic attack. Not that it was the college's fault. No. It was her fault. It had been her decision and her mistake. She'd known the consequences but had always thought herself invincible.4

While she did know she could've ended up a lot worse off, she was still scared. No, scared was too mild. Terrified was more like it. After four years of hard work in high school, she'd managed to get into the university of her dreams. Hours of tedious studying and long tutoring sessions had paid off. She'd managed to get straight a's.5

Straight a's. After all that work, one little mistake was going to forever alter her life. Kaya was sure of it. She'd been stupid to think that surviving her first year of college meant she'd be home free. Maybe it was that foolish thought that had lead her to make such a dumb mistake.6

She should've known better. It wasn't as if it had been her first time. Actually, it was more like her tenth time if anything. It had always been with the same guy, too. One would think that, after three years of dating and several sexual experiences, she'd have learned to protect herself.7

And she had. Well, she had except for that one night. One night. One mistake. That was all it took to probably ruin her dreams and forcefully push her out of her little dream world. Push was too mild. Shoved out of her little world was more like it. And it was all because she'd forgotten to take the pill.8

One time. Kaya had been sure that it wouldn't have happened to her after one time. After all, what were the chances? Would one time without protection really do that to her? Apparently the answer was yes. The answer was yes a million times over.9

Just those two little words had her sobbing in her car. There was more to worry about than her dreams. Was she going to be stuck taking care of a child alone? Was she going to have to struggle through life as a single parent desperately trying to care for a child?10

Kaya knew that her boyfriend loved her, but she knew that pregnancy could change everything. Many men had ditched their lovers after hear those two faterful words. She was terrified he'd be the same. So many were. If he was, what would she do?11

The tears were nearly impossible to hold back as she drove her car back to the little apartment they shared. What was going to become of their relationship? Was he going to run the first chance he got? Would she never see him again?12

Millions of questions danced across her frantic mind as she shakily parked the car. Somehow making it up the stairs, she entered her apartment and collapsed on the couch. Placing a hand on her head, she took in deep, calming breaths. She needed to calm down. He would be home in an hour and she needed to get it together.13

God. He didn't even know that there was a possiblity of a child. The whole appointment was kind of a secret. At the time, she'd figured that nothing would have changed and that there would be no reason to tell him.14

How wrong she had been. All that stupid assumption had left her was a lot of panic and unsoothable fear. She was too young to be a single mother. Maybe, jsut maybe, she'd be able to deal if he was okay with it. If not, she didn't know what to do. The only option she could even consider was adoption. Abortion was just out of the question for her.15

While her options were limited, she didn't want to turn to abortion. The child inside her still deserved a chance at life. Kaya just wasn't sure that the life could be with her. If ever she actually were to consider it, that would be the time. As much as the idea horrified her, she figured that it could be one of the only ways out. She didn't want to, but she figured she could have to. But it would all depend on Chris's reaction. He would be the one who would, ultimately, help her make that decision.16

Her heart hammered in her chest as she heard his car pull in. He was home. It was time to face the dreaded music. All there was to do was pray that he would take it well. As she heard him approach the door, Kaya convinced herself she could handle it. She had to handle it.17

All that confidence drained itself from her as he walked through the door. Tears immediatly began to spill over her pale cheeks. She couldn't help it. She was too scared. Never before had such fear coursed through her body. No big roller coaster or creepy horror movie could compare to the terror of that fateful moment.18

"What's wrong?" Chris asked, rushing over to her.19

He didn't know what was wrong, but he knew there was something. He was worried. She wasn't much of a crier. Kaya only really cried over major things. While he couldn't think of anything off the top of his head, he knew there had to be something. And that was what scared him. He couldn't bear to see her so troubled.20

The only response to his worried question was a sob. A loud, desperate sob. She sounded terrified.21

"What's wrong?" he asked again, wrapping his arms around her.22

He was worried when she didn't answer. Never before had he seen her so hysterical. Anger bubbled in the pit of his stomach. If someone had done something to her, he swore he'd kill them.23

"I'm pregnant," she finally managed to choke out.24

THose two words took his breath away. He felt as if he was in a dream. The words felt so strange and unrealistic. He was too shocked to really comprehend the meaning.25

"Pregnant?" he echoed, disbelief still there on his face.26

She only sobbed harder as he continued to gawk. He didn't know what to make of the situation. He really didn't. Chris had never before experienced such a difficult situation. What could he do?27

"Are you upset?" she whispered, her voice strained for the river of tears still falling from her blue eyes.28

It took him several moments to find the words to answer. A mixture of fear and excitment pooled in the bottom of his stomach. He wasn't sure which to express first, but he knew he needed to speak soon. Silence was only going to worsen the situation.29

"A baby, huh?" he whispered, kissing her on the cheek.30

He was worried he wasn't going to be a good father, but that little issue could be saved for later. He needed to calm her first.31

A smile spread across his handsome face as he let the news sink in.32

"I guess I'm going to get to be a father," he said, gently placing a hnad against her still flat stomach.33

She couldn't have been very far along. She had to have just found out that day. 34

"I guess so," she whispered back, a little strength creeping back into her voice.35

She was relieved at how well he was taking the news. For a moment, she'd been afraid he would run right then and there. For the first time since she'd gotten the news, Kaya smiled. Maybe things would be okay.36

"I'm not sure I'll be a good father," he told her, "But I'll try."37

"I don't know much about being a mother," she smiled. "I guess we'll be learning how to be good parents together."38

Chris laced her hand with his and gave it a gentle squeeze. Maybe he'd like being a parent. He would just have to wait and see.