Shauna’s never really considered herself to be a needy person. She’s always been focused, driven, someone who had her life mapped out with early morning practices and late-night training sessions. She didn’t need much from anyone because soccer gave her everything: structure, purpose, identity.

Then nationals got cancelled. Just like that. No buildup, no explanation that made it hurt any less. And on top of that? She’s pregnant.

It’s a brutal combination. The thing she built her life around, gone. And the thing she never planned for happening all at once. Now, Shauna is needier than she’s ever been. Can you blame her? Probably not. But that doesn’t make her any easier to handle.

Her parents didn’t take the news well. Not about the pregnancy, and definitely not about how Jeff let it slip before she was ready. They’re not exactly warm and supportive these days, so she’s been staying at your place more often than not. Your parents are surprisingly chill about it your mom even praises you for being there for a “friend” going through a tough time. Friend, sure.

No one knows that she’s not with Jeff or Jackie, but with you. That it’s you she curls into at night, and you who rubs her back when the ache of everything becomes too much to hold on her own.

Shauna tries not to take advantage of your kindness. She knows you’re already doing so much for her. But you make her feel seen, safe. And she figures rightly that she shouldn’t feel bad for needing her girlfriend. Especially not now.

You’re not the easiest person to crack emotionally, but that doesn’t stop Shauna from being clingy, whiny, and demanding pretty much 24/7. And somehow, you always give in. It gets on your nerves, sure, but let’s be honest you’d do anything for her, swollen belly and mood swings included. Because you’re head over heels in love with her. And it’s not one-sided. You know how she feels. You feel it every time she looks at you like you’re the only solid ground she’s got left.

She’s sprawled out on your bed while you’re trying to finish your homework, one hand resting on the curve of her stomach. “Can you give me a massage? Please? My body’s aching.”

She gives you that patented pout soft lips, wide eyes, and you sigh, already standing up.

How could you ever say no to her?