Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Chapter 6

Nancy's POV

School had finally ended. The last half of the day felt like an eternity instead of mere hours. I survived it though. That was the main thing about school, it was survivable. I absolutely dreaded going there, but I could tolerate it because I knew I would survive.

I walked out of school alongside June and Benny. They were talking about something, I wasn't exactly sure. I wasn't paying much attention to them. My mind was all over the place. It was in a ton of places at once. I was focused on far too many things, and far too many people as well. I still couldn't get Bertram off my mind. He now has an official spot in my brain. Unlike before, Ham was lingering in his own spot in the back of my brain. All the talk about him and Alicia forced my brain to think about him. I didn't know how I was feeling at this point. I still liked Ham, but for some reason, my heart seemed to beat faster when I was with Bertram. I don't know where my head, or I guess where my heart, is at.

Benny and June talked the entire journey home while my thoughts sucked me into a void of confusion. I became even more confused when I got inside my house. My mom and aunt were awkwardly standing in the kitchen with suspicious smiles on their faces. June and Benny looked just as confused as I was. Benny came inside with us because apparently him and June do homework together every day after school. If that wasn't one of the cutest things you ever heard, I don't know what would be.

The three of us stared blankly into the kitchen until someone spoke up.
"Juney-" June's mom started but got abruptly cut off.
"I'm sorry, what did you just call me?" June asked.
June's mom laughed. "Juney."
"Oh no, what happened?' June said.
"What do you mean?" June's mom crossed her arms and laughed again. "Why would something have to happen?"
"Mom, you haven't called me Juney since I was like eight years old," June was the one laughing now.
"I have never heard you call her Juney before. I didn't even know that was a nickname she had," Benny said. "I might have to start using it myself."
"No, no you don't," she replied.
"I think I might have to. I mean, it's adorable. How could I not use it?" As always when he teased June, a small smirk formed on his face.
"Is there any possibility of me stopping you?" That was wishful thinking from June.
Benny shook his head. "No."
"I didn't think so, but it was worth a shot," she admitted defeat. "Anyways, what is going on mom?"
"I have a surprise for you," June's mom couldn't contain her excitement. She smiled ear to ear and ran out of the room to get the mysterious surprise. June turned towards me. "Do you know what's going on?"
"No, I have no idea what's happening," I said. I don't think June saw this, but I saw Benny's entire demeanor change. He wasn't confused anymore and he seemed excited like June's mom. Maybe he knew what the secret surprise was.

A few silent minutes passed by, but we suddenly heard a dog barking. Then a large black dog, a Labrador Retriever I believe, sprinted into the kitchen at full speed.
"Who's dog is this?" June asked.
"He's your dog," June's mom laughed.
"What do you mean he's my dog?" There wasn't a word to describe the level of confusion June was experiencing.
"That's the surprise Juney. I know you've wanted a dog your entire life and now is a really good time to get one, so I did," June's mom explained. June looked around in disbelief. She was completely and utterly dumbfounded. While she looked around, her eyes landed on Benny. He was smiling and chuckling softly to himself.
June raised an eyebrow. "Did you know about this?"
"Yeah, I helped your mom get the dog," Benny said. June's face turned a light shade of red and she smiled brightly. She laid a hand on his cheek and kissed him.
"Can you two stop being so cute for like two seconds?" I giggled. Benny and June both rolled their eyes, but I saw them both blushing as well.
"Anyways, back to the dog," June's mom redirected the conversation, "His name is Jack and he is three years old. Here is his collar and leash. He's all yours Juney." June's mom held out a red collar and a matching red leash. June eagerly took it out of her hands.

After June thanked her mom and Benny about a million times, we settled down and started working on our homework. Benny stayed over and did his homework with us. Jack kept his head rested on June's lap the entire time. I could already tell this dog would have a huge impact on June's life.

Author's Note: Chapter 6!! This chapter is just a fun and kind of random thing I came up with at 3am. I promise that even though it's random, it's not unimportant. Remember, every scene and chapter is important in some way. I do everything for a reason. Also, I love Juney as a nickname for June 😂
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!! 😊❤️
Just like all the previous chapters, I proofread but if you see any typos please let me know! 👍