Shayla: Okay… y’all, I need to tell you something, but you have to promise not to scream.
Iman: Girl, why would we scream?
Delicia: Because it’s Shayla. It’s always scream-worthy. What happened?
Shayla: I’m serious. Promise.
Iman: Fine. I promise.
Delicia: I promise too. Now spit it out before my anxiety clocks out.

Shayla: …I’m pregnant.
Iman:
Delicia:
Iman: I THOUGHT YOU SAID NOT TO SCREAM!!
Delicia: OH MY GOD—WAIT—FOR REAL?!
Shayla: Y’all literally promised.
Iman: I lied. I’m allowed to lie in emergencies. ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
Delicia: Pregnant pregnant?? Like… a whole human??
Shayla: Yes, pregnant pregnant. Two lines. Three tests. I even went to the clinic.

Iman: GIRL. Wow. Wow. Okay. I need a minute.
Delicia: I need water. No—juice. No—something stronger.
Shayla: Y’all are acting like you’re the ones having the baby.

Iman: When did you find out??
Shayla: Three days ago.
Delicia: And you didn’t call us immediately?!
Shayla: I needed time to process! I was freaking out!
Iman: You should freak out with us! That’s what friends are for!

Delicia: Soooo… how do you feel? Like, are you excited? Scared? Throwing up every 12 minutes?
Shayla: All of the above. I’m excited one second, terrified the next.
Iman: That sounds accurate.
Shayla: And yes, the nausea is next level. I threw up because my toothpaste smelled “too minty.”
Delicia: Not “too minty” 😭

Iman: Have you told… you know… the father?
Shayla: Not yet. I’m telling him tonight.
Delicia: Do you want backup??
Shayla: Absolutely not.
Iman: Okay but like… we could sit in a car outside just in case—
Shayla: No.
Delicia: We could wear disguises.
Shayla: No!!
Iman: He won’t even notice us, we’ll be subtle.
Shayla: You two are never subtle.

Delicia: So what do you want right now? Like how can we help?
Shayla: Honestly? I just need support. And snacks.
Iman: Done. I’m already making a list. Pickles?
Shayla: Yes.
Delicia: Ice cream?
Shayla: Yes.
Iman: Hot Cheetos?
Shayla: …Also yes.
Delicia: Girl that is a dangerous combination.
Shayla: My stomach doesn’t care about danger right now.

Iman: I’m proud of you, you know.
Delicia: Same. This is big. And we’ve got you through everything.
Shayla: I know. And that’s why I told you both first.
Iman: We’re gonna be the coolest aunties ever.
Delicia: Period. That baby is gonna be spoiled.

Shayla: Please don’t go overboard.
Iman: Shayla…
Delicia: Sweetie…
Both: We’re absolutely going overboard.
Shayla: Lord help me.

Iman: Okay, so here’s the plan: tonight you tell him, and tomorrow morning you’re coming to brunch with us so we can debrief.
Delicia: Yeah, with pancakes. Big life news requires pancakes.
Shayla: Y’all really think pancakes fix everything.
Iman: They literally do. Don’t argue with science.
Delicia: Plus, you’re gonna need energy. You’re growing a whole human now!
Shayla: Oh my God, don’t remind me.

(They all laugh and hug.)

Shayla: Okay. I’m ready. Scared, but ready.
Iman: And no matter what happens tonight, you call us.
Delicia: Anytime. Even if it’s 3 AM.
Shayla: I know. I love you guys.
Iman: We love you too.
Delicia: Now go breathe, mama-to-be.

Shayla nods, wipes her eyes, and walks out with a tiny, nervous smile—
but for the first time in days, she doesn’t feel alone.

—THE END—