**Chapter 6: The Support System**

As the contraction intensified, Lucas knew he had to act fast to provide Dorothy with the support she needed. He gently guided her to lean her body against him, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist. Blanche, Rose, and Sophia gathered around her, their faces filled with concern and encouragement. "Come on, Dorothy, you can do this," Blanche said, her voice firm but gentle. "We're all here to help you." Rose placed a comforting hand on Dorothy's shoulder, while Sophia nodded reassuringly. "You're doing great, dear," Sophia said. "Just breathe through it." Blanche moved to get a towel, which she gently placed over Dorothy's legs. "I'm going to help you, Dorothy," she said, her voice calm and soothing. "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." Rose and Sophia provided emotional support, chatting softly to distract Dorothy from the discomfort. Lucas continued to hold her upright, his body a steady presence behind hers. 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 the next contraction approached, Dorothy's body began to tense up again. Lucas held her close, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. Blanche, Rose, and Sophia were in front of her, their faces filled with encouragement. "You can do this, Dorothy," Rose said, her voice soothing. "Just push through the pain." Sophia nodded in agreement. "You're almost there, dear," she said. "Just a little bit longer." Blanche checked Dorothy's progress, her face set in a determined expression. "The baby is coming, Dorothy," she said. "Just breathe and 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." 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 for the next contraction, her friends by her side.