High School Emison *One-shot Series*

The Parenting Project Pt. 1

The girls are sitting in class, waiting on their teacher to get back with their assignment. It's one they've each been dreading since they started at Rosewood High: "The Parenting" Project.

For one week, each student is paired with another student and they have to take care of their assigned baby. The teacher programs the doll and part of that process includes picking a name and having the students fill out a birth certificate for it.

The doll is then sent home with a special number A.K.A. a social security number, that will help the teacher track and examine how well the students took care of their baby.

The girls aren't excited about the project mainly because they've seen first hand how the dolls work. It cries, pees, poops and eats.

Hanna rolls her eyes. "This whole project is stupid."
"Yeah but we knew it was coming," shrugs Spencer. "We should have been prepared."
Aria looks around. "Guys, let's just make the most of it."
Emily smiles. "A baby isn't so bad."
All the girls look at her. "What? It's not!"
Ali smirks. "Well if it's a baby with you... then yeah. Not so bad."
"Ha! Don't even think about it! Me and Em are doing this together."
"Well, Hanna, technically, it's boys and girls paired together," said Spencer. "And, I'm pretty sure, Ali would want to be her own girlfriend's partner if that were the case."
Hanna groans. "Caleb doesn't even have this freaking period."
A girl named Beth walks up beside them.
"I heard that Mrs. Bunglesmidt is doing something different this year."
Ali looks at her, interested. "Something different like what?"
"Not sure but we're about to find out."

Mrs. Bunglesmidt walks in and Ali rolls her eyes. She's never cared for the strict old lady who always seemed to catch her doing bad things. Last time Ali had a run in with Mrs. Bunglesmidt caught her and Emily making out... Ali's hand in between Em's legs.

"Good morning, class."
"Good morning," several students mumbled.
"Aw! Don't sound so excited," she smiles, smiling even brighter as she catches Ali's glare.
Ali mumbles. "Bitch."
Emily elbowed her. "Stop before you get into trouble," she whispers.
"As many of you are aware, we will begin with our parenting project. You will be put in pairs and will be graded on how well you care for your baby."
"Mrs. Buglesmidt?" says a boy in the back.
"Yes Daniel?"
"Will we have to take it everywhere? I've got football practice."
"Well, that's what you have a partner for. And the event neither of you can watch it, find a babysitter."
Hanna texts the other girls. "This is going to be such a pain."
Ali writes back. "Right!"
Mrs. Buglesmidt hands out papers. "With the changing dynamics in the world, I will create several non-traditional couples for this project. And to create diversity... your partner may not be in this class."

The girls share a confused look. The teacher smirks.

"So pay attention to your paper and your first assignment is due tomorrow morning."

The girls all gathered together after getting their papers. Spencer rolls her eyes.

"Great! I've got freaking Noel Kahn!"
Aria smiles. "I've got Caleb."
"No fair," says Hanna as she looks down at her paper. "I've got Jenna!"
The girls quietly look around at each other, glad to not be Hanna.
Emily shyly looks up from her paper. "I've got... oh no."
"Oh no? Who's oh no?" Hanna says snatching her paper. "Oh my God."
"Who is it?" Ali says looking between Emily and Hanna.
"Class! You're dismissed! Remember to complete tonight's assignment! Getting together with your partner and introducing your baby is one of the biggest point earners!" she says sing-song style.
Hanna tries to change the subject. "Ali, who did you get?"
"Toby."
Spencer snickers. "Okay. Bunglesmidt is definitely playing games."
"There's my baby mama," Noel says, throwing an arm around Spencer.
"Ummm, could we not? And don't refer to me as that."
"But that's what you are this week. I got a smart baby mama!"

The girls laugh and walk to their next class... all of them besides Hanna and Emily forgetting to ask again about who the brunette's partner is. Hanna raises an eyebrow at Em.

"Well best friend, this is going to be quite the week."
Emily rolls her eyes. "Maybe she'll forget about it..."
"Yeah," Hanna laughs. "Not a chance."