August.
Jessica is now seventeen weeks pregnant. After discussing homeschooling with her parents, Bill and Suzanne thought it would be best for Jessica to stay in school. This of course broke Jessica's heart. She had severe anxiety even thinking about stepping food in that school.
Sarah felt for her friend and promised not to leave her side, and to hurt those who tried hurting her best friend.
At seventeen weeks the baby is starting to make itself known to the world. Since Jessica is so petite it is starting to become more and more obvious she's pregnant.
**
Today is the first day of school and Jessica's stomach is in knots. She wore a loose fitting black top to hide her bump, but she swore it wasn't enough.
"Good morning, Jessica." Bill says as Jessica makes her way downstairs.
"Good morning, do I look pregnant?"
"Well let me look at you."
"That's it, I need a bigger top!"
"No! No, I just hadn't taken a good look at you. No, it's hidden. Go eat something before you have to go."
Jessica sighs and walks into the kitchen. "I don't know what to eat anymore. This baby hates everything!"
"What about toast?" Suzanne asks.
Jessica makes a face. "No. Not that either."
"Well I don't know what to offer you. That thing is picky!"
Jessica frowns and places her hand on her bump as she looks down to it.
"I'll just take some yogurt."
"You have to eat more than that."
"I don't want anything else, I'll just pack some snacks."
"Alright. Well I have to go to work. Have a good first day."
"Thanks.."
**
A few hours later.
Things were different this year. The bullies sort of moved on, and the ones who haven't Sarah made sure to deal with. Jessica was relieved, but she knew once her bump grew they'd pick on her once again.
During lunch Sarah and Jessica sat together.
"You okay, Jess?"
Jessica looks around and takes a deep breath. Jessica fought back tears.
"It's just weird being here. It brings me back to the day it happened. I feel scared but.. relieved he isn't here to bother me."
"Yeah. Bill had your back on that one."
"He did! I'm glad.. he's a lot nicer than Suzanne."
Sarah scoffs. "Yeah she's a bitch."
"You and that mouth!"
"Mhm!" Sarah smiles.
".... I feel so awkward. The story made the news. Yeah they didn't use my name, but they know he molested a student, and guess who's the only one pregnant in junior high? ME!"
"I know, I'm sorry."
"It's fine." Jessica sighs. "In other news, I was on Bill's computer last night and I was reading up on the symptoms I should be expecting this week."
