750,000 teenagers between 15 and 19 become pregnant each year.
I drummed her fingers along the surface of her desk. It was 4th period on the first day of school and I was already ready to go home.
"This is your senior year." My sociology teacher, Mrs. Chudowski announced. "And I want you guys to do a social experiment." The class let out a collective groan. "Yeah, I know. I suck. I'm a horrible teacher. But the project isn't due until the end of the year. I just want you guys to be aware and start planning. Any questions?"
An over-zealous teen's hand shot into the air, "Mrs. C, are there any specifics we should know about?"
"It has to deal with society. Anything in society. Race, social class, religion, political views, the list goes on. Whatever you feel like doing. But it has to be taken seriously. It counts for half of your second semester grade."
The teen nodded and wrote something down in her planner. I rolled my eyes in amusement. Someone was way too eager.
The bell rang and everyone got up and started filing out of the classroom and into the hall. I sighed as I walked out of the class. I was half-way through the day. Three more periods to go.
"Hey Montez." My boyfriend, Troy Bolton greeted, kissing her cheek. "How was class?"
"Long." Gabriella replied, walking downstairs towards the cafeteria.
"You should have taken philosophy with me and Chad. It seems pretty easy."
I rolled her eyes. Every senior at East High had to take either psychology, sociology, or philosophy. I thought sociology would be easiest because I was a social butterfly. But with this project, I was screwed.
We made their way to the cafeteria where our friends were already waiting for us at our usual table.
"Gabriella how was linear algebra?" My best friend Sharpay asked.
"We didn't do much today." I told her. She thought it was ridiculous for taking college level courses in high school. It wasn't my fault I passed the math placement test in 7th grade and didn't have to take pre-algebra, placing me ahead of everyone. "Considering calculus kicked my ass last year, it's going to be hard."
My other friend Taylor smiled at me. We were in the same math class with me, so she felt my pain. "We can go through hell together, Gabriella. Mr. Mitchell isn't too bad."
"This year is going to be a lot of work." I said. "And that end of the year senior project is just added stress."
My friend Chad groaned, "I don't even want to think of that. A philosophy experiment. That's just confusing on so many levels."
"You should switch and take sociology with me." I suggested. "You could do yours on MTV or basketball."
"You think I can switch?"
"You can change classes the first two weeks of school." Troy explained. "After that, you have to wait until next semester."
Chad nodded, "I might take you up on that offer."
"I'm going to write a paper on serial killers." Taylor announced. We all turned to look at her. "Look, if I'm going to be an FBI profiler, I want to start early. What makes killers tick. Why do they do what they do? It's a fascinating topic."
I turned my head and saw my friend,
Lauryn walk into the cafeteria. Last month she announced she was pregnant on Facebook and people have since been avoiding her like pregnancy was contagious and they'd catch it by breathing the same air as her.
I turned back to my friends, "I feel really bad for Lauryn. Everyone is treating her like she has the plague or something."
"Yeah." Sharpay agreed. "It sucks. Some of the things people are saying about her are horrible. As if everyone in this school is the virgin Mary."
I turned back to Lauryn, who was sitting by herself in the corner of the cafeteria. I frowned. The people at this school sucked. "I'll be right back."
I got up from the table and approached Lauryn. She looked up with a shocked expression. "Hi, Gabriella."
"Hi Lauryn." I greeted, as I sat down. "Hope you don't mind me sitting here."
"Not at all." Lauryn said. "No one else wants to sit next to me."
I gave her a sympathetic smile, "How are you feeling?"
Lauryn sighed, "Really sleepy. I hear the 1st trimester is exhausting. I'm counting the days until I'm in the 2nd trimester and the energy kicks into over drive."
I nodded, "Yeah. I remember my when my God-sister was pregnant. She was always sleeping."
Lauryn nodded, "Yes. That's why I eat and do my homework as soon as I get home and sleep 11 hours straight. I won't wake up at all."
I glanced around the cafeteria and saw everyone staring at us. Hands covering mouths, sideways glances. This was what Lauryn had to go through for 179 more days?
"Take a picture!" I yelled. "It'll last a lot longer." Everyone turned back to their tables. "Gosh the people at this school are annoying."
"Yeah." Lauryn agreed. "And it's only going to get worse."
I could tell this was horrible for Lauryn. People were looking at me if I was crazy for sitting next to her. People were a crazy.
Suddenly, a light bulb went off in my head. I knew exactly what I was going to do for my senior project. It was just going to be a challenge.
"You want to do what?" My mom, Cristina asked. We were sitting in my living room with Troy sitting next to me. "I'm not following."
"I'm going to be pregnant."
"Not if I have a say so." Troy said. "We are 17."
"Pretend pregnant." I explained. "I can wear one of those fake pregnant bumps that they give actresses."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"For my senior project."
"Can't you just do a pie chart on Jersey Shore or something?" Troy suggested. "You're talking about having a baby."
"Pretend pregnancy." Gabriella corrected. "Which means no baby."
"You want to do this for your senior project?" Mom asked. She shook her head. "Gabriella Maria Leticia Montez! Have you lost your mind?"
"Mom it's a project. I'm not going to be a teen mom. You and daddy aren't going to be grandparents."
Troy stood up, and sat right back down. "Gabriella, this is...crazy. This is number one out of all the crazy things you've done."
"Look, I want to do something more than than your typical boring report on reality television or country music or something else boring."
"Gabriella, there are other ways to do experiments on pregnancy in our times." Troy said. "Watch Teen Mom."
"I want to go above and beyond."
My mom shook her head, "Mija, I don't think this is a good idea."
"Mom," I started. I really didn't want really want to fight her on this. "This is groundbreaking. I want to do something to show the ignorant, close-minded students something. I want to make people think."
"Brie, you saw the way everyone practically shunned Lauryn. You want to put yourself in that position, when you don't have to?"
"It's for the people who mistreat girls like Lauryn. I want them to realize what they're doing."
"I don't like this! I do not like it one bit."
"Mom, I'm not asking you to like it. I'm asking you to support me. Can you do that?"
Mom sighed. I had her. I know that she'd support me no matter what I do. "Fine. I'll support you."
I threw my arms around her and kissed her cheek, "Yay!"
"I'm telling your father." Mom added, as I pulled away.
"Ok."
Troy held up his hand, "Wait! What about my parents?"
"What about them?"
"I have to tell them." Troy replied.
I shook my head, "No! You can't tell them. They have to be kept in the dark."
"No way. I can't do that. You know I'm not good at lying, especially to my parents."
"Please." I begged, clasping my hands together. "They have to be kept in the dark."
"How are we going to pull this off?" Troy asked. "They're going to start telling people, and buying stuff. And they'll want to see ultrasound pictures and throw a baby shower. For a fake baby!"
"We can figure it out as we go along, I guess. Look, baby shower stuff isn't until the 7th or 8th month of a pregnancy. So we'll have time to figure things out." Troy gave me a hesitant glance. I gave him my best pout. "Please?"
Troy rolled his eyes, "Ok."
"Really? You'll help me?" I asked. Troy nodded. "Thank you." I wrapped my arms around his neck. "You are amazing. You are the best boyfriend on earth."
"Yeah, I am. Don't forget it."
"Gabriella, you wanted to talk." Mrs. Chudowski stated, once class let out. We were the only two people left in the room.
I nodded, "Yeah its about my project for senior year."
Mrs. Chudowski chuckled, "Its only the second day of school. You sure are eager to get a head start."
"Yeah. My project will take up most of the year."
"Oh? Do tell."
"I'm going to be pregnant."
Mrs. Chudowski practically choked to death on the coffee she was drinking. "Excuse me? You want to get pregnant?"
"Oh no. Sorry for not making that clear. I'm to fake being pregnant."
"And how are you going to do that?"
I handed her the portfolio full of information I researched the night before. "I could buy a fake bump online. I can eat a lot of salt and drink a lot of water to give me that bloated look. Print ultrasound pictures off the internet."
"Ok, and after the 9 months? You going to pop out a Baby Alive doll?"
"I was thinking maybe only going up to the 7th month. That way I can actually enjoy my last couple months of high school. Prom, graduation, end of the year trip. I can still do that."
"You're willing to sacrifice your senior year on a project? Gabriella this is your golden year."
"I've had plenty of fun times in high school. I will survive. I think this is much more important. The teenagers at this school look at teen mothers as if they are on the bottom of the totem pole. The things that they say are horrid. I want to make a difference."
"Gabriella, this is risky."
"I know the risks and I'm willing to take them."
Mrs. Chudowski closed her eyes. She wanted to say no. I could tell.
"Look, if it's this much of a problem, I won't do it. I can write a 10 page paper on social class in the United States."
Mrs. Chudowski opened her eyes and shook her head, "No. Do you really want to do this?"
"Yes."
"Ok, then. If this is what you want to do, then who am I to stop you?"
I smiled, "Really? You're letting me do this?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, Mrs. C. I promise, you won't regret this."
"I hope not. We're putting a lot on the line here. The school board will have a complete fit about this."
"Don't tell them, then."
"Gabriella, its not that simple."
"Yes it is. No one finds out, until I tell everyone."
"You're a stubborn girl, Gabriella."
"So I've been told."
"But I will help you. I guess you can start whenever you feel like it."
"Great." I gave Mrs. Chudowski one last smile before I left. Once I made it out of the class, I sighed. Part one was complete. Now, I just had to figure out what I was going to do next.
