Hardin Scott has been madly in love with Tessa Young since the moment he first laid eyes on her, but there's no way she could ever see him as anything more than a friend. After all, he's a bad boy with a promiscuous past and she's a sweet and innoce...
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The next morning, I desperately try to get Tessa to skip school and stay in bed with me, but she refuses and gets ready for school. I never want to go another day without her, so I get ready, too.
On the drive to school we discuss our lunch plans.
"Hardin, are you absolutely sure about having Emma spend lunch with us? I don't need you upsetting her even more than she already is."
"I'm sure, Tessa. You act like I'm a dick to everyone except you."
Tessa raises her eyebrow and stares at me.
"Okay, so maybe I am, but I'm trying to be better because I love you."
"Okay, Hardin. It means a lot that you're doing this for me."
"I'd do anything just to get another minute with you."
Once we're at school, Tessa and I go to Literature and then our next classes before meeting up for lunch.
I make my way to our lunch spot, but stop myself from walking to the table when I hear Tessa and Emma say my name. I decide to eavesdrop on their conversation about me.
"So, when did you find out?" Emma asks Tessa.
"This morning, but I'm afraid to tell Hardin. I don't think he even likes children."
"You better tell him soon, so he can adjust to the idea."
"I know. I just have to find the right moment."
Holy shit. Tessa's... pregnant?! And she's scared to tell me. I know we weren't planning this. We haven't even talked about it. I've never even thought about it. But I'd never abandon her. I don't want her to be scared to tell me this.
I think about rushing over to her and telling her that I heard everything and it's all going to be okay, but I decide against it. I want her to tell me when she's ready. I wait another minute before I walk over to our lunch table and pretend I didn't hear anything.
"Hardin!" Tessa squeals as she hugs me.
"Hi, Tess," I chuckle. "Hey, Emma."
"Hey, Hardin. I'm so glad to hear you and Tessa are back together and you're not a cheating dirtbag after all."
"Um, thanks?" I laugh.
"Sorry, I'm a little bitter after what Noah did to me."
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. You didn't deserve that. Do you want me to go beat the shit out of him? It'd be no trouble at all."
"Hardin!" Tessa shouts.
"Actually, that's not a bad idea," Emma replies.
"Emma!" Tessa shouts again.
"What? He offered." Emma shrugs.
"Don't encourage him! And here I thought you guys wouldn't get along, but instead you're planning your crime spree together."
"Calm down, Tess. I'm only joking." I don't want Tessa to get all worked up in her condition.
All through lunch I find myself staring at Tessa, wondering if she feels tired, or nauseous, or scared, or worried. I hope she doesn't notice how weird I'm acting.
"Well, I better get going. This was actually fun," Emma giggles. "Bye, Hardin. I'll see you in yoga, Tessa." Emma waves goodbye as she leaves.
"Tess, are you sure going to yoga is a good idea?"
"Yeah. Why not?" Tessa asks, confused.
"Oh, um, no reason," I say, realizing I almost said too much.
"Okay, Hardin, I'll meet you after yoga is over."
"Wait, let me help you carry your stuff to your next class."
"Why?"
"I feel like being chivalrous today."
"Are you feeling okay?" Tessa asks as she feels my forehead.
"I'm fine, Tess."
"Are you sure? You're acting really weird. Did you not like Emma being here?"
"What? No, lunch was fine. I just..."
"Yes?"
"Tess, do you have something you want to tell me?"
"No. Is there something you need to tell me, Hardin?"
"No," I sigh. "Let's get you to your next class." I grab Tessa's books for her.
As I wait for Tessa to meet me after yoga, I find myself worrying that she might have hurt herself or the baby in class. I really need to talk about this with Tessa. It's driving me insane. I have no idea when she'll finally be ready to tell me, but the more time I have to think about it, the better I feel. Tessa will finally marry me and we can start a family together. It'll just be me, Tessa and our beautiful daughter, who will look just like her gorgeous mum.
"Earth to Hardin!" Tessa says as she gets into the car. "Are you okay?"
"Actually, I am," I say, surprising myself at how happy I feel about having a baby with Tessa.
