"It's true...he's pregnant!"

By mid-April, my sixth month of pregnancy, everyone at school could tell. I could barely pretend anymore that all I had done was gain weight, because my belly stuck out quite well, even through my sweaters. Girls either giggled or gave me looks of disgust as I walked by, plenty of them being girls who I had slept with in the past, and the guys could only give looks of disgust.

"It's okay, Bam. You still have me."

I nodded, "I know, Raab. Thanks."

"Forget about anything they say. It's useless."

Again, I nodded. Together, Raab and I sat at an empty table in the cafeteria, and I pulled a sandwich out of my bag. I had brought plenty to eat, but I was not in the mood to stuff my face in front of tons of people who would later whisper about it in the halls. Just as I was ready to mope again, someone slid in to sit across from Raab and me. I smiled when I looked up.

"Hey Jimmy!"

"Bam," Raab whispered to me, "Isn't that a teacher?"

Obviously Raab had whispered loud enough, because Jimmy replied, "Student teacher, and I would rather mix amongst you than them."

"Yeah, Raab. He's cool."

There was a little more silence, until Jimmy asked, "So, I can hear it all around the school now, Bam. Does it bother you?"

"More than you can imagine," I muttered.

"You know, you control your own life. All you have to do is address the gossip and make sure it follows your lead."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't admit or deny anything. Say your own thing. Tell them whatever you want them to talk about."

I scoffed, "I don't want them to talk about me at all."

"Unfortunately, you know that's not an option."

I nodded. He was telling the truth. As long as I was walking around up the duff, something would be said about me. I thought long about it as Raab and Jimmy got acquainted with each other, and decided that I would address the rumours. I would be honest about the identity of the father, as there was no reason for me not to be, but I would deny any other accusation made toward me.

"All will be fine, Bam."

I nodded, and Raab spoke, "I'll back you up whenever you need it."

I felt lucky. In what was probably the most difficult part of my life, I had people behind me; Raab and Jimmy at school, April and Phil at home, Jess and his friends at the university, and Ville generally whenever I need him. The idea of it all made me smile, and I grabbed the snacks out of my bag too, not caring if anyone watched me stuff my face with food.

When school ended that day, I found myself sitting in the principal's office. During my last class, my teacher had received a message saying to send me down to the principal as soon as school let out. I was confused, as I was sure I hadn't done anything wrong. Running into Raab on the way there, I decided to drag him along with me. The confusion didn't stop, as Principal Dugan allowed Raab to sit in with me at my request.

"Mr. Margera," Dugan began, "I believe we've never discussed your condition."

He wanted to speak with me about my pregnancy? "Uh...no sir."

"Were you aware that men were capable of getting pregnant?"

"No sir, I wasn't."

"How far along are you?"

"Six months."

He nodded, and continued, "I was approached by the health counsellors here about your condition. They would like to make sure you are aware of...options. As well as a special school for pregnant teenagers."

"You want to kick me out of school?"

"No, of course not. I just believe you'd be more comfortable elsewhere."

I shook my head, "No. I would not be comfortable parted from my friends."

Before he could say anymore, Raab helped me up, and the two of us stormed out of the office. I should have known that it would eventually happen, as I'm sure no school wanted to be known for having pregnant teenagers attend, but I would never let myself get separated from Raab. Or Jimmy, as I thought about it more. The two of them made my education bearable.

I invited Raab over, and the both of us walked through the warm weather toward my house. It was starting to get much warmer out, almost two warm for sweaters, but I refused to go somewhere without one. I always seemed like a put together type of person, but I was often afraid to look at my belly, just because it reminded me that I was no longer thin or fit. Of course, I hadn't told anybody, but nobody had questioned me about it anyway.

"How was school?" April asked as we walked in.

"Let's not talk about it, please?"

She gave us a confused look, and Raab muttered, "Bad day."