Zip It, Lock It

Regrets

Jewel stayed silent as Philomena led her into the parking lot. Only when they sat down on a bench far from the entrance did she have the courage to talk.

"Thank you. No one has ever stood up for me. At least not like that,"Jewel said quietly, looking down at her hands.

Philomena nodded meekly, "I couldn't let her hurt you. I'm sorry I didn't stop her sooner."

Jewel's eyes widened, "Are you kidding me? You got her just in time!"

"Really?"

"Really! And I can't lie - what you did back there was amazing!"

"Uh, thanks. Your timing with the coffee was great, by the way."

"Thanks! But what do you say about going back to my house before the demon duo returns for round two?"

"Good idea," Philomena laughed.

---

"I feel kinda bad about what we did," Jewel admitted, "It was great standing up to her and everything, but I just realized the repercussions."

Philomena looked Jewel in the eye, "But here's the thing: we were standing up to a bully. Sure, there'll be lots of repercussions, Amanda is very popular, but that doesn't mean we should live in fear of her."

Jewel nodded, "I guess that makes sense."

"Besides, think of all of the kids who will hear about this and cheer, Jewel. A wall has been knocked down at last, giving those who do live in fear a chance."

"You're right! So what if Amanda is even angrier? We gave kids an opportunity!"

Philomena nodded and stood up, "I need to get home now. My mom will kill me if I don't get home soon. Bye!"

Jewel waved to her as she left, smiling at the thought of Amanda in the fountain and Rachel's coffee stained shirt.

---

Philomena arrived home as soon as she wanted to - after Fredrick had left.

Inside, her father was preparing lunch as her mother prepared a pitcher of lemonade. Both of them looked up when she walked inside, smiles plastered on their faces.

"Welcome home, Philomena!" her mother called out, her cheery tone was unsettling to Philomena who was used to her stony expression and guarded tone. Both adults walked towards the table and sat down, gesturing for Philomena to join them.

"Phil, we have some great news for you," her father smiled.

A knot formed in Philomena's stomach as he spoke. Coukd the knews really be good?

"In nine months...," her father started.

Oh no.

"You'll be getting a little brother or sister!" her mom finished.

Oh please no.

Philomena forced a smile, "That's awesome!"

Allowing her parents to forget about lunch and get absorbed it talking about their plans for the baby, Philomena slipped upstairs.

"More like half sibling," she muttered unhappily.