ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ | ᴊᴀʏ ʜᴀʟꜱᴛᴇᴀᴅ

𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚗𝚎.

✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*

Swallowing the nausea that had become her constant companion these past few weeks, Mia stared at the house from her spot in the driveway. Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel, the plastic groaning faintly under the pressure. Pregnant. The word echoed in her head, foreign and impossible, even after the confirmation of a blood test. She'd stared at the result in disbelief for days. She was going to have a baby.

At twenty-one, she barely felt like she could take care of herself, let alone another human being. Her life was a mess of textbooks, part-time shifts at the diner, and late-night cramming sessions in a noisy apartment. How could she handle diapers, bottles, and sleepless nights? The thought sent a ripple of panic through her chest, but she forced herself to breathe.

The only thing grounding her was the thought of Jay as the baby's father. It would be challenging while he was still finishing his four years of active duty before moving to reserves, but they'd figure it out. He was only home for another month before his final deployment, but given the circumstances, they may let him out early so he could be there when the baby was born. They had some savings and military benefits, just enough to get a small place for the three of them. It wasn't perfect, but it would work. They'd make it work.

With a shaky exhale, Mia pushed the car door open and stepped out, making her way toward the front door. The weight of what she was about to say pressed down on her shoulders, but she steeled herself. Before she could second-guess, she knocked and waited patiently.

Jay answered within moments, his face lighting up at the sight of her. The grin that had always felt like home now tied her stomach in knots. Still, a genuine smile tugged at her lips. Looking at him in person rather than through a grainy video call felt surreal. "Hey," he greeted, stepping aside. "Thought we were meeting for dinner?"

"I know," Mia said, clearing her throat, "But I needed to talk to you about something." Her voice wavered as she glanced around, "Is your dad home?"

Jay shook his head and leaned in, giving her a soft kiss. She melted into it, savoring the feel of his lips against hers. Their time together always felt fleeting, and the thought filled her with a bittersweet ache. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pulled him closer, needing the comfort of his presence. Jay cupped her face, his touch gentle, and deepened the kiss. But before they could lose themselves entirely, Mia broke away, resting her forehead against his to steady herself.