Disclaimer: I don't own Primeval or its characters.

Chapter Summary:Jess has been feeling sick and it's begun to worry her friends.

Chapter Length: 1140

Author's Note: Chapter 21 as promised, 22 will be up shortly. Enjoy X

Open Mic Nights

Chapter 21 – Life Changing

Jess had been feeling sick for a couple of weeks now, and after a lot of urging from Abby and Emily, had finally got around to going to the doctors. Normally she would've gone as soon as she realised she was sick, but the breakup had really affected her. She had found it hard to go about daily life until Abby and Emily had intervened. Her friends were right, it was time she stopped moping about and started taking better care of herself. This was what had prompted her to make today's appointment.

Jess left her doctor's office, unable to fully comprehend the news she had just received; though, truthfully, if she hadn't been so depressed lately she would have seen the signs. She had been constantly tired and sick to the stomach, not to mention moody. But she had just put everything down to being brought on by the sadness she felt. She had never even considered the possibility that it could be something serious.

This is going to completely change my life.

Walking to her car, Jess tried to keep her wits about her, but she could feel herself falling further into shock with each step she took. She needed to talk to someone about what she had just learned, if she didn't she felt like she might go insane.

Pulling out her phone, Jess decided to text Abby to see if she was free.

Hey, Jess sent, unsure of a good way to start the conversation.

A: Hey Jess, what's up?

J: Just leaving my doctor's appointment. I was wondering if you're free at the moment.

A: Yeah, I'm just at home. Feel free to come over, Emily's here as well.

J: Thanks, I'm on my way now.

During the drive to Abby and Connor's house Jess' mind was filled with worry. Life was going to change drastically now.

Though, I suppose it's been changing for weeks now, I just didn't know it.

She was going to have to change her everyday life style, and it wouldn't hurt if she stated eating healthier, which meant cutting down on the chocolate and alcohol. Not to mention the countless pills and vitamins she'll have to start taking, but what was most terrifying was the months of doctor's appointments she had in front of her.

It was all overwhelming and not something she wanted to go through on her own, but really, what choice did she have.

Pulling up in front of her friend's house, Jess got out and knocked on the door.

Something must have shown on her face, because the first thing Abby did once she opened the door was ask Jess what was wrong. The concern in her friend's voice pushed Jess over the edge and she broke down, the tears she had been holding back since she was at the doctors, finally falling.

Abby had suspected that there was something wrong with Jess when she had text her and she hadn't used a single emoji, but she hadn't expected Jess to turn up on her doorstep, pale and wide eyed, looking like she was barely holding herself together.

"Jess, what's wrong?"

As soon as the words were out of Abby's mouth Jess covered her face with her hands and began to cry. Worried, Abby ushered Jess inside and over to the couch, where she sat her down next to Emily. They sat on either side of Jess, comforting her while she worked through the emotions she was feeling.

"It'll be okay Jess." Abby said, rubbing circles on her friend's back in an attempt to relax her.

"Yes, I'm sure whatever it is, you will get through it." Emily said as she held the crying young lady.

Jess' sobs slowed and she sat up, wiping the tears from under her eyes. She still felt scared and lost, but crying had helped release some of the pressure that had been building up in her head.

"I-I'm oh-okay." Jess told them, her voice shaking.

"Why don't you tell us what happened? It might make you feel better."

Jess nodded. "I went to the doctor's today, like I promised I would, hoping to find out why I've been so tired and sick recently. The doctor did some tests and she…she… I can't even say it!" Jess started crying again when she thought about what the doctor had told her.

Abby and Emily shared a worried look; they had been talking about what could be wrong with Jess when they had gone out last week. But they had just been listing worst case scenarios that couldn't possibly be true, in an attempt to calm Jess down.

That can't be it. Not Jess, she's too young.

"Jess…is it what we were talking about last week?" Emily asks gently.

Jess nodded. "I'm scared guys. No, I'm terrified. I don't want to do this on my own."

Abby didn't know what to think, sure she was the one to suggest this cause, but she had been joking. She hadn't actually though it was possible, not for Jess, she always made smart and healthy choices.

She's so young; she shouldn't have to go through this.

"You won't be alone Jess. You have many people who care for you, and I am certain that they will all be willing to help you in whatever way you need." Emily's voice brought Abby back to the conversation taking place.

"She's right Jess. Once you tell the others, they'll be lining up to help you in whatever way you need."

"No. The others can't find out, I don't want anyone else to know."

"What! Why?"

"Once they know they'll start treating me differently."

"Well, yeah, but only because they'll want to help you."

"I… I just don't want anyone to start thinking badly of me."

"Jessica, no one is going to start thinking poorly of you. If they do, Abby and I will have some stern words with them."

"No. No one else needs to know." Jess' resolve was strengthening.

"Jess, they care about you, they deserve to know."

I can think of one man who deserves to know more than anyone.

Before Jess can answer they heard the front door open, then Connor came around the corner. A frown formed on his face when he saw the women huddled on the couch, and the tear tracks on Jess' cheeks.

"What's wrong?" he asked, mirroring what Abby had said at seeing Jess.

Abby turned to Jess, a question in her eyes. Sighing Jess nodded, giving Abby her permission to tell Connor what was going on.

"Jess went to see a doctor today."

"Did they work out why she's been so sick?" Between the sombre expressions on their faces and the fact that Jess had seen a doctor, Connor was beginning to get worried.

"They did."

"And?"

"Jess is pregnant."