Diclaimer: As always... I own nothing, except my story.

Recap: Ashley and Craig got back together at a party.

Bottled up is where my fears go, my fears go.

JT's POV

The news hit me like a thousand bullets. She was pregnant. How could this happen? When Craig and Manny broke up the first time I was almost positive I had a shot with her. I was wrong. They got back together and now this was happening. I loved Manny, not that I was in love with her. I love her as a friend, but I've crushed on her for years. I could only imagine what she was going through now. I knew after this Craig would probably dump her. To me, he's always been a selfish bastard.

I heard about Manny at about 8:34.

FLASHBACK

Paige and I were walking down the hall together, like we did every morning. She had English with Mrs. Kwan first and I had Math with Mr. Armstrong, which are at the same end of the school.

"So I guess you heard?" Paige said out of the blue.

"Heard what?" I asked.

"About Manny..."

"No, what about her?"

"Well, she's pregnant."

I stopped dead in my tracks. Did Paige really just say that?

END OF FLASHBACK

When I heard the news I felt all hope of ever being with Manny drain from me... almost like it fell out of me and hit the ground and broke, broke into a million pieces. If Manny was pregnant, and Craig dumped her, like I figured he would, I knew she would have no time for me... or a boyfriend period.

I knew that Ashley knew. I knew she was mad at Craig. And I knew she'd tell the whole school. So I had to approach her for Manny's sake. But, I think... ok, I know I made it worse... a lot worse. I don't really feel like mentioning what happened.

I sat in my classes today... not doing a single thing. I didn't take notes, I didn't hand in homework, I didn't raise my hand, I didn't listen. None of my teachers noticed... that is, until I got to Media Immersion. I was staring blankly at the screen, when Mr. Simpson came over to where I was sitting.

"JT, you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little out of it."

He looked at me, with a knowing kind of look. Then in a whisper he said: "JT, I know about Manny. And I don't mean to be personal, but I kind of get a vibe that you like her."

I looked at him, surpised. I thought Toby and Emma were the only one's who knew that I liked Manny.

"How- how did you know?" I asked him.

"When you've been around the same students everyday for almost four years, you get to know what they're like and who they hang out with and who they like," he explained.

I looked at him, again.

"I just don't know what to do... I really like her. And I know how Craig is..."

"JT, you can't know how anyone is all of the time. You can only know how they act around you," he explained.

I half-smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Simpson."

He nodded and got back to teaching.

I knew he was right. I didn't know how Craig treated Manny. But, I still had a grave feeling he'd dump her.

I left Media Immersion and headed for science. I had 60 minutes until freedom. Mrs. H. droned on... the information she was drilling into our heads was useless... why would I need to know about the nitrogen cycle? Finally the last bell of the day sounded. I solemnly dumped my books into my locker and grabbed my bag. I walked home, with my head hung low. I walked in the front door, Mom was laying on the couch. I shut the door and I think I startled her.

"Oh, JT, it's you. Uh... some girl called... she said her name was... M- something," she said.

"Manny?" I asked, my excitement building.

"Yeah, that's it!" she exclaimed.

"Ok, thanks, Mom," I replied.

I ran into my room and grabbed the phone. I dialed Manny's number... I'd known it by heart since grade seven.

It rang about six times, then a machine picked up.

"Hello, you've reached the Santoses'. We're not here right now, please leave your name and number and we'll get back to you, thanks." Beep.

"Hey, Manny, it's JT. My mom said you called... uh... call me back when you get this message. Bye."

I hung up. I had nothing to do now. So, I did what any kid would have done... I turned on the TV, I didn't pay attention, I kept thinking about Manny. I guess I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew it was getting dark outside. I leaped out of bed and ran into the living room.

"Mom, has Manny called back?" I asked.

She shook her head no.

The disappointment was almost unbearable. Then I had an idea.

"Mom, I'm going out. I'll be back by," I looked at the time: 8:12, "10:00 or so."

"Ok."

I grabbed my coat and walked out the door. Manny's house was about six blocks from mine. I ran most of the way and by the time I got there I was out of breath, my side hurt and I was panting like a maniac. I had to take a few minutes to catch my breath, then I walked up to the porch. I knocked. I felt really nervous. Then someone opened it.

"JT?" It was her.

"I love you," I said. Then I realized what I'd just let slip.

"W-what?" she asked.

"I said I love you." I was nervous. This had not been part of the plan.

She looked shocked, then she put her arms around me.

"I'm sorry. I know, you and Craig... you're-"

She took her arms from around my neck and looked me straight in the eye.

"I'm not, I'm not pregnant. And Craig... he... he- borke up with me."

I had been right. I'd seen it coming. I was relieved that she wasn't pregnant.

"I'm sorry," I apologized.

"Don't be. Craig was kind of an ass. I kind of wanted to break up, but I couldn't because I was pretty sure I was pregnant, and I knew I couldn't do it on my own. I don't think I could have done it at all."

I smiled. "I still have an hour and a half before I have to be home... do you want to do something?" I asked her.

She smiled back, "Sure."

She invited me in, while she went upstairs to get ready. I only had about $20 on me, so I figured I'd take her to the Dot. She came down the steps ten minutes later and she looked gorgeous. Her long, black hair was pulled into a loose ponytail and she had little pieces of hair hanging near her face.

"You look beautiful," I told her.

"Thanks," she blushed.

I laughed. I wanted to tell her so bad what had happened with Emma today...

Hey guys,
Sorry it's been so long! I feel so bad! But here's the new chapter and I've set it up for a second, shorter JT chapter. Please R/R and check out my newest story, The Road that Leads to More, which is a EmJay story. Like I said keep up the reviews...
Thanks,
Shelby