**Chapter 5: Contractions Intensify**

Dorothy's body tensed up as another contraction hit her. She gripped Lucas's arms, her nails digging into his skin. "It hurts," she whispered, her voice shaking. Lucas tried to comfort her, holding her close as she rode out the wave of pain. But it was clear that she needed more help. He glanced at Rose, Blanche, and Sophia, who were watching with concerned expressions. "Guys, I think we need to do something," Lucas said, his voice low and urgent. Rose nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "Let's get her comfortable," she said, moving to Dorothy's side. Blanche and Sophia followed, forming a semi-circle around Dorothy. Lucas remained behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist. As the contraction intensified, Dorothy's breathing became labored. She was getting more uncomfortable by the minute, and it was clear that the baby was getting ready to arrive. Rose placed a gentle hand on Dorothy's shoulder. "You're doing great, dear," she said, her voice soothing. "Just breathe through it." Blanche and Sophia nodded in agreement, their faces filled with encouragement. Lucas, meanwhile, tried to support Dorothy physically, holding her upright as she leaned against him. The contraction finally began to subside, leaving Dorothy gasping for air. Lucas held her close, his chest heaving with exertion. "I'm sorry, guys," Dorothy said, her voice weak. "I don't know how much more of this I can take." Sophia stepped forward, her eyes filled with kindness. "You can do this, dear," she said, her voice gentle. "We're here to help you." Blanche nodded, her face set in a determined expression. "We're not going anywhere," she said. "We're going to get through this together." As the next contraction approached, Dorothy's body began to tense up again. Lucas held her close, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. Rose, Blanche, and Sophia were in front of her, their faces filled with encouragement. "You can do this, Dorothy," Rose said, her voice soothing. 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 face the next contraction. As the pain intensified, Dorothy cried out, her voice shaking. "It hurts, I don't know if I can do this," she said, her body trembling. Lucas held her close, his voice calm and reassuring. "You can do this, Dorothy," he said. "We're here to help you." The contraction finally began to subside, leaving Dorothy exhausted. But she knew she couldn't give up now. She took a deep breath and prepared for the next contraction, her friends by her side.