My Life with the Boys

Chapter 26- Junior Year of College (Part Three)

The months that followed Ethan's death were the toughest couple of months of my life. I missed a lot of school because I was recovering at home for a while and then eventually I managed to go back and get through finals. I felt like a robot, automatically going through the motions of everyday life. It was a miracle that I even managed to pass my exams.

Meanwhile Zack has been busy packing up Ethan's stuff from the apartment and sending it to his parent's house. He was also very busy getting ready to graduate. So I have basically spent all my time alone not really saying much to anyone. Well of course I am not exactly alone. Not that anyone knows that. I have yet to tell a soul about the pregnancy. Only my doctor knows my little secret.

I still had no idea what I was going to do. I have been busy trying to get over finals. Then worry about it later. But this morning, a week after finals, it suddenly became real.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror in my bedroom as I have for the past twenty minutes. Right there, where my flat stomach used to be is I tiny bump. Barely noticeable if you weren't looking for it. You would probably think I just ate a big lunch. But I could see it. I mean sure I have had other signs but this felt more real. I have had nausea and feel tired all the time. Not to mention I was hungry. A lot. But most people just assumed that it was from what I have been through, not only emotionally but physically too.

I only got off the crutches a few days ago and my leg is covered in scars from the surgery. The doctors told me I may not be able to dance the way I used to ever again. Just another thing that was taken away from me in the accident.

"Ally? Are you in here?" I hear Zack walking in and I quickly pull down my t-shirt to cover my stomach.

"Yeah." I respond.

"Can you come out here for a minute? I need to tell you all something." He asks and I nod, following him out into the living area.

We find Sam and Laura sitting next to each other on the couch and Nicole sitting on Noah's lap on the arm chair. I join Sam on the couch as we wait for Zack to speak.

"So, I have some news. As you guys know, I graduate tomorrow and I have been thinking a lot about what I am going to do next. So I decided that... that I am going to move to Australia to be with my dad." Zack announces.

"What?" I respond shocked. He was leaving us? So not only do I lose Ethan but I lose Zack too? In what universe does he think this is okay?

Like the last time he almost left to go to Australia, I stand up without a word and walk into my room, slamming the door behind me and locking it. I was furious with him and I didn't want to say something that I would regret.

I feel like I am just losing one thing after the other. Why would he leave? When his mum died I was with him through it all. We both just lost our best friend. I need him but apparently I am not important enough for him to stick around.

Not wanting to stay in the place that reminds me of all I lost any longer, I grab my suitcases and start packing up all my stuff. When I think the coast is clear I go into Ethan's old room and find the leftover cardboard boxes and bring them into my room so I can finish packing up the rest of my stuff up. I then text Noah asking him if he could come over. I hear the door open and I call him over to my room.

"Hey. Got your text. What do you need?" he asks, curiously looking around my packed up room.

"I am leaving. Classes are done so I am going to go home. I can't stay here any longer. Can you help me take these boxes to my car?" I ask.

I would do it by myself but my leg is still pretty bad and I don't think I am supposed to lift anything heavy anyway.

"You are leaving? What about graduation?"