A Love Story in Art

Chapter 21

Karina sat on the edge of the bed, her heart racing in her chest. The small, plastic stick in her trembling hand seemed to vibrate with the weight of what it had just revealed. She blinked several times, her mind struggling to catch up with the reality staring back at her. The two faint pink lines. Positive. Pregnant.

She had imagined this moment countless times, but nothing had prepared her for the wave of emotions that surged through her. A mixture of joy, fear, and excitement tangled together, creating a knot in her throat. Her breath came in shallow, uneven bursts as her gaze darted toward the bedroom door, where SJ was still downstairs, completely unaware of the life-changing news.

She needed a moment to process it herself. The implications of what this meant were overwhelming, her body was carrying life, their life, a child. It was beautiful and terrifying all at once.

She took a deep breath, placing a protective hand over her stomach. A baby. Their baby.

Karina's mind immediately flashed forward to what the future would look like. A nursery filled with soft pastel colors, toys scattered on the floor, tiny clothes hanging in the closet. She imagined late-night feedings, SJ cradling their child in his arms, the sound of their baby's laughter echoing through the house. But with that beautiful vision came the uncertainty. Were they ready for this? Was she ready for this? Would she be a good mother?

Before she could spiral into more doubt, she heard footsteps ascending the stairs. Her pulse quickened as she realized it was time to tell him. She stood up, feeling light-headed, and quickly set the pregnancy test on the dresser before SJ entered the room.

"Hey, love," he said, his voice soft and comforting as he walked in, completely unaware of the monumental change that had just occurred in their lives. He smiled at her, but his smile faltered slightly when he noticed the odd look on her face. "You okay? You look... a little pale."

Karina swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, though her hands trembled slightly. "SJ," she started, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't know how to begin, how to say the words that would change everything. "I... I need to tell you something."

His brow furrowed, and he stepped closer, reaching out to gently touch her arm. "What is it? You're worrying me."

Karina took a deep breath, steadying herself before her words tumbled out in a rush. "I'm pregnant."

There. It was out. She watched SJ's face closely, his expression frozen in disbelief for a moment before it softened, his eyes widening in surprise. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face, a smile filled with pure joy.

"WHAT?? Are you sure?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

Karina nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I am. I took the test just now. It's positive."

SJ let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his face glowing with excitement and awe. He reached out, cupping her face gently in his hands before pulling her into a tight embrace. "We're going to be parents," he whispered into her hair, his voice trembling slightly.

Karina closed her eyes, letting herself melt into the warmth of his embrace. She could feel his heart racing against hers, a rhythm that matched the pounding in her chest. They stood there for a long moment, holding each other, letting the reality of the situation sink in.

When they finally pulled apart, SJ's hands slid down to her waist before resting gently on her stomach. "Our baby is in here," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "Our little one."

Karina's heart swelled with love as she placed her hand over his. "Yes. Our baby."

But then the weight of the situation settled in. The joy was undeniable, but so was the uncertainty. They were entering a new phase of their lives, one that would come with challenges they hadn't anticipated.