Two

So I'm, sittin' on the bathroom floor in my dinky Quantico apartment, holdin' that stupid pregnancy test that's just yellin' "positive" at me. Shit…Talk about a curveball.

I had just called it quits with Mark, the guy I'd been seein' and he'd been all keen on me movin' in with him. But I needed my space, y'know? I've only been at Quantico for a year, and truth be told, I ain't ready to be hitched to anyone's wagon or anythin' other than my career.

Now this, just me, starin' at the test like it's somethin' from Mars or somethin'. The idea of goin' back to Mark is the furthest thing from my mind. I want a family. But settlin' into family life with Hastings would be like somethin' out of a bad movie. I'd told Maur he and I were good so she and Ma could stop worryin' about me. But I had to make the tough call of endin' things with Mark, and now, life's sayin', "Oh, you thought that was a mess? Hold my beer."

Those little plus signs are like a smack in the face, remindin' me that life don't give a darn 'bout my plans. I'm facin' one hell of a decision, one that's gonna turn everything upside down. But right now, all I know is I need some time to wrap my head 'round this whole situation, figure out what it means for my future, and come to terms with the idea of bein' a mom.

Maura called me through Facetime, but I couldn't bring myself to answer. My face was all puffy from cryin', and I couldn't figure out why I was so emotional. I mean, I was over the moon about having a second chance with this baby. Plus I was relieved that I wasn't stuck in a relationship with Hastings.

But the tears just kept on flowin', and I couldn't quite put my finger on why. It was like I was trapped in this whirlwind of emotions, and I couldn't make heads or tails of it. The idea of doin' this alone, though, that was what was really tearin' me up inside.

I knew Maura was callin' because she cared, and I'd need her more than ever now. I just needed to get myself together before I could face her. This was one rollercoaster ride I wasn't sure I could handle on my own.

I didn't answer Maura's Facetime call earlier because I didn't want her to see me all puffy-eyed and worry. But the need for someone to talk to, to make sense of what was happenin', was pushin' me. I couldn't keep these emotions bottled up.

After i composed myself, I washed my face and made sure I didn't look too bad, I called her back. The seconds felt like hours, as I hoped I hadn't waited too long to get myself together. I didn't call Maura often, mostly 'cause I never wanted to bother her or felt like it might be too late in the day it had to be 1am in Paris. I just had a patty melt for dinner. That was why I made sure to answer when she called. But I needed my bestie more than ever tonight, so I gave it a shot.

I held my breath as the call connected, prayin' she was still awake and would pick up. I wasn't sure what I was gonna say, but I knew that Maura was the one person I could confide in, even in the messiest of times.

Maura's face lit up as soon as she saw my face, and her enthusiasm was like a breath of fresh air. "Jane, it's been too long since we've talked!"

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, way too long. I've missed you, Maur."

She couldn't hide her curiosity and asked, "Are you and Mark settling in together okay?"

That's when I dropped the news. "Actually, I broke up with Hastings."

Maura's eyes widened, and she leaned in, eager to hear the details. "What happened?"

I let out a heavy sigh, reflecting on the tangled web of it all. "Never fall in love with a spy, Maura."

Her next question caught me off guard. "Were you in love?"

I took a moment to think about it, hesitating before answering. "No, I guess I wasn't..."

Maura's surprise was evident. "Then why are you so upset?"

I offered a half-hearted chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm just sorry for my kid."

Maura's eyes widened in shock. "Your kid?"

And with a mischievous grin, I dropped the biggest surprise of all. "Surprise!"

After I spilled the beans to Maura about my breakup and the unexpected pregnancy, there was a quiet pause on her end. I could almost hear her thoughts racin'. Then, she turned her head and picked up her phone.

"Maur, what are you doin'?" I asked, a mix of curiosity and concern.

She looked back at the screen, determination in her eyes. "I'm getting a flight out to DC for tomorrow."

I was taken aback, surprised by her sudden decision. "Maura, what about your sabbatical?"

She didn't hesitate, her voice steady. "I'm not about to let you go through this alone, Jane. This is what a sabbatical is for."

I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was secretly elated that my dear friend was comin' to be with me during this challenging time. But on the other, I couldn't help but wonder if she'd get bored in D.C. while I navigated this mess.