More Than A Crush Part 2

by slotat071

I decided to continue my More Than A Crush story! Almost all of the characters will be in it! I hope you enjoy! :)

2. Chapter 2

Here is chapter 2! Enjoy! Any reviews are greatly appreciated! :)

The Dairy Shack was buzzing with its usual energy—kids from school crammed into booths, the hum of milkshake blenders mixing with the chatter of conversations. Amy stirred her chocolate milkshake idly, her thoughts swirling even faster than the straw in her hand. Jack sat across from her, his easygoing smile doing its best to cut through her storm of worries.

"You've barely touched your fries," Jack said, nodding toward the basket between them. "And that's saying something. You usually steal half of mine too."

Amy rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "I'm just not that hungry, Jack."

Jack tilted his head, studying her. "Everything okay? Or is this one of those times where you're going to pretend everything's fine even though it's clearly not?"

Before Amy could respond, the bell above the door jingled, and Jason and Jesse strolled in. Their laughter filled the room as they scanned the crowd for a seat—until their eyes landed on Amy and Jack. The laughter faded, replaced by wide-eyed surprise.

Jason nudged Jesse, muttering something under his breath, and the two made their way over to the booth. Jack noticed them first, his smile faltering as he straightened in his seat.

"Hey," Jason said, his tone laced with curiosity. "Didn't expect to see you here, Jack."

Jack shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "Why not? It's the Dairy Shack—everyone's here."

Jesse raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to Amy before returning to Jack. "Yeah, but... you know. With everything going on."

Amy tensed, her fingers tightening around the milkshake glass. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Jason glanced at Jesse, then back to Amy. "Just surprised, that's all. We didn't think Jack would still be, uh... hanging around."

Jack's jaw tightened, and he leaned forward slightly, his tone firm. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Jesse shrugged, trying to play it off. "No reason. Just thought things might be... complicated, given, you know, Ricky and the baby and all that."

Amy's cheeks flushed, but before she could respond, Jack cut in. "Look, guys, Amy's my girlfriend. She's been going through a lot, and I'm not going to bail on her just because things aren't picture-perfect."

Jason held up his hands defensively. "Hey, no judgment, man. Just didn't expect it, that's all."

Jack's expression softened just a bit, but his voice remained steady. "Well, now you know. If you don't mind, we were in the middle of something."

Jesse and Jason exchanged a look before backing away, though their whispers followed them as they grabbed a table across the room. Amy exhaled, slumping back in her seat.

"You didn't have to do that," she said quietly.

Jack smiled, reaching for a fry. "Yeah, I did. I'm not going to let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve support, Amy. You're stuck with me."

Amy's heart swelled at his words, and for the first time that evening, the milkshake didn't seem so unappealing. She picked up her straw again, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile. "Thanks, Jack. Really."

"Anytime," he said, popping a fry into his mouth. "Now, can we talk about how you're not eating your fries? Because that's honestly more shocking than Jason and Jesse showing up."

Amy laughed softly, the momentary tension easing as the noise of the Dairy Shack settled into the background. After finishing their meal they decided to go to Jack's house.

Jack's room was exactly what Amy expected—neat but lived-in, with a few sports trophies on the shelves and a guitar propped up in the corner. The faint scent of his cologne lingered in the air, and the soft glow of a desk lamp gave the space a cozy warmth. Amy perched on the edge of his bed, her fingers brushing the hem of her sweater as she glanced around.

"Nice place," she said, her tone light but teasing. "Very... Jack."

Jack grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Amy shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just that it's exactly what I'd expect. Organized, but not too much. Comfortable."

"Comfortable, huh?" Jack said, stepping closer. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Amy laughed softly, her nerves easing as he sat down beside her. For a moment, they just sat there, the quiet hum of the house settling around them. Jack reached out, his hand brushing hers, and Amy felt her heart skip a beat.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Amy nodded, though her cheeks flushed. "Yeah. Just... a lot on my mind."

Jack tilted his head, his gaze steady. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. But I'm here if you do."

Amy looked at him, her chest tightening at the sincerity in his eyes. "I know," she said softly. "That's what I like about you, Jack. You're always here."

Jack smiled, his hand moving to cup her cheek. "And I always will be."

The space between them disappeared as Jack leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was both tender and filled with unspoken promises. Amy's hands found their way to his shoulders, her nerves melting away as she let herself get lost in the moment.

When they finally pulled back, Jack rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're amazing, Amy. You know that, right?"

Amy smiled, her heart swelling. "You're not so bad yourself, Jack."

They laughed softly, the sound filling the room as the world outside faded away. For now, it was just the two of them, and that was enough.

Jack leaned back slightly, his eyes searching hers. "Amy," he started, his voice low and tentative. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you."

Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening slightly. She knew what was coming, could feel the anticipation crackling in the air. "What?" she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.

Jack took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. "I want us to take the next step," he said, his voice earnest. "I know we've been taking things slow, and that's cool. But I can't help thinking that we're ready."

Amy's eyes searched his, a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering in her stomach. "What do you mean?" she asked, though she knew exactly what he was referring to.

Jack's thumb traced a gentle circle on her cheek, his gaze never leaving hers. "You know what I mean, Amy. I want us to be together, fully."

Amy felt the heat rush to her cheeks, her eyes dropping to their intertwined hands. "You mean..."

Jack nodded, his eyes searching hers for any sign of hesitation. "Yeah," he said, his voice a bit rougher than usual. "If you want to, I mean. Only if you're ready."

Amy felt her pulse quicken, her eyes fluttering shut as she took in his words. She knew that he was right—they had been taking things slow, getting to know each other, building a foundation of trust and friendship before letting their feelings fully bloom into something more. But now, with the weight of his question hanging in the air, she realized that maybe she was ready to explore that part of their relationship.

They leaned in for another kiss, this one deeper and more urgent than the last. Their hands roamed over each other's bodies, tracing familiar lines and curves with newfound purpose. Their kisses grew more passionate, their breaths mingling together as their hearts beat in sync.

Jack pulled away slightly, his eyes searching hers with a question unspoken. "I want to make sure you're okay with this," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "We don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

Amy took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of his hand against her face. "Jack," she began, her voice shaky but earnest. "I... don't know since I'm having a baby soon."

Jack leaned back slightly, his hand still resting gently on Amy's cheek. His expression softened, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. "I get it," he said quietly. "You've got so much going on right now. I don't want to make things harder for you."

Amy looked down at their hands, her fingers lightly tracing his. "It's not that I don't want to, Jack. I just... I'm scared. Everything feels so complicated already, and I don't want to mess things up between us."

Jack nodded, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "You're not messing anything up, Amy. I promise. I just... I care about you. A lot. And I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Amy's heart swelled at his words, and she felt a small smile tug at her lips. "You're kind of amazing, you know that?"

Jack chuckled softly, his cheeks flushing. "I try."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling between them. Jack finally broke it, his voice light but sincere. "We don't have to rush anything, Amy. I'm not going anywhere. When you're ready—if you're ready—I'll be here."

Amy looked up at him, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Jack. For being so patient. For being... you."

Jack smiled, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Always."

The moment felt like a quiet promise, a shared understanding that their connection was strong enough to weather the uncertainty ahead. For now, that was enough. They didn't need to have all the answers—they just needed each other.

Amy had just stepped into her room, kicking off her shoes with a relieved sigh. The evening with Jack had been sweet and comforting, but the weight of everything still hung heavy on her shoulders. She flopped onto her bed, reaching for her phone to check her messages when it buzzed with an incoming call.

Ben.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she stared at the screen. What could he possibly want this late? After a moment's hesitation, she swiped to answer. "Hey, Ben."

"Hey, Amy," he said, his voice unusually hesitant. "I hope I'm not calling too late."

Amy sat up, smoothing a hand over her sweater. "No, it's fine. What's up?"

There was a pause on the other end, like Ben was trying to find the right words. Finally, he cleared his throat. "I just... I've been thinking about you. A lot, actually."

Amy blinked, caught off guard. "Oh. Um, thanks?"

Ben chuckled nervously. "Sorry, that probably sounded weird. What I mean is... I know things are complicated for you right now, and I just wanted to say that I'm here. You know, if you ever need to talk or... anything."

Amy smiled faintly, though confusion lingered in her expression. "That's really nice of you, Ben. I appreciate it."

He hesitated again, and she could practically hear him debating something in his head. When he spoke, his voice was quieter, more earnest. "Actually, there's something else I wanted to say."

Amy frowned slightly. "What is it?"

"I know you're with Jack," Ben started, his words coming faster now, like he was afraid he'd lose his nerve. "And I get that. But... I can't help how I feel about you, Amy. I like you—a lot—and I was wondering if maybe you'd... want to go out with me sometime."

Amy's breath caught, her mind racing. Of all the things she'd expected to hear tonight, this wasn't one of them. "Ben, I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything right now," Ben said quickly, his voice almost pleading. "I just wanted to put it out there. I know it's complicated, and I'm not trying to make things harder for you. I just... had to tell you how I feel."

Amy swallowed hard, her emotions a tangled mess. Part of her was flattered by Ben's honesty, but another part felt overwhelmed by the weight of his words. "Ben," she began cautiously, "I really appreciate you being honest with me. But like you said, things are... complicated. I'm with Jack, and I'm having a baby soon. I don't think now's the right time for... anything else."

There was a pause, and Amy could feel Ben's disappointment through the silence. "Yeah," he said finally, his voice soft. "I get it. I didn't mean to put you in a tough spot. I just... needed you to know."

"I understand," Amy said gently. "And I'm glad you told me. But I need to focus on what's ahead right now—for me and the baby."

"Of course," Ben said, his tone forced but polite. "I'm sorry if I made things awkward."

"You didn't," Amy assured him. "But I think it's better if we keep things... simple, for now."

"Yeah," Ben said again. "Okay. Well, take care, Amy. And if you ever need anything, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Ben," she said softly. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he replied before the line went dead.

Amy stared at her phone, her emotions swirling as she tried to process the conversation. She appreciated Ben's honesty, but the timing felt all wrong. Still, she couldn't help wondering if his feelings would complicate things even more as time went on.

Amy lay sprawled on her bed, her phone resting beside her as she stared at the ceiling. The call with Ben was still fresh in her mind, leaving her emotions tangled in ways she didn't want to think about right now. Just as she sighed and reached for her phone to distract herself, it buzzed with a new message.

Ricky: Got a job at the butcher shop. Start tomorrow. Figured it's time to start saving for the baby.

Amy blinked, rereading the text. A small smile tugged at her lips—it wasn't the most glamorous job, but the fact that Ricky was stepping up felt... reassuring. She typed out a quick response.

Amy: That's great, Ricky. Thanks for doing that for the baby.

Just as she hit send, her bedroom door creaked open, and Ashley strolled in, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable.

"So," Ashley began, leaning against the doorframe with an amused look. "How was your night with Jack?"

Amy rolled her eyes, though a blush crept onto her cheeks. "It was fine. Why are you so nosy?"

Ashley smirked, walking over to sit on the edge of the bed. "I'm not nosy. I'm just curious if Mr. Perfect is still living up to his reputation."

Amy sat up, grabbing a pillow and hugging it to her chest. "Yes, Jack is still perfect. He's sweet and supportive and... exactly what I need right now."

Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Wow. Sounds serious. Did you guys, you know... have a moment?"

"Ashley!" Amy threw the pillow at her, her cheeks turning crimson. "Can we not?"

Ashley caught the pillow with a grin. "That's a yes. Good for you, sis. Jack's a keeper."

Amy groaned but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "It's nice. Being with Jack feels... right."

Ashley's playful expression shifted, her tone softening. "I'm glad, Amy. You deserve someone who treats you well."

The moment of warmth was interrupted by Ashley's next question. "Okay, but what's this I hear about Ben? He called you?"

Amy stiffened, glancing at her phone like it might betray her secrets. "How do you even know that?"

Ashley shrugged, leaning back. "It's called intuition. So, what did he want?"

Amy groaned, flopping back onto the bed. "He said he likes me and asked if I'd go out with him."

Ashley's jaw dropped, and she let out a low whistle. "Wow. Ben really went for it, huh? Does he not know you're with Jack?"

"Apparently not enough to stop him," Amy said, her tone exasperated. "I told him I can't. Things are already complicated enough."

Ashley grinned, nudging Amy playfully. "Well, look at you—juggling two guys like some sort of rom-com lead."

"It's not funny, Ashley," Amy said, though her lips twitched despite herself. "I don't need more drama."

"Fair enough," Ashley said, her tone more serious now. "But you handled it, right?"

"I think so," Amy said, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. "I told him I need to focus on the baby and my relationship with Jack. Ben seemed to understand."

Ashley nodded, standing and stretching. "Good. Just don't let this turn into some love triangle, okay? You've already got enough on your plate."

Amy smiled faintly. "Thanks, Ash."

"Anytime," Ashley said with a wink. "Now get some sleep. You're going to need all the energy you can get."

As Ashley left the room, Amy stared at her phone, her emotions swirling. She was grateful for Jack, overwhelmed by Ben's confession, and cautiously optimistic about Ricky stepping up. But one thing was clear—life wasn't going to get any less complicated anytime soon.

The next day at school, the hallways buzzed with the typical mix of chatter and locker slams. Amy walked through the sea of faces, her thoughts still wrapped up in the events of the previous night. She couldn't shake the feeling of Ben's confession—it felt like a secret she was carrying around, weighing her down with every step. As she approached her locker, she caught a glimpse of Jack, his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on hers. A smile spread across his face, and he wove through the bodies to meet her, wrapping her in a hug that seemed to chase away the shadows of doubt.

As Jack's embrace melted away her worries, Amy's gaze flicked around the bustling hallway, catching sight of Ricky lingering by the cafeteria doors. He hadn't noticed her yet, engrossed in his phone, but the sight of him stirred something deep inside—an unresolved tension she couldn't ignore.

Jack pulled back, his brow furrowing as he noticed the change in her expression. "Hey, you okay?" he asked softly.

Amy forced a smile. "Yeah. Just... a lot on my mind, you know?"

Before Jack could press further, Madison appeared beside them with her usual whirlwind energy. "Amy! Did you hear about Ben? He's been acting so weird today. I swear he's barely said a word to anyone."

Amy's stomach tightened. She hadn't thought about how Ben might feel after her rejection. Glancing at Jack, she wondered if he suspected anything, but his attention had shifted to Madison's rambling.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of the next class, Amy felt the weight of her secrets pressing down on her again. She knew she couldn't keep juggling all these emotions forever, but for now, she'd have to.

Amy slid into her usual seat in biology, carefully avoiding eye contact with Ben as he approached their shared lab table. She busied herself with opening her textbook, but the tension in the air was unavoidable. Ben hesitated for a moment before sitting down, his shoulders stiff and his expression unreadable.

"Hey," he said quietly, his voice barely cutting through the chatter of the classroom.

Amy glanced up, forcing a polite smile. "Hey."

The teacher began outlining the lab experiment, but Amy could feel Ben's gaze flicking toward her every few moments. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for a beaker, trying to focus on the task at hand.

As they worked in silence, Ben finally spoke, his voice low and measured. "About yesterday... I didn't mean to make things weird between us. I just—"

"Ben," Amy interrupted, her tone firmer than she expected, "it's fine. Let's just focus on the lab, okay?"

But it wasn't fine, and they both knew it. The unspoken words hung heavy between them as they measured out solutions and scribbled down observations. For every moment of eye contact, there was an equal measure of avoidance. Amy couldn't help but wonder if she'd handled things the right way—or if she'd just made everything more complicated.

When the experiment was complete, and the teacher dismissed the class, Ben hesitated again. "For what it's worth," he said, his voice soft but sincere, "I'm still here if you ever need someone to talk to."

Amy nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. As she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that nothing in her life would ever be simple again.

Later in the day, as Amy steps into the crowded hallway between classes, her eyes meet Adrian's across the throng of students. Adrian raises an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of curiosity and mischief. She quickly closes the gap, falling into stride beside Amy.

"You've been busy," Adrian says, her voice low but pointed. "Ben's been moping, Jack's all smiles, and don't think I didn't see Ricky lingering by the cafeteria. Care to explain?"

Amy sighs, tugging her backpack higher on her shoulder. "There's not much to explain. It's complicated, okay?"

Adrian stops, grabbing Amy's arm to halt her progress. Her gaze sharpens, cutting through Amy's defenses. "Amy, everything about your life is complicated right now. But you need to figure out what—or who—you actually want. Otherwise, you're just dragging everyone into your chaos."

Before Amy can respond, Ben appears around the corner, his eyes locking onto the two of them. He hesitates, clearly unsure if he should approach or retreat. Adrian, never one to shy away from confrontation, smirks and waves him over.

"Perfect timing," Adrian says, her tone dripping with amusement. "Maybe he can help you untangle this mess."

Ben walks up cautiously, glancing between the two girls. "Hey, Amy. Can we talk—alone?"

Adrian steps back, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Don't mind me, I'll just be over here, watching the drama unfold."

Amy gives Adrian a pointed look but relents, turning her attention to Ben. As they walk a few steps away, Adrian leans against the lockers, her presence a silent reminder of the conversation waiting to happen.

Amy leaned against the lockers, arms crossed as Ben stood before her, his expression caught somewhere between determination and hesitation. She shifted uncomfortably, trying not to let the weight of his gaze pin her in place.

"I meant what I said yesterday," Ben began, his voice steady but soft enough to be almost drowned out by the hallway's bustle. "I like you, Amy. More than just friends. And I know you've got a lot going on, but I couldn't keep that to myself anymore."

Amy frowned slightly, her mind a jumble of thoughts she couldn't untangle. "Ben... I don't know what to say. I have Jack, and Ricky, and—" She sighed, shaking her head. "My life's a mess right now."

Ben took a step closer, his brows drawn together with a hint of frustration. "I get it, but you don't have to deal with it all alone. I'm here for you. Whether you want to talk about Jack, Ricky, or... anything. I care about you, Amy, and I don't want you to feel like you have to handle this by yourself."

Unbeknownst to them, Adrian and Jack were just around the corner behind a wall of lockers, Adrian leaning casually while Jack shifted his weight uneasily, his eyes narrowing as he listened. Adrian smirked, whispering, "Your girl's popular, huh?"

Jack shot her a look but said nothing, his jaw tightening as he continued to listen.

Meanwhile, across the hallway, Ricky stood beside Grace, his gaze locked on Amy. Grace nudged him lightly, whispering, "Maybe you should say something to her. Standing here staring isn't going to help."

Ricky didn't respond, his posture stiff and his jaw set as he watched the conversation unfold. Grace sighed, her eyes flicking between Ricky and Amy with a look of concern.

Back at the lockers, Amy hesitated before speaking, her voice quieter now. "Ben, I appreciate how much you care, but... I can't give you what you're hoping for. Not now. Maybe not ever."

Ben's expression faltered, the sting of rejection visible despite his effort to mask it. "I get it," he said finally, his voice strained but sincere. "But just... remember, I'm here. Okay? No matter what."

Amy nodded slowly, her chest heavy with guilt and uncertainty. As Ben walked away, she glanced over her shoulder, feeling the weight of Ricky's lingering gaze and the tension of Jack's silent presence behind the lockers. She swallowed hard, knowing there were no easy answers in her tangled life.

Later that evening, Ricky was at another therapy session with Dr. Fields.

Ricky slouched in the oversized armchair, his arms crossed defensively. The ticking clock on the wall filled the quiet space as Dr. Fields observed him calmly, waiting for him to speak.

Ricky broke the silence first, his voice low. "I started working at the butcher shop."

Dr. Fields nodded, leaning forward slightly. "That's a big step. What made you decide to do that?"

Ricky shrugged, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Figured it was time to get serious, you know? Amy's having my kid. I can't just sit around acting like it's not happening."

"That's a good mindset, Ricky," Dr. Fields replied, his tone encouraging but steady. "How does it feel, taking on that responsibility?"

Ricky hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. "I don't know. Part of me feels... I don't know, proud, I guess? Like I'm actually doing something for once. But the other part of me is terrified. What if it's not enough? What if I mess everything up anyway?"

Dr. Fields adjusted his glasses, his voice calm but probing. "You're working hard to prepare for the baby, and that shows commitment. But it's also okay to acknowledge your fears. What's important is that you're showing up, taking steps to be the kind of father you want to be."

Ricky shifted in his seat, the weight of Dr. Fields' words settling over him. "I just... I don't want to be like my dad. I don't want to bail or make everything worse."

Dr. Fields nodded thoughtfully. "It's clear that your father's abuse and absence left a mark on you, but that doesn't define who you are or who you can be. Working at the butcher shop, planning for the baby—those are choices you're making to be there for your child. It's not about being perfect; it's about being present."

Ricky exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly. For the first time in a while, he felt like maybe, just maybe, he could figure out how to do right by Amy and the baby.

Ben sat at the kitchen table, absently pushing his spoon through the soggy remnants of his cereal. Across the counter, his dad, Leo, stood with his coffee mug in hand, studying him with a knowing expression.

"Alright, out with it," Leo said, his tone light but direct. "What's got you looking like you just lost your best friend?"

Ben sighed, setting his spoon down with a clink. "It's Amy. I told her how I felt about her, and she turned me down. She said she's with Jack and doesn't need more... drama."

Leo raised his eyebrows and took a long sip of coffee before responding. "Well, that's tough, kid. I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but let me ask you something: why did you tell her? Were you hoping it would change things, or did you just need her to know?"

Ben frowned, leaning back in his chair. "I don't know. Maybe both. I just... I didn't want to keep it bottled up. But now it feels like I've only made things worse."

Leo nodded thoughtfully, setting his mug down. "Ben, it's good that you were honest with her. But sometimes, when people have a lot going on, the best thing you can do is step back and let them figure things out. You can still be her friend, but you need to give her space."

Ben looked down at the table, his frustration bubbling up again. "So, what am I supposed to do? Just wait around, hoping things will change?"

"Not exactly," Leo said, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Look, I know you care about Amy, but she's not the only girl in the world. Trust me, there are other amazing girls out there who might be a better fit for you—someone who isn't dealing with so much already."

Ben frowned, the idea of "other girls" not sitting quite right with him. But Leo continued, his tone steady and reassuring. "I'm not saying you have to forget about Amy overnight. Just don't close yourself off to new possibilities. You never know who you might meet—or what might happen—if you keep an open mind."

Ben nodded slowly, his dad's words sinking in. "I guess you're right," he said reluctantly. "But it's hard to think about anyone else when I still—"

"I know," Leo interrupted gently, clapping a hand on Ben's shoulder. "Feelings don't just go away because we tell them to. But give it time, Ben. Focus on being the best version of yourself, and the rest will fall into place."

Ben managed a small smile, his dad's reassurance helping to ease the knot in his chest. He didn't have all the answers yet, but maybe, just maybe, he'd find some clarity in the days ahead.

Grace stormed into the living room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her face flushed with anger. Kathleen, sat calmly on the couch, flipping through a magazine, while her dad, Marshall, stood by the window, hands in his pockets.

"This is so unfair!" Grace exclaimed, her voice sharp enough to make her mom look up. "You can't just decide who I can and can't see. I'm not a little kid anymore!"

Marshall turned, his expression firm but not unkind. "Grace, we're not trying to control you. We're trying to protect you. Ricky has a lot going on right now, and we don't think he's the best influence."

Grace threw up her hands in exasperation. "He's not perfect, okay, but he's trying! He got a job, and he's going to therapy. He's making an effort to be better—for himself and for the baby. Why can't you see that?"

Kathleen set down her magazine, her tone gentle but resolute. "It's not that we don't see it, Grace. We just worry about how being involved with Ricky might affect you. You have your whole future ahead of you—college, your dreams—and we don't want you to lose sight of that."

Grace's eyes narrowed, her frustration bubbling over. "You think I don't know that? I'm not throwing my future away just because I care about someone. You're the ones not giving him a chance."

Marshall sighed, stepping closer. "Grace, we're not saying you can't care about him. But we've seen how complicated his life is, and we don't want you getting hurt because of it."

Grace shook her head, her voice trembling. "You don't get it. Ricky's not just some project I'm working on. He's... important to me. And it hurts that you don't trust me enough to make my own decisions."

There was a moment of silence, the tension in the room thick. Kathleen and Marshall exchanged a look, their expressions softening. Finally, Kathleen spoke, her voice quieter this time. "We do trust you, Grace. We're just scared for you—that's all."

Grace's anger began to ebb, replaced by a lingering sadness. "I get that you're scared. But you can't protect me from everything. I need to be able to figure things out for myself."

Marshall placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice steady. "We hear you, Grace. Just promise us you'll think about what we're saying."

Grace nodded reluctantly, her resolve unshaken. "I will. But I'm not giving up on Ricky. He deserves a chance, and so do I."

As the sound of Grace's footsteps faded upstairs, Marshall let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. Kathleen moved to the couch, sitting down with a weary expression.

"She's not going to back down on this," Kathleen said, her voice edged with concern. "She's stubborn—just like her father."

Marshall gave her a faint smile, but his worry was evident. "I know. But it's not just about Ricky—it's about everything he brings with him. The baby, his baggage... It's too much for Grace to handle."

Kathleen nodded, though her brow furrowed in thought. "I don't disagree, but maybe we're pushing her too hard. If we keep saying no, she's just going to dig in deeper. You saw how upset she was."

Marshall paced the room, his footsteps slow and deliberate. "I hear you, but I don't think we can just let her make this decision on her own. She's still a teenager. And frankly, I don't trust Ricky not to drag her into his mess."

Kathleen opened her mouth to respond, but Marshall held up a hand, grabbing his phone from the kitchen counter. "You know what? I'm going to call George. He's dealt with this Ricky situation before. Maybe he'll have some perspective."

Kathleen raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the couch. "Calling my ex-husband for parenting advice? That's a bold move, Marshall."

Marshall gave her a wry smile as he scrolled through his contacts. "Desperate times, right?"

He dialed the number and waited as it rang. After a moment, George's familiar, gruff voice answered. "Hey, Marshall. This is unexpected. What's up?"

Marshall glanced at Kathleen before responding. "George, it's about Grace. She's been spending a lot of time around Ricky, and Kathleen and I are... concerned. We've tried to tell her to stay away, but you know Grace. She's not exactly taking it well."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before George replied. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Grace always was strong-willed. Look, I get why you're worried about Ricky. He's got a lot on his plate. But he's also trying to do the right thing—working at the butcher shop, going to therapy. He's not the same kid he was a year ago."

Marshall frowned, his grip tightening on the phone. "You think that makes it okay for Grace to be around him?"

"I'm not saying that," George said, his tone measured. "But banning her from seeing him might not be the best move. If anything, it'll just make her more determined. You need to trust her to make her own choices—but keep the lines of communication open. Make sure she knows she can come to you if something goes wrong."

Kathleen, overhearing the conversation, gave Marshall a pointed look. He sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Alright, George. Thanks for the advice."

"Anytime," George replied. "Good luck—you're gonna need it."

Marshall ended the call and turned to Kathleen, who was watching him expectantly. "Well?" she asked.

Marshall shrugged, sinking into the armchair across from her. "George thinks we're pushing her too hard. He says we need to trust her to make her own choices."

Kathleen crossed her arms, considering his words. "Do you agree?"

Marshall hesitated, then sighed. "I don't know. But maybe it's worth trying a different approach—before we push her away completely."

Kathleen nodded slowly, a hint of reluctance in her expression. "Let's think it through. We need to find a way to protect Grace without alienating her."

The room fell into a heavy silence as they both contemplated the delicate balance of parenting a strong-willed teenager navigating the complications of love and responsibility.

Grace paced back and forth in her room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She hesitated for a moment, chewing on her bottom lip, before finally tapping Ricky's name and pressing call. The dial tone seemed to stretch on forever until his familiar voice came through on the other end.

"Hey, Grace," Ricky said, sounding cautious but not unkind. "What's up?"

Grace sank onto the edge of her bed, her free hand tugging at the edge of her comforter. "I just... I needed to talk to you. My parents are being impossible. They don't want me to see you anymore."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Grace could hear Ricky exhale sharply. "Yeah, I figured they'd feel that way. Can't exactly blame them."

Grace frowned, her frustration bubbling up. "Why does everyone think they can decide what's best for me? I know who you are, Ricky. I know what you've been through, but I also know you're trying. Why can't they see that?"

Ricky hesitated, his voice softer now. "Maybe they're just trying to protect you, Grace. I've got a lot of baggage. Maybe they're right to be worried."

Grace shook her head, her tone firm. "No. You're not your past, Ricky. You're the person I see now—the one who's going to therapy, who got a job to help with the baby, who cares enough to try. That's what matters."

Unbeknownst to her, Tom was leaning against the wall just outside her door, a grin creeping across his face as he listened to the one-sided conversation. He could tell Grace was pouring her heart out, and he couldn't resist leaning closer to catch more of what she was saying.

On the other end of the line, Ricky was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "Grace, I don't want to cause trouble for you. The last thing I want is to come between you and your parents."

"You're not causing trouble," Grace insisted, her voice rising slightly. "You're the only one who actually understands what I'm feeling right now. I don't want to just give up on you, Ricky."

Tom stifled a laugh, his amusement growing with every word. But his poorly concealed snicker betrayed him, and Grace whipped her head toward the door. "Tom!" she shouted, her cheeks burning. "Are you seriously eavesdropping on me?"

Tom stepped into the room, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "What? I was just making sure my little sister wasn't getting into trouble. You know, being the responsible older brother and all."

"Get out!" Grace yelled, throwing a pillow at him as he ducked out of the room, still laughing. "And stay out!"

"Love you too!" Tom called back, his voice fading down the hallway.

Grace groaned, turning her attention back to the phone. "Sorry about that. Tom's being his usual annoying self."

Ricky chuckled softly. "Sounds like you've got your hands full over there."

Grace managed a small laugh, her frustration easing. "Yeah, well, that's life in the Bowman house. Anyway... thanks for listening, Ricky. I just needed to talk to someone who gets it."

"Anytime," Ricky replied, his tone warm. "And Grace... I appreciate what you said. It means a lot."

As the call ended, Grace felt a bit of the weight lift from her shoulders, even as the challenges ahead loomed large. One thing was certain—she wasn't giving up without a fight.

Ricky sat on the edge of the bed, his phone still clutched in his hand, the faint echo of Grace's voice lingering in his mind. His thoughts felt like a storm he couldn't control—Grace's unwavering support clashing with his lingering doubts about his place in her life. He barely noticed Zoe shifting beside him, propped up against the pillows with her arms crossed and a pointed look on her face.

"Okay, spill," Zoe said, breaking the silence. Her tone wasn't angry, but it carried an edge of frustration. "Was that Grace?"

Ricky set his phone down on the nightstand, exhaling heavily. "Yeah."

Zoe raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "Let me guess—you're still hoping she's gonna magically fix all your problems. But she's not giving you anything, is she?"

Ricky frowned, turning to face her. "It's not like that. Grace... she actually cares. She's the only one who's ever—"

"Spare me the 'she cares about me' speech," Zoe interrupted, sitting up straighter. "Look, Ricky, I get it. Grace is this perfect little angel who probably wouldn't hurt a fly. But let's be honest—if she's not giving you what you want, where does that leave me? Am I just Adrian's replacement?"

Ricky stared at her, caught off guard by the bluntness of her words. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, come on," Zoe said, rolling her eyes. "You and Adrian were a thing—whatever that means—and now you're here with me because you're not getting anywhere with Grace. I mean, I'm no saint, but I'm not stupid either."

Ricky rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of her accusation. "Look, Zoe, this isn't about replacing anyone. I'm just trying to figure out... my life, okay? The baby, Grace, Adrian—it's all messed up, and I don't have all the answers."

Zoe sighed, her frustration softening into something more vulnerable. "I get that you're dealing with a lot, Ricky. But if you don't know what you want, how am I supposed to know where I stand?"

Ricky looked away, his shoulders slumping. "I don't know. I'm trying to be better—for Amy, for the baby, for Grace... for everyone. But it's like, no matter what I do, it's never enough."

The room fell into silence, the tension hanging heavy in the air. Zoe reached out, placing a hand on his arm. Her voice softened as she spoke. "Ricky, maybe instead of trying to be everything for everyone, you need to figure out what you want for yourself. Otherwise, you're just gonna keep spinning in circles."

Her words struck a chord, and Ricky nodded slowly, though his thoughts remained tangled. The road ahead felt uncertain, but maybe, just maybe, he could start untangling the mess one thread at a time.

Jack sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling aimlessly on his phone when it buzzed with an incoming call. Seeing Adrian's name on the screen, he hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hey, Adrian. What's up?"

On the other end of the line, Adrian's voice was sharp but curious. "Hey, Jack. Got a minute? I wanted to talk about... you and Amy."

Jack frowned, leaning back against the headboard. "What about us?"

Adrian let out a small laugh, though there was no humor in it. "Oh, come on, Jack. You're dating Amy, who's pregnant with Ricky's baby. Don't you think that's a bit... complicated?"

Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I know it's complicated. But I care about Amy. I want to be there for her—and the baby. I'm not going to just walk away because things aren't easy."

"Okay," Adrian said, her tone thoughtful now. "But have you thought about what happens when the baby actually gets here? What your role is going to be? Because Ricky's not going anywhere, Jack. He's the baby's father."

Jack was silent for a moment, the weight of her words settling over him. "I've thought about it," he said finally. "I know Ricky's going to be involved, and I'm okay with that. I'm not trying to replace him—I just want to support Amy, however I can."

Adrian hummed, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "That sounds noble and all, but have you talked to Amy about it? Like, really talked about what this all means for your relationship?"

Jack hesitated, guilt creeping in. "Not... really. I mean, we've talked a little, but it's hard to bring it up without making things more stressful for her."

Adrian sighed. "Jack, I get that you want to make things easier for Amy, but avoiding the tough conversations isn't going to help anyone. You need to figure out where you stand—and where Amy sees you in all of this."

Jack nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "You're right. I just... I don't want to mess this up. Amy's been through so much already, and I don't want to make things harder for her."

Adrian's voice softened slightly. "Jack, if you care about Amy, then you owe it to her—and yourself—to be honest about what you're feeling. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for more heartbreak."

Jack exhaled slowly, the knot in his chest tightening. "I'll talk to her. Thanks, Adrian."

"Don't mention it," Adrian said, her tone lightening. "And for the record, I think you're a good guy, Jack. Just... don't lose yourself in all of this, okay?"

Jack managed a small smile. "I'll try."

As the call ended, Jack stared at his phone, Adrian's words echoing in his mind. He cared deeply for Amy, but the road ahead felt more uncertain than ever. Still, one thing was clear: he couldn't keep avoiding the difficult conversations. It was time to face the future head-on.

It's late at night, and Amy sits by the window in her room, the soft glow of her bedside lamp casting long shadows on the walls. She's holding a notebook, scribbling something down, when a faint tapping sound at the window startles her. She looks up to see Ricky standing outside, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket, his expression a mix of hesitation and determination.

Amy hesitates for a moment before opening the window. "Ricky? What are you doing here? It's late."

He climbs in carefully, brushing the cold night air off his sleeves. "I know. I'm sorry. I just... I needed to talk to you."

Amy crosses her arms, eyeing him warily. "What's so important that it couldn't wait until tomorrow?"

Ricky looks down, his voice quieter now. "Grace called me earlier. She told me about how her parents don't want her seeing me anymore. And I get it—I do. But it just... it made me think about everything. About us. About the baby."

Amy's heart tightens at his words, but she keeps her expression neutral. "What about it?"

He meets her gaze, his voice carrying an unfamiliar vulnerability. "I'm trying, Amy. I really am. I got the job, I'm going to therapy, I'm doing everything I can to be better. But... I don't know if it's enough. For you, for the baby, or for anyone."

Amy softens, setting the notebook aside. "Ricky, I know you're trying. And I see it—I do. But it's not just about what you're doing. It's about what kind of father you want to be. What kind of person you want to be."

Ricky nods, his jaw tightening as he processes her words. "That's what I'm scared of. What if I mess it all up?"

Amy steps closer, her voice quieter now. "You won't. Because you care enough to try. That's more than a lot of people can say."

For a moment, the tension hangs between them, unspoken words filling the silence. Then Ricky glances at the notebook on her desk. "What were you writing?"

Amy hesitates before answering. "Just... some thoughts. About everything. About the baby."

Ricky picks it up carefully, flipping through the pages. His eyes soften as he reads a few lines. "You're going to be an amazing mom," he says finally, his voice steady.

Amy smiles faintly, a hint of warmth breaking through the uncertainty. "And you're going to be an amazing dad. As long as you don't give up."

Ricky nods, the weight on his chest easing just slightly. "Thanks, Amy."

As he climbs back out the window, Amy watches him go, the chill of the night air brushing against her skin. For the first time in a long while, she feels a flicker of hope—uncertain, but real.

The morning buzz of students filled the school hallway as lockers slammed shut and chatter echoed off the walls. Ricky stood by his own locker, tossing a textbook into his bag when he heard the unmistakable click of heels approaching. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Morning, Ricky," Adrian said, her voice smooth and calculated as always. She leaned casually against the locker next to his, her piercing gaze locked on him.

Ricky glanced at her briefly, then went back to rummaging through his locker. "Adrian. What do you want?"

"Oh, nothing much," she said with a hint of a smirk. "Just thought I'd check in. You know, see how you're juggling... everything."

Ricky closed his locker with a deliberate slam, his shoulders tense. "I'm doing fine."

"Are you?" Adrian pressed, her tone light but her words pointed. "Because from where I'm standing, you've got Grace swooning, Zoe keeping you busy, and Amy—well, she's got your kid on the way. That's a lot for one guy to handle."

Ricky turned to face her, his expression guarded. "What's your point, Adrian?"

"My point," she said, stepping closer, "is that you're playing a dangerous game. Grace is head over heels for you, but she's too sweet to see the warning signs. Zoe, on the other hand, isn't blind. She knows she's not your first pick. And Amy... well, let's just say you're not exactly giving her a lot of reasons to think you're going to step up."

Ricky's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond right away. Adrian tilted her head, her smirk softening into something more serious.

"Look, Ricky," she said, her voice quieter now. "I know you're trying. The job, therapy, all of it—it's great. But if you don't figure out where you stand with these girls, you're going to hurt all of them. Including yourself."

Ricky exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "It's not that simple, Adrian. I didn't plan for any of this to happen."

Adrian nodded, her expression almost sympathetic. "I know. And that's why I'm saying this. You need to stop letting things just... happen. Make a choice, Ricky. Be honest with them—and yourself."

For a moment, they stood in silence, the noise of the hallway fading into the background. There was an unfamiliar vulnerability in Adrian's eyes, one that Ricky didn't expect.

"Why do you even care?" Ricky asked finally, his tone softening.

Adrian hesitated, then shrugged, the corner of her mouth quirking into a faint smile. "Maybe I just like calling you out. Or maybe I've been where you are—caught between people, trying to figure out who you are and what you want. It's not easy."

Ricky nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "Thanks, Adrian. I... I'll figure it out."

"You better," she said, her smirk returning. "And hey—if you ever need someone to knock some sense into you, you know where to find me."

As Adrian walked away, Ricky leaned against his locker, her words echoing in his mind. The choices ahead felt heavier than ever, but maybe, just maybe, he was ready to face them.

The bell had just rung, signaling the start of lunch, and Grace wandered into the courtyard, her tray in hand. She spotted Jack sitting alone under a tree, his head bowed as he picked at the sandwich in front of him. With a hesitant smile, she walked over.

"Hey," Grace said softly, stopping a few feet away. "Mind if I join you?"

Jack looked up and nodded, gesturing to the empty spot beside him. "Of course."

Grace sat down, placing her tray carefully on the bench. For a moment, the two sat in silence, the hum of the school courtyard providing a backdrop to their thoughts. Finally, Grace spoke up.

"I don't get it," she said, her frustration spilling out. "Why do parents always think they know what's best for us? They're acting like Ricky's the worst guy on earth."

Jack frowned, his expression thoughtful. "It's not easy for them, Grace. They're worried about you—that's all."

Grace let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping. "I know they're worried, but it's like they don't see the good in him. He's working hard, he's trying to be better—for himself and for the baby. Why is that so hard for them to understand?"

Jack nodded slowly, chewing on his sandwich before replying. "They probably don't see what you see. And it doesn't help that Ricky's got a reputation—but you know that."

Grace shook her head. "People change, Jack. Ricky's not the same guy he was before. He's got so much going on, and he still manages to care about me. That's more than I can say for most people."

Jack studied her carefully, his voice quieter now. "You care about him a lot, don't you?"

Grace bit her lip, her gaze dropping to her tray. "Yeah, I do. But sometimes... I don't know. It feels like I'm just waiting for him to figure things out. Like I'm just another thing he has to deal with."

Jack hesitated before speaking, his tone measured. "Grace, you deserve more than that. You deserve someone who sees you as a priority, not a complication."

Grace looked at him, her expression softening. "You sound like you've been there."

Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I guess I have. Amy's got so much going on with the baby, and I'm trying to be there for her. But sometimes I wonder... if being there is enough."

Grace reached out and touched his arm gently. "Jack, you're a good guy. Amy's lucky to have you."

Jack managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thanks, Grace."

The two fell into silence again, their thoughts heavy but oddly comforting in their shared understanding. For now, they didn't need answers—they simply needed someone who understood.

Grace and Jack sat under the tree, their conversation winding down as they picked at their lunches. The courtyard buzzed with the usual lunchtime energy, but their little corner felt quieter, almost insulated from the chaos around them.

That is, until Zoe walked by.

She moved with her usual confidence, her head held high and her gaze sharp. Grace noticed her first, her brow furrowing slightly as she watched Zoe approach. Jack followed her gaze, his expression unreadable.

"Hey, Jack," Zoe said casually, her voice carrying just enough edge to make Grace sit up a little straighter. "Grace."

"Zoe," Jack replied, his tone neutral but polite.

Grace offered a hesitant smile, though her curiosity was clearly piqued. "Hi, Zoe. What's up?"

Zoe shrugged, her eyes flicking between the two of them. "Nothing much. Just thought I'd say hi. You know, since we're all... connected in one way or another."

Jack stiffened slightly, his jaw tightening. Grace tilted her head, her confusion evident. "What do you mean?"

Zoe's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Oh, nothing. Just that it's a small world, isn't it? Especially when it comes to Ricky."

Grace's expression shifted, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "What about Ricky?"

Zoe's gaze lingered on Grace for a moment before she turned her attention back to Jack. "Nothing you don't already know, I'm sure. Anyway, enjoy your lunch."

With that, she walked away, leaving a trail of tension in her wake. Grace turned to Jack, her eyes narrowing. "What was that about?"

Jack hesitated, his grip tightening on his sandwich. "I don't know. Zoe likes to stir the pot."

Grace frowned, her unease growing. "Do you think she and Ricky...?"

Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Grace. But if she's trying to get under your skin, don't let her. She's not worth it."

Grace nodded slowly, though her mind was already racing. Zoe's words had planted a seed of doubt, and no matter how much she wanted to ignore it, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story.

Ricky leaned against his car in the school parking lot, scrolling through his phone as he waited for the final bell to ring. The sound of hurried footsteps made him look up just in time to see Grace approaching, her expression stormy.

"Grace," Ricky said, his brow furrowing. "What's wrong?"

She stopped a few feet away, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "We need to talk."

Ricky straightened, slipping his phone into his pocket. "Alright. Talk."

"Zoe," Grace said, her voice sharp. "She said something earlier, about you. About you and her."

Ricky tensed, his jaw clenching. "What did she say?"

"She didn't spell it out," Grace admitted, her frustration bubbling over. "But I'm not stupid, Ricky. She wanted me to think something happened between you two. So, tell me—did it?"

Ricky hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Grace, it's not what you think—"

"Don't," Grace interrupted, her voice trembling. "Don't try to spin this, Ricky. I need the truth."

He looked up, his expression pained. "Yeah. Something happened. But it didn't mean anything, Grace. I swear."

Grace's heart sank, her arms falling to her sides. "Didn't mean anything?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "How do you expect me to believe that?"

Ricky stepped closer, his voice urgent. "Because it's the truth! Grace, I care about you. I do. But I... I've been so messed up lately. I don't know how to handle any of this."

Grace took a step back, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You don't know how to handle it? So you sleep with someone else? That's your answer?"

"Grace—" Ricky started, but she shook her head, cutting him off.

"I can't do this, Ricky," she said, her voice breaking. "I can't keep waiting for you to figure out who you are and what you want. I deserve better."

Before Ricky could respond, Grace turned and walked away, leaving him standing alone in the parking lot. For the first time in a long while, Ricky felt truly alone—his own choices catching up with him in a way he hadn't anticipated.

Later that night at the Jergens house Jack drove there to see Amy.

Amy sat on the edge of her bed, flipping through a parenting book as the soft hum of music played from her phone. Her thoughts were scattered, jumping between upcoming doctor's appointments, the baby, and the uneasy feeling she couldn't quite shake about her relationships. A knock on the door pulled her from her spiral.

"It's open," Amy called, closing the book as Jack stepped inside.

"Hey," he said, his voice warm but slightly hesitant. He lingered near the doorway, rubbing the back of his neck. "Do you have a minute to talk?"

Amy smiled faintly, gesturing for him to sit. "Of course. What's up?"

Jack walked over, sitting beside her on the bed. He took a deep breath, his shoulders tense. "I've just been thinking a lot. About us. About the baby. About everything, really."

Amy tilted her head, her smile fading into something more serious. "What's on your mind?"

Jack looked down at his hands, fidgeting with his fingers. "I care about you, Amy. A lot. And I want to be here for you and the baby. But... I guess I've been wondering how it's all going to work. What things are going to look like once the baby's here."

Amy's stomach knotted, and she set the parenting book on the nightstand. "I've been thinking about that, too. It's scary, Jack. I don't have all the answers either."

Jack nodded, his expression softening. "I know. And I don't expect you to have everything figured out. But I think we need to start talking about it—about what we want this to look like. Not just for us, but for the baby, and... with Ricky."

Amy flinched slightly at the mention of Ricky's name but quickly composed herself. "Ricky's going to be part of the baby's life, no matter what. He's the father. But you're important to me too, Jack. I want you to be here—if that's what you want."

Jack reached out, gently taking her hand. "I do want that, Amy. But I think we need to set some boundaries—with Ricky, with each other. I don't want anyone to feel left out, but I also don't want to feel like I'm the backup player. Does that make sense?"

Amy nodded, her chest tightening. "It does. And you're right. We need to figure this out together. It's not going to be easy, but... I think we can make it work."

Jack smiled faintly, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Yeah. We'll figure it out."

For the first time that evening, Amy felt a small flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty. They didn't have all the answers, but at least they were starting to ask the right questions.

Jack leaned back against the headboard, pulling her closer so that she could rest her head on his shoulder. "Let's talk more about it," he suggested, his voice low and soothing. "What are your biggest worries? We can tackle them together."

Amy sighed, her eyes drifting over the room, taking in the posters they both loved and the mess of clothes that somehow never made it into the laundry basket. "I just don't know how it'll work," she admitted. "Ricky's trying, but... I don't know if I can trust him, you know?"

Jack nodded, his arm tightening around her. "I get it. But maybe we should give him a chance to prove himself."

Amy was silent for a moment, her eyes searching Jack's face. "What if he can't?"

Jack's gaze was steady. "Then we deal with it together. But for now, let's focus on us. We're going to be okay."

Without thinking, Amy leaned up and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was soft, filled with all the fears and hopes swirling inside her. Jack's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, and she felt his warmth seep into her. It was a simple gesture, but it felt like a promise—a promise that no matter what happened, they would face it as a team.

When they pulled apart, Amy felt a newfound resolve. "You're right," she said firmly. "We'll figure it out together."

Jack nodded, his expression earnest. "We're going to make a great team, no matter what. I believe that."

"Heh, yeah we already do. How about we take it up a notch?" Amy smirked with a little seduction in her voice.

Jack looked at her with surprise and excitement. "What do you mean?"

Amy sat up, a playful smile on her face. "I mean, let's not just talk about the future. Let's live in the moment and enjoy what we have now." She reached for the hem of her shirt and began to pull it over her head, revealing the lacy bra beneath.

Jack's eyes widened, his pulse quickening. He'd never seen Amy so bold, so sure of herself. He felt a surge of desire for her that was almost overwhelming. He leaned in, his hands tracing the curve of her waist, his kisses growing more urgent.

Her skin was warm and soft beneath his touch, and he could feel the baby bump growing between them. It was a strange and beautiful feeling, a reminder of a life that God created. He kissed her neck, feeling her shiver against him, and knew that despite the challenges ahead, he would do anything to make her happy.

"Oh, Amy. You are so beautiful. I think I love you." Jack smiled after taking a breath.

"Aww, Jack! I love you too!" Amy smiled widely with happiness in her voice and she gave Jack another long kiss.

Suddenly the door creaked open and it was George.

"What do you two think you're doing? Were you about to have sex in my house?" George was firm and a little angry.

Jack and Amy jumped apart, both looking at him with wide eyes, their cheeks flushing. "Mr. Jergens sir, we weren't—I mean, we were just talking," Jack stammered, trying to cover up their intimate moment as Amy put her shirt back on.

George's expression softened a little, but his tone remained firm. "Jack, I know you care about Amy, and I know things are complicated. But this is still my house, and there are rules here. Especially with a baby on the way. Now, I don't want to have this conversation again. Understood?"

Jack nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Amy's eyes were downcast, her cheeks burning. "We got carried away. It won't happen again, I promise."

George nodded, his expression a mix of disappointment and understanding. "Good. I don't want to see you two get hurt, especially with everything that's going on. How about you go home now, Jack."

Jack nodded and quickly got up, avoiding eye contact with George. "I'll see you later, Amy," he murmured before slipping out the door, the awkwardness of the moment hanging heavily in the air.

Amy stood in front of her bedroom mirror, running her fingers through her hair, trying to shake the discomfort of the evening. George's sudden appearance had thrown her off completely. She hadn't expected him to barge in like that—especially not when things between her and Jack had felt so… genuine, even if only for a brief moment.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a text from Jack:

Jack: Sorry about earlier. I hope your dad isn't too mad at me.

Amy let out a small sigh as she typed a quick reply.

Amy: It's not your fault. Just a bad situation. We'll talk tomorrow, okay?

She stared at the message for a moment, chewing her lip. What had just happened? She'd felt so connected to Jack earlier—like they were finally on the same page. But her dad's words echoed in her mind, and the guilt crept in. Was she rushing things with Jack? Was she just trying to fill a void she felt because of the pregnancy?

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and she glanced up, catching her father's reflection in the mirror. He stood in the doorway, arms crossed, looking both concerned and disappointed.

"Can we talk?" George asked, his tone softer now than it had been earlier.

Amy's stomach tightened, but she nodded, turning to face him. "Sure, Dad. What about?"

George sighed and stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. He leaned against the wall, watching her closely. "Listen, I know I overreacted earlier. It's just... things are complicated. You're going through a lot, and I'm trying to protect you. But I want you to know that I'm not trying to control you, Amy. I just want what's best for you and the baby."

Amy didn't speak immediately. She looked down at her hands, suddenly feeling very small. "I get it, Dad. But... I don't think you understand. I know I'm pregnant, and I know things are messy, but I'm still trying to figure things out. Jack… he's been there for me. I want to be with him, and I think he wants to be there for the baby too. But I need time. I need to make my own decisions."

George's eyes softened, and he stood up straighter. "I do understand, Amy. I do. I just want to make sure you're not making a decision out of fear. Or loneliness. This is a big step, and I don't want you to regret anything."

Amy shook her head. "I'm not making this decision because I'm scared. I just... I want things to feel normal again. I want to feel like myself, not just someone's mom. Jack makes me feel like me again."

There was a pause before George nodded slowly. "I just want you to be sure, sweetheart. You're going to need more than just Jack to help you through this. It's not all about being loved, it's about being supported in ways that matter."

Amy felt a knot in her chest. "I know, Dad. And I'm not saying Jack's the answer to everything, but he's trying. And I need him, right now."

George exhaled, his gaze softening. "Alright. I can't make your choices for you, Amy. But you know I'm here, right? Whatever happens, I'll be there for you."

Amy nodded, her throat tight. She wasn't sure if everything would work out, but having her dad's support, even if he didn't fully understand her choices, was enough for now.

"Thanks, Dad," she said, her voice quiet. "I know this isn't easy."

"It's not. But we'll get through it. All of us."

Amy sat at the kitchen table, the morning sunlight filtering through the window as she stared down at the bowl of cereal in front of her. Her mind wasn't on breakfast; it was on Jack, on her father, and on the uncertainty that loomed over everything.

The sound of the doorbell broke through her thoughts, and she looked up as her father stood from the counter to answer it. When the door swung open, it was Jack standing there, looking awkward but determined.

"Hey, Amy. Got a minute?" Jack asked, his voice hesitant but sincere.

Amy's heart skipped a beat. She stood up, glancing at her father, who was now in the living room with a frown on his face but clearly not wanting to intervene.

"Yeah," Amy said softly, walking toward him. "We can talk."

Jack followed her into the living room, and they sat down on the couch. There was a tension between them, the weight of the night before still hanging in the air.

"I'm sorry about yesterday," Jack began, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't mean for things to get so awkward."

"I know," Amy replied, her voice quiet. "But... it was awkward. And then my dad came in, and it just all felt like too much. I don't want to make things harder, Jack."

Jack looked at her, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Amy, I don't want to make things harder for you either. But I want to be here. I want to be there for you, for the baby. If you'll let me."

Amy felt the stirrings of something warm in her chest. She didn't have all the answers, but maybe, just maybe, they could figure this out together.

"We'll figure it out," she said softly, her voice steady now. "Together."

Jack smiled, a small but genuine smile. "Yeah. Together."

Grace sat at her desk, her fingers tapping absently on the edge of her notebook. She hadn't seen Ricky since their fight, and the silence between them was deafening. Her phone lay next to her, screen down, as if it could somehow make her feel less vulnerable. It had been days since he'd tried texting her, and each message was more apologetic than the last, but she wasn't sure how to respond. She wasn't sure what to say.

Her heart told her she should forgive him, but her head couldn't forget what he had done. She couldn't ignore the hurt that lingered, no matter how much she wanted to.

Another buzz from her phone made her glance down. It was a message from Ricky.

Ricky: Grace, please. I'm really sorry. I messed up, and I need you to know that it didn't mean anything. I don't want to lose you over this.

Grace sighed and rubbed her eyes. How could she respond to that? She had always believed in Ricky, even when things were complicated. But now? She wasn't sure where to place her trust anymore. She wasn't sure if he even knew what he wanted.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Frowning, she stood up and walked to the front door, hoping it wasn't him, but to her surprise, it was.

"Ricky," she said, surprised, but her voice was guarded. "What are you doing here?"

Ricky's eyes were full of remorse as he ran a hand through his hair. "I know you don't want to talk to me, but I need to say something. Please."

Grace stepped back, giving him room to enter, but her arms remained crossed over her chest, a protective barrier. "You've got five minutes."

He nodded, his expression sincere. "I get it, okay? I really do. I hurt you. I messed up, and I can't undo that. But I want to fix it. I want to fix us."

Grace tilted her head slightly, trying to keep her emotions in check. "How? How do you fix something like this, Ricky?"

Ricky took a step closer, his voice almost pleading now. "By being honest. By owning up to my mistakes. I screwed up. And I know I've been a mess. But it wasn't about you, Grace. I swear. I was just... I don't know, lost? Confused? And when Zoe came on to me, I didn't stop it. But nothing happened that meant anything. You're the one I care about. You're the one I want. I just... I need you to believe that."

Grace's eyes were searching his face, trying to find any trace of the boy she had trusted so deeply. The boy who had promised her that he'd never let her go. But right now, that trust felt like a distant memory.

"I want to believe you," she said quietly, her voice shaking slightly. "But how do I? How do I know you're not just saying what I want to hear so that you don't lose me?"

Ricky stepped closer, his voice lower now, filled with sincerity. "Because this isn't just about not losing you. It's about me realizing I can't keep being the guy I was. The guy who just acts without thinking, who runs from his problems. I messed up, Grace. And I do care about you. I'm not trying to play games anymore. I want something real with you."

Grace shook her head, her lips trembling. "But you said it didn't mean anything. So, what am I supposed to do with that? If you can sleep with someone else and say it doesn't mean anything, what does that say about how you feel about me?"

Ricky's face softened, and he reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "It says that I was selfish, and I didn't think. I let my guard down, and I let myself believe that I could handle everything on my own, and I hurt you in the process. I'll never forgive myself for that, Grace."

For a moment, there was silence. Grace looked at their joined hands, torn between wanting to pull away and wanting to hold on to what was left of their connection. Her heart was screaming at her to let go, to protect herself, but her love for Ricky—complicated as it was—made her want to give him another chance.

But she couldn't just forget. She couldn't just move on without addressing the damage that had been done.

"I don't know, Ricky," she said softly, her voice full of uncertainty. "I'm still hurting. I need time."

He squeezed her hand gently, his expression earnest. "I'll wait for you, Grace. As long as it takes. But I'm not going anywhere. I want to make things right."

Grace took a deep breath, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. She didn't have all the answers, and maybe she never would. But for the first time in a long while, she was starting to believe that, maybe, just maybe, Ricky was finally ready to be the person she needed him to be.

"I'll think about it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ricky nodded, stepping back slowly. "Okay. I'll give you the space you need. But just know... I'm not giving up on us."

As Ricky turned and walked out the door, Grace closed it behind him with a soft click. She leaned against it, her breath catching in her throat. She didn't know if this would work, or if her heart could take another hit. But for now, all she could do was wait. Wait for clarity, wait for healing, and wait to see if Ricky's words were more than just empty promises.

Days turned into weeks, and the awkwardness of seeing him at school didn't fade. They kept their distance, but the tension between them was palpable, like a thick fog that neither could escape. Grace went to her classes, did her homework, and took care of herself as best as she could, but the thought of Ricky was never far from her mind.

Grace stood hesitantly in the doorway of Adrian's condo, her hand lingering on the doorknob as she debated whether to walk in or turn back. Her mind was swirling with emotions after her confrontation with Ricky, and she needed someone to talk to—someone who wouldn't sugarcoat things, but also wouldn't judge her for still being attached to someone who clearly wasn't fully ready to commit.

Before she could second-guess herself, Adrian's voice rang out from inside. "Grace? Is that you? Come in, girl."

Grace sighed and pushed open the door. Adrian was lounging on the couch, wearing her usual relaxed expression, one leg tucked beneath her, a bottle of soda in her hand.

"Hey," Grace said softly, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

Adrian immediately noticed Grace's somber tone, sitting up straight and raising an eyebrow. "Whoa. You look like someone just ran over your heart with a truck. What's going on?"

Grace hesitated before sitting down next to her, running her hands nervously over her jeans. "I… I talked to Ricky today."

Adrian's expression shifted slightly, something unreadable flashing in her eyes before she took another sip of her soda. "Yeah? And let me guess, he did his usual routine—apologized, said he's changed, promised things would be different?"

Grace looked at Adrian, a sad, almost guilty smile forming on her face. "Pretty much. But... I don't know if I can believe him anymore."

Adrian leaned forward, setting the bottle down on the table. "Grace, you know I'm not exactly a fan of Ricky, right?" she said with a slight edge to her voice. "I mean, you've been through a lot with him, and I know it's not easy to let go. But the guy's messed up. We both know that."

Grace winced, feeling the sting of Adrian's words more than she expected. "I don't want to just give up on him," she admitted quietly, looking down at her hands. "I love him, Adrian."

Adrian's face softened, though there was still a guarded look in her eyes. "I get it. You want him to be the guy you need him to be. But the truth is, Grace... he's never been that guy. Not for me, and not for you, either." She paused, her tone turning more serious. "I'm not trying to be harsh, but I know firsthand what happens when you try to hold on to something that isn't meant to be held onto."

Grace's head shot up, meeting Adrian's gaze, a faint trace of surprise crossing her face. "What do you mean?"

Adrian's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes momentarily hardening. She took a deep breath before speaking again, her voice quieter this time. "Before you and I ever really talked, Ricky and I had our own thing. It wasn't anything serious, and I didn't expect it to be, but I learned the hard way that he doesn't know how to be the kind of guy you need when you're actually in a relationship." She paused, her gaze flickering to the side as if she were reliving a past moment. "I thought I could change him, or at least get him to open up. But he's not capable of that. Not with me, and not with you. He just... doesn't know how to really commit."

Grace felt a rush of conflicting emotions, a mix of hurt, frustration, and something else she couldn't quite name. She'd always suspected there was more to Adrian and Ricky's past, but hearing it out loud made it feel different. Real.

"So, you think I'm wasting my time?" Grace asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Adrian was silent for a beat, her expression softening. "I don't think you're wasting your time. I just think you need to ask yourself if it's worth it to keep giving him chances when he's shown you time and time again that he's not going to meet you halfway."

Grace stared at Adrian, absorbing the weight of her words. "But what if he can change? What if this time is different?"

Adrian looked at her with a mixture of sympathy and skepticism. "I've been there. I've hoped for that change. But I don't think it's going to happen for you, Grace. Not because you don't deserve it, but because Ricky's not there yet. He can't be the guy you need him to be—not without a hell of a lot of work on his part, and I'm not sure he's willing to do it."

Grace's chest tightened, but she couldn't deny the truth in Adrian's words. It hurt—more than she thought it would—but there was a part of her that knew Adrian was right. She just wasn't sure she was ready to accept it yet.

"I don't know if I can just... let go," Grace whispered, her voice cracking slightly.

Adrian's tone softened even more, her usual bravado fading into something warmer. "Grace, letting go doesn't mean you stop loving him. It just means you stop letting him hurt you. There's a difference."

Grace nodded slowly, feeling the weight of that truth settle on her shoulders. It wasn't easy, but maybe it was time to stop holding onto something that was only pulling her down.

"Thanks, Adrian," Grace said, her voice steadying a little. "I needed to hear that."

Adrian smiled, her hand briefly brushing Grace's. "I know. And I'm always here to remind you when you forget."

For the first time in a while, Grace felt like she was taking a step in the right direction. It wasn't the end of everything with Ricky, but maybe it was the beginning of her finally finding her way out of the maze he'd led her into.

The next day at school...

Ben walked through the crowded hallways of Grant high, his mind still buzzing from the conversation with his dad from earlier. Leo's words had stuck with him, but they didn't make the pain of seeing Amy with Jack any easier to bear. He couldn't shake the image of her turning him down, of the words hanging in the air between them. She's with Jack now.

He rounded a corner, his eyes scanning the students around him, when a familiar sound caught his attention—laughter, soft and close. And then, just as he reached the lockers, he saw them.

Amy and Jack.

They were standing by her locker, leaning into each other in a way that made Ben's stomach twist. Their heads were close together, and Jack's hand rested on Amy's waist, the two of them sharing a kiss, completely oblivious to the world around them.

Ben froze in place for a moment, the sight catching him off guard. He wasn't sure what he'd expected, but this—this was like a punch to the gut. His chest tightened, and his first instinct was to turn around and walk away, but the hall was too packed with students, and he was already too far gone.

Amy pulled back slightly, her lips still lingering near Jack's as they smiled at each other, clearly lost in the moment. Ben couldn't help but notice the way Jack's hand was just a little too possessive on her back, like he was marking his territory. His jaw clenched.

"Ben," Amy said suddenly, her voice a little too bright. She hadn't noticed him standing there at first, but now she did, her smile faltering as she pulled away from Jack. "Oh, uh... hey."

Jack glanced over his shoulder at the sound of her voice, his lips curving into a friendly, almost casual grin. "Hey, man."

Ben forced himself to smile, though it felt more like a grimace. "Hey, Jack. Amy."

The tension between them was immediate, thickening the air around them. Amy's gaze flickered between Ben and Jack, her expression growing slightly uncomfortable. "What's up?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

Ben opened his mouth to speak, but he immediately regretted it. What could he possibly say to them? To her? To Jack, who had somehow wormed his way into Amy's life, into the spot that Ben had always hoped he'd occupy?

Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "Nothing. Just... was heading to class."

There was an awkward silence, broken only by the hum of voices and the lockers slamming shut around them. Amy's gaze softened, her eyes looking almost apologetic. She opened her mouth to say something, but Ben quickly cut her off.

"Look, I'll, uh... I'll see you later." He couldn't get out of there fast enough, his heart pounding in his chest.

But before he could take a step back, Jack spoke up, his voice light but carrying an edge. "You know, man, I get that this might be weird for you. But Amy's happy, and that's what matters, right?"

Ben froze, feeling the sting of Jack's words like a slap to the face. He didn't know what he had expected, but it wasn't that. It felt like Jack was rubbing it in, making sure Ben knew that he was the one standing beside Amy, that he was the one holding her.

Amy looked between them, a tense silence growing between all of them. Her voice was quiet, her eyes flickering with a mix of guilt and frustration. "Ben, you don't have to..."

"I'm fine," Ben interrupted quickly, his voice sharper than he intended. He didn't want her pity, didn't want Jack to think he'd won. "Really. I just... I just need to go."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, the sound of his footsteps pounding in his ears.

But as he made his way down the hall, he couldn't shake the feeling that his whole world had shifted. He wasn't sure what hurt more—seeing Amy with Jack or realizing that he had no place in her life anymore.

The classroom was quiet, save for the faint scratch of pens against paper and the occasional shuffle of students. Ben sat at his desk, staring absently at the textbook in front of him. His thoughts were still preoccupied with his earlier encounter with Amy and Jack in the hallway. The image of them together, laughing and kissing, was stuck in his head like a broken record.

Across the room, Grace was doodling in the margins of her notebook, her pen moving absentmindedly over the paper. Her mind wasn't on the lesson either. She was still tangled up in thoughts of Ricky—what he'd done, what he hadn't done, what he'd promised her and how he'd broken those promises. Her stomach churned with the memories of their last fight, but even more so, she couldn't stop wondering if he'd ever really care enough to make things right.

It wasn't until the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson, that Ben snapped out of his thoughts. He grabbed his things, ready to head to his next class, but as he stood up, Grace caught his eye. She waved him over with a small but knowing smile.

"Hey," she said softly, glancing around to make sure no one else was paying attention. "Can we talk?"

Ben hesitated for a moment, glancing at the door and then back at Grace. He wasn't sure what to make of the invitation, but there was a certain quiet sincerity in her voice that made him nod. "Sure. What's up?"

Grace shifted in her seat, her gaze flicking to Jack's empty desk across the room. "I saw you with Amy and Jack earlier," she said, her tone neutral but laced with something unreadable. "That must've been tough."

Ben let out a sharp breath, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, you could say that. It's hard to watch... them, you know?"

Grace nodded in understanding, her fingers tracing the edge of her notebook. "I get it. I was with Jack before... well, before he and Amy. It's weird, right? Seeing someone you cared about with someone else. Especially when you're still trying to figure out what you really want."

Ben's eyes flickered with surprise. "You dated Jack?" He didn't realize that. Of course, it made sense. Jack seemed to have been through a lot of relationships, and Grace was always on the outside looking in when it came to him.

"Yeah," Grace said with a small, almost bitter laugh. "It wasn't a long thing, but it was real for me. And now, seeing him with Amy... it feels like I've been replaced, but not in a way that I can just let go of."

Ben took a seat next to her, leaning in slightly. "That sounds rough. But... I mean, Jack's with Amy now. You can't keep hanging on to something that's already over, right?"

Grace's face tightened for a second, then softened. "You'd think, right? But the thing is... I'm still kind of hung up on Ricky. I don't know what it is about him. I can't stop wanting him, even when he messes everything up." She ran her fingers through her hair, clearly frustrated. "It's like I keep trying to fix things with him, but he's so... messed up. And I don't even know if he's ever going to choose me over whatever else is going on in his life."

Ben didn't know what to say at first. Grace wasn't the type to wear her feelings on her sleeve, so hearing her speak so openly about Ricky took him off guard. "You really care about him, huh?" he asked quietly.

Grace looked at him for a long moment before nodding. "Yeah. But I can't keep waiting around for him to make up his mind. It's killing me." She leaned back in her chair, looking defeated for a moment. "I guess it's just... hard, you know? Watching Amy and Jack, knowing that I can't have what they have, and then seeing Ricky just... be Ricky."

Ben swallowed, his own heart tightening. "I get that. It's not easy seeing someone you care about with someone else, and it feels even worse when you're not sure if you're even on their radar." He paused, considering for a moment before adding, "I told Amy how I felt, and she turned me down. She said she was with Jack and didn't need any more drama. And... I can't stop thinking about it."

Grace turned her head to look at him, her eyes softening. "I'm sorry, Ben. That sucks. But maybe... maybe it's a good thing? You've been kind of... off lately, you know? Maybe it's time to let go of that idea and move on."

Ben sighed, rubbing his temples. "I don't know. I thought if I told her, something might change. But now it feels like I made everything worse." He shook his head. "I guess I just need some space to figure it out."

Grace's eyes softened with understanding. "I get it. It's hard to let go of someone you care about, even when they don't feel the same way. But you'll figure it out, Ben. Just give yourself time."

Ben looked at her and nodded, grateful for her honesty. "Thanks, Grace. I think I needed to hear that."

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Anytime. We're both just figuring this whole thing out, right?" Her eyes flickered to Ricky's seat, and she sighed. "You just gotta keep going, even when it feels like you're stuck in the middle of it all."

Ben stood up, gathering his stuff. "Yeah. Thanks, Grace. I'll see you later."

"Take care of yourself," Grace said, her voice softer now, her smile genuine.

As Ben walked out of the classroom, he couldn't help but think about how complicated everything had gotten. Maybe Grace was right. Maybe he needed to let go of Amy, just like she needed to let go of Ricky. But both of them knew it wasn't that easy. It never was.

The bell had rung, and the halls had emptied, leaving a few lingering students in the courtyard. Ben and Grace were walking side by side, the conversation about their struggles lingering in the air between them. There was something comforting about the shared silence now that they'd both been so honest with each other. The tension from earlier had faded, replaced by a soft camaraderie that felt... right.

As they reached the front of the school, Ben stopped and turned to face Grace. She looked up at him, her eyes curious.

"Hey," Ben started, his voice a little more hesitant than he meant it to be. "I've been thinking about what you said... about giving myself some space and moving on from Amy." He paused, taking a breath. "I don't know if I'm really ready for that yet, but I think you might be right. Maybe it's time to stop holding on to something that's already passed."

Grace smiled softly, her eyes kind. "It's not easy. But I think you'll get there eventually, Ben. You're a good guy. You deserve someone who sees that."

Ben's heart gave a small flutter at her words, and he felt a little more certain about the next thing he was about to say. "You know... maybe I should take your advice in other areas too. I've been so caught up in everything with Amy and Jack, and I guess I didn't really notice what was right in front of me."

Grace frowned slightly, clearly not expecting the shift in the conversation. "What do you mean?"

Ben took a deep breath and stepped closer, his heart racing a little. "I mean... you. Grace." He met her eyes, feeling a warmth spreading through him despite the nerves. "I know we've both been through some stuff, but... maybe we could hang out sometime? Not as a way of rushing into anything, but just, you know, to get to know each other better."

Grace blinked, clearly taken aback, her expression softening. She hadn't expected him to say that. "You want to... hang out?" she asked, her voice quiet but intrigued.

"Yeah," Ben said, his voice a little more confident now. "Just the two of us. No drama, no expectations—just... seeing what happens." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I mean, I like you, Grace. And I think maybe you could be the person who helps me get through all of this, just like you've already been doing. I could use someone like you around, someone who understands what it's like to feel... lost, I guess."

Grace's eyes softened at his words, and for a moment, there was a quiet understanding between them. She didn't have the words right away, but there was a warmth in her gaze that made Ben's chest feel lighter.

"I... I'm not sure I'm ready for anything serious, but I'd like that," Grace said, her voice thoughtful. "Maybe we could get some coffee this weekend or something? Just... talk."

Ben smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Yeah, coffee sounds perfect."

Grace smiled back, a little shy but genuine. "Okay, then. It's a date."

Ben's heart skipped a beat at the word. It wasn't what he expected to hear, but it felt right. There was something exciting about this, about taking a step in a new direction with someone who understood the weight of everything they were both dealing with.

"Alright," he said, his grin widening. "I'll pick you up on Saturday."

As they exchanged a small wave and started to head off in different directions, Ben couldn't help but feel like something had shifted between them—something hopeful, something new. And for the first time in a while, he felt like maybe, just maybe, he was starting to move on from Amy.

The next morning at school...

Ben and Grace stood at the edge of the courtyard, still thinking about their conversation from yesterday. The air was cooler now, and the sound of other students chatting and laughing faded into the background. Ben smiled at Grace, feeling lighter than he had in weeks, while Grace glanced down at her phone, her fingers nervously tapping on the screen.

"So," Grace said, her voice softer now, as though trying to sort through everything. "I guess this means we're... trying this out, huh?"

Ben's smile widened. "Yeah, no pressure. Just... see where it goes, right?"

Grace nodded, still smiling but with a hint of uncertainty. "Yeah. It feels nice, though. Maybe it's time for something new."

Just as the moment hung between them, Adrian appeared, leaning casually against the wall of the school building, arms crossed, a raised eyebrow making it clear she'd been listening.

"So," Adrian said, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "This is cute. You two deciding to give it a shot, huh?"

Ben's eyes widened, startled by her sudden appearance. "Adrian, how long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to know that Ben's finally moving on from Amy," Adrian replied, pushing herself off the wall and stepping closer with a teasing grin. "And Grace, you're not exactly subtle about still being hung up on Ricky. I could hear you two talking from a mile away. What is it with you guys? Can't take two steps without spilling your emotional guts."

Grace groaned, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "I wasn't—" she started, but Adrian cut her off with a quick wave of her hand.

"Relax, Grace. I'm not here to judge." Adrian eyed Ben, her expression turning a little more serious. "But Ben, if you're really gonna try this with Grace, you'd better be sure. No going back on it. I know you've had your heart broken before, but you don't want to make it worse for her, okay?"

Ben nodded slowly, trying to mask the nerves that bubbled up inside him. "I'm not looking to hurt anyone, Adrian. I'm just trying to figure things out. But... yeah, I want to be sure."

"Good," Adrian said with a satisfied nod. "Because trust me, Grace deserves someone who's all in, not someone who's still hung up on Amy Jergens."

Grace opened her mouth to respond, but Adrian wasn't done yet. She turned to Grace with a playful smirk. "And you, don't think I didn't hear you still talking about Ricky like some lovesick puppy. You're smarter than this, Grace. Time to stop letting him hold all the cards. You deserve better. If not Ben, then someone else. But seriously, no more pining after that guy who's never gonna make up his mind."

Grace felt the sting of Adrian's words but couldn't deny the truth in them. "I know," she said quietly, rubbing the back of her neck. "I just... I don't know why I can't let go."

Adrian sighed, her tone softening just a bit. "It's tough, I get it. But you'll get there. I know you will." She winked at Ben. "And if you two do this thing, you better make sure to treat her well. You're not the only guy in town who's looking for a fresh start."

Ben chuckled nervously. "I'm not looking to mess things up."

Adrian nodded approvingly. "Good. Anyway, I'll leave you two lovebirds to figure it out." She looked at them both, her smirk widening. "But seriously, if either of you need me to knock some sense into either one of you, you know where to find me."

As Adrian sauntered off, Ben and Grace shared an amused, yet slightly embarrassed, glance.

"She's not wrong, you know," Grace said with a half-laugh. "I'm still hung up on Ricky. It's like I can't help myself."

Ben rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a small smile on his lips. "Yeah, I know what you mean. But maybe we can help each other get past it?"

Grace met his gaze, a genuine smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe."

They stood there for a moment, the weight of the conversation shifting, but a new kind of hope beginning to grow in its place. It wasn't going to be easy, but maybe, just maybe, they were both ready to move on.

The lunchroom buzzed with chatter as students gathered around tables, the air filled with the familiar hum of gossip, laughter, and clattering trays. Ricky was sitting with his usual group of friends, absentmindedly poking at his food, his mind elsewhere. Ever since his argument with Grace earlier, he hadn't been able to shake the frustration gnawing at him. He knew he'd messed up, but he wasn't sure what to do about it.

Adrian slid into the seat across from him, a grin on her face that was equal parts mischievous and knowing.

"Hey, Ricky," Adrian said, her tone casual but with a hint of amusement.

Ricky glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "What's up, Adrian?"

"Nothing much," Adrian said, leaning back in her chair with a smirk. "Just wanted to pass along some interesting news. You know Ben, right?"

Ricky's eyes flickered with curiosity at the mention of Ben. "Yeah, what about him?"

"Well," Adrian began, taking a slow sip of her water, clearly enjoying the moment, "I just overheard him talking to Grace, and guess what? The two of them are officially trying this out." She threw air quotes around the word "trying" as if the whole situation was somehow absurd.

Ricky's expression hardened, the thought of Grace with someone else causing a knot to form in his chest. "You're kidding, right? Ben and Grace?"

Adrian smirked. "Oh, I'm not kidding. Apparently, after all the drama with you, they've decided to give it a go." She leaned forward slightly, her voice low and teasing. "You should have seen the way Grace looked at him. Like, 'I'm finally moving on.'"

Ricky felt a sharp pang of irritation. He had no right to feel jealous, but hearing that Grace was moving on with Ben felt like a blow. She'd been so wrapped up in him for so long, and now—now she was choosing Ben? It stung more than he expected.

"You're telling me they're just... what? Going to act like they're not still caught up in all this? Like everything's fine now?" Ricky's voice was edged with disbelief.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Well, looks like it, doesn't it? I mean, you were the one who couldn't make up his mind, Ricky. Grace was waiting for you to figure things out, and now she's found someone who's willing to make things clear. Funny how that works."

Ricky scoffed, leaning back in his seat, trying to hide the frustration in his voice. "It's not that simple. Things are complicated. Grace and I—"

"Complicated?" Adrian interrupted, her tone becoming more serious, though still laced with her signature sarcasm. "Yeah, we know. You've been dragging your feet for weeks, and now you're upset because she's moving on with Ben?" She leaned in, her voice lowering. "Ricky, if you actually cared about her, maybe you should have acted sooner."

Ricky's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening slightly. He had cared about Grace. He still did. But every time he tried to get closer to her, something always seemed to go wrong. Maybe Adrian was right. Maybe he had waited too long.

"I don't know what to do about it," Ricky admitted, his tone quieter now, tinged with frustration. "She deserves someone who can figure it out. But it's not like I can just... turn off how I feel."

Adrian studied him for a moment, her expression softening just a bit. "I get it, Ricky. But if you keep pushing her away, don't be surprised when she stops waiting." She paused, leaning back with a slight smile. "Ben's not going to wait forever either. Trust me on that one."

Ricky let out a sharp exhale, running a hand through his hair. "I know. It's just... hard."

"I get it, Ricky. Life's hard. But sometimes you've gotta make a move or lose your chance." Adrian's voice was almost kind now, her usual sharpness giving way to something more genuine.

Ricky looked at her, feeling a bit like he was sinking into his own thoughts. "Maybe I've already lost my chance," he murmured more to himself than to Adrian.

Adrian didn't respond immediately. Instead, she took another sip of her water, her eyes flickering around the cafeteria, clearly considering her next words. When she spoke again, it was with a more serious edge.

"Ricky, if you don't want to lose Grace for good, you need to decide what you want. Don't let her walk away just because you're afraid of what it might mean. If Ben's really going to be the one who gives her what she needs... then maybe you're the one who's too late."

Ricky was silent for a long moment, his mind racing. Adrian's words stung, but they also made something click inside him. Maybe he had waited too long. Maybe he'd let too many chances slip away because he was scared.

The thought of Grace with Ben didn't sit right with him. But maybe it was time for him to face his own fears—and finally do something about it.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Ricky gathered his things, his mind racing with what he'd say to Grace. He spotted her at her locker, her head down as she shuffled through her books. The sight of her made his heart ache in a way that was almost painful. He took a deep breath and approached her, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach.

"Hey," he said, his voice tentative.

Grace looked up, surprise flashing across her features before she schooled them into something more neutral. "Hi, Ricky."

Little did they know, Jack and Amy were listening in on the other side of the wall.

Jack leaned closer to Amy, his expression a mix of amusement and mild annoyance. "Well, this should be good," he murmured.

Amy couldn't help but laugh a little, despite the tension in her chest. "Yeah, we'll see."

"So...you and Ben, huh? You're going out with him?" Ricky asked concerned.

"Yeah, he seems like a nice guy and my parents said it was okay. Are you all right, Ricky?" Grace answered kindly.

Ricky felt a stab of regret. He'd hurt her, and now she was moving on, all because he hadn't had the guts to make a decision. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, trying to sound casual. "It's just... I've been thinking."

"He's been thinking? About what? I still can't believe I slept with him." Amy whispered annoyed to Jack after rolling her eyes.

"Amy, shh! We don't want them to hear us." Jack whispered back, putting his finger to his lips.

"I know, but come on, she deserves better than his indecision." Amy was visibly annoyed but she quietened down, still keeping an ear out for the conversation between Ricky and Grace.

Jack nodded in agreement, his eyes flicking to hers. "I know, but it's their business, and we have to respect their boundaries." He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, reminding her of the promise they made to each other the night before.

"No we don't. He got me pregnant, remember? Just be quiet." Amy replied sternly as they continued to listen to Ricky and Grace.

"What exactly have you been thinking about?" Grace asked curiously as she looked at Ricky.

"You, obviously. Look Grace, I know I'm about to become a father but let's face it, you're hot and I'm really into you. You know, we could still go out and Ben wouldn't have to know. It could be our little secret." Ricky smirked as he lowered his voice.

"Woah, you mean like sneak around? I don't know, Ricky. It's not like I still don't have feelings for you, but you cheated on me." Grace responded surprised and then honestly.

"I said I was sorry. Maybe this will help make up your mind." Ricky said sincerely and then he pulled Grace closer to him. She started to blush as Ricky slowly brushed his lips against hers for a few seconds.

Amy's eyes went wide and she turned to Jack, whispering furiously. "What the hell is he doing? This is crazy!"

Jack's grip tightened on her shoulder, his own expression a mix of shock and anger. "Let's go," he murmured, stepping away from the wall.

Amy didn't need to be told twice. She turned and stalked down the hallway, her sneakers clicking against the floor in a rhythm that matched her racing heart.

Jack's grip tightened on her shoulder, his own expression a mix of shock and anger. "Let's go," he murmured, stepping away from the wall.

Amy didn't need to be told twice. She turned and stalked down the hallway, her sneakers clicking against the floor in a rhythm that matched her racing heart.

"So, what do you say? I could see you tonight if you want. Are your parents going to be home?" Ricky asked after pulling away from Grace.

"Mmm...Heh, no they're not actually. You know this might be kind of fun. Sneaking around. It's sort of hot, isn't it?" Grace smirked after lowering her voice.

"That's perfect. I'll see you tonight around seven and yeah it is, even sexy. I knew you had a bad side, Grace. You know what else we could do is make out a bit in my car right now." Ricky replied seductively as he put his hands on Grace's waist.

"Heh...I don't know about that. We have class." Grace said awkwardly as she looked down.

"Yeah I know. See you later, babe." Ricky smirked and he gave Grace a quick kiss on the cheek.

As Grace and Ricky walked in opposite directions to class, Adrian came around the corner and stopped Ricky.

"Oh, hey Adrian. Do you mind?" Ricky said in an irritated tone.

"You know you're flirting with disaster, right?" Adrian responded seriously as she crossed her arms.

"What are you talking about?" Ricky asked with feigned ignorance.

"Well first of all, Grace is a Christian which means she probably will not get into bed with you. Second of all, Amy is having your baby and is dating Jack. Third of all, if you're thinking about using me when you can't get any from another girl then you can forget it. Oh and bonus, you've got a little competition with the sausage prince. So have fun and good luck. You're gonna need it." Adrian answered firmly and she started to walk away from Ricky but he grabbed her arm.

"Heh, is that all? What are you like jealous or something?" Ricky snapped.

"Excuse me? Why would I be jealous and fall for your trap again? I'm not naive like Amy and Grace." Adrian said annoyed as she looked at Ricky.

Ricky felt a coldness wash over him at her words. He hadn't realized how much he had hurt her, but now it was clear she wasn't going to let him get away with playing games anymore. "Look, Adrian, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just confused, okay?" He tried to defend himself.

"Call it what you like, but I don't think you'll ever be satisfied because of your screwed up childhood." Adrian said meanly and she started to walk away.

"We're one in the same Adrian! You don't have your father either! It's probably why you're messed up too!" Ricky yelled as Adrian walked down the hallway with tears starting to form in her eyes.

Later that evening Jack and Amy were walking at the park.

"So are you still angry about Ricky and Grace?" Jack asked concerned as they sat on a bench.

"It's whatever. So what if the father of my baby is a jerk? At least I have you, right?" Amy answered kindly as she grabbed Jack's hand.

Jack squeezed her hand back, trying to put a brave face on despite feeling a bit hurt by her words. He knew Ricky had messed up big time, but it wasn't fair to just write him off as a complete loss. "Well, we can't change the past, but maybe he'll come around. He's got a lot to deal with."

Amy looked up at him, her expression softening slightly. "That's true. Ricky is trying his best, I guess." She took a deep breath, her eyes searching the horizon.

"Yeah that's what matters, right? It's what coach says anyway. As long as we try our best it doesn't matter if we win or lose the game. Besides, nobody is perfect." Jack said kindly as he smiled at Amy.

"You're right, Jack. But I must know, do you really love me? I know we were getting a little steamy awhile ago." Amy smiled back for a moment and then asked in a worried tone.

"Of course I really love you, Amy. You're smart, kind, beautiful, and sexy even if your belly is growing by the second. Ha ha...You really love me?" Jack answered honestly while looking into Amy's brown eyes.

"Aww you're so sweet...Yes I really do love you. I feel like we're meant to be." Amy replied sweetly as she blushed while looking at Jack. He leaned in and gave her a short kiss.

"So do I! Do you think we could get married after high school maybe? My Dad could marry us since he's a reverend. Or would that be too soon? I've never felt this way about anyone before." Jack said happily after pulling away.

"Oh uh...I don't know. There's also college. You'll probably get a football scholarship, right?" Amy said nervously.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I just love you so much, Amy. But that's the plan. I'm guessing you'll go to college too, right?" Jack said sincerely.

"No it's ok. It's not like I haven't thought about getting married, someday. I would love to go to college but I have to get through high school first." Amy responded truthfully.

"Right, one step at a time. Speaking of steps, I've been thinking a lot lately about making love to you. How do you feel about that?" Jack said kindly and then quietly.

Amy felt the heat rise in her cheeks, and she took a moment to consider his words. "Jack, I've been thinking about that too. You are so handsome and hot. Heh...But I must know you wouldn't just use me for sex, would you?"

Jack looked at her with sincerity, taking both her hands in his. "Amy, you know I'd never do that. I care about you, and I want to be there for you, no matter what happens. And if that means waiting a little longer, then that's what we'll do."

"Wow, you really are a keeper. I was thinking we could fool around some tonight. Since it's almost dark I think we're the only ones here." Amy whispered as she leaned in closer to Jack.

Jack's heart raced as he looked into her eyes. He knew this was a significant moment for both of them. "Amy, if we do this, it has to be because we're ready, not because we're just...hormonal. I want it to be special."

"So do I but fooling around doesn't mean, sex you know." Amy hinted quietly as she bit her bottom lip. Jack moved in closer to her and gave her a long, passionate kiss.

"Damn you're sexy, Amy. What did you have in mind?" Jack smirked after breaking the kiss.

"I was thinking we could take each other's shirts off first over there on this blanket I brought." Amy said seductively as she showed Jack the blanket in her bag.

Jack's eyes grew wide. "You planned this?"

Amy shrugged, a playful smirk playing on her lips. "Maybe a little."

They found a secluded spot under a large willow tree, the branches hanging low enough to provide a private canopy. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of crickets beginning their evening symphony. Spreading the blanket out, Jack felt his heart racing as they both sat down, their eyes locked in a silent conversation of desire and anticipation.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice low and thick with emotion.

Amy took a deep breath, her pulse racing as she nodded. "Yes, Jack. I want to be with you like this. But only if you're sure."

Jack's eyes searched hers, looking for any signs of doubt. Finding none, he leaned in and kissed her again, this time with a gentle urgency that spoke of his love and respect for her. They lay back on the blanket, their hands exploring each other's bodies tentatively at first, then with growing confidence. The cool fabric of their shirts was the only barrier between their warm skin as they kissed and touched, each caress a declaration of their feelings.

The world around them faded away as they became lost in their own little universe, the whispers of the wind and rustling of leaves providing the only soundtrack to their intimate dance. The tension between them grew, a delicate balance of passion and restraint. They both knew that once this line was crossed, there would be no turning back.

Jack slowly peeled off Amy's shirt, his eyes filled with wonder at the sight of her bare skin. She was beautiful, her growing belly a testament to the new life that was coming. He placed a gentle kiss on her stomach before moving his gaze back up to meet hers.

"Oh Jack, this is so romantic. I am in love with you." Amy said sweetly as she looked at him deeply in the eyes.

"I agree, Amy. I'm in love with you too." Jack responded kindly and he kissed her belly again gently.

Their kisses grew more intense, as Amy removed Jack's shirt. The cool evening air kissed their bare skin as they touched each other, exploring each other's contours and curves. The stars above twinkled, seemingly in approval of their union.

"Mmm, baby...I don't know if I can wait anymore." Jack said seductively after taking a gasp for air.

"Heh, believe me I'm tempted too Jack, but we are in a public place." Amy responded honestly.

Jack chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Okay, okay, I get it. But we're all alone here."

Amy giggled, pushing him gently. "That's not the point. I just said we could fool around."

Jack sighed, his desire momentarily overridden by the reality of their situation. "You're right, of course." He leaned back, looking up at the stars. "But I want to make you feel good, Amy. I want to show you how much I care."

Amy lay beside him, her hand tracing patterns on his chest. "You do, Jack. More than anyone ever has." She leaned in to kiss him, her softness melting his resolve. "But let's not rush. We've got all the time in the world."

Jack nodded, his gaze drifting to her stomach. "You're right." He said, placing a gentle hand over hers. "But I just want to make sure you know how much I'm here for you—for both of you."

Amy leaned her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "I know you are." She whispered. "And that's all that matters."

There's chapter 2! Hope you enjoyed! Please let me know what you think if you would like! Thank you! :)