Chapter 13: Positive Result

The words "Pregnant" appeared on the screen, and Ren's world came crashing down. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her. The bathroom seemed to spin around her, and she had to grab onto the sink to keep from falling. "Guys..." she whispered, her voice trembling. Rachel and Emily turned to her, concern etched on their faces. "Ren, is it...?" Rachel started to ask. Ren nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "It's positive." The room fell silent, and Ren's friends looked at her like they were in shock. They had been joking around, but they had never actually expected a positive result. Emily was the first to break the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ren, oh my god, are you okay?" Ren shook her head, still trying to process the news. She felt like she was in a daze, her mind reeling with thoughts and emotions. She had to tell Xander. She had to tell him now. Rachel and Emily rushed to her side, offering words of encouragement and support. They promised to be there for her, no matter what. Rachel handed her a tissue, and Ren blew her nose, trying to compose herself. "We were just joking around," Emily said, "We didn't actually think it would happen." Ren forced a laugh, but it came out shaky. "I know. Me neither." The three friends stood there in silence for a moment, the only sound the quiet hum of the bathroom's ventilation system. Then Rachel spoke up. "We'll support you, Ren. No matter what." Ren nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She knew she could count on her friends. But as she thought about Xander, her mind started to whirl with questions. What would he say? How would he react? Would he even want to be a part of this? The thought sent a pang of fear through her chest. She had to tell him. She had to be honest with him. Ren took a deep breath and pulled out her phone. She sent Xander a text, her hands shaking as she typed out the words. "Hey, I need to talk to you. It's about something important. Can you call me?" She hesitated for a moment before hitting send. Now all she could do was wait. As she stood there, waiting for Xander to call back, Ren couldn't help but think about the future. What did this mean for their relationship? For their lives? She thought back to their conversations about kids. Xander had always said he wanted a big family, but Ren had been hesitant. She had always thought they had more time. But now, it seemed like time had run out. The phone rang, and Ren's heart skipped a beat. She took a deep breath and answered. "Hey," Xander's voice said, warm and familiar. Ren's voice trembled as she spoke. "Xander, we need to talk." There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What's wrong? You sound scared." Ren took another deep breath before blurting out the news. "I'm pregnant." The line went silent, and Ren's heart sank. What did his silence mean? Was he happy? Was he upset? She waited, her ear pressed to the phone, as the seconds ticked by. Then, finally, Xander spoke. "Ren, I...I need to talk to you. Can I come to your dorm?" Ren nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Yeah, I'll be here." She hung up the phone and turned to her friends, who were watching her with concerned expressions. "He's on his way," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Now all she could do was wait and see what Xander had to say.