Aphrodite stared at her reflection in the mirror, her usually radiant complexion pale and her sapphire eyes glassy with tears. In her trembling hands, she held two positive pregnancy tests, the pink plus signs glaring up at her like a cruel joke.
"Aphrodite, what's wrong?"
Hestia's voice broke through the haze of shock and disbelief that had settled over Aphrodite. She turned to see her friend and fellow goddess standing in the doorway, a concerned look on her face.
"I-I'm pregnant," Aphrodite stammered, holding up the tests as proof.
Hestia raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest. "Aphrodite, I don't want to be rude, but how drunk were you that you got knocked up by your ex-husband?"
Aphrodite burst into tears, the frustration and confusion of the situation overwhelming her. "I wasn't drunk, Hestia! I had a one-night stand with Hephaestus at a party eight weeks ago. I didn't think anything of it, but I guess I was wrong."
Hestia took Aphrodite in her arms, consoling her as she cried. But when Aphrodite's sobs subsided, Hestia pulled back and looked at her seriously. "Aphrodite, we need to go to the hospital. You need to make sure everything is okay with the baby."
At the hospital, Aphrodite underwent an ultrasound and discovered she was pregnant with twins. She stared at Hestia in shock, her mind reeling from the news.
"Twins?! I can barely handle one baby, let alone two!" she exclaimed.
Hestia chuckled and patted her hand. "Well, you are the goddess of love and beauty. I'm sure you'll figure it out."
Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Hestia."
Hestia smiled. "Anytime, Aphrodite. You know I'm here for you."
Aphrodite sighed and leaned back in the hospital bed, still in shock over the news. Hestia took her hand and squeezed it.
"It's going to be okay, Aphrodite. You're strong, you're controlling, and you're direct. You can do this."
Aphrodite looked at Hestia and smiled, feeling a little bit better.
Hestia stood up and said, "Now, let's get you home and figure out how to break the news to Hephaestus."
Aphrodite groaned. "Ugh, I don't even want to think about that right now."
Hestia chuckled. "I know, but it's something we need to do. You can't keep this a secret forever."
Aphrodite nodded, knowing Hestia was right. She took a deep breath and steeled herself for the conversation she was about to have with her ex-husband. With Hestia by her side, she knew she could face anything.
The two goddesses left the hospital and made their way back to Aphrodite's palace. As they walked, Hestia chattered on about baby names and nursery decorations, trying to lighten the mood. Aphrodite couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm. Despite the unexpected surprise, she knew she was lucky to have Hestia in her life. Together, they could face anything that came their way.
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