Sunny Side Up - JJ Maybank

4

JJ slept in my bed with me, it wasn't weird because we'd done it before and there was nothing between us, he was my best friend. He had been for 18 years and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

When we woke up the next day, JJ suggested that we told my mother before we told the Pogues. She was coming home in two weeks and it was unlikely I was going to 'show' in that short time span, so there was no need to tell the others. It would make things more complicated.

On the days leading up to my mother's arrival I was terrified. JJ had slept at my house every night since I found out I was pregnant, and the night before my mother was due to arrive home, my bed felt empty without him.

I felt awful pretending to be happy, embracing her with hugs and kisses and asking about her travels. It felt like I was lying to her, by keeping this huge secret, but I had to wait for the perfect time.

"Sweetie you look pale, are you getting enough sleep?" she asked, putting a concerned hand to my cheek which almost made me cry.

Would she be this loving and caring when she found out what I'd done?

"I'm fine Mom," I reassured, but she could tell something was up.

"If you're sure, Sunny."

I took a deep breath and sat up in my bed, pulling my knees to my chest as I avoided her gaze.

"Actually Mom there's something I need to tell you."

She took a seat next to me on the bed and I felt numb. I wasn't even crying this time.

"I'm pregnant," I blurted, unable to keep it in for any longer.

"What?" she whispered, her voice as cold as ice.

"I swear I used protection but the condom split," I told her.

"Was it your first time having sex?" she asked angrily.

I knew it would be worse if she knew the truth so I lied and told her it was, to try and make things slightly easier.

She still kicked me out the house though.

The truth was, JJ and I had lost our virginities to each other when we were 15 to get it over with and never spoke of it since.

I made my way over the Chateau, knowing that I was always welcome there. I would have to tell them that my Mom had kicked me out, but I wasn't ready to tell them I was pregnant yet.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw JJ on the front porch, a blunt in his hand. I was about to ask for a hit when I realised I couldn't do that anymore. I had a baby inside of me. I may not have planned it but I was gonna make damn sure that it was taken care of while it was my responsibility.

"Sunshine, you alright?" JJ called, spotting me walking over.

"I told my Mom and she's kicked me out. I'm gonna see if John B will let me stay here for a while but I'm not ready to tell them about- y'know- yet."

JJ nodded and followed me inside; John B was watching TV on the sofa with Pope next to him. I could hear some girl's voices from the spare bedroom so I presumed Kie and Sarah were here too. The whole gang.

"Hey, Sunny, I didn't think you were coming over tonight. Didn't your mom get back from her trip today?" John B asked when I walked inside.

"Yeah she's home, we had an argument though, is it okay if I sleep here tonight?"

"Yeah no problem. JJ and Sarah are staying anyway."

"Thanks man."

He pulled me into a hug and I was grateful for the comfort.

Pope offered me a beer and gave me a strange look when I declined but I just told him I was tired. Sarah and Kie filled me in on the latest gossip and then Kiara left, followed shortly by Pope.