Page 6 of The Little Black Rose

But it does exist, just like the baby growing inside me.

“I have a tattoo,” I blurt without thinking, and both Sophie and Zoey’s head jerk back at the sudden admission.

“You do?” Sophie asks, her hand rubbing light circles on my back.

I nod jerkily. “I got it during that spring break trip to Cabo. On a dare from a stranger.”

“Cabo?” Zoey asks, tilting her head. “That was ten years ago, Ava.”

“I know,” I sob as the tears start flowing again. “I was embarrassed and…I don’t know why I never told you guys.”

“Shush,” Sophie says in a soothing voice. “It’s okay, but why are you telling us now?”

“I don’t know,” I say tearfully. “Because I might be pregnant, and I need you guys. And I don’t want there to be secrets between us.”

I’m just babbling now, but the girls only hug me and assure me everything is going to be okay. I manage to get the rest of the water down, then push myself to my feet and grab the bag from the coffee table where Sophie dropped it.

“I’ll be right back,” I say softly.

“We’ll be right here, waiting for you,” Zoey replies.

I head back into the bathroom and stare at the used test still lying innocently on the counter. The lines are darker now, almost fuchsia in color. Tearing my eyes away from it, I open the three new tests and hold them in one hand while I push down my pants and underwear. I manage to pee on all three without getting my fingers in the way. After popping the plastic caps back on, I wash my hands and head back out into the living room.

I take my place between them and fan the tests out before holding them up so we can see the results windows. One by one, the results appear.

Two pink lines.

A plus sign.

A definitive “pregnant.”

The tests slip through my fingers and fall to the floor as my entire body goes numb. I’m pregnant. There’s no doubt about it.

“Everything is going to be okay,” Zoey says, wrapping her arm around my back. “We’re here for you, Ava.”

“Damn straight, we are,” Sophie adds. “This is going to be the luckiest, most-loved baby on the planet.”

Those words linger in the air for a few beats, then Zoey clears her throat and asks the question I’ve been dreading.

“I’m sorry, Ava, but I have to ask. Who is the father?”

Zeke’s unsmiling face looms in my mind, and my heart starts to race. I can’t tell them. I know I’m going to have to eventually, but I physically cannot make my mouth form the words. I’m a chickenshit coward, and I blurt another lie to add to the rest.

“I don’t know. Some guy I had a one-night stand with a couple of months back, I suppose. I mean, it’s definitely him. I haven’t slept with anyone else. But I don’t know who he is or how to contact him.”

Andthat’sword vomit at its finest, folks.

“And you didn’t use protection?” Sophie asks, then slaps her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I’m not judging you, I promise. It’s just…”

“Not like you,” Zoey adds when Sophie’s words trail off.

“I did,” I say quickly. “We did. The condom must’ve been defective, or something. And I forgot to go in for my last shot.”

They know I’ve been on the birth control shot for years, and this is the first time I’ve ever missed an appointment. Zoey hugs me tightly as Sophie nods.

“There’s been a lot going on.” Then she straightens her spine and takes my hand in hers. “But this is a happy accident, right? You’re going to be a kickass mom, and Zoey and I are going to be the best aunties who ever existed. We’ve got you, Ava. You won’t be doing this alone.”

“Thank you,” I say, sniffing. “I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

---