"…And they have stressed family is very important to them, so if we show them the needs of the families who are taking in these kids, their donations would be almost guaranteed, and- River, are you listening to me?" her mother, Amy, asked her. River had zoned out yet again, her mind a million miles away. She shook her head, looking up in a daze.
"What? Yes. Family. Important," she replied, trying to concentrate on what her mother was telling her. Amelia Williams had taken to River's organisation and cause with gusto, not only helping personally with (rather large) donations, but also lending her name to draw in more money than any other source these past few years.
She listened as intently as she could for a few more minutes to her mother's ideas before she got up and ran to the toilet.
"What did you tell your mother?" Donna asked as she sat next to her best friend, waiting for her life to be decided by an ominous little stick.
"That I'd been feeling ill for a few days, probably the flu."
"Well, it could still be that," Donna tried half-heartedly.
River gave her a look.
"Or something else…" she finished lamely. "It's time," she said, picking up the pregnancy test and looking at it at River's urging.
River closed her eyes, standing perfectly still, trying to keep herself together and her mind away from… what she knew was the truth even before Donna said weakly, "Congratulations, Mummy?"