Jess’s lips parted, but no words came out.
Her mind was a storm—whirling with memories that didn’t feel like hers, fears that did, and a growing ache in her chest that nothing could soothe. Each option felt like a different life, a different loss. And worst of all… a different version of herself.
Laura watched her struggle. And then, with a quiet sigh, she reached for the device again.
“I’m making the call,” she said softly.
Jess looked up, wide-eyed. “What?”
“I know you want control, Jess. But right now, you’re drowning. You can’t choose—not fairly. And I can’t watch you suffer like this.”
Her fingers flew across the interface, selecting a hidden override—one not listed among the presented options.
“I’m using a hybrid protocol. It’s a protected scenario: You and Geoff will both be aged down to eighteen. You’ll still be pregnant, but it’ll be your first child, not your third. Macy will revert to Mason. No one but me will remember any of this version of reality. Geoff will still love you, but you’ll get to fall for him—or not—on your terms. You’ll live the life that you build, not one forced on you by someone else’s script.”
She pressed ‘execute’.
The device glowed brightly in her hands. Jess gasped as a sudden warmth spread through her chest and belly—then her head. She blinked rapidly, as if someone had flipped on a light inside her memories.
Laura reached over, cradling Jess’s face gently as the changes began.
“Don’t hate me for choosing this,” she whispered. “I just wanted you to start again—with a real choice.”
And then, like a dream dissolving in the morning sun, the old life began to melt away.
Jess blinked.
The soft clink of ceramic mugs and low hum of conversation filled the air around her. A ceiling fan spun lazily overhead. Sunlight poured in through the wide café windows, warming the pale wood of the table in front of her. She looked down at her hands—smaller, smoother than she remembered—and at the barely-sipped latte beside her.
Then across from her: Geoff, A Boy she met at a college campus bar for a one night stand, He was a lovely partner of the night, But had no intention of ever seeing him again, But things don't always work out like that, She was pregnant, Scared on how he would react She called her best friend Mason to support her, Mason was her on again off again, Best Friend and lover, but never saw each other as serious partners or at least that was how Jess saw him.
He looked uncomfortable, elbows resting on the edge of the table, fingers fidgeting with the sleeve of his drink. His dark eyes darted between Jess and the window, as though he wanted to be anywhere else.
Jess cleared her throat, her voice trembling. “Thanks for meeting me. I know this is a lot.”
Geoff gave a tight smile. “Yeah, of course. I just… I didn’t expect to see you again. After that night.”
“Neither did I.” She reached for her stomach instinctively, already feeling protective. “But here we are.”
He nodded, looked down. “You’re sure?”
Jess nodded. “Positive. I took four tests. I’ve got an appointment next week to confirm everything.”
A long silence fell between them.
“I don’t want to pressure you,” she said carefully. “I just… thought you deserved to know. And maybe we could talk about… I don’t know. What happens next.”
Geoff exhaled. It wasn’t angry. Just tired.
“I’m sorry, Jess. I’m really, really sorry. But… I’m not ready for this. I mean—I’m eighteen. We barely know each other. I can’t even take care of myself.”
Jess’s throat tightened. “So what are you saying?”
“I’m saying… I can’t do this. Not right now. I’m not trying to be a jerk, I swear. But this isn’t something I can handle. I wish you the best, but…” He stood up, his face a mix of guilt and cowardice. “You’ll be okay. You seem strong.”
And then he walked out of the café.
Jess stared at the empty seat, her heartbeat loud in her ears. Her eyes burned. The whole room felt like it was spinning, anchored only by the growing weight in her stomach.
She didn’t notice Mason until a hand rested gently on her shoulder.
“Hey,” Mason said softly, pulling a chair over. “I saw… I’m so sorry.”
Jess tried to respond, but her voice broke into a sob. She covered her mouth, tears slipping down her cheeks.
Mason wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“You’re not alone, okay?” he whispered. “No matter what happens next, I’m here.”