Secrets Don't Make Friends

Jack

I groaned for the third time as I looked down at my phone and saw a second text message from Zack pop up on my phone. I didn't read the first one and I didn't want to read the second one either. I felt bad for ignoring Zack especially after how much he has helped me, but why can't he see that I needed a break from him? After dinner with his family, two weeks ago, I was stressed out. I still am! Every time I think about it I get scared that they're going to win full custody of my baby. I would hate to go through nine months of pregnancy just to hand my baby over to them afterwards. And I know it's not really Zack's fault but it's his family which makes me angry at him by default.

A few minutes later I received a text message from Alex. He hadn't text me since our winter break started, but I was sure I knew what the message said.

Alex G.
Hey, I got off early tonight. Do you want to go get something to eat?
Read 5:57pm

I hated that I had read receipts on. He was going to know I saw his message, but I wasn't going to reply yet. Did I want to go hang out with Alex? I'm sure it wouldn't be that bad as long as we talked only about baby stuff. I didn't want to talk about relationships. It would only make the "friendship" we had now awkward.

I walked down to my Mom's room to see if she was still taking a nap. She was in her bathroom wearing a small black dress and putting on makeup. She didn't mention that she was going anywhere today.

"What are we doing tonight?" I asked her from the doorway.

"I have a date, I don't know what you're doing tonight." She said and I rolled my eyes.

"Who is he?"

"Some guy I met online. He's really cute, and funny, and laid back."

"Online? You mean on tinder?" I chuckled.

"Maybe." She mumbled, turning red.

"Mom, that guy can be a killer or some weirdo. How long have you been talking to him?"

"For two days and he doesn't seem like a weirdo. He's laid back, like I told you."

"What does he even do for a living?" I asked to see if how well she really knew him.

"He's in sales." She answered.

"In sales? That's it?"

"Mhmm he sells stuff."

"Okay. Just make sure you text me wherever you two end up going."

"We're going to Dave and Busters for drinks and to play games." She told me.

"Oh okay." I said and began to walk out of her room, but she stopped me.

"Do you want something before I leave? Are you hungry?" She asked, feeling kind of guilty about leaving me alone.

"Alex actually offered to take me to get food, but I haven't replied yet." I said.

"You should go." She said and I looked at her skeptically.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah, it's free food. And you said he won't talk about getting back together so it's a win-win." She shrugged.

"You hate Alex." I reminded her.

"I don't hate the kid. I was just pissed off at how he treated you. He's an asshole but you can still go talk to him about the baby. It seems like he was serious about wanting to help, seeing as he got a job and all."

"And what about Zack?" I asked.

"What about him?"

"I kinda feel bad for ignoring him and replacing him with Alex. I feel like it's only going to make him angry and want his parents to push for full custody just to get back at me."

"That's easy, just talk to Zack enough so that he thinks that you two are still friends or whatever."
"But you made me tell him the truth about me not liking him. Now you want me to pretend to like him again?" I asked.

"That was before I knew his mom was a stupid bitch. And no don't pretend to like him. Just like let him help you with some stuff like taking you home or buying you and the baby stuff a few times. Then convince him to tell his parents that he wants to do joint custody with you if he's the father."
"Ugh this is so complicated." I complained.

"I know. Just don't stress too much, it's not good for the baby. And make sure you get something healthy to eat wherever you and Alex end up going."

"Okay." I told her and walked back to my room. I pulled out my phone to text Alex back.

Jack
Yeah, I can eat. Where are we going?
Delivered 6:18pm

Alex G.
What are you in the mood for?
Read 6:20pm

Jack
My doctor told me I need to eat healthy so it doesn't matter where we go as long as I can order a salad or something.
Delivered 6:22pm

Alex G.
Oh that sucks. We can go to Panera, they have good soup and salad!
Read 6:23pm

Jack
Yeah but they only have like soup, salad, and sandwiches. Don't you want something else?
Delivered 6:24pm

Alex G.
No I'm fine with whatever. If you have to eat healthy then I'm eat healthy with you.
Read 6:25pm

Jack
Aw thanks! What time should I be ready?"
Delivered 6:25pm

Alex G.
7pm?
Read 6:26pm

Jack
Okay.
Delivered 6:26pm

I sat my phone down and went to my closet. I needed to find something to wear. It was cold outside so I was going to have to bundle up. I decided to wear my black maternity skinny jeans my mom and I got at the mall, and a large black Nirvana crew neck I bought from Hot Topic. Then I went into my bathroom to straighten my hair.

"Hey Jack, I'm leaving. I'll be back home by midnight." My mom told me from my bathroom door.
"Okay have fun...but not too much." I said and she chuckled.

"I will. Text me when you make it back home."

"Okay. Bye mom."

"Love you, bye." She said and left.

I looked down at my phone and saw that I only had fifteen more minutes before Alex would be here to get me. I finished up straightening my hair and then I went to put on my shoes. I went to the living room so I'd be close to the door when Alex got here.

While waiting for Alex I unlocked my phone and went to look at the text messages Zack sent me earlier.

Zack Merrick
I know you said you needed space but I want to make sure you're okay. Have you been to the doctor lately? Just because you're mad at me doesn't mean I don't have the right to know anything about our baby.
Read 5:43pm

Zack Merrick
Okay fine, don't say I didn't try it your way before my parents'
Read 5:55pm

What did that mean?? Did that mean that he was agreeing with his mom now? He wanted to have full custody too? What was I supposed to do? Should I beg him?

The doorbell rang before I could type out a message back to Zack. Maybe I could explain this whole thing was a misunderstanding after dinner with Alex. I needed more time to think anyways.

I got up and opened the door for Alex. He was standing there with a single red rose for me.

"Hey, you look great." He told me as he handed me the rose. "I know this isn't a date. My job just had roses on sale so I decided to get you one." He explained and I chuckled.

"It's cool, thanks. And you look good too." I said politely. I took the flower and placed it on the kitchen counter for when I got back.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yep." We walked out of the house and I locked the door. Then we made our way out to his car. Alex opened my door for me and I thanked him again.

"So how has your break been so far?" He asked.

"It's been okay. I haven't done anything but go to the doctor and nap." I told him.

"Have you been exercising?" He asked.

"Nooo not really." I mumbled and he looked over at me. "It's just so hard. You try gaining twenty pounds and then finding the energy to exercise." I complained and he chuckled.

"You can do light exercise I'm sure."

"Yeah my doctor told me to start walking around my neighborhood. I guess I can start with that."

"I'll come walk with you on my off days if you don't want to do it alone." He offered.

"That's really nice. What days are you off?" I asked.

"Tuesday, Thursday, and some Friday's."

"We have to skip Tuesday since that's Christmas." I said.

"Yeah I know. What are you doing for Christmas?"

"Spending time with my grandparents and my mom. I think some of our family is going to fly here to visit too. What about you?"

"The same. I'm going to spend it with my parents and other family." He said as he turned into the parking lot of Panera. "I was thinking of telling my parents about you being pregnant the day after Christmas. I'm tired of keeping it a secret from them."

"How do you think they'll react? Will they be angry?" I asked.

"Ummm yeah I think so. Well actually I think they'll be more confused than anything. They might not believe me the first few times I tell them." He laughed.

"I can send you pictures of my stomach if you want to show it to them." I offered.

"Well I have the first sonogram you took. I can just show them that since it has your name in the top left corner."

"Yeah. I just hope they don't take it as bad as Zack's parents did." I said.

"You never did tell me how that went. What exactly did his parents do?" He asked.

"It's a long story." I sighed.

"I have time. Plus, we have to talk about something while we eat." He said dramatically.

"Okay. I'll tell you while we're eating." I said and he cheered.

We got out of his car and walked inside of the restaurant. Alex and I walked to the corner to look at the menu before ordering.

"What are you getting?" I asked Alex.

"Soup and a sandwich. What are you getting?"

"I can't decide if I want soup and a sandwich or soup and salad."

"The sandwiches here are really good." He told me.

"Yeah I think I'll get the turkey sandwich." I agreed.

When it was our turn to order, we stepped to the counter together and Alex placed both of our orders for us. We waited at the counter and then a guy gave us a tray with our food on it.

I went to get us a table by a window and Alex followed me. He sat down and handed me my soup and sandwich.

"Okay now tell me what happened with Zack." He pressed.

"Why do you want to know so badly?" I asked.

"So, I can kick his ass after you tell what he did."

"Alex." I sighed.

"It’s gonna to happen sooner or later. I mean I've been dying to hurt him ever since I found out he slept with you."

"Why haven't you?" I wondered.

"Because that would've made me a hypocrite." He said while looking down and stirring his soup.

"Yeah I understand." I nodded. ". . . His um mom threatened to take full custody of the baby." I said while playing with my thumbs.

"What? How? Why would she even?"

"It's complicated. Zack's dad was hitting on my mom and-" I was cut off by Alex laughter which made me laugh too.

"I'm sorry, that's so fucked up but that's not your Mom's fault." He said.

"Yeah, but she also didn't like that I was only taking a year off from school to watch over the baby. She said they needed more attention to turn out "right." And she told my mom had she spent more time with me, I wouldn't be pregnant right now which started a whole argument and ended with her saying that they were going to fight for full custody." I explained.

"What did Zack say? He's not just going to let that happen, will he?"

"I'm not sure. He's kind of angry at me right now for spending time with you and wanting space."

"Fuck him. They're not taking our baby away." He said defensively.

"Well if it isn't "our" baby then they might." I said honestly. It hurt to think about it but I needed to face reality.

"It's going to be "our" baby regardless of if I'm the dad or not."

"It doesn't work that way Alex." I told him.

We both stayed silent after that. I could tell that made Alex upset and I didn't know what else to say. We ate in silence for a few minutes.

"When do you find out the gender?" He asked, changing the subject.

"Hopefully during my next appointment in a couple of weeks." I answered.

"Oh cool. What do you want?"

"I haven't given it much thought. I think I'd be happy with either. Just as long as he or she comes out healthy."

"Yeah definitely. But a boy would be really nice." He said making me laugh.

"I hope it's a girl now."

"Why?"

"Cause I don't like you." I joked and he playfully rolled his eyes.

"You probably jinxed it."

"Yeah probably." I giggled.

"What are you going to do when we get back to school? It's going to be obviously by then." He said while pointing to my stomach.

"I'm just going to suck it up. We only have a few more months of school left so I can take the torment until then."

"I'll try to help as best as I can."

"There's no use. Teenagers are brutal." I shrugged.

"Well I'll be right there with you to help you get through the day." He said with a smile.

"Thanks, Alex."

"It's the least I can do." He said and I chuckled.

Alex and I finished eating and talking and then he took me home feeling better than I did when I left.

"Thanks for dinner." I told Alex, while we sat in his car in my driveway.

"You're welcome. I wish I could have bought you dessert, but I know you can't eat it."

"Thanks for reminding me." I sighed and he chuckled.

"Sorry."

"It's fine." I looked down at Alex's clock and saw it was only nine pm. My mom wouldn't be home for another three hours.

"What's wrong?" Alex asked.

"Hmm? Oh nothing, I was just seeing how many hours I have until my mom comes home."

"Is she on a date?"

"Yep, of course." I chuckled.

"Well I'm not doing anything. I can stay and hang out for a little while. If you don't want to be alone?" He asked.

"Yeah that's okay with me." I said with a smile. We both got out of Alex's car and walked towards my door.

"It feels so good out." I commented.

"Yeah it does. Let's go for a walk." He suggested and I laughed.

"Why would we do that when we can sit inside and watch TV."

"Because I promised I'd help you start exercising, so come on." He said and I rolled my eyes, but followed him to the side walk anyways.

We walked at a slow pace down my street and continued on to the next one.

"See this isn't so bad, is it?" Alex said and I grumbled.

The walk wasn't bad at all, it was actually kind of relaxing. I was just being lazy as usual.

"So how has life been?" I asked Alex, to make small talk.

"Eh pretty dull, I just go to school and work and I have band practice with the guys when I'm off and on the weekends." He said. "What about you?"

"Same, but I only go to school and come home and do nothing."

"Yeah, the single life is not fun." He joked.

"Yeah right, I bet you've been enjoying your time being single." I lightly chuckled.

"No I haven't. I thought I did at first but I just felt lonelier and depressed as time went by." He said, honestly.

"How many girls have you been with since we broke up?" I don't know why I asked, the answer was probably going to make me mad/jealous.

"Zero." He stated and I raised my eyebrow.

"Zero?" I repeated and he nodded with a laugh. "I don't believe that."

"I'm serious. The last time I had sex was when we did it in the backseat of my car during lunch so many months ago." He told me.

"Why?" I questioned.

"I don't know, I just haven't wanted anyone else." He shrugged and I blushed. Luckily, he couldn’t see it since my cheeks were already pink from the cold weather. "What about you? How many guys have you been with since the break up?" He asked.

"That's a joke right?" I asked and he laughed.

"You never know. I thought you and Zack were dating for a little while after we broke up."

"No, I just wanted you to think that." I said while looking down. Saying that out loud was more embarrassing than I thought it'd be.

"Woooow you're a horrible person." He laughed and I laughed along with him.

"I'm sorry, I was just really mad and I wanted to make you jealous." I explained.

"It's cool. And it worked." He admitted and I nodded. "I guess I should be flattered that you were still trying to make me jealous."

"Don't be." I joked and he playfully rolled his eyes at me.

We turned on to another street and began walking down it. We weren't far from my house thankfully. I placed my hand on my stomach and Alex smiled down at me.

"Are you okay? This isn't too fast for you, is it?" Alex asked about our walking pace.

"No, it's okay."

"Okay, I'm trying to keep the same pace I would use when walking with my Grandma." He said and I scoffed.

"Asshole." I mumbled.

"What? That's not a bad thing. I could of made us jog." He laughed.

"I wouldn't even make it to that mailbox." I said pointing to a mailbox not more than three feet in front of us.

"You're so dramatic."

"I'm serious. I wouldn't make it. Plus, I kind of have to pee." My bladder was so weak, and I had to pee just as much as I did when I first found out I was pregnant. It’s so annoying.

"Okay we can start making our way back to your house." He chuckled.

We made another turn and finally made it back on my street. We had only been walking for twenty minutes. We walked all the way to my front door and I opened the door for us.

"Now we can sit down and watch TV." Alex said and plopped down on the couch. He grabbed the remote and turned the TV on for us. I went to put my jacket in the coat closet and to the bathroom. Then I came out and sat down next to Alex. I saw he had turned to Law and Order and I frowned. I hated this show.

"Please for the love of God turn to something else." I complained.

"I grabbed the remote first so I get to decide what we watch." He said without taking his eyes off the screen.

"No, it doesn't work like that."

"Yeah it does. You literally always say that when we're at my house."

"I don't remember that… Can we please just watch something else??" I pleaded.

"Nope."

"Please!"

"Nope."

"...give me the remote."

"How about you take it from me?" He playfully threatened.

"I'm not going to fight you for it. I'm pregnant."

"Well then that settles it." He chuckled and I pouted more. "Pouting isn't going to get me to change my mind." He added and I crossed my arms. Then an idea popped into my head.

"Well what will get you to change your mind?" I asked, as I turned to suggestively run my fingers up and down his arm.

"Um what?" He turned away the TV to see what I was doing.

"I said what can I do to get you to change your mind?" I repeated.

"You- what do you mean?"

"I just wanted to . . .distract you!" I yelled and pulled the remote out of his hand. "Ha ha I got the remote so I get to choose what we watch." I gloated.

"You know what, I'll let you have it. You actually got me." He admitted.

"Yeah I did!" I cheered.

"Don't get too cocky. I can still get the remote back any time I want." He told me and I chuckled.

I turned to Family Guy and laid back on the couch. I laid my feet in Alex's lap and he glared at me.

"Move your feet." He demanded.

"No, they're sore cause you insisted we go on a walk. Actually, can you massage them for me?" I asked.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because you might be the dad of this creature inside of me." I said, trying to guilt trip him and he grumbled and pulled my socks off. He began to rub my feet and I smiled to myself and closed my eyes.

I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep until I heard the Law and Order theme song. I opened my eyes and saw that it was back on the TV. I looked over at Alex and saw him holding the remote.

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked and Alex laughed.

"Jack, you've been sleep for like an hour and you're just now hearing that?"

"It feels like I only closed my eyes for two minutes." I complained.

"It's been way longer than that." He told me. "But I should go. I have to work an early shift in the morning." He told me and stood up.

"Okay." I stood up and wiped at my eyes. I walked with Alex to the front door and opened it for him. "Thanks for today, I really needed this." I told him.

"You're welcome. I told you don't be afraid to ask me for anything. Even if it's just an escape from reality." He said, making me smile. I reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

"Good night, Alex."

"Night, Jack." He said, with his hand pressed to the cheek I just kissed.

I laughed and watched him get into his car safely. We both waved as he drove away.

Talking with Alex relieved a lot of the stress I was feeling. He always knew what I needed to make me feel better and right now all I needed was food and someone to talk to. This of course didn't fix my problem with Zack, but I didn't feel as bad about it as I did before.

Notes

I'm just now writing the last few chapters so I'm not entirely sure how this story will end lol I've been thinking about flipping a coin to see who becomes the dad so I won't have to make the decision myself. Heads: Alex, Tails: Zack Haha

Title Credit: Missing You by ATL