[the headspace]

KEL: “HERO, don’t you think there’s something wrong with AUBREY? I mean…I get she’s 7 months pregnant with twins…but she looks worried.”

HERO: “You’re right, KEL. Maybe we should ask. SUNNY?”

SUNNY: (putting away his knife) “…?”

KEL: “SUNNY, we noticed that AUBREY seems a bit off lately. Have you noticed anything?”

SUNNY: “Hmm, now that you mention it, she has been acting a little different. I’ve seen her deep in thought a few times, but she hasn’t really talked about it with me.”

HERO: “We should talk to her and offer our support. Pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially with twins. Let’s make sure she knows we’re here for her.”

KEL: “Definitely. She’s been such a rock for us all, it’s the least we can do.”

(The trio finds AUBREY sitting alone in the garden, lost in her thoughts. They approach her with gentle smiles.)

HERO: “Hey AUBREY, mind if we join you?”

AUBREY: (looks up, slightly startled) “Oh, hey guys! Sure, go ahead.”

KEL: (sits down next to AUBREY) “We noticed you’ve been a bit quiet lately. Is there something on your mind?”

AUBREY: (sighs) “I guess I can’t really hide it, can I? Yeah, there’s something bothering me. I’m just worried about how I’ll manage everything with two babies on the way. It’s starting to feel overwhelming.”

SUNNY: (sits on the other side of AUBREY) “Don’t worry, AUBREY. We’re here for you. We can all pitch in and help out. You don’t have to do it alone.”

HERO: (puts a hand on AUBREY’s shoulder) “That’s right. We’re a team, remember? We’ve faced challenges together before, and this is no different. We’ll figure it out together.”

AUBREY: (smiles weakly) “Thank you, guys. It means a lot to me. I just needed a reminder that I’m not alone in this.”

KEL: (grinning) “Of course you’re not alone! We’re all in this together, and we’ll support each other every step of the way. Plus, I hear babies are pretty cute, so it’s going to be worth it!”

SUNNY: (chuckles) “Yeah, they better be cute after all the sleepless nights we’ll have!”

AUBREY: (clutching her belly) “Ow…”

HERO: “Uh-oh, are you okay, AUBREY?”

AUBREY: (grimacing) “I think I just had a contraction. They’re getting more frequent lately.”

KEL: (concerned) “Should we call for an ambulance or something?”

AUBREY: (breathing through the pain) “No, not yet. It’s still too early. But I think I need to rest…and maybe start preparing for their arrival- …oh…oh my gosh…”

HERO: “AUBREY, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

AUBREY: (teary-eyed) “I think my water just broke. The babies are coming. Like, right now.”

HERO: (panicking) “Okay, okay, let’s stay calm. SUNNY, go grab some towels and blankets. KEL, let’s help AUBREY inside to a more comfortable spot. We’ll figure this out, AUBREY, don’t worry.”

SUNNY: (rushing inside) “On it! I’ll grab everything we need.”

KEL: (supporting AUBREY) “You’re doing great, AUBREY. Just breathe and take it one moment at a time. We’re right here with you.”

HERO: (leading the way) “Let’s get her to the living room. It’s the most spacious area.”

(The trio carefully guides AUBREY to the living room and helps her settle on the couch. SUNNY quickly returns with towels and blankets.)

SUNNY: “Here, I’ve got everything we need. AUBREY, make yourself as comfortable as possible. We’re right here with you, remember that.”

AUBREY: (nervously gripping KEL’s hand) “I’m scared, guys. What if something goes wrong?”

HERO: “You’re not alone, AUBREY. We’ll do everything we can to keep you and the babies safe. Remember, we’re in this together, no matter what happens.”

KEL: (squeezing AUBREY’s hand reassuringly) “And remember, AUBREY, you’re a strong and amazing person. You’ve faced challenges before, and you’ve conquered them. This is just another hurdle, and together, we’ll overcome it.”

AUBREY: (taking a deep breath) “Thank you, guys. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Aah!!!”

HERO: “AUBREY, stay calm. Just breathe through the contractions. We’re here with you every step of the way.”

SUNNY: “We can time the contractions and see how close they’re getting. It’ll help us estimate when the babies will arrive.”

KEL: “I’ll grab my phone and download a contraction timer app. We’ll record everything, AUBREY. It’ll help us keep track.”

(AUBREY nods, trying to maintain her composure as the contractions intensify.)

HERO: “You’re doing great, AUBREY. Just focus on your breathing and let us take care of the rest.”

(SUNNY and KEL work together, timing the contractions and providing updates to AUBREY and HERO.)

AUBREY: (gritting her teeth) “It’s getting stronger… and closer…”

HERO: “We’re prepared, AUBREY. We’ll be right by your side as the babies come into this world.”

SUNNY: “You’re doing amazing, AUBREY. Just keep breathing and focus on the end goal.”

KEL: (holding back tears) “We believe in you, AUBREY. You’ve got this. We’re here for you.”

(AUBREY remains strong and determined, finding strength in the support of her friends.)

HERO: (gently wiping AUBREY’s forehead) “You’re doing incredible, AUBREY. You’re almost there.”

SUNNY: “We can see the head, AUBREY! Just a few more pushes!”

KEL: “Almost there, AUBREY. You’re doing amazing.”

(AUBREY pushes with all her might, and finally, the first baby is born, followed closely by the second.)

HERO: “They’re here, AUBREY! You did it! You’re a mom, AUBREY!”

AUBREY: “My babies…my beautiful babies…”

KEL: (teary-eyed) “They’re perfect, AUBREY. You did such an amazing job.”

SUNNY: (smiling) “You were incredible, AUBREY. We’re so proud of you.”

HERO: “Welcome to the world, little ones. AUBREY, you’re going to be an amazing mom.”

(AUBREY starts to cry tears of joy as she holds her newborn babies in her arms.)

AUBREY: “Thank you, guys. I couldn’t have done it without all of you. I’m so grateful for your support.”

KEL: “We’ll be here every step of the way, AUBREY. Parenthood is a journey, but we’ll navigate it together.”

SUNNY: “Absolutely. These babies are lucky to have you as their mom, and we’re lucky to have you as our friend.”

HERO: “We’re a family, AUBREY. And families stick together. We’re here for you through thick and thin.”

AUBREY: (smiling through tears) “I love you all. Thank you for being here for me, for supporting me. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

(As AUBREY begins her journey as a new mom, her friends surround her with love and support. Together, they face the challenges and joys that come with raising twins, knowing that they will always have each other’s backs.)

(The next day…)

AUBREY: (waking up) “Good morning, my babies! Ready for another fun day with mommy-” (picking up one of the twins, distressed) “What’s wrong, my baby boy? Are you hungry? Why are you crying? Please…don’t wake your sister up…”

(AUBREY quickly glances at the clock - it was time for her son’s feeding.)