Chapter Three

Amber and Dal walked past their old school building and stared at the High School ahead of them. A group of intimidating individuals watched them. Amber, who was already suspicious about starting ninth grade, stared them down sure they meant mischief. Dal watched as the group finally turned their attention to something else.

"They can't have been interested in us after all." He said addressing his friend's concerns.

"Unless their toying with us."

"Not everyone is out to get you Amber." Dal smirked.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." She retorted with a small smile. Then as a new wave of nervousness washed over her, she rummaged through her book bag and pulled out a neatly folded school schedule.

"How many times are you gonna look at that thing?"

She didn't answer as she read the faint typing. "I still can't believe we only have homeroom and ninth period study together."

"You forgot lunch."

"I won't know anyone."

"You know everyone Amber." Dal reassured but he knew it didn't help. Sure Amber knew everyone in their class but that didn't go to say that she was friends with any of them. While she was a genuinely nice person, Amber could be slightly off putting for some. Her drive for perfection and improvement could be hard to take for those just trying to make it through the day without embarrassing themselves. Because of her tendency to be selfless and over compassionate to others, many steered clear of her. It was as though her behavior was a mirror of what they were doing wrong. Some people don't like being reminded that they can do and be better than they are.

"I wish Sol hadn't graduated last year." Dal nodded thinking of Amber's older sister Solaris. "At least I could expect a friendly face."

"Don't worry about it Amber. I know there's rumors about Freshmen having a hard time but I don't think we'll have too much trouble."

Amber nodded at her friend. Dal was the only one she would ever show her insecurities or fears. He was her next door neighbor and best mate. Almost like a brother really. Ever since she'd stopped a bully from picking on him in third grade. Amber the Avenger he called her when teasing. His parents, who were both doctors, found themselves plenty busy with their practice so Dal spent most his time at Amber's. She wasn't the typical girl and enjoyed trudging through the woods with him. They collected frogs and other small animals until she insisted they be set free. They built forts, played pirates, read comics and basically enjoyed one another's company. Being an only child Dal loved having her around more than anyone else he knew.

"Let's just hope our lockers are close together." Amber smiled at his understanding and confidently took the lead.

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Trudy leaned against her locker wishing the floor would swallow her whole. The bell hadn't even rang and already she'd been accosted by more than a dozen of her friends all in shock over her condition. Though they acted like they understood, pity and judgment was written on their faces. They all assumed it was Bray's considering he and Trudy's close relationship. Not to mention how protectively he answered their questions for Trudy's sake. She was so thankful to him. If it wasn't for Bray she didn't know what she'd do. She gazed at him as he knelt down organizing school supplies in his locker. He'd come with enough equipment in his bag for a small army. He looked up and caught her enamored gaze. He smiled back and stood up.

"You O K?" She nodded. "It'll get better. People will stop staring."

"I know." She nodded again. "I just feel so out of sorts. I wish I wasn't so fat 'cause I can't wear all those cute clothes that have come out. Did you see how much weight Neicey lost? She's almost as thin as I was."

Bray chuckled at her random thought. Because of her pregnancy he sometimes forgot how young she was. Sometimes forgot she was only a Sophomore forced into this adult situation. At least she was trying to make the best of it.

"Don't worry. You'll be your old size soon enough." He said thinking of her nearing due date.

As though reading his thoughts she smirked. "You know it will be your fault if my water breaks in Biology."

"What better place to start a new life."

They both laughed over that one. Bray glanced over Trudy's shoulder and saw a familiar face smiling her way towards them. Judging from the girl's eager stride, he guessed that she hadn't heard the news about Trudy.

"Heads up, Salene." He said quietly.

Trudy stopped laughing abruptly. Of all the people she had to tell, this would be the hardest. Salene was her best friend and confidante. The girls shared everything. Well, almost everything. Since Trudy had been able to conceal evidence of the pregnancy last spring, Bray was the only one who knew. Salene spent all summer at equestrian camp and though she and Trudy exchanged letters, not one word was written about the baby. Salene wouldn't be happy when she realized what her best mate had kept from her.

"Hi guys!" The pretty redhead waved. "Seems like forever huh?"

Trudy sighed and turned towards her friend. She watched in slight horror as Salene's face went from gleeful to confused to disbelieving.

"Trudy!" She didn't keep the shock out of her voice. "What happened to you!"

This almost made Bray laugh and Trudy had to elbow him in the ribs.

"Hi Sal." She tried to smile like it was no big deal. "Surprise."

Salene stood in front of them both and gawked at Trudy's stomach. Then her eyes fell on Bray as a subtle look of sad understanding flashed over her face. Finally she recovered and gave her friends a big smile.

"Wow."

"I know." Trudy's fake smile stayed glued on her face.

"Isn't it great?" Bray offered to cut the tension.

"Of course!" Salene nodded. "I just can't believe you two finally got together."

Trudy and Bray shared a quick look before smiling back at Salene.

"We had a busy summer." Bray said truthfully.

"I can see." She gently punched his arm. "Congratulations Daddy."

Bray cleared his throat as Trudy's smile faltered. "We didn't mean to keep it a secret but..."

"Oh don't worry about that." Salene brushed off his excuse gently. "I think it's great." Trudy rubbed her stomach grateful for her friend's sincere words. Salene took her hand. "I'm going to steal her away now. We have so much to catch up on." She smirked devilishly. "Don't worry, she'll be safe with me."

Bray laughed as he watched them go. "See you at lunch." He called after them.

The girls waved to him as they disappeared around the corner. Trudy allowed Salene to drag her into the second floor girl's room. She took a moment to check her appearance in the mirror before turning back to her friend. She was surprised by what she saw. Salene's smile was replaced with a scowl, her cheeks growing redder by the moment.

"Salene?"

"How could you?" Salene cried in as much of an accusing tone as she could muster. Which for Salene wasn't very accusing.

"How could I what? Get pregnant?"

"No! How could you not tell me!"

Trudy's shoulders slumped in defeat. She was already exhausted from the day's exertions and homeroom hadn't even started. She blamed it on the extra twenty five pounds of baby she was hauling around now.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep it from you."

"How far along are you?"

Her hands rubbed her bump. "About two weeks more."

"And you've been hiding this since what?" Salene was flustered. "Since February? March?"

"I didn't find out until March and I wasn't hiding... really. I told Bray."

Salene looked at Trudy in disbelief. She couldn't believe this was the same girl who last year was considered the Freshman teen dream. She was beautiful and popular. Not to mention she had the coveted friendship with the boy most of the girls adored, Salene included. She secretly loved Bray going on more than a year now. But she never dreamed he would look at her as more than a friend. Not the way he looked at Trudy. Now the two of them were having a baby. And Salene had lost her chance with him forever.

"I wanted to tell you." Trudy wrung her hands together. "But I honestly didn't even know what I was going to do about it for the longest time. And then you were gone all Summer and I didn't want to write it in a letter. I'm sorry Sal."

Salene sighed and swallowed her self pity. This wasn't about her after all. It was about her best mates who were starting a family. They needed her support and she would gladly give it to them. She scowl faded into a smile.

"It's okay. I am happy for you." Trudy eagerly accepted her hug. "Happy for you both."