Into Folklore | W. Halstead

opinions

'Congratulations .'

A word that is supposed to make you feel joy, excitement. Positive feelings. But as Olivia cashed out at the store, hearing the cashier give her most sincere congrats made her stomach twist.

Sure, Will and her were discussing kids that morning, but that was supposed to be future talk. Like years into the future talk. Not later that night. How was she meant to go back to him with a test that was going to completely change their lives?

Olivia simply nodded at the cashier with a tight smile and turned, driving back to the apartment. Even though part of her wanted to take them there, at the store. Why mention it at all if it was negative? All the symptoms would just be unexplained. Everyone gets sleepy and tries new foods. And maybe she just ate something bad today and that was why she was queasy.

Except Will was a good cook. So that was obviously out.

And she would be a bad girlfriend if she didn't tell him right off the bat, to not let him be a part of finding out. At least in her own mind. He wouldn't mind if she told him right away or not. If Will was one thing it was understanding.

As Olivia drove, a million and one thoughts were running wild in her mind. Were they even ready for a kid? Did she want to put her entire career on hold for at least a year yet? And if they were both ready, was she even going to be a good mother?

Her anxiety was actively eating her up as she drove back. How do you even start a conversation like that? 'Yeah remember how we talked about having kids literally this morning? Well looks like it might happen sooner rather than later!' That was terrifying.

So terrifying that she was basically on the verge of an anxiety attack the entire drive. That's exactly what a huge and sudden change does to a person you know? All she could do to keep herself together was remind herself that no matter what happened, she'd have Will.

If it was positive, he'd be supportive, they'd be okay, talk things out. Pretty much the same thing if it came out negative but with a sprinkle of relief that they're lives weren't going to be flipped on their heads in about nine months.

Walking up the steps to Will's apartment felt like trying to make way through Asphodel. Her heart racing so loud it was all she could hear in her ears as she had tucked away the tests in the deepest section of the bag.

His face perked up the second he heard the front door opening, hopping off the couch to help her if needed, "Hi, you need help?" Will came up, putting his hand on her lower back as he came up beside her.

"Uh, no I got it." Olivia hesitated, pulling all the food items out of the bag. Said hesitation was noted immediately by Will who didn't even get a chance to question what was wrong before she looked at him. "Can I tell you something?"

Obviously he nodded, thumb going into circles on her back, "Course, what's up?" There was a general layer of worry from the look on her face as she reached into the bag. Course she still had no idea what the fuck she was going to say.

As she pulled one of the small boxes out, she locked eyes with him. "I think I'm pregnant?" The statement coming out more like a question, Will's eye's widening. His gaze went from her to the box and right back as she placed it on the counter.

"Wha- seriously?"

The response he got was simply her putting a duplicate of it right next to the first with a small nod. There were a couple beats of silence. Their eyes on one another. "The silence is making me freak out, I'm gonna go take these." She said suddenly, Will hardly nodding as she passed him.