LAST EPISODE SEEN: Gaza
TIMELINE: This really doesn't fit in, it's more of an AU fic based on my own twisted musings
ARCHIVE: Go ahead. Make my day. Seriously though, it's all good, just tell me first.
DISCLAIMER: The folks in this chapter, unfortunately, aren't mine. If they were, I wouldn't be searching the web to find college scholarships right now.
SUMMARY: Donna finds herself in a difficult situation and makes a choice that no woman should ever be forced to make.
SPOILERS: None. Canon sucks right now, so I'm deviating.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Feedback is your friend. Mine too. ;-)

A Difficult Situation

She had been rehearsing it in front of her mirror at home since last night until it sounded okay, but somehow, standing in his office, talking to his empty chair, it didn't feel right coming out of her mouth. "Josh, I'm pregnant. Josh, I'm pregnant." It still didn't sound right.

"DONNA!" Ahh, the moment of truth.

"CJ needs to talk to you about a quote in the Times, you have Senior Staff at 9, a meeting with Breckinridge at 11 and you're going over the wording of the speech for the dinner tomorrow with Sam and Toby at 2," Donna rattled off, following Josh into his office and shutting the door. "And we need to talk."

"About?"

"I'm kind of in a...difficult situation."

"Who do you want me to break a date with?"

"No, nothing like that." She rolled her eyes at the thought, only briefly considering the irony of what was coming next.

"Then what's the problem?"

Donna took a breath then began talking very fast, "JoshI'mpregnantandIwashopingforsomeadvice. Josh?"

He was still wide-eyed, not quite hearing her. "Donna, you sound like the guy at the end of the drug commercials talking about side effects. Speak slowly."

Dragging out every syllable for dramatic effect, she repeated slowly, "Josh-I-am-preg-nant-and-I-do-not-know-what-to-do-a-bout-it. Josh? Earth to Josh!"

Of course, after hearing the word "pregnant," Josh's mouth dropped open and he stood there, staring at her though not quite hearing anything after that. "Sorry Donna, I am just rather surprised to hear this. How," he gestured at his abdomen, "are you?"

"Not very, but my period is 2 weeks late...That puts me about four weeks in," Donna said hesitantly, reiterating all the math and research she had done over the past few days.

Josh took a sip of the water on his desk. "I hate to ask you this," he said, the volume of his voice growing softer with each word, "but are you keeping it?"

Donna glared at him. "Really, Josh. You should know better."

Josh gulped before continuing slowly, "So you need maternity leave or something?"

"Joshua! I work the same hours you do and yet still bring work home with me. You really think I have the time and patience, much less the desire, to raise a baby right now? I barely have time to feed my cat and empty a litter box much less be there 24-7 for a child." Donna was getting sadder and angrier with each sentence.

"Please don't shout, Donna."

Donna realized what she was doing and peered around, hoping that no one was around her boss' office to hear the details of today's screaming match. Sitting down in the visitor's chair, she said quietly, "Sorry. What I need a few days off." Unable to look her boss in the eye and say it, she stared at the floor instead and fiddled with the last button on her blouse.

As soon as Josh realized what she meant by her words, he grew quiet, just looking at the pen on his desk. "Okay," he said softly, "Take all the time you need." As Donna rose, Josh offered his hand to help her up. "Donna—"

"Yes?"

"Take care of yourself."

If only it were that easy.