Tina’s eyes welled up with tears again. She buried her face in her hands and began to cry. Josie immediately came to her side and put her arms around her to comfort her.

Josie: “Tina, please tell me what’s wrong. Are you upset about Eric? Are you worried about your parents?

Tina attempted to stop crying long enough to explain herself to her friend

Tina: “I’m upset that I will hurt Eric. He would have to be blind however if he didn’t see that I don’t feel for him the way he feels about me. He deserves to be with someone who’s in love with him. Of course I’m worried about my parents, namely my Mother. She will disown me. I’m not sure that’s such a bad thing. She cracked a short lived smile

But I’m not crying for any of these reasons. The truth is,.. I’m late. I’m almost 2 weeks late and I’m never late. My body is like clock work and I can almost time it right to the hour of the day. I can’t be pregnantthen I have to marry him”at that Tina broke into tears again.

Josie: “WHAT! Why would you have to marry him. Tina, people raise children alone all the time. Look at me, I was raised by a single dad. I turned out just fine.”

Tina: “That is debatable”she said between sobs allowing herself to smile

Josie: “HEY!”

Tina: “I’m kidding Joe, but seriously. I couldn’t do that to a child. They deserve 2 parents. It would be my sacrifice for my child.”

Josie: “You’re not a lamb Tina, you’re a human being. You don’t have to marry him. Listen, before keep turning circles here remember you haven’t even taken a test. You don’t know any thing for sure.”

Tina: “I know you’re right. I’m so scared Joe. Will you stay with me while I take the test? Will you read the results? I don’t think I can do it.”

Josie: “Of course I will, go ahead. I’ll be right outside the door.”

Tina went into the bathroom and closed the door. She reached into the medicine cabinet and pulled out the blue box containing 2 pregnancy tests. She followed the directions and moments later emerged from the bathroom carrying the white stick and immediately handing it to her friend. Josie took the stick and laid it on the counter set the kitchen timer,  and took Tina’s hand.

Josie: “Listen Tina, we’ve been friends for a long time. I love you like a sister. I just want you to know that whatever result you get and what ever you decide to do. I’ll be here for you. You’ve got me. I just want to urge you once more not to rule out raising a child on your own. You are a great person and you would be a wonderful mother. And, you should follow your heart. Quit doing what everyone expects you to do and follow your heart. I’ve never seen that look in your eyes like I did when you were talking about this Bette woman. Go for it Tina.”

Just then the timer went off

Josie: “Are you sure you want me to read it first?”

Tina shook her head yes as she thought about her life and how it could change in an instant

TBC.