A/N: I had extra time on my hands so I got this done extra fast! (Thank you weekends) Anyway, updates are gonna have to go back to weekly since online classes have started again. Yippee...Fun.
Thanks for the kind reviews guys, it's really helping to get through the long chapters and ever growing story.
Anyway, I hope you guys are having a fun quarantine (I'm definitely not), and if you're not in quarantine lucky you!
Make sure to stay safe and well!
Till next time,
D.L.D
P.s. It is now a month and two weeks into quarantine and surprisingly I'm still sane.
Bridgette's P.O.V
I was in the campus cafe, enjoying my lunch with Leshawna. We'd both decided to meet up after class to get a bite to eat and discuss her whole dilemma. To be honest, she does seem like a nervous wreck. I've noticed the usually loud and proud Leshawna, was replaced by an uncertain yet guarded Leshawna.
I watched as she picked at her meal, chewing her lip as she thought. I really couldn't blame her. I remember not so long ago I was feeling exactly the same: pregnant, alone and ashamed. Hell, I even felt angry at myself. Why did I even let that happen?! I should've been more responsible. Oh, I remember those thoughts...
"It's ok, Shawnie," I smile at her, "It's your family. If anyone'll understand, it's them."
"Bridge," She let out a sigh, "I know you mean well, but my family's not easy to talk to. They judge. A lot. Plus they had high hopes for me. Imagine how they'll feel when I tell them how I got knocked up."
"I know it seems scary, but you've gotta give it a shot, Leshawna," I say putting on my mom tone, "Even if your family's angry for a while, you still have my and Gwen's support. You've got all your friends' support! But I'm telling you, if you keep it secret it'll get worse."
Silence filled between us as we continued to eat in silence. I guess my words must've sunk in, because a small smile crossed her face.
"Like I said, I'll tell them," Leshawna smiled slightly, "I'm just nervous about telling them who the father is. I feel so stupid for even letting him back into my life..."
"Wait, you knew this guy before?" My eyes were wide.
"Yeah, Jamal and I go way back," She laughed, "But the douche cheated on me, so I gave him the ass whooping of the century! But then I saw him again...emotions were high that day, like that one time with Harold. I wasn't thinking and before I knew it, I was in a bed with him. Then I snuck out the next day."
"Wow..." All I could say was that. I'd never heard of something like that, well I have, but I didn't expect Leshawna to be in that situation.
"Yeah..." She sighed, "I'm not even dating him, let alone engaged!"
"Geoff and I weren't engaged," I say.
"Well, you are now," Leshawna stated, "He put a ring on it."
It's then I remember that Geoff and I were engaged. We were just so busy with the twins, college and paying the expenses, we'd never noticed that we had a wedding to plan.
"From the way you're looking at your ring, you just remembered," Leshawna laughed, as I blushed slightly.
"Yeah, it's been a while since he proposed," I chuckle, "Maybe we should start planning the wedding. I mean, I didn't wanna have one while I was pregnant."
"Exactly," Leshawna grinned, "Now you're no longer carrying a person around, you can start planning that wedding."
"I guess you're right," I smiled.
"Bridge," Leshawna laughed, "I'm always right."
I gave her an 'are you serious look' before gesturing at her stomach. She just laughed.
"Ok, maybe not always," She smiled, "But a girl can make a mistake. Plus I have a feeling my baby's gonna be special."
"I'm sure they will be," I smile back, before we went back to continuing our lunch.
Sierra's P.O.V
"I gotta say this is entertaining!" I say as I type up the new hot gossip, "Who knew ice-cream parlors were gossip hotspots.
"Well, my great great great great three times removed cousin invented ice-cream," Staci spoke, "And my great great great great uncle Wallenstein invented ice-cream. Plus my great great great great great great great grandmother invented gossip."
"Wow, your family's so inventive!" I smiled as I checked my blog.
So far the gossip column was getting a nice amount of views. There were all sorts of comments too! Some were ragging on Blaineley, others were talking about Heather's fake-date with Scott and another was about Lindsey lying about being lactose intolerant. Though I don't think she knows what lactose is, that would explain why she had diarrhea right after. Noah told me the bathroom stank for a whole day, so did Izzy.
"Well, they do invent best!" Staci shrugged, "Plus, I love gossip. Tell me what else you found, I am co-editor after all."
"Sure," I shrugged, before typing, "Here's the gossip column, but you already know all the details since you're my dorm mate."
"True," Staci nodded, "What about the secret crush column?"
"Well I got three entries this week," I say, "The first one says: To the girl with chocolaty skin I haven't seen in months."
"That's definitely Harold," Staci laughed, "He's crushing on Leshawna big time."
"I know," I chuckled, "Cody must've told him about the secret crush column. You think he knows she off the market? I mean she's got a bun in the oven."
"He is on tour," Staci sighed, "Meh, just read the next one."
"Ok," I shrugged, "To the amazing girl who's always at the gym. I always see you working out, wanna work out with me?"
"That's got Ryan written all over it," Staci spoke as she ate her cookies, "He's been checking Stephanie out for a while."
"Looks like love's on everyone's brains," I smile as I get to the last entry.
"Let's see who else has got a lover in mind," Staci smirked, "I bet a certain someone finally decided to declare their feelings."
"Let's hope they did," I chuckled before frowning as I read the next one, "To the guy I see everyday. You always cheer me up, even when I'm feeling grey. I think I may be in love with you."
"That's...so sweet!" Staci teared up, "But who the fuck wrote it?"
"I know," I agreed, "I don't recognise it..."
"Well, we've got a mission then!" Staci smiled, "After I enjoy my dinner."
I just laughed as my dorm mate left to make her dinner and I continued to edit my blogs. Hopefully this secret crush entry's owner can be found.
Leshawna's P.O.V
"Thanks for coming with me, Deej," I smile as we stand at my old home's doorstep.
I'd left Bridge not too long ago to finally let my family in on my pregnancy. Since DJ was my cousin, it felt nice to have his support. Even if he doesn't know yet. It made me feel better about the mess I got myself into. If that's even possible...
"No problem, Shawnie," He smiled back, "Are you sure you're ok though?"
"You'll see in a sec," I say as I ring the doorbell.
The door opens instantly. Deja stands in the doorway, smile on her face. She looks a lot bigger than last time I saw her.
"Leshawna!" She hugged me tightly.
"Hey, Deja," I gave her a hug back, "You mind not squashing me before I see mom?"
"Sorry," She pulled away, "Hey DJ."
"Hey, Deja," He nodded, "Where's Shanice and Troy?"
"Come back here you little shit!" Shanice ran past, her extensions following.
"Looks like you'll have to catch me!" Troy laughed as he ran.
"Troy, give Shanice her afro comb," My mom sighed as she carried he washing, "There goes my day off..."
I went to the living room with Deja, while DJ went to the kitchen. He said he wanted to make some comfort food or something like that. I just let him go. It's not like he hasn't been here before.
"So?" Deja raised a brow as she looked at me,"Why'd you visit Shawnie?
"Who says I need a reason to visit?" I chuckled, while Deja gave me the 'stop talking shit' face, as she pointed to Troy and Shanice. "Fine. I have something to tell the fam."
"About time!" She squealed, "Who's the lucky guy?"
"Whoa, I'm still single," I laughed, as she sighed.
"At this rate you're gonna have kids when you're sixty," She mumbled while I laughed.
"Don't be so sure," I say, "Let's just wait for mom and the squabbling duo."
We spent the next while waiting for the rest of the family. While we waited, we caught up with what we missed. I told her about college and Deja told me about Middle School. Apparently Marietta's been missing Heather cause Damion's been picking on her. Something about him not having Heather as a target so he went to the other sister. Talk about psycho. So Deja's been defending her and beating the crap out of him. Just as I taught her.
By the time we caught up, everyone was in the living room. Shanice had her hair gelled up, edges styled and looking trendy as always; Troy had his rugged yet somehow clean look; my mom looked like she hadn't got a rest all day, her hair piled in a scraggy bun; and DJ had a plate of cookies.
"Dad's at work?" I raised a brow.
"Yeah," Shanice answered, "He's got a big project apparently."
"Oh...ok then," I say as I try to shake off my nerves.
Silence filled the room as we all looked at each other. All of us knew there was news to be told, but no-one wanted to be the ice-breaker. I really couldn't blame them. So I sat there, playing with my thumbs, as we all tried to think of how to start. I don't think this household has ever been this silent...
"So...why did you visit today?" My mom broke the silence, "You must have a reason. Some news maybe?"
"Well, I do- It's just-"
"You'd better spit it out," Troy rolled his eyes, "I've got places to be."
"If you mean hanging out on the streets with your friends is a place," Shanice groaned as she shivered, "You really need to get yourself together."
"I'll do what I want," Troy grunted, "Just tell us Shawnie."
"Yeah, we're all ears!" Deja grinned and then winked.
I took in a deep breath as I thought of Bridgette's words, before sighing.
"I'm pregnant," I say it quietly, but I know everyone heard.
"You are?" Deja was the only one to speak, "I'm gonna be an auntie?!"
"You're actually knocked up?" Troy raised a brow and I nodded, "Wow...Who's the father?"
"That's the thing..." I chuckled nervously.
"Don't tell me you don't know!" Shanice shivered, "That would mean- ugh! I'd abort that thing."
"Just let me damn speak!" I fume, "I don't think the father was planning on being a father."
"You mean you had a one-night stand?" DJ's eyes widened as I nodded, "Who was the guy?"
"Jamal," I answered.
Silence filled the room, before everyone looked at me. It was then I knew I was screwed.
Noah's P.O.V
Yet again I have another shift at the ice-cream parlor. Gossip central as I call it.
I was doing the usual: serving ice-cream, cleaning the counter and doing whatever I needed to get my pay. Izzy was on the same shift as me and was acting crazy. As always. This time she was eyeing the shark as if someone she knew was hidden inside- or something dangerous. But knowing Izzy, it's probably nothing.
"Noah?" Leshawna raised a brow as she approached the counter.
"You look like a mess," I say as she frowns.
She was with DJ and what I assume to be her younger sister. Her eyes were puffy and red and her usual mascara and eyeliner was missing.
"Yeah, I had a tough day," She mumbled.
"We're getting her ice-cream to cheer her up," DJ sighed, "I'll take a double chocolate."
"I'll have mint chocolate-chip," Leshawna's younger sister (as I assume), spoke.
"I'll just have a rocky road," Leshawna shrugged.
Saying nothing I go and scoop their cones, collect the money and watch as they go and sit down. Izzy seemed to notice them too as she joined me at the counter.
"You think we should eavesdrop?" I raised a brow.
"That's not even a question, Noah!" Izzy laughed, "Clearly they're hiding a secret. Even Izzy knows that!"
"Here we go again," I sighed as I knew her speaking in third person is a bad sign, "Did you have any ice-cream?"
"No," I looked at her, "Yeah...ok, maybe? I can't help it Noah! it's delicious."
"Just stay quiet so we can eavesdrop," I roll my eyes, "Ok."
"Loud and clear commander Noah!" She chuckled.
I just sighed as I rolled my eyes and focused on Leshawna and DJ's table. The three seemed to be talking and I could see the subject we important.
.0.0.0.
"How did you even bump into him?" The younger sister raised a brow.
"It's a long story, Deja," Leshawna sighed.
"Well you'd better tell me the whole fucking thing then," Deja replied. This family seriously has some sass issues. Does everyone in their family act like this?
"Fine," Leshawna grumbled, "I had a stressful week at college so I decided to go out partying that Saturday."
"Alone?" DJ shrieked.
"Yes alone you big baby," Leshawna rolled her eyes, "Mama didn't raise no sucker. Plus I'm not some damsel in distress. Anyway, I was enjoying myself killing the dance floor."
Both DJ and Deja cringed at her words. Everyone knows Leshawna's dancing is awful. That's not even the right word to describe it... It's just- no words needed. When you see it, you know it's bad.
"I saw that," She frowned, "But I'll let it slide. So he spotted me, I recognised him. I tried to move away but emotions were high and I ended up drinking, dancing and then eventually sleeping with him."
"So you're pregnant because of high emotions?" DJ raised a brow.
"Yep," The African-American nodded.
.0.0.0.
"You heard that right?" I said as I turned to Izzy.
"Yep, Leshawna's knocked up!" Izzy squealed, "Izzy has to congratulate her!"
"Don't," I say, "We weren't meant to eavesdrop."
"Aww, but Izzy wants to show her support!" She whined, "Please, Noah?"
"No," I say as I continue to look at DJ's table, "That's personal and we don't share it. Even is it's good gossip material."
Gwen's P.O.V
"You guys are on stage in five!" Blaineley grouched as she stomped around backstage.
Something told me she was in a bad mood and by something I mean the school gossip column. Of course Sierra convinced Cody to get it started again and...it's resulted in this.
Blaineley's been making everyone's lives miserable and it's making me rethink doing this. But if I back down, then I won't get the money. I need that money, well I don't need it but I want it. A lot. As many say, money as an extremely useful tool. Who actually says that besides Alejandro? I really need to get my thoughts sorted out. Blaineley stalking about like a T-Rex isn't helping either.
"Stage fright?" Dakota asked.
"Nah, I'm more concerned about Blaineley," I say as I see her screaming at a makeup artist.
The poor woman looked frightened to death. Her eyes were wide and skin pale and all she did was nod once the diva was done.
"Talk about a bad mood," Duncan shook his head as Blaineley clomped off in her heels, "Who pissed her off?"
"The gossip column did," I sigh.
"They really started that up again?" He raised a brow and Dakota and I nodded.
"And to think we're all in college now," Dakota sighed, "You'd think no-one wold care about this in the adult world."
"Nah, the adult world's just a more complex version of the teen world," Duncan shrugged, "Adults are really sensitive."
"Yep," I agreed.
Blaineley's voice then filled the whole backstage area as she yelled for us to be in positions. She really needs to chill. If what was written in the gossip column that bad, then she should just get it shut down. Plus it's not like we all keep it a secret that we know Blaineley's a bit of a whore. There were rumors about her sleeping with Chris while we were at high school.
Nevertheless I found my ass on stage and we managed to run through with no issues. The audience loved the performance and called us back onstage for a standing ovation. I have to say, I was pretty surprised. I mean, Blaineley's pretty unprofessional and everyone didn't take it seriously. But it was fun...I guess. Plus we got perks with the job, so I can't be all negative about it.
"Great job, everyone!" Blaineley beamed as we walked backstage.
"Talk about a mood swing," I heard someone say.
"You're free to leave, and your paychecks for tonight are at the box office," Blaineley continued as she walked off somewhere else.
"Thank god," I say as I enter the female dressing room. Unlike the college changing rooms there were stalls, actual dressing tables and everything else we needed.
I frowned as I spotted my reflection. Brown hair; again. All because of this stupid play.
"You do make a cute brunette," Courtney spoke as she tied her hair into a bun.
"I prefer the highlights," I say as I go into a stall, "Brown...brown isn't a colour I like to be reminded of."
"Oh yeah...I forgot," Courtney sighed, "Sorry Gwen. I just-"
"It's fine," I say as I slip on my clothes.
"Ok..." She answered, "By the way, I'll be out of the country for a while."
"Why?" I asked as I exited the stall.
"Family matters," She shrugged, "I'll only be gone for a week. Plus it's after the performance dates."
"Does it have anything to do with Alejandro and Jose?" I raised a brow as I looked at her.
"What? No!" She chuckled, "My great grandmother's sick and she's near death. My family want me to see her before she dies."
"Wow..." I say not quite believing but decided to trust her, "Well, if you need any help with grieving don't hesitate to call."
"I won't," She smiled as she grabbed her satchel, "See you later Gwen."
"Yeah, same," I reply.
Taylor's P.O.V
Once again I was in the ring. Bright lights, cheering, cameras and people surrounded me as I looked at my opponent. Shanay Skyler.
Her short black hair was tied into a ponytail highlighting her freckled face. She wore and black and white outfit, her gloves and shoes matching her clothing. Her face was plain, unreadable and I knew that she was going to be tough to beat.
"Taylor Gripling," She nodded, "You've earned a lot of respect in the boxing community."
"Yeah, I've heard about that," I say bluntly, "I'm not one for attention."
She chuckled, "I started off just like you, a rising star. But now I'm considered one of the best rising stars."
"Good for you," I shrugged, "You got the ego to match it."
I smiled as she silently raged. I found her pet peeve. I looked into the audience to see my mom, Eva, Jo, Stephanie, Tyler and Lightning in their usual spot. They waved to me and I smiled back.
"You girls ready to go?" The referee raised a brow.
"Yeah."
"Yep."
They then signaled to someone and the match began. Shanay reacted instantly. She threw a punch at my gut and I managed to move, making her miss and hit my arm. I then tried to hit her jaw while she was hunched, but she quickly regained her stance and avoided me. She then tried to hit my gut again, but I blocked. I then hit her side and managed to get a hit, sending her reeling.
She then came towards me and I aimed for her face. She blocked my hit and hit the base of my chin. I winced as I felt my teeth clash together and wasn't surprised when I could feel swelling. I still continued. I tried to get her torso, but she managed to block me and hit my gut. I was down on the floor now, struggling to get up.
"Guess I win," Shanay smirked as she went to punch me.
I blocked it. I kept blocking as I got back up, trying to ignore my trembling limps. Shanay just frowned, before smiling as she went for another punch. It was then I saw a weak spot. But should I take it? I mean my gut's gotten me this far and I'm not doing too good.
I place my arms to block her attack while I think.
It would be my only chance at winning. I have got nothing to lose.
'I'll do it,' I smiled as I blocked another attack and pounced.
Heather's P.O.V
"What do you want Courtney?" I frowned as I sat across from the brunette.
We were at a cafe and she'd called me saying she had something urgent to say. Judging from the way she's sipping her coffee, it's probably not that urgent. She probably just realised that she needs to get over her pickiness.
"To help you feel better," She answered smirking, "Or rather reunite you with Alejandro."
"And who says I want to see him?" I snapped, "I'm doing just fine without him."
"Tell that to your temper tantrums," She mumbled, "Anyway he needs our help."
My eyes widened at her words. Alejandro needs my help. Me. He needs me. It's about time he realised that! A few years too late though. But...This is too good to be true. He'd never admit he needs my help. He must've gotten Courtney to say this.
"How do I know you're not lying?" I say studying her.
"I spoke to Jose not too long ago," She shrugged, "He booked us flights. Apparently they're getting married off to some rich family, but they have a plan."
"He's getting married off?" I ask, my tone sounding more worried than I'd like it to.
"Oh, definitely," Courtney answered smirking, "Unless we can stop it by flying there."
"Count me in!" I say, "No-one gets to claim that Latino!"