­ Maia's POV

I ran out of the house and down the street to Greg's. We had been walking to school together for as long as I could remember. We were walking hand in hand down the street to Matt's house. When we got there I went inside and said hi to my dad. It was weird not having him at home even though until I was eight, it had just been me and mom. I felt bad for Lola and the new baby.

"Hey dad" I said

"Hey Maia. How are you?"

"I'm good dad."

"Do you want to spend the day together on Saturday, you me and Lola?"

"Can't dad, I'm painting the nursery for mom."

"Oh" he said with a sad look on his face. I could tell he wanted to go home.

"You could probably come paint with us. I know Lola would be really excited, and it would mean a lot to mom."

"Maybe"

Just then Matt walked into the room.

"You guys want to go?" he asked us

"Yeah, do you know if we're walking with Jenny still?" I asked

"Don't know, haven't heard from her in a few weeks. Let's go" He said walking out

"Bye dad. Talk to you later"

Matt, Greg and I walked silently to school. I was the first to break the silence.

"So is there a trial date yet?" I asked Matt.

"Um, he's being arraigned this week."

"Are you going to go?"

"I'm not sure yet. I think I want to though."

I couldn't believe I didn't know about the arraignment. I figured my mom was testifying, I mean she was the witness. Guess she doesn't always tell me everything.

School was okay that day. I had math class third period, just before lunch. I was in an advanced class so Jenny was in my class. After class I asked her if she was okay.

"Jenny, you okay?" I asked her

"Ugh, what do you care? You're a goody-goody Maia, we haven't even talked in like 5 years. Go away."

"I just wanted to know how you were. I heard about the OD and the rumors about you. We used to be friends; I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

I walked away at that point. Mom's advice hadn't played out like I'd thought. I met greg for lunch and put the Jenny thing out of my mind.

After sixth period I had a free, so I was walking down the hall when I got pulled into an empty classroom. I went to scream, but stopped when I saw who had pulled me in. It was Jenny.

"I thought it wasn't my business?" I said smugly

"It's not, but our mom's are friends. You are going to find out."
"Find out what Jenny?"

"They aren't rumors." She said quickly. I had so many questions, but she was gone before I could say anything.

I wanted to talk to her. The questions raced through my mind; who was the father? Did she even know? Was she keeping it? I ran to my seventh and last class of the day. I had no focus. I watched the clock and at the sound of the bell I left, fast. I went straight home.

"Mom!" I called when I walked inside "Mom!"

"Up hear Maia!" She called back. Here? How did that help? I walked upstairs and towards her room. I noticed the door to the nursery was open. I walked in and on the floor was mom and Lola, attempting to put together a mobile for the baby.

"Mom?"

"Yeah honey? What's up?"
"Just wanted to tell you something."

"What is it?" She asked "Here Lola, hold this" She said to Lola

"I talked to Jenny today."

"And?"

"They weren't rumors mom. You knew didn't you?"

"Yeah, but I couldn't tell you sweetie. It wasn't my secret to divulge."

"Do you know who the father is?"

"You should probably ask Jenny that one. I wasn't there."

"Thanks mom. Do you guys want any help?"

"Sure, come sit with us."

I sat down to help them put things together. After the mobile was done mom took out a catalog of wall decorations. We decided to do a basketball theme in the nursery. We got stickers for the walls with all sorts of basketball items. I looked up at mom, "Mom, I talked to dad today."

"Oh, how was he?" She asked with a sad tone in her voice?

"He asked me and Lola to spend Saturday with him. I told him we were painting the nursery."

"Oh"

"Mom, he looked so sad. I kinda invited him to help us paint. That's okay right? He's gonna ask you. Maybe you'll see him at the arraignment. You are testifying right?"

"I think so"

"Well anyway, dad is going to be there. So heads up."