**Chapter 7: The First Signs**

As the contraction intensified, Blanche moved in to check Dorothy's progress. Her hands gently probed Dorothy's lower abdomen, her face set in a determined expression. Lucas held Dorothy upright, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, while Rose and Sophia provided emotional support from the front. "Okay, Dorothy, I think I can see the baby's head," Blanche said, her voice low and calm. "We're going to need to get you into a comfortable position and help you push." Dorothy's eyes widened in alarm as she felt the baby moving down the birth canal. She was scared and overwhelmed, but Blanche's calm demeanor helped to reassure her. "Don't worry, Dorothy, you're doing great," Blanche said, her voice soothing. "Just breathe and relax, and we'll guide you through this." Rose and Sophia nodded in agreement, their faces filled with encouragement. Sophia placed a comforting hand on Dorothy's shoulder, while Rose chatted softly to distract her from the discomfort. Blanche moved to adjust the towel that was draped over Dorothy's legs. "I'm going to help you, Dorothy," she said, her voice calm and gentle. "Just relax and let us take care of you." As Blanche began to remove Dorothy's panties, Dorothy's eyes widened in embarrassment. But before she could protest, Blanche reassured her, "Don't worry, dear, this is necessary. We need to make sure everything is okay." Lucas continued to hold Dorothy upright, his body a steady presence behind hers. He could feel her tension and anxiety, and he did his best to reassure her. "You can do this, Dorothy," he said, his voice calm and soothing. "We're all here to help you. Just breathe and push." The room was filled with a sense of calm, despite the urgency of the situation. Dorothy's friends were determined to help her through this, and she felt a surge of gratitude towards them. As Blanche finished her examination, she looked up at Dorothy with a smile. "The baby is almost here, Dorothy," she said. "Just one more push." Dorothy took a deep breath and prepared to face the next contraction. As the pain intensified, she 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. Just breathe and push." Blanche, Rose, and Sophia were all focused on helping Dorothy, their faces set in determined expressions. They were a team, working together to bring Dorothy's baby into the world. As the contraction reached its peak, Blanche instructed Dorothy on what to do next. "Push, Dorothy, push," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "The baby is coming." Dorothy took a deep breath and pushed with all her might, her friends cheering her on. The room was filled with tension as they waited for the baby to arrive.