The Baby Project [#Wattys2018]

Chapter Five ~ Life as we know it

August was just a ghost in the wind as September crept up on me in the silent night.

John and I were still not talking about everything that had happened. Who the hell was he to judge me? He doesn't know me. I'm not that innocent little girl that I am perceived to be. Then why am I judging him still? People change, right?

It seems like a distant reality that was knocking at my door, but as soon as it happened, slowly it became a faraway nightmare. It was just a project. How did I let my life get this way?

High school is supposed to be fun and a great experience. This is anything but amazing. I can't even fathom the possible outcome of this project when it is already such a mess. Life is meant to throw obstacles, but can I continue down this path of uncertainty?

Suddenly, I am startled back into reality when my phone buzzes on the table. Sliding the screen open, I click on my notifications. Surprisingly, it wasn't John - but an weather alert. I choose to ignore the alert until my phone vibrates like crazy. What now? I check on the messages and see that the first of many is from Kylie.

*******

Kylie: Hey there. Court and I are taking Gracie and Em to Rosewood Point Beach. You want to bring Jack with you? You haven't spoken to John have you? Rosie - he's acting like a childish ass.

Moaning, I breathe in and begin typing a message.

Me: I will try to make it out to see you guys, but I have been really busy lately. John isn't the guy I thought he was. Oh, I might have let him know that I wasn't a virgin. Plus, I left him while he was still in his boxers.

Soon my phone was getting spammed with notifications and I just glanced over them prior to replying to the nagging of my friends. I should have known Court would be yelling through her phone about my choice to be with John. It's not like she makes the best choices either - I mean Luke is a terrible choice. Why am I still judging her? Oh right... that's why.

Court: He's crazy! John is the worst mistake you have ever made. I know you hate hearing this, but you need someone that doesn't make you second guess everything. You need someone like Luke. He's amazing. Still don't understand why you hate him. I love you, but you know I am right.

Tossing my phone at the end of my bed, I gracefully fall back into bed. If only she knew why I despised him and then she wouldn't question my motives. One day I will probably think of him as a lesser evil, but for now he will still be related to Satan. Kicking my phone back to me, I notice that Kylie sent me a message.

Kylie: Does he know the other thing? His boxers? What were you thinking? Remember what happened last time?

Me: That he doesn't know yet. I know. I know. I'm not the smartest, but there's a sweet side to him. I promise you that. Talk to you later. Someone is here. Bye.

Sliding my phone under my pillow, I leap off my bed and run over to Jack's room; and scoop him up into my arms when his blue elephant drops. Bending down to pick it up, he giggles. Smiling, I swirl around and open the door.

Of all the people that had to show up to my door...it had to be him. Why him? He was on the bottle of the totem pole of issues I had to deal with.

"Hey? Don't shut the door on me. We need to talk now." insists Luke as Mark comes up behind him and waves at me. Rocking Jack, I lean against the door frame and look at them with anxiety.

"Rose. We love you like a sister. I know that Luke hasn't always been your favorite person..."

"He has never been my favorite person...okay maybe like once but we were young; but continue. What's up?" I say rolling my eyes towards Luke.