With a mild harrumph, I turn my attention back to the task at hand because I didn’t just come to the lab today to finish up reports, like I told Caleb I was going to do. Instead, I’ve decided that I’m going to use the home pregnancy test I invented. After all, Caleb and I have been having non-stop sex, and there were a few times when the moment was so hot that we went unprotected. It was only a few times, but still. Even once is enough.
I take a deep breath, grab my bag, and head to the bathroom with the test in hand. Instead of an indicator like most home pregnancy tests, my development involves peeing into a small jar of liquid. The liquid turns green if you’re pregnant and it stays blue if you’re not. It’s not the most sanitary, but I’m sure we can figure out how to convert this into an indicator in the future.
But the best part is that the results are immediate, and there’s no waiting around for three minutes or anything. That’s my real breakthrough – the speed and accuracy of my test should disrupt the existing market for pregnancy tests. In fact, at the urging of several of my professors, I even filed a patent for this thing with the USPTO. If all goes well, maybe I’ll start my own company in order to market and sell my product.
This is all wonderful, I think ruefully, but let’s just get this done. After all, life is going to be complicated if you’re pregnant, Lori.
A few minutes later, I emerge from the bathroom, my face white and my hands trembling. A jar of green liquid is in my hands and I stare at it before carefully placing it on the lab counter.
“I’m pregnant,” I say aloud to the empty lab. “Holy cow.”
“What?!” a voice answers in return.
I jump, a tiny squeal popping out of my mouth. “Oh my god, Monica!” I stammer, surprised to see one of my lab colleagues standing in the middle of the room. “What are you doing here? I didn’t see you.”
The pretty girl stares right back.
“I’m sorry, but did I hear right? Are you pregnant?” she asks, her eyes going wide. She looks from my face to the jar of green liquid in my hand and then back again. “Holy shit,” are her words.
I nod dumbly, unable to find my voice for a moment.
“Yes, I am,” I say in a small voice, staring once more at the jar. “I’m having Caleb’s baby.”
I’m in shock and my heart is pounding. OMG, what do I do? Meanwhile, Monica turns inquisitive eyes my way.
“Caleb?” she asks, her brown eyes searching mine. “As in the older guy you’ve been dating the last few months?”
I nod slowly. “The one and the same. We’ve been careful, but it just kind of happened.”
Monica cocks her head to the side. “Is this a good thing though?”
I grimace. “I think so… I don’t know quite yet. But at least I know my invention works!”
Monica nods, her expression supportive.
“I know you probably didn’t meant to blurt out this news, but I’m here for you if you want to talk about it, Lor. So what do you think you’re going to do?” she asks in a soft tone.
I shake my head slowly. “I have no idea, but I have to tell Caleb,” I state firmly.
Monica nods in turn. “Absolutely,” she says in a confident tone. “That’s step one.”
With that, I give her a quick hug and sprint out of the lab, pregnancy test in hand. I reach my car in a slight daze and set my bag and the test next to me in the front seat. Then, I stare out of the windshield, my eyes open and yet unseeing. Goodness, is this really happening?
But I have to get on with it. I turn the ignition, starting the car, and then wind through town toward Caleb’s house. What should I say? How do I go about telling the man I love that he’s going to be a daddy again? Not only that, but how will he feel? After all, he loves being a father to Weston, but we’ve never talked about if he wants more kids, much less with me.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m nearing the gated community where Caleb lives. It’s quiet in this part of town, and I’m grateful for the last few moments to think in peace. Tall trees cast shadows on the ground, and the road is paved and quiet. Suddenly, I know.
I want this baby, I realize with a sudden intensity. He or she was made with love, and I want this child growing under my heart. Of course, I have no idea how I’m going to handle being a mom or how I’m going to tell my own parents such unexpected news, but two things are totally clear. First, I know that I love Caleb. I adore the handsome man with my whole heart, and I’m surprised that I’m only just now admitting such an obvious fact to myself. Second, I want to be a mother to his child, and I have never in my life felt so happy and so sure. Our baby will be welcomed and well-cared for, even if I do the bulk of the parenting.