The Pregnant Girl

# Chapter 1: Girl or Mom The morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Emma lay in bed, cocooned in a mountain of blankets, her heart racing. It was a familiar sensation, that blend of excitement and dread that had become her constant companion over the past few months. Today was the day she would find out if her life was about to change forever. At seventeen, Emma had always imagined her future as a series of milestones: graduating high school, going to college, maybe falling in love. Becoming a mother had never been on her radar, at least not this soon. But life, she had learned, had a way of throwing curveballs that left you reeling. She glanced at the clock. It was still early, but sleep had eluded her for hours. The weight of her secret pressed down on her chest. She was pregnant. The word echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of the reality she was grappling with. It felt surreal, as if she were living someone else's story. How had she gone from being a carefree girl to someone facing the prospect of motherhood? Emma rolled over, her hand instinctively brushing over her belly. It was still flat, but she could feel the changes happening within her—tiny flutters that whispered of new life. A part of her was awed by the miracle of it all, but another part felt overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. She had so many questions, but most of all, she felt an acute sense of loss for the girl she used to be. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, interrupting her thoughts. It was a text from her best friend, Mia. *Are you ready for today?* The simple question sent a jolt of anxiety through her. Ready? How could anyone ever be ready for something like this? *Yeah,* she texted back, forcing a smile that no one could see. *Just nervous.* A response came almost instantly. *You’ll be amazing, Em. Just think about how great it’ll be to have a little one!* Emma chewed her lip, staring at the screen. Mia was right in some ways; the thought of a baby brought a flicker of warmth to her heart. But the reality of being a single mother at her age loomed large. What would people say? How would she finish school? And most importantly, who would she become—girl or mom? With a deep breath, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. The wooden floor felt cool against her feet, grounding her in the moment. She had a decision to make, and the weight of it felt heavier than any backpack she had ever carried. As she moved to the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The girl staring back seemed both familiar and foreign. Her hair was a wild tangle, her eyes a mix of worry and determination. Emma ran her fingers through her hair, trying to tame it, but she knew that no amount of styling could hide the truth. She was pregnant, and this was her new reality. After splashing water on her face, she steeled herself. She had to tell her parents, and she had to do it today. But the thought of their reaction sent a wave of nausea through her. What if they were disappointed? What if they didn’t support her? Her heart raced as she thought about her dad’s stern demeanor and her mom’s penchant for worrying. Would they see her as a girl who had made a mistake, or would they recognize the strength it took to face this head-on? With a resolve she didn’t quite feel, Emma dressed in a loose shirt that allowed her to hide her growing secret just a little longer. She took her time, adjusting the fabric as she glanced in the mirror again. The girl she saw was still there, but she could feel the edges of her identity blurring. As she made her way downstairs, the aroma of coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of her parents’ laughter. It was a moment of normalcy, and she yearned to hold onto it just a little longer. But today was the day everything would change, and she had to be brave. In the kitchen, her parents sat at the table, the sunlight streaming through the window illuminating their faces. They looked so at ease, sipping their coffee and engrossed in conversation. Emma felt a pang of longing for the simplicity of her life before the pregnancy test had turned her world upside down. “Hey, sweetie!” her mom called, her voice bright. “Come join us! We were just talking about vacation plans.” Emma forced a smile as she sat down, her heart pounding against her ribcage. She had rehearsed her words a hundred times, but now, they felt stuck in her throat. “Um, Mom, Dad,” she started, her voice trembling slightly. “Can we talk?” Her parents exchanged glances, curiosity etched on their faces. “Of course, honey,” her dad replied, setting his coffee down. “What’s on your mind?” Emma took a deep breath, her mind racing. It was time to choose—girl or mom. And as the words finally tumbled out, she realized that no matter what, she would have to embrace both.