The Results are In

Once the bathroom door closed, I began biting my nails. What was Anna going to do if this test was positive? I tried to completely eliminate the thought from my mind. Worrying for the next three minutes wouldn't help the situation at all.

I tip toed over to the door. I didn't want to be too intrusive, but the anticipation was driving me insane. It had only been a few seconds, even though they felt like hours, when I heard Anna gasp on the other side of the door. Fuck. How were the results ready so quick? Also, a gasp didn't seem like a good response. As I pondered whether it sounded like a response to relief or to terrible news, the door swung open.

My heart jumped into my throat as I stared at Anna with wide eyes. It took a couple of seconds for my brain to register that she was smiling.

"I got my period!" She exclaimed before throwing her arms around my neck. As she squeezed me tighter than I thought possible, I could see the pregnancy test sitting on the counter, unopened. At least I'd be able to save it for another pregnancy scare, even though I hoped I never had to deal with a situation like this again.

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness," I said into her hair as she rocked me back and fourth, maintaining her sturdy grip on me.

She let go of the hug and looked at me with a huge smile. I would compare it to the adult version of being told you're going to Disneyland.

"Merry fucking Christmas," Anna said.

I smiled back at her, but now that the fire was out, it was time to discuss fire safety.

"Anna, can you please promise me I'm not going to have to do this again next month?"

Anna looked down. "I know," she responded. "It won't happen again."

I put my hands on her shoulders. "Anna, I'm not trying to be a judgmental bitch, but you really need to promise me this time." The thing is, this wasn't the first time Anna came into trouble with her rather risky behaviors. Last spring, she thought she had herpes for a hot second but it ended up to just be razor burn.

Anna looked up at me. "You're right. I know I've said it before, but I'm going to like, make it my new year's resolution. For the last week, I've been lying in bed almost in tears at the thought of having a child with Martin, or even worse, a Tinder match I've met once."

Anna and I were on Amazon a minute later searching condoms. I suggested a particular type of Trojans that are really thin and guys say it feels like they're not even wearing a condom. She ordered a box of those, in addition to a more fun pack.

"If my mom opens this package, I'll die," she said as she signed into her account.

"That's why they put something innocent as the return address name!" I contemplated ordering some for myself, but Scott seemed to always be prepared for the occasion. I also have a gynecologist appointment in January, so I figured I'd talk to him about going on birth control at that point.

It was nearing seven o'clock at this point so Anna and I went out for margaritas to unwind. Once we were on our third round, Anna texted Martin and told him to head over. Scott was still at work but Martin showed up to have a drink before driving us home.

I walked into my house before taking out my phone and sending a quick text to Anna. "Remember what we talked about!"

Anna responded back seconds later. "Haha! He's in the pharmacy right now. I made him stop :)"

Feeling accomplished for the day, I went to sleep.

The next week was a blur of holiday shopping, baking, and cleaning. I contemplated inviting Scott over for Christmas Eve or Christmas, but I was kind of scared since he hadn't brought it up at all. The Sunday before Christmas, he asked me if I wanted to get breakfast and spend the day hanging out with him. I happily accepted and then he told me he'd have my present. I got butterflies from a combination of nerves and excitement.

I had picked him up a shirt from a store I knew he liked and a box of coconut chocolates that I knew were his favorite. It took me a while to settle on a nice gift that didn't seem like too much since we had just started dating.

I threw on an oversized silver sweater, leggings, and new black booties that I had bought myself. I braided my hair to the side, but wasn't sure if I was thrilled with the way it looked. I didn't have time to undo it before Scott picked me up, though.

We chatted about our weeks over french toast and caramel coffee concoctions before heading back to his house. His parents were out, again, and I was starting to feel self conscious that he didn't want me to meet them. I mean, he hadn't mentioned his plans for the holidays and I only went to his house when they were out. What the hell?

We went into his room where I saw two boxes on the bed. The boxes looked the exact same size as the two boxes I had in my giant Longchamp bag.

I was anxious and wanted to have him open his gifts first, so I handed the wrapped boxes to him. "You first," I said with a smile.

Scott smiled at me and gave me a peck on the lips before sitting down and ripping through the wrapping. He seemed to like the shirt and tried it on right away. I was stoked that it fit. He broke into the chocolates right away.

His gift totally kicked my gift's ass, though.