Alyssa sat on the porch swing under the gazebo in her backyard. A breeze was gently blowing, making the wisps of hair that had escaped from Alyssa’s clip blow gently across her face. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t see someone come up beside her.
“Hey.” A voice softly said.
“Hey Sam.” sam sat down next to her on the swing.
“I heard you broke up with Ryan.” Alyssa nodded, and looked down at the lush green grass.
“I just couldn’t do it anymore. I felt so trapped, like a caged bird that needed to fly. The list goes on and on.” Sam nodded in understanding.
“How are you holding up?” Alyssa asked, concerned. Sam sighed.
“I’ve been better.” Alyssa pulled Sam into a hug and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’m sorry Sam.”
“It’s not your fault.” Sam got up to leave. “Feel better okay Lyss?” Alyssa nodded, knowing she wouldn’t feel better for a long time.
****************
(I week later)
Julie carefully maneuvered her Neon into a parking space in the student parking lot and got out. It was the first day of her senior year. Julie pulled out her schedule and looked at it. Today she had AP English, Choir, Student Assistant, and Study Hall.
“Study hall again?” Julie sighed as Alyssa fell into step beside her.
“Yep. Can I see your schedule?” Alyssa handed Julie the slip of paper.
“AP English, Creative writing, Elementary assistant, and Study Hall. I think we all have Study Hall.”
“What about Study Hall?” A male voice inquired.
“We all have Study Hall together Joshua.” Josh nodded.
“We could always skip. Nobody would notice.” Alyssa nodded and they headed to their classrooms.
******************
Alyssa Morgan
Our first day back was okay. It would’ve been better if I didn’t have so many things on my mind.
~~~~~~~~~
Trista Morgan
School sucks.
~~~~~~~~~
Josh Ridgely
I want Julie.
********************
Trista took the test out of the box and read the instructions. She carefully went through each step, following every thing exactly. After she had done everything that was required, the instructions told her to wait five minutes for results. It was the longest five minutes of Trista’s life and the results would change her future forever.
********************
Alyssa Morgan
I wonder why Trista is pacing around her room.
~~~~~~~~
Trista Morgan
I’m pregnant. My life is completely over.
*******************
Julie sat in study hall, doodling on her AP English notebook. She drew a jagged line across the cover when Alyssa tapped her on the shoulder, and a piece of paper landed on her desk. She unfolded it and quickly read the single line.
What’s up between you and Josh?
Julie sighed and jotted down an answer.
Nothing.
She tossed it back and watched Alyssa scribble a reply.
Uh huh. Josh said that you guys kissed and then you freaked out.
Julie sighed as she replied. Josh couldn’t keep his mouth shut for anything.
Of course I freaked! He’s my best friend. These things aren’t supposed to happen.
Alyssa shrugged her shoulders, then proceeded to tear the note up. A couple of minutes later, a piece of paper landed on Alyssa’s desk. It was from Josh.
What were you and Julie talking about?
Alyssa sighed. Couldn’t she have peace and quiet in Study Hall? She had to do her creative writing assignment.
Your kiss and how freaked out she was. She said that these things aren’t supposed to happen.
Alyssa threw the note to Josh. he put his hand to his forehead and down a reply.
I’m in love with her.
Alyssa’s mouth dropped open. Everybody had always suspected that Julie and Josh would fall in love with each other but they never thought it would actually happen.
Are you serious?
She threw it back and Josh wrote down his reply.
As serious as a heart attack. But it doesn’t seem like she wants to pursue anything.
Alyssa sighed and was about to reply when the teacher announced that the class could move around and talk.
“So does anybody know if anything is wrong with Trista?” Everybody shook their heads. The bell rang, signaling the end of the day and the group went off in different directions.
*********************
Alyssa knew something was up when she heard the distinct sounds of retching six days in a row. It occurred only in the morning.
“Are you pregnant?” Alyssa asked Trista when she came out of the bathroom. Trista looked at her in shock.
“Yes.” Trista said quietly. Alyssa’s mouth dropped open.
“Oh my god! Trista, how could you be so irresponsible?”
“It was my first time! I didn’t think I could get my first time.” Alyssa rolled her eyes.
“That’s your problem. You didn’t think.” Alyssa sighed. “Didn’t you pay any attention in health?”
“Leave me alone Alyssa.” Trista said, going to her room and slamming the door. I’m in a lot of trouble.
******************
Alyssa Morgan
I really need this right now. I just broke up with my boyfriend, my best friend moved, and I still like Brian Klein. To top it all off, I kinda like Sam. There I said it. I’ll be lucky if I don’t die from the stress.
Trista Morgan
I hate my sister sometimes.
Michael Slater
I know I got her knocked up. Which means I have to get out of here. Man, this is just like my last girlfriend.
Chapter Six
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