JULIE's POV

~Monday~

I was making my way through the crowd of students towards my Writing 101 class. I actually woke up on time today, which surprised me. I was a few steps away from my class when Dana bumped into me.

"Ow, sorry!"

"Watch where you're going, bi-- oh. Julie?"

I adjusted my backpack on my shoulder. "Dana, sorry about that. I didn't mean to run into you."

"Wow, can't even recognize you these days. Sweatshirt, jeans..." She looks up at my hair. "And a messy bun? Wow. You don't even try anymore. Welp, I suppose looks don't matter now since you're off the cheer squad."

She snickers with LaDelle following her lead. I look down at my clothes... I can't look that bad, right?

"Well... it's just been kind of rough these days," I attempt to explain. I clear my throat and eye a few students glancing at me and snickering once again. Seriously? I really don't need another week of this.

"Oh, of course. I couldn't imagine what you're going through..." Dana replies with a more sincere tone and puppy dog eyes. "A breakup, your grandmother dying, and possibly becoming a mother... it's... it's all so shocking, I bet."

I narrow my eyes at her, seeing her smirk.

"Listen, Dana. Please don't tell anyone about that last part. There's already enough rumors going around and I just don't want any more unneeded attention. Especially about... that."

I lower my voice as I'm sharing this. I barely just found out myself that I'm pregnant, and I'm still getting used to the whole idea. Not to mention the aches and pains. And morning sickness. I don't really know what I'm gonna do. I mean, abortion isn't an option since my Catholic family would never allow it. I have no idea how my life will look in a few months. So, I don't need any more added stress or drama.

"Oh, sweetie. Of course! Your secret is safe with me. I just hope you give Diggy some heads-up before you plan to do anything else. He's too good of a guy for you."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, he's the baby's father, isn't he? Or was that Chris?" She acts like she's trying to think while glancing at LaDelle.

I step closer to her, lowering my voice. "No. Neither of them are the father. That was all rumors--"

"Dang, so you got ANOTHER dude sleeping with you?!"

LaDelle laughs like a hyena.

"No, it's--"

"Easy is not a good look on you, hun," Dana says.

"Easy, Peasy, Lemon Squeezy!! Haha!" LaDelle adds with a chuckle.

"Look, just don't get Diggy mixed up in your chaos. He has a good reputation here, and if that was to get messed up because of your BS rumors... that wouldn't be good." Dana eyes me up and down with disgust. Since when was she so mean?

"I'm sorry, but I don't know what Daniel has to do with this."

"'Cuz that's my man, and I'd be dumb to let some baby mama drama ruin a good relationship. So I'm telling you, just leave him alone, aight?"

She walks away and I feel more confused. A relationship? There's no way Daniel would date her. She's too mean; he's way too good for her.

Before I could gather my thoughts, she turns back around. "Oh! And I need you to return your cheer uniform by the end of the week. And make sure you wash it really good. Don't need our new cheerleader smelling like seafood..."

She chuckles and walks down the hall.

What the heck?

"Hey. Everything good?" A voice asks from behind me.

I turn around and see London, Dana's younger sister.

"Oh, hey. Uh, yeah! Everything's good," I reply, still completely confused at the conversation that just passed.

"I don't know what you guys were talking about, but don't let my sister get to you. She kinda has a reputation for saying some nasty things. She's always been like that; it's kind of annoying. But she's just taking whatever frustration she has out on you, so don't take it personal," London says.

London is surprisingly reassuring. She seems super nice and somewhat innocent, almost like how I used to be before moving here.

I grin and reply, "Thank you, London. That's nice of you to care about me."

She shrugs. "Yeah, well, you seem pretty cool. Plus, you're my writing class partner and I won't let nobody come at you reckless. Not even my own blood."

"Haha, okay. I appreciate that."

She grins.

"You headed to class?"

"Yeah, let's go," I reply with a smile.

***

"Today, we will start our weekly journaling project. Each week, there will be a different topic for you to journal about in your notebooks, and at the end of the week, anyone can volunteer to share what they've written with the class. You don't have to share, but you can. Also, this writing exercise will not be graded -- it's just for fun--"

"Woo-hoo!" A student cheers, which makes everyone chuckle.

"I know, I know. I told you all I was gonna be a cool teacher," Mrs. Lyon smiles. "But yes, it's not graded. This project will be an exercise for your own thoughts and feelings. Hopefully, you will improve your writing skills by journaling daily; but more importantly, hopefully, this exercise may help you to learn about the type of person you are and what you care about. As well as learn about and empathize with your fellow classmates' thoughts and emotions."

Mrs. Lyon grabs a piece of chalk and writes the word 'Happiness' on the chalkboard.

"So, we will begin that now -- and every morning before we begin class for the rest of the semester. And this week's topic is 'happiness'. So, if you all would get out your notebooks, I will set the timer for five minutes, and you may begin writing."

Mrs. Lyon gives the whole class a smile before sitting down at her desk. A black and white timer, which rested on top of a pile of books, was set for five minutes.

I open my notebook to a blank page and write 'Happiness' at the top. I rack my brain for a few seconds, tapping the eraser end of my pencil on the paper. What makes me happy? 

It's an open-ended topic, not that hard. Just write, Julie.

Maybe I'll just make a list...

The first thing I can think of is... Daniel. I look to my left where he's sitting at his desk, looking like he also doesn't really know where to start. It's weird. You'd think the first thing that comes to mind is family or something. Honestly, now that I'm thinking about it, my family has never really made me happy. I don't want to sound like a mean, entitled brat of a daughter... but... I think that my family has provided me with material things to make me happy. Like a new car, nice clothes, the best education, the best of this and that! Honestly, those things did make me happy from a young age.

I'm privileged enough that my parents have high-class jobs -- both of them are CEOs of big companies. I've never had to worry about anything growing up, because we've always had enough money. But that's a half-lie; I actually did have some worries, but they were never financial. Instead, I felt a lot of pressure to be the best at everything. I feel like that's all my parents really talked to me about: "How are your grades?" "Make sure you take that first place medal in your dance competition today." "Did you apply to those colleges like we talked about?"

It was always about what I was doing, and never about HOW I was doing. They were always so busy working that we never had any decent family time. Like, I've always wondered if family game nights are an actual thing like how they show it on those TV sitcoms. It looks super fun! But I'd never know.

As much as I wish my parents and I had some real, deep conversations, I'm also kind of glad they're not always in my business. As long as I get good grades, do my chores, and get into one of the top colleges in the nation -- they should be happy. As far as my own happiness... I don't know. Cheerleading has brought me happiness, but now that's gone. Ugh, I still can't believe they really kicked me off the squad. And for what reason?! Over rumors?! Ugh...

I scribble in anger on the side of my paper, then exhale. I take another look at Diggy, who has written halfway down his paper. He looks so deep in thought... like when we used to study at his house, he actually looked focused like this. It was cute.

At that moment, he must've felt someone staring and looked up at me. His brown eyes looked so pure and beautiful. I grinned at him, but he quickly returned his focus to his notebook. Feeling dejected, I start to scribble a little picture in the corner of my notebook.

***

SAM's POV

~Lunchtime~

"Ahh! I can't stop thinking about the wedding. I'm so excited! Thank you for inviting me again," Becca practically squeals, her face lit up with joy. "It's all I can think about. It's gonna be so romantic and emotional!"

I roll my eyes. "I guess..."

"Omg! We're gonna have to go dress shopping one of these weekends. We are gonna be looking fly for your mom's wedding," she beams while dancing in her seat. A few students glance at her weirdly as they pass our table. She's so embarrassing sometimes.

"Why are you acting like you're the one getting married? Sheesh..." I bite into one of two corn dogs, then sip some soda.

"Weddings are so fuuunnnnnn! That's why."

"Well... the bridesmaids and bridesmen already have their outfits picked out, so I don't need to go shopping."

"Hmph. Well... you can still help me pick out my dress. And maybe some new heels to match. It'll be fun," Becca says while opening the lid to her salad.

"Shopping? Is that all girls think about?" Khalil asks with a judgmental face, as he and Diggy sit down at the lunch table. Diggy sits next to me but makes sure to leave a large gap of space. Yeah, ain't nobody tryna sit by him either.

"No. Well, not 100% of the time," Becca answers with a giggle. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to look good. Right, Sam?"

"You right," I reply.

"How come you never ask me to go shopping with you?" Khalil asks, frowning at Becca.

"Because you're never patient enough. I took you once, and you were ready to leave five minutes after we'd just got there. Plus... I'm sorry, babe, but you're not very fashion-forward..." Becca bluntly states.

"Ooh..." Diggy grimaces dramatically.

Khalil eyes him then focuses on his meal, "See, now you're lying. How you gonna say that?"

"It's the truth, babe," Becca shrugs. "Not everyone was born a fashionista like moi."

I shake my head with a small grin, focusing on my food.

"Hey, you guys. Can I sit here?"

That familiar voice coming from my right pinched a nerve.

"Hey! Sure, Julie. And you don't have to ask each time. You're welcome here," Becca replies in her usual energetic tone.

I focus on my food, not paying Julie any mind. I feel her hesitate -- she must be trying to decide where to sit. Either between me and Diggy or on the other side of the table. She finally sits near Becca on the other side of the table.

"How are you?" Becca asks while grinning.

"Oh, I'm good. Thanks. How are you?"

"I can't complain. We were just talking about what we did this weekend. What have you been up to?" Becca asks as she munches on a tomato.

"Mm, not much. Just homework."

"Ah..." Becca nods. "Well, good for you keeping on top of your studying. Especially before it gets busier around midterms. Ugh, my brain hurts just thinking about it!"

Julie giggles. "Yeah... I'm, uh, not looking forward to that either."

"Well. We should totally hang out one of these weekends -- me and Sam just were talking about going shopping. Maybe you could come with?"

I look up at Becca. Heck no. Why is she inviting her out with us?

Julie slowly looks my way and our eyes meet. "Oh... I don't wanna intrude or anything."

"Oh, girl. Sam wouldn't mind. Right, Sam?" Becca smiles my way. I clench my teeth. "See? Plus, it'll give us more time to bond. It'll be fun!"

Tuh, that's what she thinks. I'm not tryna give this girl any more attention. We let bygones be bygones, so she needa get gone.

Julie nods, not really seeming okay with the idea. But she smiles anyway.

"Okay. Yeah!"

"Cool." Becca giggles. Why is she lookin' so happy?

"Oh, I forgot to grab a milk. I'll be right back..." Julie says as she stands up. But right at that moment, she bumps into two girls with a tray of food in their hands. "Agh--!"

"Aye, watch where you're going!" One of the girls yells. "Oh, it's you. I thought I smelled something fishy. You needa close them legs, girl."

The girls snicker while walking away.

"Watch it." The other girl mumbles.

Julie exhales while clenching her fist. Everyone at the table becomes more alert. What was that about?

"What the heck? Are you okay?" Becca is the first to seem concerned.

"Yeah, yeah. They're just stupid," Julie says.

"Are people still bothering you because of...?"

"Yeah-- no, it's fine. I thought it would've stopped after a week, but..." Julie replies with a frown. But she quickly shakes it off and grins. "Don't worry about it. I'll be back."

Once she leaves, Diggy asks: "What was that about? Are people still on them rumors again?"

"Maybe. People are so mean. I don't get it," Becca replies while shaking her head.

"Are you still getting stupid comments on your socials, man?" Khalil asks Diggy.

"Not really... it died down this weekend. Figured they had they laugh for a couple days before moving on to something else," he says.

"Yeah," Khalil agrees.

"Well, you know people are always harder on women. Especially with this. Like, of course, they'd be calling the female all these names when dudes be doing the same thing," I say. 

Dudes really got it easy sometimes. They can walk around, kiss who they wanna kiss, f*** who they wanna f*** but still get patted on the back. But have a girl do the same thing and she automatically a ho. Listen, I ain't no saint - I know I called a couple women out they name in the past, but I still can recognize the unfair treatment we be getting.

"Oh, that's totally true. There's a double standard for sure," Becca agrees with me. "I feel for Julie. She's really too nice for all this hate."

I don't know about all that but...

"It's just weird how this whole thing started..." Diggy says while shaking his head. "We still ain't find who started the rumors in the first place either."

"Probably some stupid mofo who got too much time on they hands," Khalil says while biting into a slice of pizza.

"I didn't wanna say anything but..." Becca leans in and whispers, "I was thinking, like, what if Dana started the rumors? She kicked her off the team. Like, what if this was a ploy to move Julie out of the way...? I don't know." She sits back up and eats her food like normal.

"Girl, I wouldn't even be surprised..." I say, getting annoyed at just the mention of that girl's name.

"Dana wouldn't do nothing like that," Diggy states.

I look toward him, kind of surprised at his statement. I challenge him and say: "And why not? She's done worse."

"She just wouldn't..."

I look at my friends across the table, but they're just enjoying their food. Khalil has a slight smirk on his lips.

"So you didn't interrogate her last week like you interrogated me? Why would I be a suspect but not her? Me, your supposed friend?" I ask with a lift of my eyebrow.

"It ain't even like that--"

"Aight, don't start y'all," Khalil interjects.

At that moment, Julie comes back to the table with a carton of milk. It becomes quiet.

***

DIGGY's POV

~The Next Day~

I arrived at my writing class a bit early today, so I was just scrolling through my social media accounts to pass the time. Ain't nothing really poppin' which is good. Seem like those rumor gremlins have died down, at least on my end. I guess I won't worry about it too much since it's stopped. Wish we could've found out who started the rumors... but even if we did, I don't think that would change much. We find them and then what? Beat 'em up? Report 'em to the school? Not like that would really make up for the damage they caused so... I guess it's whatever. 

Hopefully, this will give me a chance to focus again on the important things. Like schoolwork and getting ready for college. Ya boy tryna graduate! So no more distractions.

"Hey, Diggy..."

I look up from my phone to see - and feel - Dana sitting on the edge of my desk. Since I'm resting my arms on my desk, my phone in hand, her thigh is gently touching the back of my knuckles. Surprised at her abrupt entrance, I move my arms from off my desk and rest them on my lap.

"Oh, wow... uh, h-hey, Dana."

"Close your mouth. Excited to see me?" She says with a smirk and a flirty voice.

I gulp and close my mouth, chuckling. "Nah-- I mean, more like surprised. Uh... make yourself comfortable by all means." I peep around the classroom as a few more students start trickling in.

"I missed you. Last weekend was... really fun," she smirks while tucking her hair behind her ears. "I want to see you again."

"You seeing me now, so what's good?" I ask, raising my eyebrow seductively. I know people are watching us so I shouldn't look so interested before we have some more rumors starting in Wesley High.

"Hang out with me tonight."

"Mmm... hang out with you? And do what?" I ask.

She grins. "There's this new laser tag place in the mall. Let's go there."

"You like laser tag?" She don't really seem like much of a gaming girl.

"Yep. Is that alright with you?" She bites her lip, eyeing me down.

"Uh..." I glance around the classroom, then at the clock. "I mean, I gotta study tonight."

"Well, you can study... and then we can go to the mall afterward. Maybe around 6?"

I was sort of speechless. I need to focus, man. But I also can't stop thinking about how fun it was last weekend with her. I feel like I got to know this new side of her that wasn't so bad. Now the time's ticking and I gotta make a decision. While I'm figuring out how to respond, she slides from off my desk, grabs my shoulder, and leans in close whispering in my ear.

"Please... play with me..."

A small grin tugged at the corner of my mouth.

"Okay..."

As I replied, she ran her hand down my arm and stood up straight. "Good. See you later, cutie."

I caught myself cheesing and quickly cleared my throat, looking around the classroom in hopes that nobody was watching. The teacher wasn't even here yet. Why am I holding my breath? Snap out of it, Dig. Focus. I take out my notebook to prepare for class.

When Dana left, that's when Julie and London entered the room and sat down in their sits near me. I don't make any eye contact with them, just trying to act normal.

"Hi, Daniel," Julie greets me.

I look toward her and throw a quick nod. "Hey."

"What were you and Dana talking about?" she asked. I tapped my pencil on my notebook.

"Ah, nothing. Just saying hey," I reply.

"Oh, yeah. Okay..." Julie nods and takes out her notebook.

***

Once the bell rang for the next class, I scooped up my books and was ready to dip. I'm ready for this whole day to be over! I'm also kind of nervous to hang out with Dana again tonight.

"I'm so not ready for all this homework. It's only the second week..." Julie complains from her desk beside me as she slowly packs her books.

"I know, girl," London replies, "And she gave us two chapters today. I get that Shakespeare is like an icon or whatever, but his stuff is so boring."

Julie chuckles at our younger classmate. With no time to waste, I leave them to it and head out the door toward my next class.

With no fault, it seems like I still couldn't get away any quicker.

"Hey, Daniel, wait up!"

I grind my teeth and slow my pace as other students pass us by. "Hm?

"Um, haha. You always run off after this class. Either you gotta pee really bad or you hate writing," Julie says with a laugh.

"Haha, yeah... no, I just can't wait 'til the day is over."

"Oh, yeah. Me too. Um, but I wanted to ask. Are you doing anything tonight? I was hoping to find a study buddy. Only if you're available," she explains.

I scratch my head. "Um, I'm actually studying with Khalil tonight, so..."

"Oh. Of course. Okay, no worries." She awkwardly laughs as we walk further down the hall.

"Yeah, so... I'll catch you later," I say before heading to the staircase.

***

JULIE's POV

After school, I just came immediately home and started studying. Though it's just the second week, it seems like the pace is starting to pick up already. I have three assignments due tomorrow... so... I figured I had better get started.

After a couple of hours, two assignments down, and two plates of leftover spaghetti in, I was bored. There was no one to talk to and I was alone in this big 'ole house. Mom and dad had some business dinner tonight so they'd be home late, so it was just me, myself, and I. Once again. I really need to get a cat or something.

I stand up from my desk in my bedroom and stretch my entire body. Ugh. Schoolwork is so exhausting. I need to do something else before I finish my last assignment, but I don't wanna be in this house anymore.

Who can I text? 

I would have loved to study with Diggy, but apparently, he had other plans. Which is fine. I can't be mad or anything. Well, boo-hoo... let's just go shopping or something. Spending a little money always seems to give me energy :D

***

I make my way out of the fourth store with a handful of shopping bags, big and small. I felt much more energized than I was an hour ago thanks to some extra pocket money. It started to snow right when I left home, so I grabbed my coat and put on some cute matching boots. With my sparkly cotton hat covering my mess of hair, I felt good!

I sashayed through the mall taking a glimpse at almost every store, professionally weaving in and around other shoppers. There were more people out than I expected, but that's okay. As I headed towards the other end of the mall thinking about what else I should buy, I see a line of people waiting outside some shop. As I get closer, I see that they're waiting in line to play laser tag. Ah... that's right. That new place opened this week. I never really played that game as a kid, but it seems kinda fun.

I would've just passed on by, but I saw two familiar faces waiting in line amongst the other young people. Smiling. Laughing. It was Diggy and Dana.

When I saw them together... in each other's space... nothing but smiles, I felt a ping in my stomach. It felt jealousy, but also betrayal. I thought that he had to study tonight... but I guess not. Did he lie to me? And if so, why? I don't know why but I'm feeling a bit of shame. But I'm also really confused - like since when do they hang out? And this morning when Dana had told me to stay away from Diggy, it was like she was protecting him or something. Like he was her boyfriend or something.

There's no way...