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Chapter 2: The Secret

The bell rang, echoing through the halls and jolting me from my thoughts. I gathered my things, glancing at Tara, who was animatedly chatting with a group of girls. I forced a smile, but all I could think about was the heavy weight of my secret.

"Hey, wanna sit together at lunch?" Tara asked, her enthusiasm brightening the mood.

"Sure, sounds good," I replied, though my heart sank at the thought. I could already picture the inevitable questions about my summer—questions I wasn't ready to answer.

As the day dragged on, each class felt like a ticking clock, counting down to lunch. I could feel my nerves tightening as I approached the cafeteria. The room was buzzing with energy, filled with laughter and the clatter of trays. I spotted Tara at our usual table, surrounded by friends. I took a deep breath and joined them, trying to appear calm.

"Hey, Mia! You made it!" Tara beamed, sliding a tray my way.

"Thanks," I said, forcing a smile as I picked at my food. My stomach churned, not from hunger, but from anxiety. I couldn't shake the feeling that everyone could sense something was off.

"So, did you do anything fun over the break?" one of the girls asked, looking at me expectantly.

I hesitated, my heart racing. "Just hung out with family and... read a lot," I replied, hoping it would satisfy them. The truth felt like a weight I couldn't bear to share.

The conversation flowed around me, laughter ringing in my ears, but I felt like an outsider looking in. My mind raced, running through scenarios where I'd have to reveal my pregnancy, and each one terrified me. What would they think? Would they still want to be my friends?

Suddenly, the cafeteria doors swung open, and a group of guys strolled in, laughter trailing behind them. I recognized Ethan, a boy I'd had a crush on since freshman year. He was charming, with a smile that could light up a room, but the sight of him sent a jolt of anxiety through me.

As he walked past our table, our eyes met for a brief second. My heart raced, but then he turned away, chatting with his friends. I looked down, the knot in my stomach tightening. Did he notice anything different about me?

"Earth to Mia!" Tara's voice pulled me back to reality. "What do you think? Should we join the cheer squad this year?"

"Uh, yeah, maybe," I mumbled, trying to sound enthusiastic. My mind was elsewhere, focused on the life growing inside me and how it would change everything.

Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see a girl from my chemistry class, Jenna. "Hey, Mia! Are you going to the pep rally this Friday? You should totally come!" she said, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Um, I'm not sure," I replied, feeling a wave of panic. The thought of being in a crowded gym, surrounded by everyone, felt overwhelming. What if someone noticed my bump? Or worse, what if they figured it out?

"Come on! It'll be fun," Jenna urged. I forced a smile, but inside I was spiraling. "Yeah, I'll think about it," I said, hoping to dodge the conversation for now.

As the lunch period wound down, I felt a mix of relief and dread. The day was almost over, but my reality awaited me, looming like a dark cloud. I couldn't keep pretending everything was fine. I needed to talk to someone, but who?

Walking to my last class, I spotted Tara in the hallway, her laughter ringing out like a lifeline. I hesitated, then made my decision. I couldn't keep this to myself any longer. Maybe it was time to share my truth with my best friend—if I could find the courage.

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, and I took a deep breath. Maybe today would be the day I'd find a way to let someone in.