I Was Doing Just Fine Before I Met You.

“I’m screaming inside my mind right now.” I admitted, sinking further into the worn couch cushion underneath me.

“I know, I’m sorry.” Cass apologized, draping her hot pink fuzzy blanket over my lap. “I didn’t realize you were showing so much already.”

“Yeah, well, it literally just popped out after Thanksgiving.” I huffed, holding my hands over my bump. “I blame all the food.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s because there’s two in there.” Lynn added in, jumping along the long lounge cushion of the dark brown sectional.

“Ugh.” I groaned, laying my head back dramatically. “I can still feel the judgement.”

“Like I said, I didn’t realize.” Cass defended, her weight sinking into my cushion right beside me. “I would’ve warned them if I knew you already got the belly.”

“They look at me different.” I whined, lolling my head to look at her. “Your mom literally gasped.”

Lynn laughed loudly, making me roll my eyes at her. She just doesn’t understand. Getting looked at the way Cassadee’s parents looked at me the past twenty minutes was torturous and so were all of their questions. Explaining that I’m not in a relationship and not exactly keeping the twins didn’t make things any less awkward either.

“Okay, but you’re like you.” She reasoned, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “She didn’t expect it.”

“That makes two of us.” I sighed, laying my head down on her boney shoulder. “I’m hungry.”

“I already ordered takeout.” Lynn announced, making my ears perk up. “Nando’s.”

“Yes.” I moaned, cuddling more into Cass’s side comfortably.

I smiled, taking in her strawberry scent and relaxing. I curled my knees in and rested them over her lap, ignoring the burning in my thighs while heat rushed up my neck. Licking my lips, I pulled my head up and leaned into the couch more instead as I wondered how I could still be sore two days later. I blinked, watching Cass twist the ends of her hair between her fingers and slump back into the couch much like myself.

“Is it delivery?” She questioned, pausing her movements.

“Yup.” Lynn informed from behind me.

“Has Parker responded to anyone yet?” I asked curiously, biting at my lip when Cass rolled her eyes. “Okay.”

“He’s actually being a douchebag.” She complained, draping her arms over my legs. “He’s definitely not coming tonight.”

“Last I heard he was fighting with you, Jack.” Lynn noted.

I gawked, twisting my body enough to look back at her with wide eyes. She shrugged her shoulders, picking at the hem of her black crop top with her usual bored expression.

“I didn’t do anything!” I exclaimed, pulling the blanket more up my chest.

“I never said you did.” She laughed, laying back along her cushion. “I’m just saying he told me he was annoyed with you for hooking up-wait, he said you hooked up with someone.”

I bit my lip, unable to keep my cheeks from flushing at the way her eyes widened in surprise. She shot up, rolling onto her side and propping herself up on her elbow with her mouth wide open. I pulled my hands up to cover my cheeks, feeling the breeze of air hit my exposed back from the movement of the blanket and heard Cass’s loud gasp fill my ear.

“You hooked up and didn’t tell us?” She accused, yanking my hands away to see my face.

“Oh my god there’s a hickey on his neck!” Lynn revealed and I held my hands over my neck out of instinct. “And a bruise on his side!”

“Where?!” Cass shouted, shoving the blanket off of my lap and onto the floor.

“Oh my god, guys!” I protested, scooting up and jumping up from the couch to avoid her grabby hands. “Stop.”

I pouted, rolling my eyes as soon as I caught their eyes dropping to my hips. I groaned, tugging at my shirt only to have the same problem I’ve been having practically since I found out about there being twins in my uterus. Crossing my arms over my chest, I huffed and cocked my hip to stand more comfortably.

“It was Alex.” I sighed, biting at my lip anxiously at their silence. “I slept with Alex a total of three times and I don’t know what to do.”

“Jack!” Lynn whisper-yelled, scrambling to sit up. “No!”

“Three times total?” Cass stammered, waving her arms around.

“The night he apparently impregnated me and two times in his truck.” I listed, twiddling my toes along the hard carpet of the basement floor. “Parker saw me wearing his t-shirt before break and flipped out because, well, I don’t know why.”

“Jack.” Lynn gaped, flipping her hair over her shoulders before holding the sides of her head. “I thought you hated him? You’re not supposed to do that when you don’t like someone.”

I groaned again, raising my right hand to pick at my lip while I cringed slightly. Butterflies erupted through the pit of my stomach and I closed my eyes, hating everything happening inside of me right now just at the thought of him. I knew I was doomed since the other night when I couldn’t get the butterflies he gave me under control and wanted to spend until my curfew getting to know him better. I’m very new at this whole feelings thing, but feeling like this towards Alex is something I should’ve never let happen and now I can’t stop it. Somehow, I already managed to get seriously hooked and maybe this is why my mom advised me to wait until I met the one.

“Jack.” Cass gasped as soon as my eyes came back down from the ceiling. “Do you like him?”

“What the hell were you thinking?” Lynn asked right after, pounding her hands into the cushion beside her knees. “Dammit, he’s an asshole.”

“I was thinking he wanted me.” I defended, shrugging weakly while I rocked on my feet. “I don’t know. I feel, I don’t know.”

I held my lip between my fingers, blushing harder the more I thought back to it. I sighed and forced my hand from my lip, tucking it back into my elbow while my gaze flickered between the both of them. I rolled my eyes obnoxiously at their shocked faces, groaning loudly for the third time.

“It’s not a big deal.” I muttered.

“The look on your face is a big deal.” Lynn argued, looking over at Cass. “He likes him.”

“I don’t like him.” I defended quickly, clearing my throat. “Um, I like having sex with him.”

“Oh my god, that’s worse!” Cass cried out, falling over on the couch.

“Okay,” Lynn called, clapping her hands for our attention. “I think what we mean to say is we’re worried. It’s okay to like sex, I mean, it’s good. Sex with Alex, on the other hand, is dangerous territory for you. He clearly likes having sex, Jack. Lots of sex with lots of people.”

I cringed, pushing the thoughts to the back of my head while something unfamiliar bubbled in the pit of my stomach. I dropped my arms to my sides and played with the hem of my leggings, rocking my hips a little more for a distraction as my eyes met the purple and blue stripped flooring.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt.” Cass admitted after another thirty seconds of silence. “We don’t want you to get hurt. Especially with everything going on right now, um, I don’t think it’s a good idea to get attached to your babies’ daddy.”

“I’m not attached.” I scowled, brushing my bangs from my face.

She sat back up, looking over with her signature are you serious look. I scoffed, watching her hair fall in her face while she swung her legs around. I raised my eyebrows back, tugging the hem of my t-shirt down again before my gaze flickered to Lynn’s.

“Don’t get your blood pressure rising, preggers.” She warned, patting the spot I was occupying ten minutes ago. “Cee’s not trying to squash your feelings.”

“Well, I don’t say anything about the girls you hook up with.” I muttered, switching my glare back to Cassadee. “Or boys.”

“The difference between you and us is you’re the one that’s pregnant.” She retorted, softening her gaze immediately.

“So, in other words I’m the stupid one?” I snapped, crossing my arms back over my chest. “Wow, maybe I should just call my baby daddy to come get me.”

“Don’t be like that, Jack.” Cass frowned, standing up from her spot. “I didn’t say that, you put words into my mouth.”

“Everyone’s thinking it anyways.” I frowned, feeling my eyes burn.

“Nobody thinks you’re stupid and nobody wants you to go anywhere.” Lynn jumped in, pointing back to my seat. “Especially not with Alex.”

“He likes my company.” I stated confidently.

“He likes fucking you.” Lynn corrected, the burning in my eyes intensifying.

“Lynn.” Cass scolded, moving to stand in front of me. “Don’t cry over him, Jack.”

I sniffled, feeling my mood drop in the negatives as her words replayed through my mind. It makes so much sense it just has to be true. All he’s ever done is spread my legs and I just let it happen. Why is it so hard for me to know that’s all he wants from me? Wouldn’t he be texting me if he was thinking about me or if he wanted to see me? I haven’t even heard anything from him since he left me in my driveway.

“Hey, he’s not worth the tears.” She comforted, pulling me into her arms.

“I don’t know what liking someone really feels like.” I whimpered, squeezing my eyes shut. “I feel like it’s what I feel for Alex though.”

“It’s okay to think that way.” Lynn reassured, suddenly standing next to us while she wiped my tears away. “He’s the first guy you’ve been with and it’s normal to feel like that. We’ll just help you find someone worth it.”

“Yeah.” Cass agreed, rubbing my back. “Maybe after you give birth though.”

“It’ll be like a fresh start.” Lynn nodded, brushing my hair out of my face. “No babies and no Alex.”

“No babies and no Alex.” I whispered back, sniffling hard. “I hate hormones.”

“Cassadee!” Mrs. Pope shouted down the steps. “Foods here!”

“Let’s go eat those feelings away.” Lynn suggested, pulling me upright and out of Cass’s arms. “Lead the way, bubby.”

I sighed, wiping my cheeks dry as I stepped forward towards the steps. Licking my lips, I wrapped my hand around the railing lightly and slowly climbed the steps up into the kitchen with them right behind me. A mixture of smells filled my nose and my tummy rumbled, forcing all of my previous thoughts to the back of my mind while I watched Cass’s mom set out plates around the small table. Walking over to the plate full of salad and grilled chicken, I sat down and pulled my vibrating phone free from my waistband as soon as my ass met the hard cushion. I looked down, unlocking the screen and opening the messages before I could read the name.

From: Parker
Is there still room for one more?
Received at 6:45pm

A small smile fell over my face and I looked around the table while Cass and Lynn got comfortable around me. It only took seconds for them to notice my stare, making my smile grow.

“Parker changed his mind.” I informed, glancing back down at the keyboard.

To: Parker
Always for you
Received at 6:47pm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“What are you, my counselor now?” I scoffed, pulling at the snug hem of my white zip-up.

“I could be.” Mrs. Kent scoffed back, rolling her eyes. “Just do it.”

“Ugh.” I groaned, fiddling my fingers together. “I’m going to be okay. There.”

“Repeat it like you believe it.” She frowned, hanging my winter jacket on one of the three hooks behind her.

“When I step into the hall,” I started anxiously, picking at my nails. “I’m gonna be okay.”

“You’re gonna be okay.” She nodded, holding out my vitamins. “Just because your shirt is snug and your belly is rounded out now doesn’t mean you’re going to get picked on. A lot of people are different than you think, hun.”

“They can’t be that different.” I mumbled, chewing the gummies quickly and grabbing the opened water from her hand. “Thanks.”

“First day back from break.” She chirped, stepping away to put my things back. “Everyone will be excited to see their friends and so not focused on you.”

“Okay.” I said, rolling my eyes at her back.

I brushed my hair out of my face and tucked my bangs into my grey beanie, biting my lip when I looked down. My zip-up popped out where it would normally be flat and kept me from staring at my thigh gap like I used to be able to do whenever I would stare at my lap. Scowling, I rubbed at my tummy for a minute before the warning bell echoed through the room.

“Hmph.” I grumbled, slipping off of the cot and onto the hard ground.

I groaned when pain shot through my lower back, lazily pushing my hand over the pain in attempt to stop it. Sighing, I ignored Mrs. Kent’s hopeful smile and forced my feet to move with the rest of my body. I grabbed my book bag from her desk and pulled it over my shoulder before I pushed through the door slowly. Relief filled me when the hallway turned out to be empty and I hurried out of the door. Clutching my bag strap, I continued to hold my lower back and slowed my pace down the hall. Nerves bubbled in my stomach more the closer I got to the English room and I groaned, so not ready for this.

“Wait!”

I froze, stopping myself from pulling the door open when footsteps padded closer to me. I let go of the handle, biting down on my lip as my body turned enough to get a glimpse of whoever is running over. I groaned in the back of my throat when I recognized the blonde hair bouncing around and took a step back, desperately tugging the hem of my shirts down. She stopped in front of me and patted underneath her make-up covered eyes before adjusting the skimpy white sundress barely covering her body. Apparently, she didn’t get the memo that it’s winter?

“Jack, right?” She asked, panting slightly through her dark red lips. “Thanks for waiting, I don’t wanna be the center of attention today.”

“Um, yeah.” I mumbled awkwardly, moving both hands to support the strap over my shoulder. “No problem, Ashley.”

“Let’s go in now.” She suggested, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

I nodded, standing to the side while she pulled the door open. I cursed her out in my mind when she held the door open for me, reluctantly striding into the classroom with my head down. I held my breath, already knowing my side profile gave away more than my front. Biting my lip, I dropped my bag down with a heavy sigh and slipped into my seat. Quickly crossing my legs, I draped my arms over my stomach and aimed my gaze towards Mr. Leon at the whiteboard writing rules to argumentation down for everyone to see. My mind buzzed with adrenaline and I felt the urge to turn around and see if anyone was looking at me, but I didn’t. I didn’t even flinch until the door opened rather roughly.

“One tardy away from detention, Gaskarth.” Mr. Leon spoke without looking from the board.

I blinked, looking over to find Alex stumbling inside. He closed the door, holding one hand up in a peace sign while his other hand held his hood over his head. I rolled my lips together, hating the way my heart sped up at the sight of him. He looked over, meeting my gaze for a split second while he swiped his wrist over his mouth. My heart pummeled into my stomach, my eyes just barely catching a glimpse of the red smeared down his jaw before he was out of my line of sight and on his way to his seat. Tears burned the corners of my eyes and I cursed this pregnancy out in my mind, feeling completely pathetic.

I guess I really do mean absolutely nothing because now he’s sitting in the back row with Ashley and the anger bubbling inside of me just from knowing he did stuff with her before the day even started is scaring the shit out of me. Maybe this is why my mom advised me to wait until I met the one to do anything because I don’t think I would be feeling anything like this if I would’ve waited.

“Jack, can you tell me what Argumentation is?” Mr. Leon asked, knocking me back into reality.

I blinked, practically fuming in my seat when I felt all of the attention fall onto me. My t-shirt not fitting right underneath my hoodie didn’t help me feel comfortable in the situation at all and that made me even angrier. I specifically told him I was avoiding telling everyone and he makes them all look at me?

“Giving reasons to back up your support on an idea.” I spoke through gritted teeth.

“Good answer.” He nodded slowly, raising his eyebrow at my expression. “Would anyone like to add anything?”

Nobody said anything and once he turned his back to us again, I could just barely hear the whispers begin. I rolled my eyes and slouched down, pulling my phone from the front pocket of my backpack and unlocking it over my desk quickly. I opened up the group chat and sent a quick SOS to everyone in hopes of getting rescued before class ends. I stared at the screen, watching bubbles from Lynn and Cass appear almost immediately while Parker continued to stay silent.

From: Cass, Lynn, Parker

C: whats happening?!
Received at 8:27am

L: I gave my all for you now my hearts in two and I CANT FIND THE OTHER HALF
Received at 8:28am

J: I’m not being dramatic EVERYONE is staring at me and really Lynn???
Received at 8:30am

L: but ur baby bump is 2 fucking cute to not stare at u animal
Received at 8:31am

C: She’s not wrong! I’m in love!
Received at 8:31am

J: you guys are supposed to break me out of here I don’t want to look at alex
Received at 8:33am

C: What did we talk about??
Received at 8:33am

L: ALEX IS A DICK
Received at 8:34am

C: What did he do get you pregnant again?
Received at 8:35am

L: u cant get preggo twice-o
Received at 8:35am

C: that’s the joke…are you ok Lynn??
Received at 8:36am

L: its like im walkin on broken glass
Received at 8:36am

J: you guys aren’t helping
Recieved at 8:37am

I rolled my eyes, locking my phone and pushing it away from me as annoyance continued to bubble away inside of me. Sighing, I leaned back in my seat and scowled at the cool air hitting the few inches of the exposed skin of my back. A few seconds into being annoyed and angry, I gave up. It took more effort to glare at my desk than just relax in my seat and stare at the board, so that’s what I did instead while I prayed I didn’t get called on to answer again.

Light caught the corner of my eye and I looked down, pulling my phone back in front of me when it lit up with a new text message. Swiping my thumb across the screen quietly, I pulled up my messages and immediately felt my stomach flip nervously once I read the contact name. Gulping, I clicked on the thread of messages and already felt everything grow warm before I even finished reading.

From: Asshole
you and those leggings
Received at 8:50am

To: Asshole
What about them?
Received at 8:52am

From: Asshole
you dont know what they do to me
Received at 8:53am

I scoffed, the image of him rubbing lipstick from his mouth flashing through my memory as my stomach twisted. Biting my lip, I let my thumbs move and hit send without thinking it through, but I didn’t regret it.

To: Asshole
I’m guessing the same thing looking at the length of Ashley’s dress does to you.
Received at 8:54am

I huffed to myself, flipping the screen until it pressed into the surface of my desk before pushing it away from me again. I crossed my arms back over my chest and leaned back in my seat, unable to fight the urge off again. Licking my lips, I glanced over my shoulder and met the burning gaze of Ashley right away. I forgot how to blink, staring at her for a few more seconds before my gaze flickered to Alex’s scowl beside her. I turned back around and shivered from the uneasiness filling my bones, making sure to tuck my hands into my hoodie pockets while I tried to get my focus back into Mr. Leon’s voice.

“You want to use these rules in your next essay where I want you to fight your take on…”

I tuned him out, unable to process anything coming from his mouth when all I can feel is stares on my back. Clenching my fingers into fists inside of my pockets, I tapped my foot and bit my lip in hopes to pass the time quicker. After bumping my knee on the bottom of my desk three times, the bell sounded through my ears and I jumped up from my seat. I grabbed my bag, not even slipping it over my shoulders before I sped from the classroom as fast as I could.

“Woah!” Parker exclaimed, grabbing my elbow in time to stop me from ramming into a girl speeding through the hall just as fast. “What the hell-”

“Less talking, more walking.” I muttered, dragging him along with me. “What were you standing there for?”

“You’re not supposed to be carrying this.” He reminded, grabbing my heavy backpack from my fists. “Can you hold on?”

I frowned, stepping off to the side of the lockers to my right and crossing my arms over my chest. Sucking in a deep breath, I relaxed a little and watched tons of people pass by without even glancing at me. Scratching the back of my head through my hat, I let out the breath I was holding and finally looked up into Parker’s greenish eyes. He raised his eyebrows before he slung my bag over his shoulder easily and ruffled his spikey hair.

“I don’t like being stared at.” I mumbled, holding my arms over my chest self-consciously.

“Ignore them.” He told, tucking his free hand into his pocket. “Like we talked about at the sleepover.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the mention of the sleepover. It did bring Parker back and out of whatever mood he was in, but it made me think of my stupid feelings and I’m really not looking forward to facing them so soon. It was a nice distraction to play board games and watch movies with each other like old times, but now we’re back in school and in the real world again.

“It’s not as easy as it sounds.” I pouted, allowing myself to be pulled back into the crowds passing through.

“It could be if you stopped caring.” He mentioned, draping his arm over my shoulders lightly.

“I missed you.” I hummed, tucking myself into his side the best I could with my arms still over my chest.

“I didn’t go anywhere.” He chuckled, guiding me around the corner.

I stayed quiet, droning out the jumbled talking as we walked the familiar halls. Parker’s hand gripped the side of my shoulder lightly and I bit my lip, moving my arms from my chest in order to play with my fingers. Looking down to our feet, I ignored the feeling sending chills down my spine and kept on walking with my head down.

“Here we are.” He announced, slowing to a stop.

I released my lip, standing up straight once his arm left my shoulders. I lifted my head and groaned at the familiar sight of my math class in front of me. The closed door had anxiety rising in me, the thump near my feet knocking me back to reality. I glanced down to see my backpack before looking over to Parker with pleading eyes.

“I can’t be late to English.” He frowned, squeezing my elbow comfortingly. “You’ll be fine. Remember what I said.”

“I can’t stop caring.” I whined quietly, grabbing his sleeve like an annoying little brother.

“Jack, you’re fine.” He said, pulling his arm free. “I’ve got to go now, you’re gonna be okay. It’s just some babies, right?”

“Right.” I mumbled, backing up until I hit the wall beside the door. “Okay.”

“Okay.” He repeated, nodding his head. “I’ll be back after class.”

I gave him another nod, biting my lip while I watched him walk away. I groaned to myself and leaned back, letting my stare fall straight ahead of me and into the bright red strip along the middle of the white wall. I fought the urge to slid down and sit on my butt in fear of not being able to get back up fast enough, deciding to press my shoulders more into the wall to lean on instead. I swallowed down my nerves and twiddled my thumbs as the seconds passed while I awaited Mr. Henderson’s presence. Why does he have to be one of the teachers that lock their doors when they have no classes for an hour?

“Oh. Um, what?”
“Sh, do you see that?”
“He gained some serious weight.”
“You’re fucking stupid, Dom.”

I swallowed, growing aware of the bodies crowding the room with me as soon as the quieted voices met my ears. I lifted my hand to scratch under my nose and block my stomach some, keeping it near my face as long as I could play off. I’ve never wanted the bell to ring so badly.

“Damn.”

I jumped, snapping out of my daze into the red stripe when the voice came from right next to me. I looked over, finding dark blue eyes looking me up and down while a smirk settled over thin pink lips. I gulped, crossing my arms back over my chest awkwardly while I looked over the shaggy blonde mop over his head. He stood over me at least a few inches, just a little bit more than Parker and he had a little bit of a build similar to Alex.

“Um,” I blurted, uncomfortable with his staring.

“Knocked up before any cheerleaders?” He laughed, looking away from me briefly. “What a fuckin’ slut, am I right?”

My mouth dropped open like a fish out of water before I forced it closed and fought the burning sensation settling in my cheeks. Laughs came from around, but nobody said anything else offensive and that helped me stay pretty calm after hearing a complete stranger call me a slut.

“Shit, I’m disappointed someone bent you over before I did if I’m honest.” The curly brown-haired guy beside him commented, biting his lip. “I’m not interested in bitches tryin’ to trap me though. Must suck to be the other guy.”

“You think you can flaunt everything around and act all shy, fun size?” Blondie jested, poking the bruised skin of my hip barely poking out of my light zip-up. “You’ve gotta be damn easy to get knocked up, pretty boy.”

I grimaced in disgust, feeling my eyes burn with tears from embarrassment while my classmates witnessed me getting talked down to. I tucked my hands into my elbows, unsure of what to do when his stare continued to burn into the side of my face.

“Maybe you could give me a turn.” He continued, sending a wink my way. “You know, preferably before the nine months of free cream pies are up.”

I raised my hand back up to cover my mouth, feeling my stomach twist sickly at his words. Swallowing thickly, I felt a thick tear slip from the corner of my left eye and even more heat filled my cheeks while everyone continued to gather around to get into the class.

“Do you think it’s okay to sexually harass people, Rogers?” A stern voice spoke up from my right side, bringing my eyes to a girl almost as tall as me with bright purple hair. “Because it’s not and you’re a fucking disgusting excuse for a human being.”

“What the fuck did you just say?” Blondie asked, brushing his hair back.

“I’m sorry, I forgot your peanut sized brain can’t process grown up words.” She spoke slowly, as if she were talking to a two-year-old. “Short boy no want Little Pee-Pee Rogers anywhere near his bum-bum. Comprendes?”

“I don’t have a small dick.” He scowled, furrowing his brows in anger.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, dickhead.” She waved off right as the bell blessed my eardrums.

“If you’re not in my class, get out of my sight.” Mr. Henderson ordered, coming out of nowhere with his keys dangling from his fingers.

I wiped at my eyes, hurriedly grabbing my bag from the floor to get it out of his way. Rogers and his friend disappeared from my sight quickly, but my stomach still twisted in knots. Biting my lip, I rushed into the classroom as soon as the door opened and slipped into the nearest long desk. I dropped my bag on the tabletop and scooted my chair in before desperately pressing the pads of my fingers into the corners of my watering eyes in attempt to dry them up.

“Everybody get seated, I need to situate some things on my computer before we start.” He announced, once everyone started spilling in.

I sniffled quietly, staring up into the light and forcing my feet to stick to the floor. Gravity seemed to be pulling me towards the door, but the last thing I want to do is get up and run out of here like a crybaby. Blinking slowly, I felt the table beside me shift and my heart skipped in my chest at the thought of the stares I’ll no doubt be getting all period. Sighing, I reluctantly dropped my hands down and sat stiffly in my seat.

“Hey, don’t let that shit he said get to you.”

I looked over, finding the same purple haired girl who stood up for me sitting in the only seat next to me. The tension in my shoulders lightened up a bit and I breathed deeply, slumping more in my seat.

“Um, thanks.” I mumbled, picking at my nails. “For everything you said.”

“Rogers is a dick and you don’t deserve to have anyone talk to you like that, pregnant or not.” She smiled, shaking her head. “I’m Jade.”

“Jack.” I introduced quietly. “I um, thanks again. I’m not really good at confronting people.”

“Clearly.” She joked lightly, sending me another warm smile. “Really though, the best advice I can give you is to tune out the negativity. There’s going to be a lot, considering we’re in high school and everyone sucks. Being pregnant really isn’t a big deal, so just think of it that way.”

“You sound like my best friend Parker.” I chuckled, feeling slightly better.

“Alright, get you books out and turn to chapter sixteen.” Mr. Henderson directed loudly, stopping our short conversation.

I bit my lip, doing what I was told before sneaking a glance to my left. Jade had her book out and turned to the correct page already, doodling in her notebook with her pen. Lifting my pencil from my notebook, I looked towards the whiteboard along the front of the room and pushed everything that just happened as far back into my mind as I could.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“What?”

I smiled, feeling my heart warm at the protective tone filling my ears while I raised my hands to press over his shoulders. I looked around the empty hall, mentally yelling at Cass and Lynn for being late before I put my focus back on Parker.

“Don’t worry, it’s not worth it.” I told, giving his shoulders a squeeze. “This bad-ass girl named Jade stood up for me and it was pretty awesome. She’s super nice, but intimidating at the same time.”

“He said he wanted to-” He stopped, grimacing down at me with wide eyes. “what?”

“Don’t make me say it again.” I frowned, shaking my head. “It was gross to hear and even grosser to say out loud.”

“What a fucking scumbag.” He hissed. “I should’ve just waited with you.”

“No, you went to class like you were supposed to.” I said softly. “I’m fine. I’m not hurt or anything and this happened way earlier.”

“I don’t like the fact that you waited to tell me about this until after school, Jack.” He complained, slipping his arms around my waist. “I’m fuckin’ pissed. You’re really not going to tell me who it was?”

I rolled my eyes leaning more into him so I didn’t have to stand all the way on my own. I sighed heavily, laying my head over his shoulder and wrapping my arms more around his neck. I stared down the hall, relieved when the silence around us stayed due to the lack of students left around. It was rough today, but I got through it. Nothing horrible happened thankfully, the worst thing being the comments from Rogers but meeting Jade kind of canceled that out.

“Nope.” I answered, popping the ‘p’. “You don’t need to get suspended for trying to fight someone when it’s not worth it. I’m already over it, they were only words.”

“Psh, I wouldn’t try to fight.” He scoffed, hugging me tighter. “I’d kick his ass good and you know it.”

“I know you would, tough guy.” I smirked, breathing in his cologne. “You smell good.”

“If I wasn’t best friends with you both, I would totally think you’re dating.”

“Ditto.”

I rolled my eyes, pulling away and stepping out of Parker’s grasp to face the girls.

“Finally.” I groaned. “I’m so tired, I could fall over.”

“Yeah yeah, here I am.” Lynn grinned, running her fingers through her long hair.

“She had to get the number of some new girl before we left class.” Cass explained, earning a slap from Lynn.

“Ooo.” Parker and I sang.

“Shut up.” Lynn said, rolling her eyes. “Let’s go.”

I giggled, linking my arm through Parker’s once we started a pace towards the exit. Sighing in content, I tucked my hands into my jacket pockets and happily listened to Cass and Lynn spill everything about the last two classes of the day. I followed them threw the doors, shivering right away when the wind hit my face hard enough to knock me back. Parker’s arm tightened over mine while his laugh filled my ears. I rolled my eyes, silently wondering what got me in such a good mood. Maybe it’s because Parker is back to joking and hanging around like normal or because I met Jade and she stuck up for me. Either way, I’m pretty glad with how today turned out despite some guy wanting me to be his cum dumpster.

“How did it go, Jack?” Cass asked, knocking me from my thoughts.

“He got harassed, but that’s it.” Parker answered for me.

“What?” Cass demanded worriedly, making me slap Parker’s side.

“It wasn’t really harassment.” I muttered, shivering from the cold. “Some guy just made comments about me being slutty for being pregnant.”

“Are you fucking joking?” She deadpanned, following me to th back door of Lynn’s car.

“He’s not.” Parker informed, pulling his arm away and opening the door for us. “He also wanted to give Jack a cream pie before his nine months are up.”

“Parker.” I snapped, groaning once I slipped into the backseat.

“That’s fucking disgusting, who was this guy?” Lynn asked, starting the car up.

“I’m going to kick his ass.” Cass stated. “You don’t say that to people.”

“Right?” Parker exclaimed, slamming his door shut harder than intended. “I’m with you.”

“Same.” Lynn added.

“Nobody is beating anybody up.” I finished, buckling myself in. “It’s over with and I’m okay. I just want to erase it from my memory.”

“If that’s what you want.” Cass agreed softly, patting my knee. “Just know, if you change your mind-”

“I love you guys.” I expressed, laying back in my seat. “With all my heart.”

“Aw, we love you too!” Lynn yelled, pulling out of the parking lot.

“You guys are sappy.” Parker stated.

“You love us.” I grinned, looking down and pulling my phone free. “I need a nap.”

“I’ll drop you off first, bubs.” She offered.

“Thanks.” I yawned, unlocking my screen.

I furrowed my eyebrows, noticing the red number one in my messages right away. I didn’t get any notifications of a message earlier. Humming to myself, I clicked it open and watched the thread between Alex and I open up. My heart jumped into my throat and I prepared myself for an asshole response considering my own snarky text.

From: Asshole
no one makes me feel like you do
Received at 12:22pm

Notes

Thanks for the love and comments lovelies! They keep me going!