"Strings Between Us

Two Tiny Heartbeats

Mid-January 2006 - Berlin, Germany

The city was still icy cold from the lingering winter, but inside the small private clinic nestled in a quiet part of Berlin, warmth radiated from the soft yellow lights, the calming music, and the shared anticipation between two soon-to-be parents.

Isadora sat on the edge of the exam table, hoodie slightly lifted over her baby bump - a subtle curve now, but growing by the day. She nervously fiddled with the ends of her sleeve.

Tom stood beside her, holding her hand tightly, his thumb brushing gently across her knuckles.

"You okay?" he whispered, glancing down at her.

"Just nervous," she said softly. "Last time it was just a test. This time we're actually going to hear them."

Tom smiled and leaned down to kiss her temple. "Whatever happens, we're in this together. Always."

The door opened gently and walked Dr. Kessler, a kind-looking woman with warm eyes and gentle hands.

"Hello, you two," she greeted with a smile. "Congratulations again. I understand you're here for your first full ultrasound?"

Isadora nodded. "And to make sure everything's really okay... with both of them."

"Of course. Let's take a look."

Tom held his breath as the gel was squeezed onto Isadora's belly and the wand was pressed down. For a moment, the room was quiet except for static - and then, like a miracle, it came:

thump-thump... thump-thump... thump-thump.

Two heartbeats.

Two tiny but steady, separate rhythms pulsing from the monitor.

Tom's eyes went wide, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Oh my god..."

Isadora's eyes welled with tears. She squeezed his hand so tightly it almost hurt, but neither of them said anything for a moment. They just listened.

"They're strong," Dr. Kessler said with a smile. "You're about 9 weeks along. Both heartbeats are healthy, steady, and perfectly in sync."

Isadora turned her head toward Tom, and he met her teary gaze with one of pure, stunned joy. He leaned in and kissed her slowly - not rushed or needy, just present and full of emotion.

"They're really in there," she whispered against his lips.

"They are," he murmured back. "And they're perfect. Just like their mom."

Later That Evening - Back at the Penthouse

Isadora rested on the couch wrapped in a soft blanket, while Tom sat beside her, sketching out baby name ideas in a notebook. His handwriting was terrible, but she loved the way he concentrated with his tongue slightly sticking out, completely focused.

"I like Luna," she said quietly.

"For a girl?"

She nodded. "And maybe Elias... for a boy."

Tom smiled. "You're already thinking of names. Look at you."

"I'm trying not to freak out," she admitted. "The world already knows. The media is speculating. I just want... peace."

"You'll get it," he said. "Not forever, maybe. But I'll fight for every moment of it, just for you and them."

They sat like that for hours - no cameras, no crowds. Just two teenagers who had grown up way too fast, holding onto the most important sound they'd ever heard: two tiny heartbeats.

Guys school is starting on the twentieth of August I'm so cooked it's my junior year of highschool and I'm going to be so busy with fundraising and planning on prom I don't think I'm ready 😭

This is how I feel