This is Me Trying - A Designated Survivor Continuation (2021)

Chapter 3 - Emily

Emily walks up the steps to Isabel's apartment, takes a deep breath, and rings the doorbell.

A teary-eyed, shaking Isabel opens the door. She immediately throws her arms around Emily, surprising her. As far as Emily knew, they weren't even close to being friends. They've barely exchanged words, let alone shake hands. Emily slowly reaches her hands up to hug Isabel back, before stopping herself, and asking,

"Isabel, what the hell is going on?"

They walk over to the couch and sit down.

"I'm pregnant."

Emily stares at her, eyes wide open. "What?! Well first of all, congratulations. Does Aaron know?"

Isabel sighs as she wipes the newly formed tears from the corners of her eyes. "No. I took a pregnancy test about 30 minutes ago, after I started feeling queasy earlier tonight."

Emily looks confused. "Isn't Aaron the one that's supposed to be hearing this? Don't get me wrong, but why are you telling me instead?"

Isabel looks scared, takes a deep breath, and says, "I don't have any friends in the White House. I work with a bunch of politically thirsty men who are willing to do absolutely anything to kiss President Kirkman and the Senior Staff's asses. From the few conversations we've had, and based on the legendary tales I've heard about you before you came back, you seemed like everyone's best friend."

Emily looked confused, as Isabel continued, "while you were the White House Chief of Staff, I've always looked up to you, which is why I've always been so hell bent on getting in your good graces."

"Is that why you didn't say much after Aaron told you about what happened in Florida?" Emily asks.

"No," Isabel croaks. "The truth is, I had been so mad at Aaron, and that same night, during the debate, after I put a very drunk Seth into his Uber, I went back inside the bar, had many, many more drinks, and ended up in some guy from the Hill's apartment. I was so ashamed of myself, and I couldn't even get myself to tell Aaron when he told me about you two. I haven't been with Aaron since before he went to Florida, and I broke up with him before the victory celebration tonight."

Emily is shocked. She had no words.

"I don't know what to do. Do I tell Aaron? I don't even know if it's his—" Isabel bursts into sobs again.

Emily grabs her hands. "Your first priority is your health. You and the baby come first. You need to relax tonight, make an appointment with your doctor first thing in the morning, figure out how far along you are, and then decide what you want to do. They have DNA tests now, and you can decide whether you want to keep the baby, and who to tell."

Isabel continues to cry.

"Hey," Emily squeezes Isabel's hands, "I may be out of a job right now, but I'm not going anywhere. We'll figure this out."

Isabel looks at Emily, "I know you have more than enough going on personally, and I'm so sorry to add more to your burden. You are too kind to me, I—" Emily wraps her arms around Isabel and whispers, "No, don't even think about it. It'll all be okay."

God damn it, Emily thought to herself.