Race of Love

Chapter 8

Kaeo paced back and forth in front of the bathroom door, her heart thudding in her chest. She tried to focus on her breathing, to keep herself calm, but it was hard when she knew that just on the other side of the door, Maya was about to find out something that could change her life forever.

She glanced down at her phone, checking the time. It had only been a couple of minutes, but it felt like an eternity. What was taking so long? Kaeo's stomach twisted with anxiety as her thoughts spiraled. If the test was positive... what would happen next? She wanted to be there for Maya, to support her no matter what, but the uncertainty of it all gnawed at her.

The door creaked open, and Kaeo immediately turned to face it. Maya stepped out, her face pale and her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and fear. She held the pregnancy test in her trembling hand, staring down at it as if she could will it to change.

"Maya?" Kaeo's voice was soft, but her concern was all too noticeable. She took a tentative step forward, her heart in her throat. "What... what does it say?"

Maya looked up at Kaeo, her eyes filling with tears again. She held out the test, the two faint lines glaring back at them both like a flashing neon sign. Kaeo's breath caught in her throat as she realized what those lines meant.

"I'm pregnant," Maya whispered, her voice breaking as the tears streamed down her face...

Kaeo felt the room spin around her for a moment as the words sank in. She reached out and took the test from Maya, staring down at it as if hoping she could somehow make it say something different. But there was no denying it. Maya was pregnant.

"Oh, Maya..." Kaeo breathed out, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. She looked up at Maya, who was now on the verge of breaking down completely. Without a second thought, Kaeo pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close as the first sob escaped Maya's lips.

Maya clung to Kaeo as if she were the only thing keeping her from falling apart entirely. Kaeo could feel the tremors running through her body, the fear and confusion radiating off her in waves. She rubbed gentle circles on Maya's back, whispering soothing words that she hoped would offer some form of comfort, even if just a little.

"It's okay," Kaeo murmured, though she wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Maya or herself. "We'll figure this out, Maya. I'm here for you, no matter what. We'll get through this together."

Maya pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face filled with anguish. "But... I don't know what to do, Kaeo. I'm scared. I can't be pregnant. I'm not ready for this. I don't even know anything about being pregnant!" she said through her breathy sobs.

"I know it's overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it all out right now." Kaeo interjected, "One step at a time, okay? We'll find out what your options are, and we'll make a plan. You're not alone in this."

Maya nodded, but the uncertainty in her eyes was still there, clear as day.

"I'll help you," Kaeo said firmly, determination finally setting in. "We'll talk to someone, maybe go to the campus health center. They can guide us through what needs to happen next."

Maya sniffled, wiping at her eyes. "Do you really think they'll help us?"

Kaeo cupped Maya's face in her hands, looking her straight in the eyes. "I do. It's not going to be easy, but you're strong, Maya. We'll get through this together, I promise."

Maya searched Kaeo's eyes for a moment, and then slowly, she nodded, the smallest hint of resolve flickering in her gaze. "Okay. Together."

Kaeo smiled softly, brushing a stray tear from Maya's cheek. "Together"