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25

CHARLOTTE

My back falls against the front door.

“What am I gonna do?” I say, and the girls rush to me. “Did you get what I asked for?”

“Yes,” Andi says, swallowing hard. “We got it.”

“Play us the voicemail,” Stella says as we walk to the couch, and I sit between them.

They put their arms around me as I pull out my phone, release a shaky breath, and hit play.

“Hey, Charlotte. It’s Coach Landry. I’m really sorry to do this over voicemail, but I’m heading on a trip for a few days without service, and I thought you’d want to know as soon as possible.” She sighs. “Your physical yesterday came back with a result I don’t think either of us were expecting. But, according to your urine test, you’re pregnant.”

The voicemail continues another minute about resources and reaching out to her for support, but the rest of it was drowned out by the sounds of Andi and Stella having a full-blown meltdown.

“How did this happen?”

“How far along are you?”

“Have you told Noah?” Andi asks.

“Clearly not,” Stella points out. “Given the way you threw him out of our apartment.”

“I did not throw him out,” I say, placing a hand over my chest, then suck in a breath. “I totally did.” My heart aches, and I jump to my feet. “He probably thinks he did something wrong.”

“I mean, he got you pregnant,” Stella points out.

“Allegedly,” Andi says, standing. “Let’s not freak out until you pee on a stick.”

Twenty minutes later, I stare down at the results on the counter. Stella was smart enough to suggest I pee in a cup so we can take multiple tests for accuracy.

“Can I freak out yet?” I ask, tears welling in my eyes, looking at the four very clear, very positive pregnancy tests.

“Yeah.” They put their arms around me. “You can.”

And I break down in their arms and cry.

* * *

I awake in my soft bed with puffy eyes and a pounding headache. I wish I could say I don’t know how I got here, but it looks like joke’s on me. The pull-out method is not , in fact, an effective birth control.

Who knew?

“Charlie?” I hear, paired with a knock.

“Yeah,” I groan, covers pulled over my head.

The door creaks open and the bed dips at my feet. I peek out from the blanket, shooting straight up when I see who’s sitting there. “Sophia?”

“Yeah,” she says as Sage, Stella, and Andi stroll in after her, all joining her on the bed.

“What are you doing here?” I ask Sophia, and she and Andi share a look. “I thought you were in Georgia.” I glare at Andi. “You told them?”

“No,” Andi says, taking my hand. “I said you needed them.” She smiles, looking at them and back to me. “I didn’t expect they’d show up here first thing, banging on the door.”

“That’s what friends are for,” Sophia says.

“I thought you left for Georgia today?” I ask her.

“We were supposed to, but plans changed,” she says with a soft smile, squeezing my hand.

I throw an arm over my head. “So now I’m affecting everyone’s lives?”

“Char,” Sophia says, taking my arm off my head. “What’s going on?”

“I got kicked off the cheer squad,” I say, thinking of the second half of the message that pulled the rug out from under me. Not only am I pregnant, but I also lose a huge part of my identity.

“What?” Sophia squeaks. “Why?”

I drag a hand down my face as they all look at me expectantly. “Because I’m pregnant.”

Sophia’s and Sage’s mouths fall open. “No.”

“Yes,” I say.

“It’s Noah’s?” Sophia asks.

“Obviously?” I say, brows furrowed.

“So you two were just raw dogging it all summer?” Sage asks.

I roll my eyes. “It seems that way.”

“When was your last period?” she asks.

“I don’t know? It’s super irregular, so I never track it.”

“Are you not on the pill?” Sophia asks.

“No,” I say, cursing myself. How could I be so reckless? “It always fucked up my hormones.”

“Being pregnant also fucks with your hormones,” Sage reminds me.

“You’re not helping,” Andi tells her.

“Sorry.” Sage throws up her hands.

“So what are you gonna do?” Sophia asks.

I rest my chin on my knees. “I don’t know.”

“Well, whatever you decide, we’re here for you,” Andi says, squeezing my hand.

I glance around, all my girls by my side, and while I might have been upset with Andi at first, I’m relieved to not be dealing with this freak-out alone.

Now I won’t have to do a huge “surprise, I’m pregnant” tour.

Although that tour should probably start with Noah.