Just Friends: A Noah Beck Story

78- Pep Rally

You walk into the pep rally with Indiana and everyone near your seats stares in shock as you make your way through the row. Some kid makes a smartass remark about how you've really let yourself go and before you can say a word or run, Nick steps between you two and decks the guy. He turns to ask you if you're ok and freezes as he looks down at your stomach:
"Woah..."

You: "Yeah..."

Nick: "That explains so much. The crying, the eating, the always feeling crappy. Sorry just so much makes sense right now."

You: "Thanks? I think?"

Nick: "Wait, Noah left after he got you pregnant? What a piece of sh-"

You: "No, no. He has no idea. Actually I'd really rather not talk about it right now. I'm trying really hard to keep a low profile to be honest."

You watch Addison and Bryce crowned Prom King and Queen and turn to Dixie and see her face looking pale as if she'd seen a ghost. You look in the direction her gaze is fixated and see Griffin standing at the bottom of the bleachers talking to Blake.

You: *turning to Nick*
"Can you move and let me out please. I need to go."

Nick: "What's wrong? It's not over yet?"

You: "Now Nick. I have to go."

He moves his legs and you push past hurrying out of the gymnasium doors and run smack into someone. Without even looking up you know exactly who it is. You can feel it.

Noah: "Y/N?"

You can't even bring yourself to look up at him but you can feel him staring at you. He lifts your chin so that you're looking him in the eyes.

Noah: "I was looking for you..."

You: "Why would you be looking for me here? I don't go to school here anymore?"

Noah: "Wait, what? Why would you not-"

Before he can finish his question he notices your swollen stomach and looks like he's about to pass out. You struggle to get out any words that resemble an excuse and are just frozen.

Noah: "Are- Are- Wait... are you pregnant?"

You: "I need to go"

You try to turn and run again but he holds your arm.

Noah: "Are you- Is that- Is it mine?"

You: "I've never been with anyone but you."

Noah: "How far along are you?"

You are so ashamed and realize how foolish you were to think you could ever keep this a secret from him:
"Eight months..."

Noah: "Oh. My. God."

You: "Yeah..."

Noah: "Why didn't you tell me? I would have stayed here. I would have helped you."

You: "And that's why I didn't tell you."

Noah: "That doesn't even make sense, Y/N. Can you please say something that makes any sense because I'm freaking out right now!"

You: "You were so excited about your future. A future I was just as excited about being a part of. And you decided you didn't see me in that future after all and I accepted that. I don't need the pity of you wanting me just because my daughter and I are a package deal."

Noah: "That's not fair! You didn't give me a chance to explain anything or tell you what I wanted- Wait. Did you say daughter?"

Nick and Dixie finally catch up with you and interrupt and you beg them to take you home. They don't hesitate and rush you to the car leaving Noah stunned.