Julia

Things were not normal, but they were OUR normal.

It didn't take long for the rumor to circulate that I was pregnant and for it to get us some strange looks.

"I have really gotten used to these cheesy science fiction movies," Jagger said, "Maybe we'll name our kid Jedi."

I laughed, "You wouldn't."

"Why not? It's pretty cool.."

"Jagger.." I turned to face him one night when we were tidying up after dinner, "Are we really this compatible?"

He didn't respond right away. After drying a few dishes, he smiled and pulled me closer to him.

"Sugar, I think that if I had to spend the rest of my life with someone, it would have to be you. I was so stupid before. Maybe this baby...our baby..brought us together for a reason."

"You're going to make me love you."

"Ha...you already love me," Jagger scoffed, "Don't you remember when we paired up into groups in history and you were the only one who talked to me?"

"That's because the others were too scared," I sighed, "No, wait..one had a crush on you."

"Shaina?"

"Yes, her.." I said, not realizing that a tinge of jealousy had slipped through my tone.

Jagger smirked, "You don't think I liked her or that we did something?"

"What? No..I don't care.."

"Yeah, you do.."

"No, I don't.." I shrugged, "I mean, you can fuck,-"

He turned me towards him and frowned, "No. I don't know where this is coming from, but I won't bring that drama into this house. You're my girlfriend—even though this whole setup is unconventional. I only want to be with you. Do you want to see other people?"

I rolled my eyes, "Oh, yeah..I'm sure guys would be lining up to date me when they see what they're in for..."

He was so compassionate when I got into one of my moods.

"You've seen them..."

He scowled, "Sure, but as long as they don't mess with the two of you, we're fine."

Jagger

Yes, I'd seen the voids, but not as often.

I would see them outside of the house or in my classroom, but ever since I was seeking help—real help—and taking the medication...

Well, it was better than before.

My Sugar and my little Peppercorn needed me to be well and I needed her to be well.

I was stressed and exhausted between the games, school, work, practice, and taking care of my family...I didn't like the meds sometimes because I felt weird, but it was better.

I would run to Julia's classroom when I'd feel an attack coming on, but I couldn't really tell people why.

Because I was so popular and no one really questioned me because of who my father was, I realized I was able to get away with so many things.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I just needed to see you.."

I would pull Julia into the hallway and hold her for the duration of the period and then slip away for the next.

She didn't make a fuss.

We wanted this for each other.

Julia

My sugars were all over the place.

Peppercorn was wreaking havoc on my body and I was showing more and more each day.

My belly was always thin and that wasn't doing me any favors.

I couldn't very well blame it on bloating or burritos—which was my new craving for the week.

Being pulled out of class my Jagger didn't bother me.

We were both passing and it made me feel good that he wanted to be with me.

I yearned for him now—more than I ever thought I would.

"Call me tomorrow and we'll get together," Carlene said, "I want to help you with the baby clothes."

"Thanks," I smiled, "Jagger has bought the stores."

"Well, he needs to leave some for the rest of the babies!" Carlene teased as we parted ways in between classes.

The courtyard was clear, save for a few students here and there.

I could feel myself being watched.

Jake was the one I trusted and he was always watching me.

I looked down at my sandwich and a wave of nausea flushed over me.

Cringing, I tossed it back into the sack and stood up only to become face to face with Lawrence.

"Julia.."

"What are you doing here?"

I watched Jake approach us, but he was apprehended by Eric—I knew that man was nothing but trouble.

"I've come to make you a deal, Miss Bennett.."

"What sort of deal?"

Lawrence smirked, "I know all about you—your family, your poverty—the fact that my wife went behind my back and took out Jagger's trust. I knew you were knocked up the moment he bought the house. I knew you had a feeling most people had caught on."

I trembled, waiting for someone to come and rescue me, but I had to rescue myself.

"Leave me alone, Lawrence. Leave US alone," I said, pointing to my stomach.

"Listen to me you little slut.." Lawrence sneered, grabbing my arm, " You are fucking up my son's life—everything he's worked so hard for! All of the girls he could have and he decided to choose YOU. My deal is this: five million dollars to get rid of this bastard child of yours or there will be hell to pay."