**Chapter 3: Gathering Help**

As Lucas quickly dialed the phone, Dorothy's eyes widened with anxiety. She could feel another contraction building up inside her, and she knew she needed help fast. Lucas's voice was calm and reassuring as he spoke to Rose, Blanche, and Sophia, asking for their assistance. Rose's voice answered on the first ring, and Lucas quickly explained the situation. "Rose, it's Lucas. We need help. Dorothy's having the baby, and we're stuck in traffic. We won't make it to the hospital on time." Dorothy could hear the worry in Lucas's voice, but Rose's tone changed from calm to urgent in an instant. "Okay, okay. We'll be right there. Don't worry, Lucas. We'll take care of Dorothy." Lucas hung up the phone and quickly dialed Blanche's number. Dorothy could hear him repeating the same story, asking for her help. Blanche's voice was just as reassuring as Rose's, and Lucas seemed to relax a bit after speaking with her. "Don't worry, Lucas. We'll be right there. Just get her comfortable, and we'll take care of the rest." Dorothy's eyes were fixed on Lucas, her face pale with fear. "What are we going to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Lucas took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "We're going to get you through this, Dorothy. Our friends will help us. We'll figure it out together." As he spoke, Sophia's voice came on the line. "Lucas, what's going on?" Lucas repeated the story, and Sophia's voice was calm and soothing. "Don't worry, Lucas. I'll be right there. Just get her comfortable, and we'll take care of the rest." Lucas hung up the phone and looked at Dorothy. "Our friends are on their way. They're going to help us." Dorothy nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I don't know if I can do this, Lucas. I don't know if I can give birth on our friend's living room floor." Lucas pulled her close, holding her tightly. "You can do this, Dorothy. We'll get through this together. Our friends will help us." Dorothy felt a sense of relief wash over her as Lucas held her close. She knew she wasn't alone, and that their friends were coming to help. As they waited for Rose, Blanche, and Sophia to arrive, Dorothy's contractions continued to intensify. She was getting more and more uncomfortable, and Lucas could see the fear in her eyes. He knew they had to act fast. The doorbell rang, and 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." Blanche and Sophia hovered nearby, their eyes fixed on 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 quickly grabbed a towel and gently placed it over Dorothy's legs. As Blanche removed Dorothy's panties, Dorothy cried out, "It hurts, I can't do this anymore." 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." Blanche stood up, a look of determination on her face. "Let's get ready," she said, her voice firm. 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.