“You’re seriously going to the library?”I scowled at the girl holding my arm. She was a cheerleader, and I knew her, but right then, I wasn’t in the mood. Everyone must have noticed that I was avoiding Anita lately, because ever since I got back to school nearly a week ago, I hadn't approached her, and had done my best not to appear in her line of sight. I didn’t think she’d come after me, she didn’t seem like the bold type of girl, but I didn’t like what I felt when I saw her, either.“Just come and hang out with us,” the girl said insistently. “The others are waiting.”“I’m not going,” I said irritably, tugging my arm out of her hold. “Just tell them I’m busy.”I walked away without a look back. She must have been new in the cheerleader squad because she wasn’t a girl I’d thought of dating before, and she wasn’t a senior, but the team and the cheerleader squad hung out often, so I should know her, but I couldn’t bring myself to think about it.It was time for lunch, and the guys ha

I hurried back to school. When school let out, I’d gone with Hayley straight to her place because it was close to the school, so going back took me about fifteen minutes. I followed his directions in the text and went to the football field, one of the few places in the school I’d never stepped foot in during my years in high school.Evan had practice, and he wanted to meet right after. Time had already passed so I shouldn’t have to wait long, though I didn’t know how long practice was supposed to last, to begin with.I could see them practicing long before I got close. Besides the team and the cheerleaders, a few students were sitting in the stands watching the practice. I headed over and took one of the lower seats, apart from everyone else. I frowned over at the field, looking through the running bodies and trying to figure out which one was Evan. I did find him, but only because I glimpsed his name on the back of his jersey.My eyes followed him as he moved around the field, and I

School had let out, and for the first time in a long while, since I was in middle school probably, I headed straight home right after.I’d just arrived when I got a message. My phone was in my pocket, and I felt it vibrate as I got out of the car. I paused with the door open and pulled the phone out to see who was texting me. The name that came up on my screen surprised me.Hayley?I frowned and tried to think of who Hayley was. It took me a minute, but I did remember, and I straightened my back out, opening the text to read it.“Hey, Evan. Are you free?” “This is weird,” I muttered, frowning at my phone. I sent a quick text back.“What’s up?”“Can you come to my place?”Her reply was just as quick and left me shocked for a second time.Why would Hayley be texting me at all? I didn’t remember when I even gave her my number, though she could just as easily have gotten it from someone else. I’d seen her in parties before, so I vaguely knew her. Now, though, I also knew she was a friend

I opened my eyes, and for a moment, I was confused about where I was. My room was never this big, and the window faced into an alley, so while light came in, it was never bright enough to have me squinting my eyes. Even the bed I was laying on was different.Then I remembered. I wasn’t home, I was in Minnesota, staying at my grandma’s.I slowly got out of bed, wincing when I felt an ache in my back. I’d been a little too enthusiastic with chores yesterday. I felt sorry for my grandma who had to put me up because I was avoiding my own graduation. I’d finally told Mom about the pregnancy and we’d both decided it would be best if I hid before I got too big.My stomach had finally started to bump out a little bit. I was only in my third month still, so I wasn’t too big, but at least my family knew about me. Mom had helped with the school, though I was still worried about high school and if I’d have to repeat the year.As I walked into the bathroom, I grumbled to myself about my cowardice.

Even though I’d practically waited until last minute to make the decision, in the end, I did turn up for the wedding. Because it was happening by the beach in LA, I had a bit of a drive ahead of me all the way from Minnesota. I knew where I was going, though, and I had a car. It was Mom’s big day, and I didn’t intend to miss it.When I was close to where we were supposed to meet, I parked against the curb to call Mom to confirm. I was supposed to be meeting her at a hotel, but this was my first time in LA and I needed directions.“Anita! Where are you?”I sighed. “I’m close, at least. Can you tell me the name of the hotel and how to get there?”“Sure. Where are you now?”I looked outside and tried to describe to her where I was. After she figured out the street I was on, she gave me the instructions.“Hurry up and get over here,” she said with a happy laugh. “I have a dress waiting for you. It stretches, so I think it’ll fit you, but I can't say it will be comfortable.”“That’s fine,