Page 92 of How to Score Off Field

TESS

…HE SHOULD HAVE PULLED OUT.

I think I’m late.

And by late, I don’t mean “I showed up to class late,” or “I was late with a credit card payment.”

I’m talking about my period.

Which is weird because I’m like clockwork most months.

There is no way…

But it’s been four days and…

Nothing.

Not a spot.

Not a speck.

Zero sign that a period is forthcoming.

The sun dips below the horizon over the neighboring apartment building, casting a warm golden glow across my apartment. It’s pretty this time of day, and I’d normally love the sunset, but I want to puke right now.

I’m nervous.

I sit on the couch, clutching my phone tightly in one hand, the other hand unconsciously rubbing my forehead.

Seriously, thank god my roommates are gone. The last thing I want to tell them is my suspicions before I have proof because what if I’m only imagining it? What if I’m so stressed out it’s just late? That happens, yeah?

If I’m being honest, the first few times I had sex, I thought I might be pregnant, ha!

My heart races as I dial Miranda's, my stomach churning with a mix of anxiety and uncertainty.

Her phone rings. And rings. And rings, until FINALLY her sing-songy voice answers.

“Is this an emergency because why are you calling and not texting,” she teases, her tone playful and lighthearted. "But for real. Why are you calling?”

I take a deep breath.

I have no idea how to start. Or how to put this.

It could be nothing!

It’s been four days…

"Miranda…” I start, already feeling out of control. “I haven’t gotten my period, and it’s been four days."

There’s a brief pause on the other end of the line, and I can hear my best friend’s wheels turning.

"Wait, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

I nod even though she can't see me. "What if I’m...?"

I can’t even say the actual words. “What if I’m…you know?”

That.

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