Julia

"That's a beautiful dress," Carlene said, taking a peak at my aquamarine homecoming gown, "Are you feeling well?"

"No.." I said, "I am nervous. Jagger's so nervous about the game, too. He's nervous that his dad is going to find out before we want him to—he's nervous about grades—he's just...worried in general."

"So is Moose," Heather said, "He's been pacing.."

"Pacing?" I asked, eyeing her, "Are you and Moose.."

"We're just friends."

"Just friends.."

"We're not even close to whatever you and Jagger Hayes are!"

The phone buzzed and it was Jagger who was sending me pictures of onesies from the store.

"He's at it again.."

"I'm barely eight weeks.." I smiled, "Look at this one."

I showed them a picture of a green onesie that was supposed to have a hood and footies making them look like a frog.

"Oh, he has to get that!"

"He already did," I smiled, "He's storing this all in his dorm room.."

"I hear he's looking for a place for you to live."

"He says we can't have a baby on campus.."

Carlene sighed, "Sad, but true. I know they allow for visits and stuff, but I don't think...I think.."

I smiled, "It's alright, Car. I won't be upset leaving the dorms, but moving in with Jagger is going to be wild.."

Jagger

Moose laughed at most of the things I placed into the cart, but when he started picking out little overalls and booties for my kid I lost it.

"Really?" I laughed, "You're going to get this kid all moose themed stuff?"

"Of course I am!" He said as if my question was out of this world, "I'm Uncle Moose!"

"How will I explain all of this if I get caught?"

"Hello!" Zoey waved me off, "That's what I'm here for! You can tell folks I'm pregnant."

"Then shouldn't you be pushing the cart or at least Moose?"

"Why would Moose be pushing the cart? You think he'd be my baby's daddy?"

Moose didn't say anything. He was eyeing another set of shoes, but clearly trying not to make it obvious that he was thinking about something deep.

"No, he'd be Heather's baby's daddy.." I winked at her and watched Moose blush.

"I ain't having little ankle biters."

"Lies.." Zoey giggled, "But that's your choice, Moose. However, you are definitely going to be a wonderful uncle."

Moose straightened out and smiled proudly as we continued on in the baby department.

I spent so much money on Peppercorn that I knew our baby was going to be spoiled and I was going to spoil Julia, too.

Julia

"What if I vomit while on the float?"

Carlene stilled, "If you do...shit...I didn't think about that.."

Heather sighed, "We can always say you've got food poisoning from the cafeteria.."

"Everyone's going to know.."

"No one's gonna know.."

"Look at this!" I pulled up my shirt, "I am showing already.."

"Holy shit.." Carlene said, wide-eyed, "You...have a little bump already.."

"We'll make a sash for the waist," Heather said, "No problem."

No problem..

"If we back out of homecoming, then all of them will know.."

"That's why we're all going to remain calm and cool and hide this precious bump for a little while longer," Carlene said, "Jagger's getting all of your ducks in a row, Julia. We got this."

"Shit! I gotta get to class.." Heather hugged me and waved goodbye to Carlene, "Do you need a walk buddy?"

Carlene started packing her bags as I waved them on, "No, I have an hour until class, but thank you both so much."

Carlene and Heather left, sending a million best wishes my way, and I got ready for biology.

Heading across campus, no one looked at me differently and I didn't run into any of our enemies.

Entering the science building, I felt a sense of relief before hitting the first set of stairs.

Since getting pregnant, elevators made me nauseous and I was wondering how I was going to walk the stairs to my classroom when I became much bigger.

I felt a little woozy walking up, but I held onto the rail as other classes were letting out and all of the students were bustling down the stairs.

At Merrick, the population was enormous and I always felt a little overwhelmed—even two years later.

I was at the landing of the third floor when my phone buzzed.

Jagger was calling me.

Smiling, I answered and before I knew it—someone bumped into me with great force and sent me and my unborn child tumbling down the stairs.