Just Good Friends

Chapter 53

JULIE's POV

~Monday~

I was making my way through the crowd of students towards my Writing 101 class. I actually woke up on time today, which surprised me. I was a few steps away from my class when Dana bumped into me.

"Ow, sorry!"

"Watch where you're going, bi-- oh. Julie?"

I adjusted my backpack on my shoulder. "Dana, sorry about that. I didn't mean to run into you."

"Wow, can't even recognize you these days. Sweatshirt, jeans..." She looks up at my hair. "And a messy bun? Wow. You don't even try anymore. Welp, I suppose looks don't matter now since you're off the cheer squad."

She snickers with LaDelle following her lead. I look down at my clothes... I can't look that bad, right?

"Well... it's just been kind of rough these days," I attempt to explain. I clear my throat and eye a few students glancing at me and snickering once again. Seriously? I really don't need another week of this.

"Oh, of course. I couldn't imagine what you're going through..." Dana replies with a more sincere tone and puppy dog eyes. "A breakup, your grandmother dying, and possibly becoming a mother... it's... it's all so shocking, I bet."

I narrow my eyes at her, seeing her smirk.

"Listen, Dana. Please don't tell anyone about that last part. There's already enough rumors going around and I just don't want any more unneeded attention. Especially about... that."

I lower my voice as I'm sharing this. I barely just found out myself that I'm pregnant, and I'm still getting used to the whole idea. Not to mention the aches and pains. And morning sickness. I don't really know what I'm gonna do. I mean, abortion isn't an option since my Catholic family would never allow it. I have no idea how my life will look in a few months. So, I don't need any more added stress or drama.

"Oh, sweetie. Of course! Your secret is safe with me. I just hope you give Diggy some heads-up before you plan to do anything else. He's too good of a guy for you."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, he's the baby's father, isn't he? Or was that Chris?" She acts like she's trying to think while glancing at LaDelle.

I step closer to her, lowering my voice. "No. Neither of them are the father. That was all rumors--"

"Dang, so you got ANOTHER dude sleeping with you?!"

LaDelle laughs like a hyena.

"No, it's--"

"Easy is not a good look on you, hun," Dana says.

"Easy, Peasy, Lemon Squeezy!! Haha!" LaDelle adds with a chuckle.

"Look, just don't get Diggy mixed up in your chaos. He has a good reputation here, and if that was to get messed up because of your BS rumors... that wouldn't be good." Dana eyes me up and down with disgust. Since when was she so mean?

"I'm sorry, but I don't know what Daniel has to do with this."

"'Cuz that's my man, and I'd be dumb to let some baby mama drama ruin a good relationship. So I'm telling you, just leave him alone, aight?"

She walks away and I feel more confused. A relationship? There's no way Daniel would date her. She's too mean; he's way too good for her.

Before I could gather my thoughts, she turns back around. "Oh! And I need you to return your cheer uniform by the end of the week. And make sure you wash it really good. Don't need our new cheerleader smelling like seafood..."