I’m pregnant with your fiancés child announced my best mate at the bachelorette, I said.
Youve lost your mind! That dress costs as much as a secondhand car! Emily stared at me, eyes wide, hardly believing the figure.
No, youre the one whos gone mad if you think Ill marry something that makes James forget how to breathe! I twirled in front of the mirror, holding the massive train. A wedding only happens once!
I want to stay hopeful, Emily muttered, glancing at the price tag. But seriously, Hannah, why splurge like that? James loves you, not the gown.
I stopped dead, my expression turning serious.
You know, when your parents left you, you realise how precious moments are. I want that day to be perfect, so Mum and Dad, looking down from the sky, could be proud.
Emilys tone softened instantly; she regretted her harsh words. My parents died in a car crash three years ago, and ever since Ive learned to hide the pain behind smiles and a façade of carefree cheer.
Sorry, Emily came over and hugged me, careful not to crush the pricey dress. If this is the dress you need, then its worth it.
Funny thing, I said, tucking a stray strand behind my ear. James suggested we dip into our honeymoon fund. He said Venice isnt going anywhere, and Ill only have one perfect dress.
Emily smiled, thinking of James tall, always composed, kind eyes and a slightly shy grin. Were the classic pair Im the bright, impulsive one; hes the calm, sensible one.
Im so happy, I whispered when the shop assistant disappeared to fetch the veil. Sometimes it still feels unreal. James is the best thing thats ever happened to me.
After me, of course, Emily teased, and I just laughed.
Obviously! By the way, have you sorted the bachelorette? Two weeks left.
All set, Emily replied, taking charge as the maidofhonour. A cosy country cottage, a pool, a sauna, karaoke, and your seven best friends. No strippers, just as you wanted.
Thats a win, I winked. I feel sorry for Jen; shes still reeling from the divorce.
Ive got a special surprise for Jen, Emily grinned.
The shop assistant returned with a fan of lace veils and we started debating length, style and fastening.
Back home, I was exhausted but pleased. Id finally chosen the dress and accessories; now only the last wedding details remained. I treated myself to a hot bath, thinking about the upcoming weekend bachelorette.
Just as I slipped out, a message pinged. Lucy, another guest, wrote she couldnt make it her son had a sudden fever.
Oh no, I muttered, sending best wishes for a speedy recovery. I had a gut feeling it wouldnt be the last cancellation. And sure enough, that evening Sarah called, apologising she couldnt get time off work.
Dont worry, I reassured her. The important thing is well all be at the wedding.
Friday afternoon, my Jeep packed with snacks and drinks rolled out of town. Of the seven invited, only four showed up me, Jen, Katie and Victoria. I wasnt upset at all.
Fewer people, more fresh air, I said, settling into the front seat beside Emily. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls cheered. Jen, the divorced friend Id promised a special surprise for, already popped a bottle of bubbly and poured it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she toasted. To the most beautiful, happiest, luckiest woman!
And to her amazing groom! added Katie, who works with James at the construction firm. Any girl would be lucky with a bloke like him.
Ive been unlucky, sighed Jen. My ex turned out to be a complete scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, I replied gently. James isnt.
Thats right, I agreed. Sometimes I feel I dont deserve him. Yesterday he came home, made dinner, lit candles, opened a bottle of wine and said, Youve been working so hard on the wedding, I want you to relax tonight.
Now thats a man, Victoria said enviously. My boyfriend still cant even fry an egg after three years together.
We drifted into the usual debate about mens flaws and virtues. When the Jeep pulled up to a modest twostorey cottage by the lake, the champagne was gone and everyone was in high spirits.
The rented cottage was a perfect blend of cosy and spacious. Ground floor: a large kitchenliving area that opened onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool. Upstairs: three bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna.
Wow, I breathed, taking in the place. Youve outdone yourself, Emily!
Emily beamed. Shed spent almost a month hunting for the ideal spot gorgeous countryside, water, a place to fire up a BBQ, and total privacy.
We started dinner on the terrace, chopping salads, grilling meat and roasting potatoes. Jen, surprisingly quiet, kept checking her phone and stayed on the sidelines.
Everything okay? I asked softly when the others moved outside to set the table.
She shivered, as if waking from a deep thought.
No, just tired. Works a nightmare and the little one is being a terror, she admitted.
If you need to talk, Im here, I squeezed her hand, getting a faint smile in return.
As the night wore on, the mood lifted. More champagne flowed, stories from university days resurfaced, and I could see the pink flush of wine on my cheeks.
Remember how we first met? I asked, looking around. Freshers, the dorm, I walked in and there was you with a guitar, Katie with a massive teddy bear
And me with three suitcases of clothes! Jen laughed. We all thought you were some rich snob.
Turns out youre just a shopaholic, I teased.
Thanks to Jens wardrobe, we always dated in different outfits, Katie added. Remember our swapping system?
The evening kept rolling with memories, jokes, and wishes for the bride. When it got chilly, we moved inside, I put on some music, and Katie pulled out a deck of cards, suggesting Truth or Dare.
Lets do Never Have I Ever, I suggested. Like the good old days.
The game was light and easy at first. Never have I kissed a girl Katie and Victoria took a sip, giggling. Never have I stolen from a shop Jen took a gulp, recalling a childhood gumchewing incident. Never have I dreamed of a wedding even I chimed in, despite always saying I didnt need a passport stamp.
As the bottles emptied, the questions grew bolder. Never have I ever had sex in a public place, Never have I ever lied to my best friend, Never have I ever cheated
When the last question came, Jen suddenly burst into tears, mascara running down her cheeks.
Jen, whats wrong? I asked, leaning closer. Its just a game.
Im sorry, she sobbed. I cant keep it in any longer
Maybe we should stop drinking? Victoria suggested gently.
No! Jen snapped, pushing my hand away. I have to say it!
A heavy silence fell. Then Jen looked at us, eyes trembling.
Im pregnant with James. With your fiancé.
The room went dead. I stared at her, mouth hanging open. Victoria and Katie stared in disbelief, and a cold shiver ran down my spine.
What are you talking about? I finally managed. You must be drunk or?
Its true, she wiped her tears with the back of her hand. It happened a month and a half ago when you were away visiting your aunt in Brighton. I came over to drop off some visa papers youd asked for. James was home alone
I snapped up, slamming my glass down. Red wine splashed across the light carpet like blood.
Shut up! I shouted. Dont you dare spread that filthy lie!
Jen fumbled for her phone, scrolled, and handed me a screenshot.
Look, the test result. The date of the messages.
I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. The messages were ordinary Hey, hows it going?, When will you be back? Nothing about a pregnancy.
He never wrote it, Jen whispered. He said it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loved you
Katie sneered, Typical, hes convenient.
I kept scrolling, and my hand froze on a photo. It showed Jen, halfclothed, on a bed that looked exactly like James and my bedroom.
When was this? I asked, voice flat.
The day you were supposed to be in Brighton, Jen replied, her voice shaking. 15th April.
I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breath.
I wasnt in Brighton, I said. My trip was canceled; Aunt Margaret had a heart attack, we stayed home and watched films.
Jens face paled even more.
But James told me you left, she insisted.
Did you really believe him? Victoria asked. Or are you making this up now?
No! Jen shouted. He came to my flat, heres proof! She thrust the photo again.
I studied the picture, then burst into nervous laughter.
My God, I said, wiping tears that were now more from nerves than sorrow. Jen, thats not our bedroom. Thats your own flat. Look at the wall those swan pictures? You moved them from your parents house.
Jen blinked, confused.
But
And check the date on the photo I pointed out its 15.02, not 15.04.
A heavy pause settled over us. Jen slumped onto the sofa, shoulders drooping.
So what? I asked, voice low. Are you lying to us?
I she covered her face. Im not lying about the pregnancy. The test is positive.
But the father isnt James, is it? I whispered.
She stayed silent, then, in a trembling voice, said:
I dont know who the father is. Ive been seeing a few men since the divorce. When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. Nobody wanted anything serious. And when I saw how caring James is, how much he loves you, I thought hed be a good dad, so I I told a lie.
Victoria added:
You decided to use him as the fathers candidate, then spun a web of lies to wreck your friendship.
I sighed, the hurt in my voice sounding more like disappointment than anger.
I thought you were my best friend.
Jen buried her head in her hands.
I was desperate. After the divorce I was alone, with a baby on the way. I didnt know what to do.
I exhaled heavily.
You could have asked for help. Wed have been there.
The silence stretched. I glanced at the clock it was late.
Where are you going? I asked. Its night, better stay until morning.
I cant be here, I said, my voice steady but tears streaming down my cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Ill go with you, Emily said firmly. Im not leaving you alone.
Jen stayed on the sofa, eyes downcast.
Emily, Im sorry. I was jealous of your happiness Im sorry.
I stood at the door, turned back.
Youve just destroyed more than a friendship. Youve shattered my trust in people. I dont know if Ill ever forgive you.
The taxi that night sped along the dark motorway, the city lights flickering past. Emily didnt say a word, just let me have the space I needed.
You know what scares me the most? I finally said. For a second I believed. I doubted James. I doubted us.
Its natural, Emily replied softly. Anyone would question things after hearing something like that.
But I shouldnt have! I clenched my fists. Ive known James for four years. Hes never given me a reason to doubt him. And I one accusation, one word, and I was ready to think he was a cheat.
You were just confused, Emily placed a hand on my shoulder. Its okay now. You know the truth.
Yes, I managed a bitter smile. I know my best friend turned traitor, ready to ruin my happiness for her own gain.
Jen made a terrible mistake, Emily sighed. But shes in pain, pregnant, alone
Are you defending her? I asked, anger flashing.
No, Emily said firmly. Im just trying to understand. Theres a difference.
We fell silent again as the radio played a soft tune.
Ill call James, I said, pulling out my phone.
Now? Emily checked the time. Its almost two in the morning.
It doesnt matter. I need to tell him.
James answered almost instantly, as if hed been waiting.
Hannah? Everything okay?
Hearing his worried voice, tears spilled over. I told him everything Jens lie, my fleeting doubt.
Ill be there, James said simply. Come home.
When we got back to our house, it was well past midnight. Emily asked the driver to wait she wanted to stay and talk with us.
Stay? I offered. We have a spare room.
No, Emily shook her head. You need some time alone. Ill call in the morning.
I hugged her tightly.
Thanks for being here.
Always, she smiled. Dont let this ruin your wedding. Itll still be perfect, I promise.
James was waiting on the doorstep in pajama bottoms and a crumpled shirt, hair a mess, eyes full of worry. He pulled me into a tight embrace.
Im sorry, I whispered into his shoulder. I never should have doubted you.
Its fine, he kissed my forehead. The important thing is youre here. Were together.
From the taxi window I watched them, a smile forming despite everything. Their love would survive.
As for Jen I took a deep breath. Tomorrow Id call her, offer real help, because even those who make terrible mistakes deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, carrying me far from the cottage where two loving souls found comfort in each other. I thought maybe true friendship isnt just about standing by someone no matter what, but about telling hard truths and forgiving when we can. The wound is fresh, the pain sharp, but time will heal, leaving only scars as reminders that even the fiercest storms can be weathered when you have people who truly love you.
