You had only been home for a few days, but not much had changed. You and Josh hadn’t spoken about anything that happened on the trip so you just assumed he was sticking with the plan of hooking up with just an ‘on the trip’ thing. You hadn’t been alone again yet though and talking about anything serious when surrounded by your group of friends was near impossible.
Today it was just the two of you, though since he agreed to tag along with you to the music store. You needed to grab some stuff for the boys before your gig the next day.
Josh: “So, I know Jaden can play guitar. What about the rest of you?”
You: “Well Zack was our drummer. Jaden does play guitar but he’s also an amazing singer. I sing some, but mostly I play piano.”
Josh: “Wow, I would actually really love to hear that.”
You: “Well sadly, I think this is going to be a one time gig kinda thing.”
Josh: “You never know. Look at us. I was sure this was gonna be a one time thing and I’d never see you again. Now look… I can’t get rid of you.”
You shoved your handful of supplies against his chest as he scrambled to catch it all: “Oh, shut up.”
Josh scoffed: “Make me.”
You laughed and hoped he didn’t see the flush of pink across your face just hearing those words from him caused. Josh filled the silence by bringing the subject back to your music: “Are you sure you’re not gonna keep playing?”
You: “I mean, I would love to but Jaden is the reason we stopped playing gigs. He just really needs to focus on basketball to get through college.”
Josh: “I was thinking. I mean- if this really is gonna be a one of a kind show… maybe I could come and listen?”
You: “The only people allowed there are the ones who went to prom. I have an exception because I’m IN the band.”
Josh: “You’re not going to your own senior prom?”
You: “Nah I don’t really wanna be the single one there when everyone else is coupled up.”
Josh: “I’ll take you.”
He must have seen your wide-eyed look because he added: “I mean as friends. We could go as friends. People do that, right?”
You: “I- I don’t even have a dress.”
Josh: “Let’s go buy one, come on.”
He grabbed the bag after paying for your stuff while you were still in shock and then dragged you down the street to a shop. He pulled you into the dress shop but before you could gain your bearings you bumped into Amelie: “Hey, what are you doing here?”
Amelie: “I hate the dress I picked so my mom sent me back with her credit card to try to replace it before the dance.”
Josh: “I convinced her to go, after all. It’s gonna take me renting a tux but who cares.”
Amelie: “Oh my God. Guys!! That’s amazing!”
You cycled through trying dress after dress as Josh sat in a chair near the waiting room holding all the maybes. He laughed with each dress you tried. He shook his head and scrunched his nose at the ridiculous ones and smiled at the pretty ones.
In the fitting room you looked over the stall to make sure Josh wasn’t within listening distance and then took a deep breath: “Have you ever forgotten to take a pill?”
Amelie: *from the fitting room next to you* “You mean like THE pill? Yeah, of course. I mean it was before I was active but my doctor always told me to just make up the one you missed the next day.”
You: “What about if you forgot 2?”
Amelie stepped out of her changing room and opened your door as you were still struggling to adjust your dress: “You’ve been using protection right?”
You: “I mean, yeah. Obviously. Just- There was one time in a hot tub and we didn’t even have our suits much less- It’s fine. Right?”
Amelie: “You need to take a test. Oh my God.”
You: “I’m not even technically that late yet. I just- I’m not really worried. I’ll stress about it if I still don’t start after tomorrow.”
You hurried out to where Josh still sat, oblivious to your conversation or panic and had his face buried in his phone. When he noticed your shadow over him, he looked up. His eyes twinkled as he spoke: “Wow.”
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The next day everyone was supposed to get ready at your house. Amelie showed up before anyone else and was holding a small paper bag.
Amelie: “Don’t be mad. This test says it works up to 5 days early and I really think you need to know sooner than later.”
You: “I- I can’t.”
Amelie: “This test isn’t gonna change anything. Whatever is meant to happen has already happened. But if being pregnant is what’s meant to happen then you need to know.”
You stared at the box for a few moments when suddenly Emma, Mads, and Bryce all rushed into the room carrying bags full of makeup and gowns. You hurried and hid the box under your bathroom sink and then spent the rest of the afternoon getting ready with your friends. Josh and Jaden showed up but Josh lost all focus when he saw you: “Wow. You look beautiful.”
He handed you the flowers he was holding and you smiled as you took in the sweet aroma of the roses.
Mads: “Wait, where’s Griffin and Eva?”
Amelie: “They are just meeting us there. Jaden refused to ride with him.”
Emma: “You can’t stay mad forever, dude. It was an accident.”
Jaden: “He got my girlfriend hurt and almost took my sister’s life. No, forgiveness isn’t an option.”
When everyone finished up, your mom posed you all for photos and then took some candid shots while Josh helped you fix your hair and necklace. She pulled you to the side and warned: “Not too late, okay?”
You: “Can I just be home at the same time as Jaden?”
Mom: “Jaden is an adult, now. It’s different.”
Dad: *interrupting* “She has a point, dear. Look, your mom and I are leaving right after this for our anniversary weekend trip. Just get home safe, okay?”
Mom: *adding* “And text us to let us know-”
Your dad handed you the keys to his huge SUV and smiled: “If you have a party behind our back, make sure you clean up.”
Your mom just shook her head and waved goodbye as you all loaded up to head off to the dance.
