Standing up and taking Ash’s hand in mine I said, “Understatement of the year.”

Turning on the machine the doctor said, “Alright Ashlynn, you know the drill.”

Ash laid back on the table and pulled up her shirt showing off her little belly. After the doctor applied the gel and smoothed it out over Ash’s stomach she picked up the wand and began to move it around.

My heart was beating so fast and then the doctor pointed to the screen and said, “Congratulations, you guys are the proud parents of a little boy.”

I wanted to jump up and down yelling, “FUCK YEAH I KNEW IT!” Instead I looked over to Ash and winked at her while she shook her head. I leaned in to kiss her but the doctor said, “Wait; just a minute.”

I stopped and looked over. “Is everything okay?”

The doctor let out a laugh and said, “Yeah, everything’s fine but you’re having a girl.”

Ashlynn looked over at me and said, “That’s what I’m talking about.”

That’s when the doctor started waving her hand and said, “No. I mean you’re having a little girl as well.” I looked over at Ash and her eyes were huge.

Turning towards the doctor we both talked over one another with Ash asking, “Come again?” and me asking, “I’m sorry but what did you just say?”

The doctor turned to the both of us and said, “You’re having a boy and a girl.”

I still couldn’t believe it so I asked, “We’re having a twins?”

The doctor just laughed and said, “Yeah, that’s what it’s called when someone has two babies at the same time. Triplets are when someone has three.”

I looked over to Ashlynn and just started laughing saying, “Wow, when we mess up, we mess up.” I tried to calm my laughter to look over at Ash but she still had this stunned look on her face.

Biting my laughter I asked, “Ash?”

That’s when she turned to me and threw her head back and laughed.

Controlling our laughter I leaned in and said, “I love you so much, Ash.”

Cradling my face in her hands she said, “I love you too, Jason.”

Upon kissing her we both turned to the doctor who was staring at us, probably thinking These two are going to be parents? That’s a little frightening.

After getting our pictures from the ultrasound I drove us back to my apartment. I was so excited that we could finally tell all of our friends. Sarah, Gabe, Maddox, Isabelle, Patrick, and for some dumbass reason, Ashlynn wanted to invite Derrick. I didn’t put too much of a fight into it because I wanted Ash to be happy and plus, he seemed like an okay guy if I didn’t include the fact that he’d touched her and probably kissed her. Jade and Neil would be at the party as well. They already knew about the pregnancy but they didn’t about the gender, or genders. We decided we were going to throw a party to celebrate that we were all seniors, but little did they know that both Ashlynn and I had a little surprise on our hands. Or should I say little surprises?

Everybody already knew about the party because we wanted to hold it the day we found out about the gender of our child. We also wanted to wait to get the okay from the doctor to start telling people in case something happened. We decided for the party to just be casual so while Ashlynn took a nap in my room I cleaned up the house, ordered and picked up pizzas. I also made a run to the liquor store, picking up beer and champagne for the news, and stopped at the grocery store to pick up some more ginger ale for Ash as well as sparkling cider.

By the time I got back from running the errands Ash was waking up and walking out into the living room. As she was stretching her t-shirt rolled up and I caught a glimpse of her little belly.

Yawning she looked at me and asked, “What’s that look for?”

Placing the pizzas on the counter I walked over to her. “You think we have time before everybody starts showing up for the party?”

Lifting her into my arms she giggled. Wrapping her legs around me she whispered, “We have all the time in the world,” before capturing her mouth with mine.


As soon as everyone arrived we started hanging out and having a good time. Joking around and talking about what we did over the summer. How classes were going and how we just couldn’t wait to graduate this year. We had music playing and the drinks were flowing as we munched on chips and ate pizza. It was an all around good time but I couldn’t wait to tell everyone our great news.

Halfway through the night I said, “Alright everyone, go sit down in the living room. Ash and I have something to tell you.” I looked over at Jade and saw a little smile creep onto her face. I just couldn’t wait to see her face when I told we were having twins.

With drinks and pizza in hand everyone gathered in the living room and waited for Ashlynn and I to share our news. Once everyone sat down Ash and I looked at one another and smiled. We looked out at everyone and then Sarah said, “I’m going crazy; just tell us already! The anticipation is killing me.”

Everyone started laughing and as soon as the laughter died down I screamed, “ASH IS PREGNANT!”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many mouths fall open and eyes get wide in one place but it scared the shit out of me. All the girls started screaming for joy and the guys said, “Congrats,” but I put my hand up and said, “That’s not the best part.”

Jade looked between Ash and I and asked, “What is the best part?”

I looked over at Ashlynn and she looked out at everyone.

With a big smile on her face she said, “We’re having a boy.” Pausing for a second she said, “And a girl.”

Everyone was loud but then Jade jumped up and said, “Well shit motherfuckers! When you guys go big you seriously go big.”

All of the girls, as well as Patrick, ran over to Ashlynn to touch her stomach while the guys walked over to me and shook my hand or patted me on the back. Honestly I tried to stay in the conversation they were having but I couldn’t keep my eyes off Ashlynn. She really was something and she wore that pregnancy glow well. She was rubbing her stomach and laughing at everything Jade, Isabelle, Sarah, and Patrick had to say.

A little while later as I was showing everyone the pictures of the sonograms the telephone rang. Ash was closest to it so she answered the phone and her facial expression changed within an instant. She went from smiling to turning as pale as a ghost and her eyes bugged out of her head. Not taking my eyes off her I said, “Quiet guys, Ash is on the phone.”

I heard her say, “Okay, bye.”

Walking over to her I put my hands on her shoulders and she said, “Jason.” Turning her head to search out Jade she said, “Jade. Your dad was just admitted into the hospital and they don’t know how long he has.”

Turning towards Jade she had tears in her eyes and I didn’t even have to tell everyone the party was over. Everyone gave us hugs and said they would be here for us when we got back.

Once everyone left Ashlynn, Jade, Neil, and I got into the car and drove to the hospital. Over the last two months Neil and Jade had formed a friendship and I knew she needed someone to lean on during this time at the hospital so I asked him if he would come with us. I didn’t really have to twist his arm too much because he said, “Yeah, I’ll drive.”

Walking into the hospital I felt dread come over me. I honestly didn’t understand why I was here except for the sole fact that Jade wanted to be here. We walked up to the receptionist’s desk and the lady sitting there and asked, “How can I help you?”

Letting out a breath I said, “We’re here to see Benjamin Williams.”