𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞

Z A C K

"This is going to be the first homework for the new groups."

Mrs Miller wrote the topic of the day in bold letters - Podcast. "This month is going to be a very busy, project filled month. I want you to work harder as a team and give me the best you can. As you can see, we're heading towards the end of the first semester. I want to make your final year easier, so that when you get there, things wouldn't be as difficult as you expect. I want you guys to be cooperative and supportive of each other. If I keep switching your partners, your creativity and talents will mix together with others to bring out the best of you."

I nodded in apprehension. Though I'm very good in English, I like to expand my knowledge with others. Working together in groups helps uncover what different people have in common and their differences.

"Duh, I'm still going to write my exams alone," Eric mumbled humorously. Though, a few students heard him and chuckled.

Mrs Miller moved around the classroom, holding a clipboard. "The first activity is about podcast. Not all teenagers are familiar with podcasts, but it's a great way to introduce lessons in an interesting way. We're going to listen to to the serial, an investigative journalism podcast and as a group, I want you guys to discuss about it and then write an essay highlighting and explaining the important aspects of the topic. But firstly, before we start, let's understand the concept of a podcast and how it works."

Just across me - a few feet away - Jenna sat upright with her usual glowing smile. Every five seconds, her tongue darts out to lick her lower lip. I let out a sigh, lost in my thoughts as students interact with Mrs Miller about the podcast. Slowly, my mind drifts to the misery I'm currently dealing with.

I was unable to sleep. Nor eat. All I could think about was the conversation. In fact, I had to skip the football practice yesterday to think clearly. I came up with nothing. I don't know what to believe and what not to. My mind keeps nudging to not to, but from the way Daisy spoke and how her eyes screamed honesty, my heart was heading to another direction. I'm confused about what to decide.

This is another life we're talking about not some family issues. Having a baby will forever change my life. I had never imagined myself being a father at seventeen, especially with the bad girl. Although, I like the abstract of having a baby, I wasn't expecting it to in my teen years, when I'm still a minor myself. I'm a hundred years too early.

I'm not ready to give up everything to take care of the baby. I'm not ready to face the hardship of fatherhood at an early age. I'm not ready to accept my destiny but I can't leave Daisy on her own. As bad as she sounds, I don't want her raising a kid all alone when she's also a minor. We've to go through this together to deal with the consequences of our actions.

But, I need to confirm whether I'm the father or not. I don't want to be forced to be a father, only to find out the baby's not mine. I know Daisy and all her dirty games but this time, she's serious. I'll try to dig in and find out from sources. If it turns out true, I'll have to inform my parents, as well as Maxwell High.

"I want you all to split your various groups," Mrs Miller declared.

I packed my stuff and went up to Jenna in a matter of seconds. I'm actually feeling guilty for sleeping with Daisy and betraying my feelings for Jenna. It's cruel of me to try to have a sister and cheat on her with her sister. I'm pretty sure she thinks of me as the bad boy with the capital b because of the way I turned down all offers from girls unapologetically.

"Hey Jenna," I whispered, before sitting next to her.

She looks at me with hooded eyelashes in obvious shyness. This is getting awkward because I don't know how to talk to my crush. She's a nerd provided that she hardly makes friends. She's either in the company of fellow nerds or behind a computer.