OTM 11
Note: Again, Albel's going to start being OOC from this point on. Sometimes the prospect of having children really changes a person; I'm using him as an example of that.
XXXXX
Nel had just closed her locker when she looked up to see Albel staring down at her. "Yes, Albel? Did you need something?"
His eyes shifted away from hers as he said, "We have the next class together so I figured I'd walk you there..."
Nel was just as surprised as Albel was flustered. It was very unlike him, but he was making an effort and trying, unlike before. She wasn't sure how long the kindness would last, but she wouldn't pass up the opportunity either. "Uh, sure. That would be nice."
They began their trek to the class, Albel closely following Nel as they walked. As they walked they got numerous stares and whispers speculating the two opposites' sudden closeness. He would easily shush them with one of his killer glares, threatening certain death if they blew the situation beyond proportions.
It seemed like they couldn't reach the classroom fast enough. Nel was becoming nervous under their stares. If they stared long enough would they notice her slight baby bulge? If she was given away now she'd cry. She wasn't mentally ready to have everyone know her secret yet! Suddenly she felt a hand cross her abdomen and plant itself right above the bump. She jumped and nearly yelped allowed but restrained it once she remembered who she was with.
Albel had sensed her worry, and in another unexpected display of affection, pulled her close to him by the waist. Of course, all those who saw the action near died from the shock. He didn't blame them; he was not known for being this soft for anything, but all of a sudden here he was walking a girl, and not just any girl, but the Ice Queen of Peterny High, to class and slinging his arm possessively around her waist, even if it was really just to hide the baby bump. It was out of character for him but he didn't necessarily find it to be bad.
Nel somehow felt perfect within his grasp, melding nicely against his body. He liked it, possibly so much so that even when they entered the classroom and he walked her to her seat, he hadn't let go. He didn't even notice that while he held her waist, he was drawing circles on her distended belly nearly the whole time. He would have continued to do this if Nel hadn't captured his attention again.
"Albel...Albel, what are you doing?"
"Hmm?" He asked distractedly.
"What are you doing with your hand?"
He looked at said hand and jerked it away once he noticed what it was doing. "It was nothing. I was trying to distract you from everyone's stares earlier." He said upon remembering his reason for holding her in the first place.
She found the answer to be acceptable, but it still felt as though there was more he wasn't mentioning. "If you say so." She sat herself down in the desk's chair and got herself ready for class.
She expected Albel to go to his own seat, but he planted himself in the seat next to her. "You do know someone else sits there right?"
Albel shrugged the question off, "Of course I do, and when they come, I'll tell them to sit elsewhere. I want to sit next to you today."
Albel was surprising Nel left and right today. Really, this change in attitude was out of character for him, but if this was him being serious about their situation, then definitely, she wasn't going to complain. In fact, this might make her fall in love faster.
XXXXX
The week continued and Albel's nice attitude, well, to Nel at least, had yet to change. The rumors had escalated to blatant gossip that Albel and Nel were officially dating. If Nel and Albel were popular before, well they were headline news now.
But it really made Nel wonder. Everyone thought they were dating; with how much Albel followed her around and did not hold back on any public displays of affection, she'd think they were dating too. But that was exactly, they weren't officially dating, at least, Albel hadn't officially asked her out or said anything about it. Despite not being told though, Nel liked to believe they were.
Their newly made relationship though made everything that much more difficult with regards to her pregnancy. With people constantly speculating on their new relationship, Nel's worries over having her pregnancy discovered was worsening. She only had so many loose fitting blouses, and they could only hide it for so long.
She'd have to tell the principal about it soon. Alongside, asking Albel about when they'd do this, she reminded herself to ask about their relationship, whether they were together for real or not.
XXXXX
Since they'd been hanging out, every day after school Albel would drive them to Nel's house and he would stay with her until her parents came home.
Now Friday, as soon as Nel and Albel got home, she immediately headed to her room to change her clothes. By the time Albel made it up to her room, she was redressed in baggy clothing and standing in front of the mirror. He plopped down on her bed and observed her, silently wondering what exactly she was looking at.
After a few minutes of staring at herself from multiple angles, she looked at Albel and asked, "Am I getting fat?"
He barely restrained a laugh, covering it up by looking her over seriously. "Well…"
Nel gasped and then pouted. "Albel! You're so mean…"
He smirked and got up to wrap his arms around her waist from her front. "No, Nel; you're not fat…not yet, anyways." That earned him another pout and a poke to his side. "You of all people, Ms. Perfect, should know that it's not fat you carry, but a baby. It's growing, and you'll be growing with it."
He ran his hands across her stomach, feeling the hard protrusion and being inwardly awed by what it held inside. "It's…amazing, this whole thing."
"I know…I know." Nel smiled softly at Albel. It had been a week and still she wasn't quite used to the sudden break down of character when the two of them were together.
Then she remembered, "Ah, sorry to ruin the moment but I've been meaning to ask you something." Albel guided them to her bed before letting her proceed with her question. "Are we officially dating?" The weird look Albel gave her had her explaining why she felt the need to ask. "I mean, there are all these rumors about us really being together, and it doesn't help that you're being so touchy feely with me, especially when everyone knows you aren't normally like that. It'd just be weird, you know? If we're doing all this and we're not really together?"
A brief silence overcame the two as Albel pondered over her question. "It can be assumed that we are dating, we are fiancées after all."
Though his answer was not fully what she wanted to hear, it was sufficient enough for now. She shouldn't have expected him to suddenly break out in a confession to her…maybe one day though.
"Oh! One more thing…About telling the Principal, when should we tell her?"
"The sooner, the better. You don't have much time left before you're really showing." He emphasized this with a stroke along her raised belly.
She was lucky to have reached the fourth, almost fifth, month without an extremely noticeable tummy, but Albel was right, it wouldn't last much longer. "Would tomorrow be too sudden?"
"Whenever you'd like."
"Then we'll go in tomorrow morning." Nel heard Albel groan, knowing he was not a morning a person. 'Well, he did say soon was best.'
XXXXX
The next morning came quickly. Today was the day they'd see the principal, the day they would reveal their mistake.
Nel was all nerves while Albel remained characteristically indifferent; of the two of them, someone had to stay calm. In fact, he was the one who pulled them into the principal's office in the end.
As soon as they entered, Nel bowed apologetically for the sudden intrusion into the woman's office. "Principal Romeria…we're very sorry for bothering you so early this morning."
Romeria put aside the papers she was looking at to put her attention on her unexpected visitors, inviting them to sit down in the plush chairs before her desk. "It's no problem, Ms. Zelpher, but what brings you here, and with Mr. Nox as well?" Calculating red eyes stared at the young couple in front of her.
Nel fidgeted in her seat and sent a quick glance to Albel, who continued to look expressionless. Knowing Albel wasn't going to be of much help so early in the morning, she began to speak. "Albel and I have a bit of a problem…" She started.
Romeria's eyes widened with curiosity. "And what is this problem?"
Nel gathered her remaining courage and straightened up in her seat, "I…am pregnant, principal."
The principal's face softened considerably, "Oh Nel…you must be so scared." She looked at Albel. "And you must be the father.
Albel grunted in response and crossed his arms. "I'm taking full responsibility for her and the child. I won't abandon her, if you're concerned principal."
The older woman stared him down for a moment before looking away and folding her hands on the desk. "You're serious about this…that's very good. Nel, I'm assuming you've told me this because you're going to be keeping the baby."
"Yes, it was our mistake and I need to face it."
Romeria nodded before glancing at Nel's stomach. "How far along are you, my dear?"
Nel looked contemplative but Albel quickly filled in. "She's almost eighteen weeks."
"So far along! And you've managed to keep it secret from everyone up to this point? I'm surprised!" Romeria smiled calmly at her students and continued, "You've both made life-changing decisions which I hope neither of you regret. I know you're feeling the weight of this situation, Nel, especially since you're a model student. I will request an assembly to announce your situation and demand that the students continue as normal. The same goes for yourself and Mr. Nox.
There are only fourteen weeks of school left so I'm still demanding attendance. I want the both of you to graduate. You'll be quite along in your pregnancy by the time summer comes, and certainly it will attract attention, but you must continue classes as you normally would. Is that clear?"
"Certainly, principal!" Nel smiled happily, relieved to know that the principal was supportive of her decision.
"Alright then. See you at assembly seventh period."
Nel and Albel got up then, leaving the principal's office visibly more relaxed than before. Albel took her hand in his before heading them once again to the roof top, what had now become their usual meeting-slash-relaxation spot.
Albel sat himself on the ground and leaned against a wall before gesturing Nel to sit on his lap. She blushed up on understanding the request but complied and carefully settled in his lap.
Albel's hands wrapped around her waist and brought her close to rest on him. He began to massage her shoulders carefully, the tense muscles underneath quivering from the hand motions. "Relax, Nel…" his low voice furthering the calm effect.
Her eyes closed as she nearly melted in his arms, leaning further into his fingers. He finally stopped once the muscles relaxed but did nothing to removed Nel from his lap; instead he wrapped his arms loosely around her waist, hands resting over her stomach. He could easily feel the hard bump hidden underneath the barrier of her clothing and inwardly smiled.
"Albel, we're seriously going through with this…"
"I know, and I'm still here, aren't I?"
"Yeah, and I'm still curious as to why."
Albel snorted, "And you won't get to know just yet."
"And why not?"
"Because I still don't really know the answer myself."
Nel stopped the questioning there, not sure what else she could ask him, and let the rest of their time on the roof pass in a comfortable silence. Their principal was now made aware, and soon that very afternoon, the school would be too. She should enjoy every moment of normalcy left before things spiraled out of control from the major changes she was about to face.
XXXXX
Lunch came faster than she expected, but she was truly relieved. Making up excuses to go to the bathroom had become a challenge, especially when the teachers were less than willing to accept them when they came as often as they did.
"Nel, what's wrong with you? You've been vomiting for weeks now and yet you act like nothing's wrong. If you're going to chuck it up later, you shouldn't be stuffing your face with food."
Nel took another bite of her food. "It's okay, Tynave. I'm not going to be vomiting as much soon; the doctor told me. Don't worry about me. Oh, Farleen, can you pass me the soy sauce? I want to put it on my burrito."
Tynave could only stare at Nel. She knew something was wrong with her friend, but why was Nel denying it? More importantly, why wasn't Clair fussing about it? She'd have been the first one to worry over Nel but so far she hasn't done a thing. Maybe it was because she knew what was wrong? That just brought Tynave back to square one; what was wrong with Nel? Her thoughts were soon interrupted when a new presence sat themselves on the other side of Nel.
"Mm, hey, Albel." Nel greeted after swallowing.
"And the boyfriend comes to visit." Claire joked.
Nel blushed and looked away while Albel smirked at her. "Claire, don't joke about that!" She pouted.
"Let her; she only speaks the truth. Can't I visit what is mine?" Albel teased. He snaked an arm around her waist and gently tugged her into his lap.
"Albel!" Cat calls sounded from not only her friends but from a few people watching nearby. Ignoring her protests and struggles, his hands began to gently rub at her sides to ease her surprise and eventually calm her down.
"So how are you today, woman?" He asked her once Nel had relaxed enough that she was resting against him.
"Well, I'm fine besides the fact that you embarrassed me in front of everyone just now."
He smirked again and tucked his head in her neck before whispering softly into her ear, "I can always turn this up a notch, Nel." His breath puffed against her neck causing Nel to shiver. She steeled herself and shook him off.
"I'll stay in your lap, but just don't do things like that again. It's so embarrassing."
A very amused smirked was now plastered on his face. Albel obeyed her wishes though and went back to gently stroking her sides, occasionally switching to draw circles on her stomach. Nel's friends could only uncomfortably watch the scene before them, feeling like they were intruding on a sweet moment between the two.
Claire looked at the couple happily. Really, she was happy for them, especially for Nel. Things were not looking bad for their future and she hoped their stroke of good luck would continue for a long time. If it did then their makeshift relationship would solidify into long lasting happiness. That was all she could ever hope for Nel. The girl certainly deserved it after all she's done.
XXXXX
Afternoon arrived and as suddenly requested by the principal, instead of the students' usual seventh period class, they were gathered into the school's assembly hall for what everyone assumed was an important announcement.
Once the student body was gathered, principal Romeria stood in front, eyes scanning over everyone in the room before speaking.
"I've called on this impromptu school meeting because we've had an incident that should be called to our attention. It concerns the consequences of copulation, or in other words, pregnancy."
She heard many of the young men and women in front of her whisper and murmur at the topic. She continued, "I realize that many of you may participate in sexual acts, but I don't know how many of you practice safe sex. You may have heard it before a million times over but you should still be made aware of the potential consequences of unprotected sex. The possibilities of this happening is not excluded to anyone, even the most perfect of our students."
Nel saw principal Romeria's eyes land on her before the older woman nodded. She took this as the sign to stand up alongside Albel and pulled herself up to face her fellow students.
"Our reputed Ms. Perfect, Nel Zelpher, is four, almost five, months pregnant by our football star, Albel Nox."
The student body gasped and the murmurs rose in volume greatly. It disturbed Nel greatly and her hand instantly ducked down to entwine with Albel's as she leaned closer to him.
Albel did not refused the touch at all; rather, he scowled at anyone who he heard mention anything rude about Nel. When he saw the principal nod her head again, he promptly sat the both of them down, slinging his arm over her shoulders to show his protectiveness over his fiancée. He briefly wondered why he was going as far as he was with the displays of affection with Nel, but he told himself that it was because they were engaged that he was allowed as much.
It certainly seemed that Nel didn't mind it; he swore he felt her move closer after he wrapped his arm around her, and it felt really nice to hold her, as he'd come to realize time and time again when he would put her in his arms.
Romeria continued, "Our dear Ms. Perfect of Peterny High has decided to face the consequences of her mistake and is responsibly going to care for the child. She has truly proven herself a role model student, even through this trial."
Pinning her look on each of the students she finished up the announcement with one last request, "I ask that as you are around Nel, you do not bring attention to her situation. You are to treat her with as much respect as you've previously done. She will be graduating alongside her class as if nothing has changed. Is this understood?"
The crowd of students nodded upon seeing the seriousness in their principal's eyes, and once she was pleased with the response, the school was dismissed early. The students did not waste a second in clearing out the hall leaving Romeria, Nel, and Albel behind.
Romeria walked down from the stage and approached the young couple with a relaxed smile on her face. Nel quickly approached her and bowed out of respect.
"Thank you so much, principal!" She smiled gratefully at the older woman.
"It was no problem at all. Just tell me if any student gives you a problem, I'll straighten them out."
"I don't think I'll have too much trouble with that. Albel would take care of them first."
"Is that so? Well then, there's little to worry about. Just take care of yourself, Nel. This will be a hard time in your life, but it's good to see that you have support."
Principal Romeria gave one last smile before she excused herself, leaving the couple by themselves. Nel immediately let out a large sigh and leaned against Albel. "The truth's finally out."
Albel spared her a glance before snorting loudly. "And everyone's okay with it."
"More like you'll make sure they're okay with it."
He smirked, "Whatever works."
Suddenly Albel caught Nel off guard by placing her in front of him and bringing her into an embrace. She gasped from surprise and instinctively wrapped her arms around him. The embrace was unexpected but it felt right to the both of them, and they comfortably enjoyed the hug in silence.
Yes, whatever may happen next, as scary or unknown as it might be, they'd be together to get through it. Things were truly going right.
XXXXX
And I've finally updated!
I'm sure you're all happy! I've got another four chapters planned to write up. We're starting to wrap this up, folks!
So thanks for sticking around so far!
P.S. If you were trying to leave a review on the last chapter and weren't able to, it was because I changed one of the chapters (Chapter 4 A & B into one solid chapter, rather than two), and put the chapters into a proper order. But because a "Chapter 10" had already been established, which was my Chapter 9, you couldn't review on it. You can leave word on this chapter though, no problems! :)
Until next time!
