The Secret.

The Confrontation.

It is now senior year for Alex and Saige. Ainsley followed through with her plan and dropped out. She is now living somewhere in California with her new husband, Matt. Since she was able to get her GED early, she picked up some classes at the same university Matt goes to. He goes to school during the day, she goes to school during the night. A win for a win.

Saige completed her first day of her senior year when she sees Matt's old car outside. Ainsley is leaning on the passenger side door, waiting for Saige. Saige sees her and instantly, tries to walk by.

"Saige, please. Wait." yells Ainsley.

"Yes?"

"I need to be honest with you about something."

"I really don't have time for this."

"Alex is not the father of my baby. Matt is. I just lied to make everyone's life hell."

"Why? You put us through hell!"

"I know." started Ainsley. "I know. I'm sorry. It's just, I wanted what you have."

"Well, I hope you got it."

"I did. Thank you. Here." Ainsley hands her a copy of the DNA test, showing that Matt Jr. is 100% Matt's child. Saige looks at it and nods her head.

"Thank you, Ainsley."

"You're welcome. So, what did you name her?"

"Emma. So, you have a junior?"

"Yup. He looks just like his dad."

They both smile and share pictures. For an instant, Saige remembered what it was like to have a friend again. She wishes that she could forgive her, but every time she looks at Ainsley, she sees Alex and the mistake he made. She tires to forgive, but she just can't.

"You know, we can't be friends again, right?"

"Yeah. I wish we could, but I understand."

"Sure. Look, I have to go. It was nice seeing you. Take care."

"You too." 

Saige spots Alex in the parking lot. He looks so different. His hair is short, he is a little taller, and his body is more toned. He helps her inside the car and they drive off.

He asks nothing about what happened with Ainsley. He doesn't want to know, nor does he care.

They drive down the street blasting music enjoying life. 

"Alex?"

"Yeah?"

"I want to bump up the wedding."

He smiles. "I already did."

Telling the parents. 

The first week of school is finally over, so Saige and Alex ask all the parents to come over. When they finally gather, they all sit down on the couch.

"We decided to bump up the wedding." announced Alex.

"We want to be a family where we all have the same last names." added in Saige.

"Alright. That's fine. Do you need any help?" asked Marcy.

"Yeah, Saige. You are my daughter. Anything you need, I'm here for."

"Well." added in Alex. "The ROTC program is going to cover most of it.

A phone begins to ring.

"Alex, baby. That's your phone."

"Oh, shit. It's the commander. Let me take this."

He excuses himself from the family and steps outside. A five minute phone call felt like a ten hour torture secession. How is he supposed to tell everyone this?

"Saige?" beckoned Jennifer.

"Yeah, Mom?"

"I'm pregnant."

"Oh, my God!" She leaps up and hugs her mother with joy. They all start to celebrate when Alex walks back in.

He interrupts. "Guys, we have to change our plans for after senior year."

"Why baby?" worries Saige.

He looks at her with worry in his eyes and a lump in his throat.

"I'm being deployed."