Jen turns her head to see a van heading straight towards them. She swerves the car just in time. She pulls over to the side of the road and they just sit there for a minute in silence. After a while David speaks.

David: do you want me to drive home?

Jen: that’d be nice.

David: ok.

They get out of the car and David walks to the driver’s side and gets in. Jen walks to the other side and sits down.

Jen: sorry.

David: it’s ok. We’re still here and no one is hurt.

Jen: I shouldn’t have leaned over.

David: well that’s true but it’s fine; we’re fine.

Jen: yeah, we’re fine.

David: are you sure you’re fine?

Jen: just a little freaked, but yeah.

David: ok, let’s get home.

Jen: yeah.

David cautiously pulls the car back onto the road. After they’ve been driving for a while Jen speaks.

Jen: do you want to go out to dinner tonight? You know, to celebrate the fact that we’re off for three weeks.

David: but we have to go into work tomorrow. What about tomorrow night?

Jen: well Courtney and Lisa and I are going out together.

David: oh. Ok, how about Yamashiro’s?

Jen: oh I love that place!

David: yeah, I know.

The set was decorated with balloons and streamers. There was a cake on one of the tables and a Christmas tree and a menorah. Everyone was dressed in festive clothes and Jen was even wearing a Santa clause hat. They were all walking around and talking. Courtney walked up to Jennifer.

Court: hey Mrs. Clause.

Jen: hey.

Court: how are you?

Jen: couldn’t be better. You?

Court: I’m fine. We still on for tonight?

Jen: you bet. Lisa’s still coming right?

Court: yeah.

Jen: great.

Court: so, what’s new? I know we talk all the time and all, but it seems like we never ‘talk’ ya know?

Jen: I know what you mean. Oh, yesterday driving home from the set we almost got in an accident.

Court: oh my god, are you guys ok?

Jen: I said almost. Yeah, we’re fine, it was just kinda scary.

Court: I’ll bet. There was a story on you guys in some magazine, I can’t remember the name.

Jen: tabloid?

Court: yeah.

Jen: what else. What was it on?

Court: just your relationship and all. How you guys are so in love.

Jen: wow, it’s amazing, they actually told the truth for once.

Court: I’m so happy for you guys. It’s been, what, a year now?

Jen: yup.

Court: that’s great.

Jen: thanks. Oh, are there any candy canes around here?

Court: I don’t know, why? I thought you hated those?

Jen: I’ve just had these weird cravings for them.

Court: huh. Well maybe there’s some on the tree.

Jen: yeah ok.

Marta: everyone, it’s time to cut the cake!

Everyone joins together around the table with the cake. David puts his arm around Jen and kisses her cheek.

Kevin: happy holidays!

All: happy holidays!

Marta cuts the cake and everyone cheers.

Jen: happy vacation!

Everyone laughs. Marta passes out a piece of cake to everyone and they all continue talking and eating.

Jennifer walked up to Courtney and Lisa, who were already sitting at the table talking.

Jen: hey. Sorry I’m late.

Lisa: it’s ok.

Jen: whatcha talking about?

Court: just plans for vacation.

Jen: oh really? What are you guys gonna do?

Lisa: absolutely nothing!

Jen: sounds like fun.

Lisa: oh it will be.

Jen: what about you Court?

Court: I’m gonna go visit my mom, but otherwise, that’s it. I can only guess what you and David are gonna do…

Jen: oh shut up.

A waiter comes up to them.

Waiter: can I get you ladies anything to drink?

Court: I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay.

Lisa: me too.

Jen: I’ll have a Diet Coke, and can we have water too please?

Waiter: yes, of course. I’ll be back to get your orders.

Jen: thanks.

The waiter walks away. Courtney and Lisa look at Jen.

Jen: what?

Lisa: diet coke?

Jen: so?

Court: since when do you drink soda?

Jen: I don’t know; I’m just not in the mood for alcohol.

They look at her suspiciously and Jen lets out a weak smile. They were almost done eating when Jen couldn’t hold it in any more. She put her fork down and looked up at Lisa and Courtney. When they saw her looking at them they stopped.

Court: Jen, what’s wrong?

Jen: there’s um…there’s something I wanna tell you guys.

Lisa: what is it?

Jen: I think…I think I may…

Court: Jen, you’re freaking me out. What’s wrong?

Jen: I think I may be pregnant.

Court/Lisa: what!?

Jen: I’m not sure, but I think I am.

Lisa: you’re pregnant?

Jen: shhh! I don’t want it all over the press. I haven’t even told David yet.

Court: that’s amazing! It’s wonderful!

Jen: yeah, I guess.

Court: you guess?

Jen: I just don’t know if I’m ready.

Lisa: you’re not thinking…

Jen: oh no! Well, not yet at least.

Lisa: Jenny…

Jen: I have to talk to David. But first I want to make sure for sure, you know?

Court: that might help. After dinner why don’t we go pick up a pregnancy test and you can take it.

Jen: I don’t know.

Lisa: you have to!

Jen: why?

Lisa: cause we wanna know!

Jen: if I go into a store to buy it, it’ll be all over everything tomorrow.

Lisa: I’ll get it for you.

Jen: aw, you’d do that?

Lisa: of course!

Jen: thanks honey.

Jen, Courtney, and Lisa sat in Lisa’s living room. They were completely silent. Jen was fidgeting and playing with her fingers. Courtney kept glancing at the clock, and Lisa was anxious to know weather it was positive or not. A timer went off. Jen looked up then down.

Court: it’s time.

Jen: I know. I’m too scared. One of you look.

Lisa: I’ll do it.

She got up and walked to the bathroom where the test sat on the counter. Jen and Courtney watched her from the couch. Lisa walked out with the test in her hand.

Jen: well?

Lisa: it’s positive.

Court: oh honey, congratulations!

She got up and went over to Jen to hug her. Jen didn’t move, she just sat there, taking it all in.

Court: what’s wrong?

Jen: I don’t know. I’m just…scared I guess.

Lisa: scared?

Jen: well, we weren’t planning on a baby or anything. I don’t know if now’s the right time.

Court: but you guys can handle a baby.

Jen: I know we can.

Lisa: the only question is, do you want to?

Jen: I don’t…I don’t know.

Lisa: think about it. This is an amazing thing.

Jen: I know that. I’ve always wanted kids, but I just know if now is the right time for us.

Lisa: just talk to him.

Court: yeah. I mean, if you really don’t think that now’s the best time, then don’t.

Jen: I’ll think about it. Don’t tell anyone ok?

Lisa: we won’t.

Jen: I’m gonna go home, I need to think.

Court: ok. Good luck.

Jen: thanks. I’ll see you guys later.

Lisa: ok.

Jen got up and got her purse. She went to the door and Lisa and Courtney followed her.

Jen: buy.

Lisa/Court: bye/ bub bye.

They watched Jennifer walk down the steps to the driveway. She got in her car and drove off down the street.

Lisa: do you think she’ll tell David tonight?

Court: probably not.

Lisa: I hope she keeps it.

Court: me too. I don’t know, I guess she doesn’t think she’s capable of handling it now.

Lisa: well when David finds out, he’ll do whatever he can to get her to keep it. He’d love to have a baby with her.

Court: I hope he can convince her.

Lisa: well, this should be an interesting vacation.

Court: definitely.

Lisa closed the front door and they both walked back inside.

Jen sat on the bed with a box next to her and a bunch of pictures scattered around her. Her eyes were tearing a little. She picked up a picture and smiled. It was a picture of her mom holding her right after she was born. All the pictures were baby pictures of her and of her friends and their kids. David was standing at the door and saw her wipe away a tear. He saw her through all the pictures back into the box and shove it under the bed. She looked up and saw him standing there.

Jen: hey.

David: (coming into the room and sitting down next to her on the bed) what’s wrong?

Jen: nothing. It’s nothing.

David: are you sure?

Jen: yeah.

David: how was dinner?

Jen: good.

David: that’s good.

Jen: honey, I’m tired. I’m gonna go to bed.

David: sure. I’ll read downstairs so I don’t disturb you.

Jen: no, it’s ok. You can read here.

David: it’s alright. You look beat and I don’t mind.

Jen: thanks.

David: no problem. Get some sleep. Good night.

Jen: good night.

He kissed her forehead and smiled. She smiled back and watched him leave the room. She closed her eyes, but she couldn’t sleep. All she could think about was having a baby. The good parts about it and the bad. It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that she finally fell asleep. When she woke up around 9, David wasn’t in the room. She got out of bed and went downstairs. She saw him at the kitchen counter.

Jen: hey.

David: hey there sleepy head.

Jen: sorry.

David: it’s ok. There’s some eggs left over if you want some.

Jen: yeah sure. Thanks.

She gets the plate with the eggs and sits down at the table. David follows her. When she’s about half way done she stops and looks at David.

Jen: honey, there’s something I need to tell you.

David: sure, what is it?

Jen: I guess there’s only one way to say it, so I’ll just come out and say it.

David: what is it? You’re scarring me.

Jen: I’m pregnant.

David: you’re pregnant?

Jen: yeah.

David: wow. Is it…is it mine?

Jen: yes, of course.

David: that’s…wow…that’s amazing. That’s wonderful honey.

Jen: you’re happy?

David: of course I’m happy.

Jen: ok. (she smiles) I can’t believe we’re having a baby.

David: I know. It’s amazing. I’m so happy. God I love you.

Jen: I love you too.

David: when did you find out?

Jen: well, I thought I might be about a week ago, but I found out for sure last night.

David: how far are you, do you know?

Jen: I have no idea. Just, please, don’t tell anyone. I don’t really want it in the press yet.

David: of course not.

Jen: thanks.

David: well this calls for a celebration.

Jen: last time we celebrated this is what happened.

David: I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant dinner or something.

Jen: oh ok.

David: we can go out tonight.

Jen: sounds great.

David: I still can’t believe it. We’re having a baby!

Jen: I know!

David: well, this is the best start to vacation.

Jen: a little unexpected, but yeah.

Jen came down the stairs wearing jeans and a loose fitting t-shirt. David was in the kitchen reading the paper and drinking a cup of coffee.

Jen: hey honey.

David: good morning. How’s my wonderful pregnant girlfriend?

Jen: she threw up.

David: oh sweetie, are you ok?

Jen: I’m pregnant.

David: right, the throwing up and the mood swings all come with it.

Jen: oh yeah.

David: wonderful.

Jen: hey, quit complaining. You’re not the one that has to go through it all.

David: and here it comes…

Jen: shut up. I got a doctors appointment today.

David: what for?

Jen: just to check and make sure everything is fine and all.

David: can I come?

Jen: if you want to.

David: of course I want to. What time?

Jen: 3.

David: ok. Oh, we should ask how far along you are.

Jen: yeah, ok. Is there anything to eat?

David: what do you want?

Jen: ice cream.

David: yeah, we don’t have that. You never let me bring it into the house. You complained about the calories and fat and all.

Jen: could you get some?

David: do I look like your personal assistant?

Jen gives him a pleading look.

David: I guess I do. Yeah, alright. What kind?

Jen: mint chocolate chip.

David: ok. I’ll be back shortly.

He walks out of the kitchen and goes towards the front door. Jen follows him to the door.

Jen: thank you.

David: you’re welcome.

Jen: and your little boy or girl says thank you too.

David: well, (to her stomach) you’re very welcome.

He walks out of the house and got into the car and drives away. Hen watches him drive down the black and then when he’s out of site she closes the door and goes back into the house.

David is holding Jennifer’s hand as they walk out of a building and to their car.

David: a month and a half. Wow, it’s amazing.

Jen: yup…a month and a half…

David: just think, in 7 and a half months we’ll have a little baby.

Jen: yeah…

David: what’s wrong?

Jen: nothing. It’s just…7 and a half months David…that’s really soon.

David: I know sweetie, but we’re ready. We can do it. You can do it.

Jen: yeah, I guess.

David: is that doubt I hear?

Jen: maybe a little.

David turns around to face her. She stops walking and looks at him.

David: why?

Jen: I don’t know. I always manage to screw something up and I don’t wanna screw this up. It’s a life we’re talking about.

David: you don’t screw things up.

Jen: yeah I do.

David: that’s not true and stop saying that.

Jen: I’m irresponsible. I would make a terrible mother.

David: any baby would be lucky to have you as a mother.

Jen: please. I’m always losing things…I’ll probably lose my own baby.

David: you wouldn’t.

Jen: you don’t know that.

David: and neither do you. It’s a new step for both of us. Sure, parenthood is tough, but it’s also wonderful.

Jen: it’s not like I don’t want a baby. I’d love to have a baby, especially with you, but it’s just so soon. I’m only 27. (Remember, it’s still the 3rd season).

David: just think about all the wonderful things and all the joy a child will bring you.

Jen: yeah I know. I guess I’m just still taking it all in.

David: what do you say we get something to eat?

Jen: that’s a great idea. I’m starving.

David: I know.

Jen: what’s that supposed to mean?

David: nothing. Mexican?

Jen: yeah.

David: come on.

He takes her hand and they walk to the car. He opens the door for her and she gets in. he walks around to the drivers side and gets in. he starts the car and they drive out of the parking lot and down the street.

Jennifer was sitting on the couch watching TV. The news was on. She wasn’t really paying attention. The news announcer came on the screen.

News announcer: and in entertainment news; is Friends star Jennifer Aniston pregnant?

Jennifer’s attention was on the TV.

Jen: oh God. David!

David: (coming into the room) what?

Jen: it’s on the news.

David: what? What’s on the news?

Jen: me! Us! The baby!

David: what?

Jen: it’s on the @#%$ NBC news for Christ sake.

David: honey, calm down.

Jen: I don’t want anyone to know!

David: it’s alright Jen.

Jen: no it’s not! I don’t even know if I want this. With the media there’s too much pressure. It’s too much.

She got up and walked into the kitchen. David follows her.

David: where are you going?

Jen: I’m hungry.

The news report comes on and they both stop talking and watch it.

TV: famous Friends star Jennifer Aniston is expecting. The father or the baby? Long time boyfriend and co-star, David Schwimmer. Six weeks along, the couple confirms the pregnancy. Seen exiting a doctor’s office (shows a picture of the two of them hugging in the parking lot), the couple share a hug with they new news.

Jen: see! It’s too much. We didn’t confirm anything!

David walks into the other room to turn off the TV. He walks back into the kitchen to see Jen crying.

David: Jen, what’s wrong? What happened?

Jen: I can’t do this.

David: what do you mean you can’t do it?

Jen: I just can’t! I’m hungry all the time but I can’t eat cause I’m gonna get fat!

David: you’re not gonna get fat. It’s the baby growing. It’s not you.

Jen: I look fat!

David: you can’t not eat. The baby needs food. You’re not only caring for yourself now, you have to care for the baby.

Jen: see, that’s what I mean. I can’t do both!

She gives up and starts to open the bagel bag, taking out a bagel. She picks up the knife that was lying on the counter and starts to cut open the bagel.

Jen: I just, I can’t honey. I look like @#%$, I’m getting fat, and I’m just not ready.

David: you look beautiful. You look like you’re carrying a baby, you know, the whole ‘glow’ kinda thing.

Jen: you go spend your whole day sitting on the floor in the bathroom and throwing up everything you put in your mouth. I’m sure you’d be glowing too! @#%$!

She pulls her hand away from the bagel fast. She wraps her other hand around her finger.

David: what happened?

Jen: nothing, I just cut myself.

David: are you ok?

Jen: I’m fine.

David: let me see.

He walks over to where she’s standing. Jen opens her hand to reveal her finger that was cut. The knife made a straight; deep cut on her index finger and the blood was just flowing out.

David: that looks bad; let me get you a band-aid or something.

Jen: just hold me.

David: what?

Jen: hold me.

David: but let me just get you something…

Jen: please.

David: ok.

He wraps his arms around her supportively. She starts crying and he gently rocks her. He slowly lowers her to the floor and she sits in his lap. He strokes her hair and kisses her forehead.

David: if it’s too much for you to handle right now, you don’t have to do it. I don’t want to pressure you into anything. I love you very much, and I’d love to have a baby with you, but it doesn’t have to be now. We have the whole future ahead of us. There’s no rush.

Jen: but you’ll be mad at me.

David: no I won’t. I’ll respect you for your decision. It’s your body that has to go through all the changes. If you feel that right now isn’t the right time for you, I’ll be behind you 100 percent. If you do decide to go through with this, I’ll support you however I can.

Jennifer thought about what David had said. She sat in his lap, on the kitchen floor, holding her finger, which by the way, hurt like hell. She thought about both sides. Having the baby would be wonderful. She’d always wanted a baby, and to have one with David is her dream. But it would also be hard. It would effect everything, especially work. But not having the baby would be the easy way out. She didn’t like the easy way out-she wasn’t a coward. She always worked her hardest and loved a challenge, and this certainly would be one. It’s also a challenge that she thought she was now ready to face.

Jen: I’m going to do it.

David: are you sure?

Jen: I’m going to do it. I’m going to have this baby. I’m going to love this baby with all my heart, care for it, and do everything for it. But I can’t do it alone. You’ll be there with me right?

David: through everything. All the time.

Jen: you promise?

David: I promise.

Jennifer smiles at him and kisses him on the lips.

Jen: I’m going to have this baby. We’re going to have a baby.

David: we are.

He kisses her on her nose and then on her lips.

David: I love you. You’re going to be the best mother. This baby is going to be so lucky.

Jen: and you’ll be a great father, I know you will be, cause you’re wonderful to me.

David: this is going to be one lucky kid.

Jen: and spoiled.

David: we’ll talk about that later.

Jen laughs and starts to stand up. David pulls her back down and starts tickling her. She starts laughing and trying to get him to stop. She rolls onto the floor, trying to push him away but having no luck.

Jennifer had talked to Marta, Kevin, and David (Crane) about her pregnancy. They agreed to write it into the show and have Rachel become pregnant with Ross’s baby. They decided that it would be better to have Ross and Rachel get back together. Since they already had the next 4 scripts done, Rachel would find out about the baby after that, and then tell Ross. By the 6th script they would have Ross and Rachel back together. Lisa and Courtney were glad to hear that she had decided to keep the baby, and they were always asking her questions about it. Both Mathew and Matt were also really happy for her and David. Despite the fact that she was scared to death about being pregnant and having to raise a baby, she was so happy. Everything seemed to be going perfect with her life, career wise and even her personal life was going perfectly. She was now 2 months along and she was growing fonder of the idea of having a baby. The one thing she wasn’t too happy about was the fact the Christmas vacation ended in a week and a half. It was December 22nd. Christmas was almost here. Her first Christmas with David. She had already done all her shopping. She wanted everything to go perfectly. She couldn’t wait to spend their first holiday together alone with him. It would be so romantic. Courtney had called her earlier that morning to do last minute shopping. She agreed and was on her way to meet her on Sunset Boulevard. As she pulled the car into a parking spot, she saw Courtney waiting for her outside a store.

Jen: hey. She climbed out of the car, locked it, and walked over to Courtney.

Court: bout time.

Jen: nice to see you too.

Court: how are you?

Jen: being pregnant is no piece of cake! Oh cake! I want cake!

Court: later, we have to shop.

Jen: fine.

The started walking down the street. People in the street watched them walk by, the occasional fan asking for an autograph.

Court: did you talk to Marta yet?

Jen: about me being pregnant? Yeah, I talked to all of them.

Court: what’d they say?

Jen: we agreed that it would be good to write it into the show.

Court: how are they going to do that? Ross and Rachel are broken up.

Jen: well they’re gonna have Rachel find out about it, then tell Ross, then have Ross and Rachel get back. They think by the end of this season, they’ll have Rachel give birth. Seeing as I’m already 2 months along, by then I’ll be ready to give birth anyway. If not, then they’re gonna wait till the beginning of next season and use one of those fake stomach things.

Court: that’ll certainly change the show.

Jen: that’s what I thought. I wasn’t sure if it would like, hurt the show or something, but they said that they have more story lines now so….

Court: that’s good.

Jen: yup. So, what did you drag me out here to get?

Court: I wanted to get something for David, and I figured you of all people would know what to get him.

Jen: oh, ok. Um, how about ties and stuff.

Court: yeah, I could get him some of those. Is that it?

Jen: well I basically got him everything I knew he wanted.

Court: oh, they’re bring a show from New York out here next month. Les Miserables. They’re gonna do it down at the Bowl for one night. It’s supposed to be very good. I was thinking of getting you two tickets for it cause I know you like musicals, but I wasn’t sure if Dave did.

Jen: oh he does. In fact, he was talking about that show the other day cause there was something about it in the paper.

Court: good, then, seeing as now you know one of your presents…Merry Christmas!

Jen: thanks. You have to wait till Christmas for your though.

Court: ok. Well then, I don’t really need to go shopping now.

Jen: so I came all the way out here for nothing?

Court: there’s still cake.

Jen: ok, so the trip wasn’t totally worthless.

Court: hey! Let’s go put some food in you before you get pissy.

Jen: I think that’s a wise idea.

Court: the bakery has good cakes and cookies and stuff.

Jen: well what are we waiting for?

They both turn and walk the other way down the street to the bakery.

Jennifer walked through the front door of her house after getting back from shopping. It was a quiet Saturday. There was one and a half more lovely weeks off. She felt like celebrating. That’s just what she had planned for tonight. David was already there, she knew he would be. Being pregnant was getting her more and more tired each day, and she lost energy faster than usual. All she wanted to do was relax for the rest of her break. Tonight she wanted to stay in and spend a night alone with David. Just the two of them. She had the most romantic evening planned out in her head. Everything would be perfect. Everything WAS perfect; that was until she walked into the living room. There it was, staring up at her. She couldn’t do anything about it. He had seen it. It was too late. There it sat. Right on the front cover was a picture of her and Josh smiling. Across the top it read: “Jennifer cheating on David! With Josh!” She slowly picked it up. She knew he had read it. She found the rest of the article on the third page. There again were more pictures. Her and Josh walking hand-in-hand (of course, they took the picture right before she pulled her hand away). There they were sitting in the coffee place laughing. She put it down, not even wanting to read what it said. Upstairs she knew David was waiting. She wasn’t ready for the reaction she was about to get though.