Claire sat on the corner of her bed. She did not know what to do. Endless possibilities whizzed through her head on a continuous loop. What was she going to do? How would she tell everyone? Tears filled the corners of her eyes as she imagined her mother's disappointed face.

There was a knock on the door. Claire quickly gathered her thoughts.

"C-come in," She muttered. The door creaked open to reveal her best friend Brenda staring before her.

"Morning Claire, ready for today's…" She paused when she caught sight of her friend's worried expression.

"What's the matter?" Brenda asked taking a seat beside her. Claire said nothing; she just stared at her feet, desperate to hide her tears.

"Claire, come on, what is it?" Brenda was determined to find the source of her friend's sudden unhappiness. Claire looked up, revealing tear stained cheeks. Brenda just paused, very rarely did Claire cry over something. She affectionately placed her arm around her best friend.

"Please Claire; just tell me what's bothering you?" There was a short pause before Claire spoke.

"I've ruined everything,"

"What are you talking about?" Claire gave no response; she just stared back at her, barely able to keep herself from crying.

"Please just tell me!" Brenda urged. Sensing Brenda's growing impatience Claire decided to tell her.

"Well, um, I, um I-I'm," Claire muttered, trying to find the words.

"Yes?"

"I'm pregnant," Brenda was slightly taken aback.

"What?"

"You heard!" Claire replied bitterly "I ruined my life and there is nothing I can do,"

"Hey, hey calm down," Brenda said "Are you sure you haven't made a mistake?"

"Well I don't think sixteen tests would lie do you?" Claire stared at Brenda. They sat in silence for a few moments before they were interrupted by a knock at the door, causing Brenda to jump in the process.

"Claire are you in there?" a voice said from outside. Claire knew that voice. It was the kind, gentle voice of Hershel. Claire put her head into her hands and began to sob quietly.

"Oh, Claire…" Brenda began before being interrupted by yet another knock the door.

"How could I do this to him?" Claire cried "He doesn't deserve this," Brenda began to rub her back soothingly.

"Well I wouldn't exactly completely say he is completely blameless in all this," Brenda whispered sarcastically. A quick glance of disapproval from Claire indicated that a comment like that was clearly not needed and indeed not helping.

Hershel continued to knock on her door.

"Well you're going to have to tell him at some point," Brenda instructed "And the sooner the better," She walked across the room.

"Come on in Hersh," Brenda called as she opened the door. As soon as Hershel stepped over the threshold he could tell something was wrong. Seeing his beloved Claire so sad immediately caused his gentlemanly protectiveness to kick in. He rushed over and put his arms around her.

"My dear what is the matter,"

Claire said nothing and just leant into his embrace. Gently, he pushed her away and cupped her hands in his.

"Claire, whatever it is you can tell me," He placed a loving hand on her cheek. Claire took a deep breath. She knew she had to tell him. It would be cruel to keep something so important from him. She leaned in close and, with her voice only just above a whisper, she spoke.

"I'm pregnant,"

Hershel just remained silent.