**Unforeseen Journeys**

Prompt: Fanfic about The TV Show Younger, focused on the characters Liza and Josh having an unplanned pregnancy at the end season one

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Manhattan as Liza Miller expertly navigated the bustling streets. The city had a rhythm, a heartbeat that resonated with her newfound youth. For nearly twenty years, she had worn the heavy cloak of responsibility, but with a new identity and fresh lease on life, she danced gracefully between her past and present. Her thoughts tumbled over one another like the passersby hurrying about their business. That week, a spontaneous kiss with Josh, the charming tattoo artist who had awakened her heart, lingered in her mind. His playful smile, tucked away just beneath the warmth of his inked skin, made everything seem new, exhilarating. Every encounter felt like magic, but that last kiss had kindled an undeniable spark — one that made her question everything she thought she knew about love and itself. As she reached her apartment door, her heart raced with anticipation. Would he be waiting for her? The memory of his lips on hers played on replay. She fumbled with the keys, half-distracted by the thoughts of him, whether he had thought about her the same way. The door swung open, and she was greeted by complete silence. With a shrug, she dropped her bag and tossed aside her jacket, deciding to pour herself a glass of wine. Just as she set the bottle down, her phone buzzed with a text. Josh. She grinned, her heart skittering. “Hey! Want to grab some dinner?” “Yes!” she typed back, a wave of excitement crashing over her. A few minutes later, they were both settled at a cozy corner table in a trendy downtown restaurant. Liza couldn’t help but marvel at how easy it felt, the conversation flowing as naturally as the wine. She told him about her life before working at Empirical and how she had gotten into her present situation, living as a thirty-something in her twenties. “I’m just making it up as I go,” she laughed. “Well, you’re a damn good improviser,” he smiled, his gaze steady and genuine. “I’m glad you're in my life.” As dinner progressed, she felt a flutter of nerves mixed with a sense of freedom — maybe this was all meant to be. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Liza found herself leaning closer, spellbound. Their eyes locked again, and suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The air was electric, and without a word, he reached across the table, taking her hand. “Liza, I—” But the moment was interrupted. She felt queasy, an unfamiliar twist in her stomach that broke their gaze and left her in a daze. She excused herself, taking slow, measured breaths as she stepped outside. She felt the cool air wash over her face. Was it the wine? Or was it something more? She needed clarity, and she craved familiarity, so she headed directly to Kelsey’s apartment, knowing her friend would be there to listen. Kelsey was watching her favorite reality show when Liza burst through the door, anxiety flooding her veins. “What’s up, girl?” Kelsey asked, turning down the volume. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “It’s Josh,” Liza confessed, pacing. “I think I might be…” Kelsey shot up, her ready-for-some-drama face in full bloom. “You might be what?” “Pregnant,” Liza blurted, stopping dead in her tracks as the gravity of her words settled between them like an uninvited guest. “Pregnant?” Kelsey echoed, wide-eyed. “With Josh’s baby?” “I don’t know!” Liza tangled her fingers in her hair, pacing again. “I just felt this dizziness; I’ve been feeling off…” “Did you take a test?” Kelsey asked, eyes darting back to her phone, as if she could summon answers with a single click. “Not yet!” Liza exclaimed. “I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but if I am...” Kelsey stepped closer, her voice softening. “You know you’re not alone, right? No matter what happens.” But Liza didn’t say anything. Instead, she thought back to all their moments together — their late-night adventures, shared laughter, the beautiful shared intimacy. Josh would want to know; he deserved to know. As she dashed to the bathroom to take the test, a thousand thoughts sparked in her mind. What if this changed everything? The narrative she had so carefully crafted was about to unravel. She would have to come clean with him, drop the mask and admit who she was — not just as a woman, but as a mother. A few agonizing minutes passed, Liza sat on the edge of the bathtub, heart racing as she stared into the little cup. It felt surreal, almost cinematic, waiting to see what the sticks would reveal. Finally, she peered down; her heart hammered as two pink lines stared back up at her. “Oh God,” she gasped, covering her mouth, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. She blinked back the moisture, disbelief pouring over her as she thought of Josh and their fleeting moments. They hadn’t planned for this, were barely navigating their young romance. Her reality crashed down on her, booted from excitement to a heavy sense of impending responsibility instantly. When she emerged from the bathroom, Kelsey was waiting, her expression fraught with concern. “Did you take it?” Liza nodded, her heart feeling like it was held in a vise. “I’m pregnant, Kelsey.” The room fell silent, an electric charge between them, and Liza watched her friend’s face morph from shock into concern. “What are you going to do?” “Tell Josh,” Liza replied, determination settling into her voice. Her life was shifting again, but she would face this new curveball with the same courage she had mustered to reinvent herself in the first place. A smile broke through her anxiety. She might have pitfalls ahead, but life had given her an unexpected journey, and she was ready to embrace it — no matter where it led.