Two Weeks Before Graduation. (Part 2)

As usual, class went on, Chris fidgeting in his seat. While the teacher attended to a phone call, he turned around and just looked at Michelle. Rudy leaned over in his seat and started talking to her.1

"What’s wrong with him?"2

"No idea . . . he’s just being Chris I guess."3

"Yeah, maybe graduation being so soon has had its effects on everyone, huh?"4

"Yeah . . . that’s it, graduation."5

The bell rang for second period and the teacher called out, "Class, don’t forget, your senior essays are due on Monday!"6

Half the class was already out of the room though. Chris waited for her outside, telling Rudy and Adam to go on, and that they’ll meet up at lunch. He grabbed Michelle and sat her down. They both had the same class that period - they were teacher’s aides and the teacher really didn’t need them that week considering it was the Friday before finals all the class was doing was review.7

"You said you tested today," he started off.8

"I did."9

"Come on Michelle, its me, Chris. Don’t fuck around – you’ve had me worried for over two weeks. I at least deserve to know!"10

She hushed him and said they should go grab something to eat, then talk about it. 11

She bought a bag of pretzels and an orange soda and he didn’t get anything. She sat down on a bench nearby and started to fiddle with the soda’s bottle cap.12

"Shell, I’ve got all day, but at least tell me if you’re going to tell me or not."13

"Chris, I am. At least, that’s what the tests say. I’m going into this free clinic thing tomorrow and I was wondering if you’d go with me?"14

"It’s not a shock, but I must say I’m not very happy with this but, of course, Ill go with you – it’s the least I can do I guess."15

That was it, nothing else was said or done. Those last 20 minutes felt like a lifetime. She remembered she had her cell phone in her pocket - she didn’t remember putting it there. There was a text message from Heather. "Meet us by the school sign before Pysch," was all it said. She hugged Chris and left as the bell rang, waiting for whoever ‘us’ happened to be. Adam, Rudy, Heather and Tanya all walked over to her. ‘They must know something, but I barely told Chris,' she thought. ‘Was someone there? Did someone overhear me? How in the world would they know?’ 16

"What’s going on Shell?" Heather asked.17

"Nothing?" She responded.18

"Well, if you don’t want to tell us, at least let us know you’re all right. You’ve got us worried, you were no where to be found at all this week. This is basically the last time we’re going to be seeing each other. I have one more year here and I just want to know you’re going to be alright."19

"Its a long story, but I’ll tell you at lunch - until then, don’t worry about me. I’m going to be all right."20

Heather and Michelle walked to their Psychology class together. It was one of those days where teachers were just as lazy as the students – a ‘no work, just make sure it doesn’t get too loud’ day. Heather walked over to Michelle’s desk half way through the period and sat in the empty seat next to her.21

"Will you tell me now or no?"22

"I guess so, I’ll need someone to know and not be surprised, considering Chris has an interview during lunch today."23

"Michelle, before you tell me anything, I want you to know I look up to you, and I will always love and care about you."24

"You just made things a hell of a lot harder now . . . but here goes nothing. Heather, I’m . . . Im . . ." She couldn’t continue.25

"You’re . . . what Shell?"26

"Im . . . I think I might be, well I tested today and the tests said I was, but . . ."27

"You’re what, Shell?"28

"I’m pregnant."29

"No, don’t say that, tell me the truth."30

"It is!"31

"But, you’re not dating anyone."32

"I know."33

"Who’s is it?"34

"Mike’s. I’m sure . . . 100%"35

"Mike? Isn’t that Sandra’s cousin’s roommate? When did you find out?"36

"Yeah. But please, don’t tell anyone, I didn’t tell him yet. I found out this morning - I didn’t even have time to tell my mom."37

"Hey, don’t worry about me telling anyone. Your secret is safe with me."38

They packed their bags and headed off to their classes promising to meet up before going to lunch.39