So here it is folks! Chapter 4 of my series! Hope you enjoy it! Look for chap 5 hopefully tonight! Um..yeah..its long..sorry! Also I hope it makes sense how time elapses in the story. Welp, enough with the rambling and on with the show! Dueces bey...
Chap 4: We’re In An Awful Mess!
“Oh God, Oh God, Oh God!” Zendaya paced the living room floor. She felt like she couldn’t breathe.
“How the hell did they find out? This is bullshit! I hate those fucking paparazzi!” Val was furious.
“What are we gonna do Val? We can’t lie and say I’m not. I’m only going to get bigger and I can’t go into hiding for 5 months!”
“Baby calm down, we’ll figure something out.” Both their phones starting buzzing.
“Dude have you seen the E!news? This shit is everywhere” Maks asked frantically after Val answered the, “You’ll gotta say something before this goes too far!”
“ I know Maks but we gotta figure out how to approach this. Once its discovered I’m the father it’s going to be an even bigger mess than now” Val gave an exasperated sigh.
“Well let me know if you need anything. Stay strong and protect my little Z!”
“ I will. She’s always been my priority and always will be” Val exclaimed before hanging up the phone. He could hear her crying on the phone with her mother in the bedroom. She was lying across the bed on her back covering her face with her hand.
“I’m just so scared mom! What are we going to do now?”
“ Zendaya you have to stay strong. We knew this day would come when people would find out. I know you didn’t want it to come out like this but we’ll get through this” Claire tried to comfort her daughter. She so desperately wished she could go to her but didn’t want to risk the paparazzi following her and finding out Daya lived with Val. “ I will release a statement to try and do some damage control before we go any further.”
“Ok. I just feel like everything’s falling apart now” Zendaya sniffed.
“I’m here for you and you know I will do anything for you sweetheart. Just try and calm down and stay at Val’s. Don’t go anywhere until I contact you.” Claire stated before her mom was gone.
Val had been sitting on the bed next to her while she spoke to her mother. He laid back and pulled her into his arms. They laid in silence while he stroked her hair.
“ Val I’m so sorry I got you into this mess!” Z finally broke the silence.
“Baby you haven’t gotten me into anything. I love you and chose to be with you. I’m not going anywhere nor do I regret anything that we’ve done. We’ll get through this!” Val kissed her forehead, “ You want anything from the kitchen?”
Zendaya sniffed and wiped tears from her eyes, “Ice cream!”
Val chuckled and kissed her lips before getting up from the bed, “OK I’ll be right back.”
Zendaya grabbed her phone to finish reading the TMZ article. Of course they didn’t have much info since her pregnancy hadn’t been confirmed yet but they did have speculation of who they thought the father was. There were 2 people they settled on: “teen love affair of her and Trevor or forbidden romance with Val.” There was a lot of going back and forth of why they thought either person was the father but she was shocked when they even tried to insinuate that she really didn’t know herself. WTF??? “I’ve never done anything with Trevor or even looked at him romantically for him to remotely be the father. I’ve only been with one person and that was Val and she planned to keep it that way!” Z thought disgusted by the article.
She was avoiding TV but couldn’t help but check twitter. She was shocked she had a lot of support from her fans. She loved her Zswaggers! There were comments like: “Back off paps and leave her alone!”, “I think Zendaya will be a cool mom! Keep your head up!”, and “She’s not the first teen mom and won’t be the last. She’ll still be a star!#Replay.” It didn’t take long however for her to find the negative ones though: “Another child star bites the dust”, “I knew she wasn’t gonna make it”, “Seen her IG, I knew she was a SLUT!”, “I will never let my child watch her again!” Even those haters 1Millionmoms got involved, “ She’s not a role model for young girls. She should be removed from TV!” She just felt like she wanted to die!
Val returned with a big bowl of vanilla and chocolate ice cream and could see the stress on her face. “ Z what are you reading?”
“There are some really mean people out there. There’s so much crap they are saying about me and it hurts. I’m still a human being and I have feelings too but people don’t care what they say about you and don’t even know you!” Z was frustrated.
Val took the phone from her, “ Baby don’t let these people get to you. You’re right, they don’t know you because to know you is to love you. You’re a beautiful, strong, and determined person and its why I feel in love with you and I wouldn’t change you for anything!”
“You’re so good to me! How did I ever live without you? Z kissed Val. They spent the rest of the night with no TV and no social media just cuddling and talking. It felt good to block everything out if only for a little while and be themselves.
Z woke the next morning with a call from her mother, “ I released a statement to the press and also got a call for you to do an exclusive interview with Robin Roberts at GMA. We have to fly out tonight. Hopefully we can get through this and it will all blow over eventually.” Claire hoped but she knew once it was discovered her 17yo daughter was pregnant by her 27yo DWTS partner and now boyfriend, this was only the beginning of their problems.
“Ok, mom. I hope you’re right. I just want all of this to be over.” Zendaya felt exhausted.
“Before we leave though we have a meeting with the producers at Disney.”
Zendaya felt sick, “Oh God, I don’t think I can do this!”
“Zendaya Coleman, you HAVE to do this. These are the consequences of what has happened and you have to deal with them. YOU have to be strong for more than yourself now. Girls go through this everyday but you have to be tougher to do this with the world watching. You know I will be right there with you the whole time.” Claire had to show Zendaya some tough love because her daughter was under a microscope now and was going to have to be able to handle anything thrown at her.
That afternoon, Zendaya and her mother sat in a conference room at The Walt Disney Studios. Zendaya looked at posters around the walls of shows like Wizards of Waverly Place, Good Luck Charlie, Austin and Ally, and her eyes stuck to the poster of her and Bella for Shake It Up! The door opened and two SIU producers came in. They tried to smile to ease the tension.
“Daya, good to see you again. How are you feeling?”
“I’m ok, of course things could be better!” Z was nervous.
“Well we brought you in to discuss moving forward with SIU. We’ve got a lot of feedback since your mom officially released a statement and confirmed your pregnancy. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it because it’s not good. Our audience is mostly young girls and we have some concern from parents.”
After a while of him talking everything sounded so distant like she was underwater. Shaking her head to clear her mind, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“We hate to end a great run like this but we have no choice but to release you from your contract. We already have the writing team working on a plot to write Rocky out of the show but our hands are tied on this.”
Tears streamed down Zendaya’s face but she listened to her mother’s advice and tried to stay strong, “I completely understand. I appreciate the opportunity and everything you guys have done for me and this show will always mean a lot to me!”
The men rose and shook Claire and Z’s hand before exiting the room, “ We wish you the best Daya.” She put her head on the table once they were gone and sobbed. Her mother just sat quietly and let her cry while she rubbed her back.
“You ready?” Her mother asked pushing strands of hair behind her ear as they stood in the wing of the GMA studio. They had flown in the night before and dealt with the craziness at the airport. There were so many flashing lights and questions being thrown at her as they made their way to the car. Before jumping in herself, her mother turned to them, “Zendaya is going through enough right now and all will be revealed soon. Please respect my daughter’s privacy at this time!”
Zendaya took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, “As ready as I’ll ever be” before she was ushered onto the set and miced. Robin came in and gave Z a hug before the interview was to start. When it was time for their segment, Robin squeezed Z’s hand, “You’ll be fine” and gave her a reassuring smile.
Robin: We’re here with teen star, Zendaya Coleman to discuss the recent shocking discovery of her pregnancy to get her side of the story. Good morning Zendaya!
Z: Good morning (forcing a smile)
Robin: How are you feeling”
Z: I’m ok, I just take things one day at a time.
Robin: So just going to jump right on in. When did you find out you were pregnant?
Z: About 2 months ago and of course that was a total shock!
Robin: How did your family handle this news?
Z:( thinking of her father) Umm…they were of course very hurt and disappointed but we’re trying to work through this.
Robin: I know you have a close bond with your father and he’s not here. Is he taking it the worst.
Z:(sighs) I mean, yes he is. My father and I have not had contact since finding out and it does hurt to not have that relationship like before but you know I love my dad and I know he still loves me. It’s just gonna take some time for that relationship to heal, you know what I mean?
Robin: So moving forward, what are your plans?
Z: I’m still promoting my album and I’ve done some filming for a movie. I never plan to give up on my dreams. If anything this motivates me more to be successful for my child and to prove those who doubt me wrong.
Robin: Where do you stand with your role and involvement with Disney?
Z: (clearing throat) I can’t talk to much on that if you know what I mean but its where I got my “start” and I’m grateful for them but it’s best if I move on. I’ve learned a lot working on SIU that I will take with me throughout my career.
Robin: So you know I have to ask! Who’s the father?
Z: (if a baby wasn’t in the way, Z’s stomach would have dropped) Umm...I understand. Well, uh, I am and have been secretly dating Valentin Chemerkovskiy for several months. We fell in love on the show and formed a genuine and amazing friendship and bond. Of course this is not how we wanted things to progress but if anything us having a baby has done nothing but made that bond stronger and us much closer.
Robin: With the age difference, how do you deal with that?
Z: Well I’ve said it before that age is nothing but a number and you can’t help who you love.
Robin: Are you worried about the legal issues that can arise from this since you’re a minor?
Z: Of course we worry and its something in the back of our minds everyday but like I said we just take things one day at a time and deal with them as they come. We just thank the people that are supportive of us and aren’t judgmental. We just ask that people just respect our privacy.
Robin: Well thank you for being with us this morning Zendaya and we wish you much luck!
Z: Thank you! (giving a genuine smile of relief)
Robin: We’ll be right back after these messages
Z finally felt a weight was lifted off of her shoulders when the cameras cut.
Robin stood, “You did great. You’re a strong young lady and I commend your bravery!”
Z hugged her, “Thank you for everything!” Z finally felt like she would be OK and glad she didn’t have to hide anything anymore. She just wanted to go home to LA and live her life with Val and their baby!
Val stepped into the sun from the dance studio and saw two men standing by his car.
“Valentin Chemerkovskiy?” asked one the men.
“Yes” Val stated knowing who they were.
Showing badges, “LAPD, you mind coming with us for some questions?”
Val sighed because he knew this would eventually happen, “No sir I don’t…”
Zendaya had tried to call Val before they left NY but she assumed he was at practice and didn’t hear his phone when he didn’t answer. She shot him a quick text message before take off when the flight attendant wasn’t looking but still no response. Zendaya exited the airport with her mom feeling a little happier but she still hadn’t gotten in touch with Val. Once they were in the car she tried calling again and it went straight to his voicemail. She was worried so she called Maks…
“Maks have you seen Val? I can’t get in touch with him!” Z asked trying not to panic.
“Uh…hey Z! How was your flight?”
She could tell something was up from the tone of his voice, “Maks what’s wrong?”
Maks let out a deep sigh, “I’m down at the jail. Val got arrested this afternoon for statutory rape. I’m bailing him out now but they’re saying he might do some time for this! Its not looking good Z!”
Val entered his eerily quiet apartment with Maks right behind him. Claire stood from the couch to give him a hug, “Oh thank God, Val are you ok?”
“Yeah I’m fine. Hey we knew this could happen though. I’m determined to not go to jail because I’m not leaving Z and the baby. I think I’ve figured out a way to get around it.”
Claire sighed running her hands through her hair, “Ok, well if you need anything I’m here for you. You’ve become like a son to me from just the way you care for and support Zendaya, I will protect you too!”
“Thanks that really means a lot!” he hugged her again, “ Where’s Zendaya?”
“When we got home I made her go lie down because she was so shaken and upset I didn’t want her to endanger herself and the baby. I’ve kept an eye on her though.”
Val quietly went into his bedroom and she was lying with her back to the door. He knew she wasn’t asleep because he could hear her crying. He crossed the room to her.
“Zendayachka” kneeling beside the bed.
“Oh Val, I’m so sorry!” she said sitting up to hug him. Her arms were wrapped so tight around his neck it felt like she would never let him go.
“Baby, I’m fine. I’m here now!” Val pushed the hair out of her face and kissed her tear stained cheeks.
“I can’t lose you!” Z fell to pieces again.
“Hey, I told you that I wasn’t gonna leave you and I mean that!” Val opened the drawer to his nightstand and pulled out a small black box. “ I didn’t want to do this this way but I can’t wait any longer. I had planned this big romantic thing for when you came back home but sitting in jail it made me realize I didn’t need all that. All I need is you and our child. I’ve always said you’re my priority and you always will be. I want to love, protect, and fight for you for the rest of my life!” He opened the box…
Zendaya gasped looking down at the gorgeous diamond ring, “Val what are you doing?”
“Zendaya Maree Coleman, my Zendayachka, Ty vyydesh’za menya?”
So as promised here is Chapter 2 of my series. I tried not making them long with no luck because it was so hard no to put a lot of detail. Now I see why HP books were so long by the end. Anywho, hope you enjoy! Leave feedback and follow me for more. Enough rambling and now on with the show! Dueces son...
Chapter 2: Papa Don’t Preach, I’ve Been Losing Sleep
Zendaya was startled awake lying in bed. Maybe it was a dream, or more a nightmare! But reality soon set in when she realized she wasn’t in her bed but Val’s. He was sleep behind her, lightly snoring with his hand on her belly. She also realized the now all too familiar reason why she woke up…she was going to be sick. Pushing his arm away, Zendaya quickly ran to his bathroom. Val woke up, “Baby, what’s wrong?” but he knew when he heard her vomiting. He got up to go comfort her by holding her hair and rubbing her back. She sat sobbing on the floor while he got a cold rag to wipe her face.
“You feel better?” he asked concerned. “I can get you some water.”
“No, I’m fine. You’ve done enough haven’t you?” Z snapped.
Val slid down the door next to her because he knew she didn’t mean it. She was just upset and scared. “Z, I didn’t deserve that. I’m only trying to be supportive so don’t take this shit out on me! You don’t think I’m not worried about everything?”
Z sat for a minute then grabbed his hand, “You’re right. I’m sorry! It’s just so much is going through my head right now I haven’t really thought about how you’re feeling.”
Val kissed the back of her hand, “Remember, we’re in this together.” He helped her to her feet and back to his room.
“What time is it?” Zendaya asked searching for her phone.
“Umm...8:30! Oh God, your parents don’t know you’re gone!”
Val noticed several text messages and 5 missed calls on his phone. When Z found hers, she had almost 10 missed calls herself.
“My parents are going to kill me!” Her phone started buzzing again…it was her dad!
“We can’t avoid them forever” Val grabbed her phone and answered, “Kazembe, its Val.”
“Val, where the hell is Zendaya? Let me talk to her RIGHT NOW!” Zendaya could hear her father yelling through the phone.
“She’s safe, Kazembe. She’s here with me. I’m bringing her home shortly. We need to talk to you and her mother.”
“If you have done anything to her, Chemerkovskiy, you will never live it down as long as I’m alive! Bring my daughter home NOW!” threatened her dad.
Val put the car in park in front of Zendaya’s house. “You ready?” he asked looking at her in the passenger seat.
Zendaya was terrified because her father was already angry and she knew this was going to send him over the edge. “Let’s get this over with.” Zendaya opened the car door. Before they made it to the door, it swung open. Claire ran out and hugged Zendaya.
“Oh my God, Daya we were so worried. When you weren’t in your room, we didn’t know what could have happened to you. I thought some obsessed fan had kidnapped you!”
“I’m fine mom” Zendaya lied, “Lets just go in the house.”
They entered and her still angry father was standing in the kitchen. “Mom, Dad…me and Val need to talk to you.” She looked at Val for reassurance.
Val cleared his throat, “You both know how much I love and care for Zendaya. You’ve all become family to me really so I hope we will get through this together.” Val sighed.
“Val, what’s going on?” Claire asked searching both their faces for answers.
Zendaya began to cry, “I’m pregnant…Val’s the father!”
“Oh my God, Daya. Seriously? How could you? We thought you were so much more responsible than this” her mother responded upset and crying. Kazembe was fuming, running his hands through his dreads.
“I love Zendaya and I give you my word I will support and be there for her…”
Before Val could finish his statement, Kazembe lunged grabbing Val’s shirt. Claire was too late to stop him from punching Val in the face. Val could taste the blood on his lip.
“You’re word means shit to me Chemerkovskiy. We trusted you and you were going behind our backs fucking my daughter. You’re a grown man and it sickens me that you preyed on my innocent child. Big Bro my ass, you were plotting on her the whole time. I knew not to trust you…”
Zendaya couldn’t take anymore, “Daddy just STOP!” she screamed. “This is my vault as much as Val’s. We tried to fight how we felt for so long but what is done is done now. We just need to focus on what to do now moving forward.”
Everybody was silent for several minutes before Claire spoke up, “You’re certain that you’re pregnant?”
“I took a test last night and it was positive.”
“Well, we need to get you a doctor’s appointment with an OB/GYN just to be completely sure. I really can’t believe you Daya. I’m very disappointed in you!” Her mother left to go make a phone call to set up the appt.
Zendaya, Val, and her dad were left in the kitchen. “Do you want me to go to the doctor’s appt with you, Z?” Val asked.
“Hell NO, you will have nothing to do with Zendaya from this moment forward!” fumed Kazembe.
“With all due respect but that is my child she is carrying so I have a lot to do with Zendaya from this moment forward” Val was trying to control his temper.
“Not if I have anything to do with it!” Kazembe and Val glared at each other.
“You two, just stop. Val isn’t going anywhere Dad because my child deserves to have a father.” Looking at Val, “Just go home until everybody calms down and I’ll call you later.”
“But I...”
“Please!” Zendaya cut him off.
Val backed out the kitchen slowly and left pissed off. Claire returned, “Where is Val?”
“I sent him home before another fight broke out!”
“Well you need to go take a shower and get ready. I made an appt with Dr. Kauffman at 10am so we can get this over with.”
Kazembe hit the counter with his fists and stormed out the house. Zendaya tried to go after him.
“Zendaya let him go! He needs some time to think”
Z ran upstairs. She just wanted to escape!
Z sat on the examining table in a gown that felt like a paper napkin. The poster of the chubby smiling baby on the wall made her swallow hard. She was twisting the bracelets from Val on her arm when Dr. Kauffman came into the room.
“Mrs. Coleman, good to see you again. This must be Zendaya” he shook Z’s hand. “We got the results back from the test we took earlier and it is a positive pregnancy test.”
Zendaya’s heart sank. She knew it would be but a small piece of her thought it might be negative, or at least hoped.
“I’m going to do an exam to see if we can see how far along you are. Zendaya I just need you to lay back.” Squirting cold jelly on her stomach, he began looking around with the ultrasound machine. It all just looked like static to her…but then she saw something.
“Ah, there it is. Zendaya that little peanut shape there is your baby.” He tapped the keyboard to freeze the image. Claire burst into tears.
“How far along am I?” Z tried to keep it together.
“From the size of the fetus, I’d say 5 and half to 6 weeks. I’m going to write you a prescription for some prenatal vitamins and set an appt for you to come back when you’re 8 weeks.” Feeling the tension, Dr. Kauffman quickly exited the room.
“I’m so sorry mom! I never meant to hurt or disappoint you!” Zendaya started crying as well.
Claire came over to hug and console her, “Shhh! I am very disappointed and upset Daya but you’re my baby. I’m you’re mother and I will do anything for you!” Claire sat holding Z and rocking her like the small child she not so long ago remembered having until Dr. Kauffman returned. He confirmed the appt before she left his office.
Zendaya sent Val a quick text when she and her mother got back home, “Just got home from the DR. Will call you later.”
Her dad still wasn’t home but he took long drives to clear his head sometimes. As soon as they entered the house, she heard the phone ringing.
“Daya can you get that? I need to go lie down” her mother asked as she headed upstairs.
“Sure mom” Z grabbed the phone. “Hello?”
“Hi, may I speak with Mr. Coleman?”
“He’s not home right now, may I take a message?”
“Sure. Just let him know Heather from New Beginnings Adoption Agency was returning his call in regards to his inquiry about our services.”
So this is a lyric challeng/first attempt at a series. Sorry it's kinda long but hopefully the other chapters won't be but I was just so inspired today at work bored out of my mind! Enough with the rambling and on with the show. Please leave feedback about what you think and follow me if you want to see more! Dueces kid...
Chapter One: Papa don’t preach, I’m in trouble deep!
Zendaya woke up again because she felt sick. She kicked the covers off as she sprinted to the bathroom to vomit. "What is wrong with me?" Z thought as she sat on the cool floor with her head on the toilet. When she felt it was over, she stood up to brush her teeth. Even the toothpaste made her nauseous. She splashed cold water on her face before returning to her room. Even though she felt like crap, she had to get ready. She had an interview at Radio Disney today. Throwing on some leggings, combat boots, a baggy t-shirt, and her hair in a messy bun she went downstairs. “Morning Daya,” her mother greeted her when she entered the kitchen. It took everything in her to hold it together from the aroma of coffee and breakfast cooking. “Somebody looks rough!” teased her father. “Kazembe, leave her alone. I’m sure she’s tired from all this running around. You feeling ok sweetheart? You look pale,” her mother asked. “I’ll be fine mom. Just need some rest at home and I’ll be good.” Z got up without touching her breakfast to grab her bag, “Ready to go?” she asked her mom. “Sure but don’t you want to eat something? It could be a long day.” “God I’m fine mom, just drop it!” Zendaya snapped. “Hey watch your tone young lady, now apologize to your mother,” scolded her dad. “Sorry mom!” Z definitely was not herself.
At RD, Zendaya tried to be her usual happy and perky self but she felt off. She just felt tired and sluggish and her mom could tell. “Are you sure you’re ok Daya?” Z didn’t really know what was going on but she didn’t want to worry her mother, “It’s probably just nerves about the album. I really want it to do well!” Her mother smoothed her hair and kissing her forehead, “That’s understandable but don’t worry yourself sick about it” “OK mom, I won’t” but Zendaya still through lunch seemed tired and she barely ate, just picking at her salad. That night back at home, she sat in her room. She was on twitter and Instagram when she heard her computer chime that she was getting a Skype call. She answered, “Hey Bells, what’s up?” “Nothing, just checking on you. I heard your interview earlier and you sound horrible!” “Thanks Bella!” Z responded sarcastically, “Glad you enjoyed it.” “Whoa Miss Smarty Pants, what is with you?” Zendaya was getting worried. She almost bit her mom’s head off at breakfast and now she was being a bitch to Bella. “I don’t know Bells, I just don’t feel right. I think I’m going crazy!” “Talk to me Z, what’s wrong?” Bella asked concerned. “I’m just always tired and I don’t really feel like eating.” Bella thought about it for a minute, “Well that’s understandable with all you’re doing to promote your album. That’s a lot of pressure and stress to be an up and coming new artist.” “Yeah probably so but I’m moody too and it’s making me physically sick! I’ve woke up throwing up 3 days this week!” Bella looked shocked then had a look on her face like she had solved a murder mystery. “OMG Z, what?” Zendaya sighed, “Yeah I’ve been sick every morning, it’s awful!” “Z don’t you see what the problem is?” “Bella what are you talking about?” “OK Z, this is TMI and a very personal question but I’m your best friend but when was the last time you got your period?” Z was shocked, “What? What does that have to do with…” Z trailed off realizing what Bella was asking. “Oh, no, no, NOOO…Bells absolutely not!” Zendaya was frantic. “Calm down Z and really think about it.” Zendaya did have to think for a minute. With all the stuff she had going on; she completely forgot her period and didn’t realize it didn’t come that month. “Bella, it can’t be! This can’t be happening to me!” Z burst into tears. “Whoa Z, calm down. You need to be certain and take a test first.” Bella tried to remain calm and the voice of reason, “I could be wrong, or at least for your sake I hope I am.” Zendaya tried to compose herself, “Bells I have to call you back.” “Ok, but keep me posted and let know if you need anything. I’m here for you!” “OK thanks Bella.” And she was gone.
Zendaya sat staring at her blank screen where Bella’s face was moments ago. She couldn’t wrap her head around it or pull herself to say the word. She swallowed hard again…PREGNANT???? Z knew she couldn’t go to her parents, at least not yet. She didn’t think she could handle the disappointment in their eyes. However if she wasn’t pregnant, she would never be allowed to see Val again because they would know what was going on between them. Oh God, she thought about Val…what will he say or do? What if he hates me and never wants to see me again? What would my dad do to him? She had to talk to him.
After several times picking up her phone and putting it back on her desk, she finally forced herself to dial Val’s number. “Hey babe, what’s up?” Val answered. Zendaya immediately burst into tears again. “Baby calm down, what’s wrong? Are you hurt? Where are you?” Val was panicked because she sounded so upset. Zendaya finally spoke, “I need to talk to you!” “Ok what’s up? You can talk to me about anything. Is your grandma ok?” “Yeah she’s fine. Its me but I can’t do this over the phone. Can you come over?” “Yeah sure, I’m leaving the dance studio now. I’m on my way.” “Ok, let me know when you’re outside.” Z paced in her room for what seemed liked hours before her phone buzzed with a text from Val, “I’m outside.” Grabbing a sweatshirt she ran downstairs and out the door before her parents could realize she was gone. She climbed into the passenger side and Val could feel the tension. “Baby, what’s wrong? You’re freaking me out!” Zendaya was doing everything to hold it together but some tears did escape. “Z, just talk to me!” When she finally could talk, “I don’t want you to hate me Val! I can’t lose you!” Val was very confused now, “Z, I could never hate you now tell me what’s going on!” Z took a deep breath and closed her eyes, “I think I’m pregnant!” She sat there in silence with her eyes closed waiting for him to start yelling but there was nothing. She opened her eyes to find Val sitting there with intense green eyes watering and his mouth open. “Wait…what do you mean pregnant? Don’t fucking joke like that Zendaya!” “You think I would be this upset or joke about something like that?” Val leaned his head against the head rest rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands before letting out a scream that was more like a roar causing Zendaya to jump. “See, I didn’t want you to be angry! I’m so sorry Val, please don’t hate me!” Val sat in silence staring straight ahead. All she could do was sit looking down at her hands until he said something again. “How do you know, have you taken a test?” “No not yet, I didn’t think I was pregnant until it all made sense when I was talking to Bella on Skype.” “Jesus, you told Bella?” “No she was the one that figured it out but the way I’ve been feeling lately its possible Val.” “What do you mean, how have you been feeling?” She told him everything that had happened in the past few days, “And I’ve been throwing up every morning Val! What are we gonna do? I’m so scared right now! What about my parents? My career? Your career? My dad could get you arrested!! Oh God this is a disaster!” Zendaya put her head in her hands down on her knees. Val let out a deep sigh, “Ok first you gotta take a test.” Val started the car driving to a local drugstore. Zendaya looked sick from just the thought of going in and picking up a pregnancy test. Val could see the dread on her face, “Hey its ok, I’ll go in and get it. You stay here.” Within minutes he returned and handed her the small brown paper bag before he stared the car again headed to his apartment. Once inside, she just sat on the couch with the bag in her lap staring at the wall. Val came and sat next to her handing her a bottled water, “Drink this” before he opened himself a beer. She assumed after this news he probably needed a drink. She took a couple sips of water before without looking at him, “I guess I should go take it huh?” She rose slowly and walked toward his bathroom. “Do you want me to come with you?” “No I think I can figure it out. I’ll be right back.” Val sat on the couch waiting for her between taking sips of his beer and fidgeting checking the time. She returned shortly, “Well??” “It’s not ready, it takes 10 minutes” Z sat back on the couch and leaned back grabbing one of the pillows and putting it across her stomach. Val leaned back next to her. “I just don’t know how this could have happened; I thought we were so careful.” “Val grabbed her hand and laced their fingers together, “Babe I don’t either but anything is possible. If you are pregnant, we’ll figure this out together. I’m not going to leave you. I’ll be right by your side the whole time.” Zendaya began to cry, “Thanks Val but I’ve ruined your life now” “Hey you haven’t ruined anything. It takes two to tango remember, so we’re in this together.” At that moment the alarm Zendaya set on her phone for the test went off. She looked at Val terrified, “I don’t think I can do this!” Rising from the couch, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet, “Remember, we’re in this together.” They walked back to the bathroom and stood in the door. Zendaya slowly went over to the sink where the test was sitting. She picked it up and just started shaking. “Baby, what does it say?” Val asked frantically. Zendaya just turned to him with her other hand over her mouth, “IT’S POSITIVE!!”