The next morning passed by very quickly for Emily. She called the OB/GYN Austin's mother had recommended and there was a cancellation that morning, so she was able to squeeze Emily in. Chloe wanted to go with her but Emily wanted to go by herself. So she dropped her mother off at the salon and headed for the clinic.

The minute she saw Dr. Kinsey she instantly liked her. She was in her early forties, blonde with blue eyes, and rather short. But her smile was warm, and Emily read no judgement in her eyes as they went over the pre-exam interview. She was very patient and let Emily ask all of her questions, and gave her a month's worth of pamphlets to read. The most awkward part of the appointment was explaining Austin's role in the pregnancy. Emily ended up telling a little lie to make it easier and crossed her fingers that Austin wouldn't mind.

After her appointment, she headed straight for the gym. Austin had suggested telling everyone during the lunch break so that they all could have some time to process before returning to practise. Emily was the last one there and saw that everyone had gathered on the lawn in front of the gym. Even Kaylie was there, which made Emily sad for Austin. But she had hope that they would be able to overcome this obstacle and still manage to be together. It was Austin that had decided not to tell anyone, but maybe he would make an exception for Kaylie if he saw a chance for them to be in a relationship.

They all sat down in a circle on the ground, and it reminded Emily of Kindergarten and playing duck, duck, goose. Austin sat next to her, and everyone looked at them with a confused look on their face.

"What is it?" Lauren finally asked. "I don't have all day."

"Lauren," Payson interjected, "let them talk."

Emily gave her a strained smile. "I guess everyone's been wondering why I haven't been to practise."

"Are you off the national team for good?" Kaylie asked.

Emily nodded and took a deep breath. "Yes, but it's not for the reason you think. I'm pregnant."

Jaws dropped, and an uncomfortable silence settled among the group. They all looked at each other, then at Emily, and finally at Austin.

"You don't look surprised," Kaylie said, looking straight at the tall gymnast.

Austin looked her straight in the eyes. "I'm the father," he declared without flinching, and Emily couldn't help but admire him for it. Payson's head snapped to Emily, looking even more confused.

Kaylie got up resolutely. "Well, at least now I don't have to feel guilty about kissing Damon anymore."

Emily flinched and could only stare at Kaylie's back as she walked back to her car.

"I guess," Lauren started, bringing Emily out of her funk, "if you're telling us, it means you're keeping the baby."

Emily nodded, not trusting her voice. It was harder than she thought, lying to her friends and disappointing them at the same time .

"So, you're just giving up your dream?" Payson asked. Max was sitting next to her, but still hadn't said anything. Austin had told her that he had decided to start training at The Rock with them.

"I'm not giving up; I'm just taking a break."

"You'll never be able to go back to the level that you are at right now. There aren't a lot of older gymnasts nowadays," Lauren added.

"Well, Sasha said he would help me after the baby was born. And my doctor said I can still train, I just can't do any of the high impact stuff."

"All of gymnastics is high impact!" Lauren exclaimed.

"I know," Emily replied impatiently, "but I can at least stay in shape."

There was another minute of silence, and then Austin looked at his watch. "We should get back to practise," he declared.

Everyone got up and started walking back to the gym. Emily expected Payson to come to her, but she only looked at her curiously and followed Max and Lauren. Austin held her back.

"Did the doctor really say that?" he asked.

"Yeah, I saw her this morning. She said everything's fine, but I have to start putting on weight as soon as possible, since I have practically no body fat."

"Good, that's good."

Emily looked at the ground, shy about telling him what she told the doctor about them. "I lied about something, and please don't be mad. I was in a really awkward position."

"What did you say?" He looked at her, amused.

"I told her you and I were together. I didn't know how to explain that you aren't the father, but you wanted to claim the baby as yours even though we aren't a couple. So I told her we were. Are you mad?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No, of course not."

"If you decide you want to be with Kaylie, then we can tell the doctor the truth."

"Emily, I won't change my mind. And I don't think Kaylie's going to forgive me so easily."

"She could, if you told her the truth."

"Stop doubting me! I know what I'm doing."

"But you don't have to!" Emily almost yelled.

They were prevented from continuing their conversation when Sasha walked up to them.

"Everything okay, you two?" He asked, concerned.

"We're fine," Austin snapped, upset at being interrupted.

"You should get back to practise," Sasha told him. "Emily, I've started a program for you and I have time to go over it with you now if you want."

Emily swallowed her anger and faked a smile. "Sure, now sounds good."