Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 45- Haven't You Heard?

Next week

Anastasia's POV

"Haven't you heard? Nikki is pregnant," Arlene says as we enter the school.

"Who's the father?" I ask.

Arlene shrugs.

I don't buy into rumors, and considering Nikki's history with guys, I'm surprised she didn't get pregnant sooner.

Everyone is gossiping about her pregnancy.

"What a slut."

"I bet it's that guy from the club."

"She slept with Blake last month; it's probably him."

"Or Jack."

The speculation continues.

Stephanie is at her locker with Nikki, deep in conversation.

I know I shouldn't eavesdrop, but I do.

"He wants me to get an abortion, but I want to keep the baby," Nikki says.

"Then keep it. He can't stop you; it's your choice," Stephanie replies. "Try to convince him to break up with his girlfriend and be with you."

The bell rings, and they walk away talking. Who's the father? Why does he want Nikki to have an abortion?

I catch up with Brandon for geography. He looks tired. We have a test today, and I'm prepared, but Brandon seems distracted, hardly writing anything.

After class, I see him by his locker while Nikki talks to Jackie a few lockers down.

"Hi, Brandy. Let's study in the library; we have fifteen minutes," I suggest. He nods.

We walk past Nikki and Jackie, who stare at us, Jackie smirking. Brandon puts his arm around my waist, and I look up to see him smile.

We spend the next fifteen minutes in the library before I head to algebra with Luke, Kyle, Arlene, and Justin.

As I sit down and take out my book, Justin says, "Rumors have been flying all morning." I nod.

Brandon is hiding something, and I plan to find out what.

****

After school, I drive to the pizza place where Brandon works and wait for him. When he arrives, he's surprised to see me.

"Hi Ana, what can I get you?" he asks.

"I want my old boyfriend back. Ever since the Halloween party, you've barely spent time with me."

He sighs and sits down. "I've been training for races to impress scouts for the 2024 Olympics."

I hug him. "I had no idea. Follow your dream; don't let me hold you back." He nods and kisses me.

My dad is dating a woman named Stacy, whom I met once. She's slim, with blonde hair and gray eyes, and owns a small business. She divorced five years ago after meeting my dad at a business meeting.

I drive home to find both my dad's and Stacy's cars in the driveway. I open the front door to see Stacy.

"Hello, Anastasia. How was school?" she asks.

"Fine, just rumors about someone being pregnant," I reply. She nods.

I like her; she's down-to-earth, but her face reminds me of someone.

"Do you have a daughter?" I ask.

She freezes. "Yes, one. She lives with her father and is the same age as you. I barely see her."

"What's her name?" I inquire.

"Steph—" she starts but is interrupted by my dad.

"Anne, you're home! I was thinking about you and Stacy going out for some bonding time."

"Sorry, but I have revision to do," I say.

"Oh no, you're going out whether you like it or not," he insists, taking my bag and pushing me out with Stacy.

We drive to the mall, and I text Arlene to meet us there. I get out of the car, and Arlene approaches.

"Let's go shopping!" she says, but I stop her.

I introduce her to Stacy, and we head off. Stacy lets us choose our clothes, and then we see Stephanie and Jackie.

"Oh look, the nerd is shopping," Stephanie says, with Jackie chuckling.

Stacy gasps when she sees Stephanie. "Anastasia, what about this—" she starts, then turns pale.

Stephanie grabs Jackie and storms out of the store.

What just happened?

"I'm going to get some air. Meet me by the car in an hour," Stacy says, handing me her credit card.

When she leaves, Arlene says, "That was weird." You can say that again.

***

Dad asks, "How was shopping?"

"Great," I reply while eating dinner, waiting for Brandon to text me when he gets home.

Instead, I text Gregory.

Me: Hi Greg, what are you doing?

Greg: Babysitting my little sister.

Me: I'm revising because I'm bored.

Greg: Still no text from lover boy?

Me: He's probably busy.

Greg: Yeah, probably, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Me: Me neither.

I sign out of Facebook and continue revising.

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