374 Test Time

(Winona)

I close the bathroom door behind me, leaning back against it as my heart pounds against my ribs. I clutch the pregnancy test in one hand, determined to finally go through with it.

No more interruptions, no more stalling. It’s time to know. Sitting on the toilet, I’m ready.

Before I can open the package, my phone rings. I nearly drop the test, the sudden sound jolting me. I pull my phone out of the pocket of my jeans now pooled at my ankles, and Jayden’s name flashes on the screen.

My thumb hovers over the decline button—I want to be alone in this moment. But then, something stops me. It’s as if he knows I need him, even though he’s not with me.

I swipe to answer, bracing myself, hoping he doesn’t pick up on the anxiety in my voice.

“Hey, babe,” I say, clutching the test in one hand.

“Hey,” he replies, his tone warm and steady. There’s a softness in his voice, the kind he only uses when he’s about to say something important.

“I’m just about to take off for London, but I had to