**Chapter 4: Preparing for the Unexpected**

As the doorbell rang, Lucas quickly got up to answer it. Rose, Blanche, and Sophia rushed in, their faces filled with concern. "We're here, Dorothy," Rose said, rushing to her side. "We're going to help you." The living room was quickly transformed into a makeshift birthing room. Blanche grabbed a few pillows and arranged them on the floor, trying to create a comfortable space for Dorothy. Sophia, meanwhile, went to get some blankets and a towel, while Rose tried to calm Dorothy down. "Okay, Dorothy, let's get you comfortable," Blanche said, her voice gentle. Lucas positioned himself behind Dorothy, his arms wrapped around her waist. "Lean back against me," he said, his voice gentle. Dorothy nodded, her body relaxing against his. Blanche gently placed the towel over Dorothy's legs, trying to make her feel more at ease. Rose and Sophia stood in front of her, their faces filled with encouragement. "You can do this, Dorothy," Rose said, her voice soothing. "We're here to help you." Sophia nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. She had been through a similar experience in the past, and she knew how tough it could be. But she also knew that with the right support, Dorothy could get through this. As Blanche prepared to examine Dorothy, Lucas held her close, trying to reassure her. "You're doing great, Dorothy," he said, his voice calm. "Just a little bit longer." Blanche gently removed Dorothy's panties, and Dorothy felt a surge of embarrassment. But she knew she had to push through this. She couldn't give birth on her friend's living room floor with her panties on. As Blanche examined her, Dorothy cried out in pain. "It hurts, I can't do this anymore," she said, her voice shaking. Her body tensed up, and she buried her face in Lucas's shoulder. Rose and Sophia were in front of her, their faces filled with encouragement. "You can do this, Dorothy," Rose said, her voice soothing. "We're here to help you." Sophia nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "I've been through this before, dear. I know it's tough, but you're strong. You can do this." The room was filled with tension as Dorothy struggled to push through the pain. But with the support of her friends, she knew she could do this. She took a deep breath and prepared to push through the next contraction. Lucas held her close, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. "You're doing great, Dorothy," he said, his voice calm. "Just a little bit longer." As the contraction passed, Dorothy felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew she still had a way to go, but with her friends by her side, she felt more confident. She could do this. The room was quiet for a moment, the only sound Dorothy's heavy breathing. Then, Rose spoke up. "Dorothy, can you feel the baby moving?" she asked. Dorothy nodded, her eyes closed. "Yes, I think so," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Blanche smiled. "That's a good sign," she said. "The baby is getting ready to come." Dorothy felt a surge of fear, but she knew she wasn't alone. Her friends were there to help her, and together, they would get through this. She took a deep breath and prepared for what was to come.