ELVAM

This is probably the most significant opportunity The Idea Factory has gotten. David is on a weekend trip and had his phone forwarded to mine. I look around to check if anybody heard me, but of course no one has as they all wear headphones when working. Owen even forgets where he is from time to time and plays air guitar to whatever he is listening to or bangs on his desk with a pen. Kaley and Zack have barely spoken in the past three weeks and it worries me, because if we take on this project, we will be in each other's breathing space for a while. I gather all my courage, and walk towards them, standing by the partition of their desks. Kaley looks up and smiles at me while removing her headphones. I don't know what's going on in her life right now, but I envy her happy looks.

"Hey, wanna talk with me?"

"Yeah, and also with Zack," I say, tapping on his shoulder.

Zack also removes his device and looks at us.

"What's going on?"

"I've got an important call and we should have a quick meeting about it."

Kaley and Zack grab writing pads and follow me to the meeting room.

"Where is David?" Zack asks as he sits.

"He asked for the day free. He's gone sailing for the weekend," says Kaley.

"David? Sailing?" He scrunches his nose. "Didn't know he had a life."

"Do you have a problem with that as well?" Kaley challenges.

"Just stop all this bullshit," I intervene. "I'm getting tired of playing referee and messenger between you. This isn't normal, you've been the best of friends since forever." They glare at each other, but I ignore it and look at my notes. "I got a call from Andrea Sullivan. Do you remember her? We took a few classes together in college. She works for Face Incorporated; I believe they make that hand cream you always have on your desk," I say to Kaley. "Andrea couldn't give me the exact details yet but they are working on a new concept of beauty and skincare products for teenagers, including retail spaces. She will email me a detailed brief soon, but in short, they need a quote for branding design; packaging, marketing material, in-store displays and a website. Guys, this could really be our big break. Do you think we can do it?"

Kaley and Zack's mouths are half open, looking at each other with wide eyes. Suddenly, they jump and hug each other while laughing.

"Oh my God! Oh my God! This is awesome!" Kaley says.

"Finally! This is it!" Zack says. "Amazing news!"

"We haven't even sent a quote. Why are we celebrating?" I feel puzzled at their reaction.

"Because people know we exist!" Zack rejoices. "The Kalani rebranding was big, but this is... I have no words!"

I laugh as they hug me, and together we resume the jumping. We just look like a team of kids that scored their first goal. I don't know how long we stay in that tight circle; just like the evening when we got the keys to our first studio.

"I'm out of breath. Who's wearing a new perfume?" Kaley asks as she sits again.

"I am wearing cologne, but it's not new," Zack says.

"Are you sure? It smells so strong, I think you put on too much," she scrunches her nose and then gags.

"I have used the same perfume for years. What is your problem with it now?" Zack scowls.

I leave the room, put on my headphones and open the email I just received from Andrea confirming their interest in our services. How can Zack and Kaley be hugging and the next minute begin a fight?

KALEY

I've gotten used to sleep with David in the past weeks and missed him in bed last night. He asked me several times to join him on this weekend, but I'll only be in the way. One more night and he'll be home, at his house, although he calls it ours since I spend more time here than at my apartment. After tidying the already organized house, I decide to go to the mall, have dinner there and watch a movie. The rotisserie chicken from the food court catches my eye. It's been a while since I've had fast food as I try to cook healthy meals for David in the evenings, also to try and lose some weight, but it seems to be working the opposite. After getting my meal and previewing a delicious fry, I take a seat at what seems to be the only table available in the crowded food court.

"Is this seat taken?" A voice asks next to me, snapping me out of my Zen moment.

When I look up, I find Nathan standing with a tray full of food.

"Hey, Nathan! Come join me," I motion to the seat in front of me.

"I hope this isn't weird. We never see each other outside of the studio," he smiles.

"Not weird at all. I didn't feel like staying home alone, so I came out of my cave to this war zone. Glutton for punishment," I laugh.

"I also didn't feel like staying home. I'm glad I saw you because I couldn't find anywhere to sit. I hope the movie I'm watching afterwards isn't as crowded."

"The movies? I'm going there too. What are you going to watch?"

"I won't tell you. You will laugh at me," he blushes.

"Now you will have to tell me!"

He laughs and I take a good look at him. He's definitely a handsome man with his long brown hair in a man bun, midnight blue eyes and a few freckles on his nose and cheeks.

"It's a romantic comedy," he admits.

"Really? It's the only one playing, so it means I'm going to the same movie."

"Great! If you want, we can sit together. I'll treat you."

"Thank you, Nathan!"

We get to know each other throughout our meal and I learn that he moved back to take care of his ill mother. He also told me he was hitting rock bottom financially and was running out of options when he met Zack. When I cheekily inquire about his current or past relationships, he admits that none of his dates have made it past a first and how girls find him geeky and weird.

The movie is quite fun and makes me miss David even more. Nathan is excellent company and reminds me of how much fun Zack, Elvam and I used to have when we lived together. I miss those times.

Nathan and I share a quick goodbye hug after the movie and I head to my apartment to pick up some stuff, including my good lasagna pan. I want to have dinner ready when David comes home tomorrow and one time he told me how much he loves that dish. I have to admit that my feelings for him have deepened in the last weeks. I can almost say that I love him, even though we've been together for a short time.

DAVID

This weekend was exactly what I needed to feel better. Being out in the sea and feeling the sun on my skin relaxed me. The only thing that would have made it perfect is if Kaley would've wanted to come with me, but she is not an outdoor person which I'm okay with. I've missed her and I'm looking forward to coming home and spending time with her.

After I park my car, I walk around the house to the laundry room in the backyard. My damp clothes have a funky smell I don't want to bring inside the house. When I return and enter through the kitchen door, a delicious smell receives me. In the oven, a lasagna pan bubbles and my stomach growls at the promise of a hearty meal.

"Kaley?"

The light in our bedroom is on. Maybe she's on her laptop with headphones on. When I walk past the bathroom, I hear weird noises.

"Are you okay?" I kneel next to her in the small space, my hand on her back.

Kaley pants, and her face is pale and sweaty. "Stupid chicken," she sniffles.

I want to comfort her, but the dry heaves start again. Remembering I have ginger ale left, I head to the kitchen to get her a glass. As I throw the empty can in the trash, I see two empty cartons of ice cream. I'm not sure the chicken is the culprit of her upset stomach, maybe the catalyst. When I return, I see her sitting on the bed while holding her stomach.

"When did this start?" I ask as I hand her the glass.

"I've been feeling queasy for the past days, so I must have caught a bug. This pisses me, I was looking forward to a piece of lasagna tonight."

Suddenly, details of the past days pop in my head. If I'm right, this could be big.

"Stay in bed. I'll be right back," I kiss her clammy forehead.

"Where are you going?" She asks in a weak voice.

"I'm going to the pharmacy and be back in 15 minutes tops. I will turn the oven off on my way out."

My heart races and I hope I'm right. I must be right; she's eating a lot, and snaps at anything and everyone who crosses her path, she's been complaining of smells and now the nausea. At the pharmacy, the cashier smiled at me while I paid, but didn't make a comment. I almost ran inside the house, my hands shaking as I carry the little plastic bag. I enter the bedroom and find Kaley watching TV, looking better already.

"Could you please come to the bathroom with me," I pull her hand softly.

"Why? Do I stink? What's in the bag?"

"Let's try something."

"David, are you trying to have your way with me in the shower? I feel like crap."

"No, it's for something else," I take a pregnancy test from the bag and hand it to her.

"Are you mad? You know I'm on the pill."

"Kaley, how many times have you missed your pill this month?" I ask and her eyes widen.

"No, David no! I can't get pregnant. I will lose the baby. I just can't."

"Just try it. We need to know. All your symptoms make sense."

Kaley takes a sample and we dip the stick in it. The first blue line appears in the tiny window and then a second one, forming a cross.

"This can't be right. The test must be faulty," she panics.

"I got a second one. Different brand. Let's try it," I find it difficult to contain my emotion.

The second test shows the same result; Kaley is pregnant with my baby. Her face crumples, and she sobs against my t-shirt while I hug her.

"This can't happen. It will be hope for nothing. Only a matter of time before I have a miscarriage. I'm so sorry David."

Hot tears run down her cheeks while she looks again at the tests, the lines getting bluer in both.

"I know there's a risk, but let's not jump to it. Kaley, if your body allows it, do you want to have this baby? Do you want to keep it?" I look into her eyes and fear a negative answer.

"Of course, I do. It might be my only chance if I manage to keep it alive."

"Let's get you to a doctor as soon as possible. We'll figure something out if you need to have bed rest during the pregnancy. I'll take care of you, of both of you."

She gives me a small smile between the tears. I want to yell from the rooftops that this woman who I love so much is giving me a wonderful gift, and I will make sure that we take all precautions to make it happen.