After school I sit and wait for the traffic to die down. One hand rubbing my belly to calm my baby. She is kicking up a storm. The wind blowing my hair softly. It's warm out. Not too bad. "Sure feels good out here," I hear a male voice say to my left.
"I guess so," I reply.
"I've seen you around," he says. "You're Heather Grace right?"
"Yep."
"You don't say much do you?" He asks me.
"I keep to myself," I say.
"I've noticed," he says. "But you know what I've also noticed?"
"What's that? The fact I'm 18 and pregnant? The fact nobody looks at me like I'm human?"
"No," he says quickly.
"Then what?" I snap.
"How beautiful you are," he says softly. I look at him and almost pass out. The hottest guy in school is talking to me. His perfect brown hair, gorgeous hazel eyes. But he couldn't possibly want me.
"Umm....thanks," I finally reply.
"Do you need a ride home?" He asks.
"No, I walk. It's good for me and my baby," I reply quickly.
"Come on, just this once. If you don't like it I won't bother you again."
"Fine," I huff.
"The names-"
"Josh Hutcherson. I know," I say.
He smirks. "So you know me?" I nod. "I'm not what everyone says I am. I mean yeah I act but I'm not like the popular kids."
"Sure," I reply. I sit in his car and close the door after he does. "I still see you stare at me like I'm an alien for getting pregnant at 18. I didn't ask for this."
"Whoa, calm down Heather please," he says. "I have an idea, why don't you show me where you live and we can sit and talk," he explains.
"Fine," I huff. I show him where I live. An apartment complex not far from school or where I work.
"You live here?" Josh asks shocked.
"It's all I can afford," I snap back.
"Okay, I'm guessing you don't live with your parents?"
"Nope, moved out when I could." Josh follows me up to my apartment door and I unlock it and show him inside. "Sorry for the mess, I've been trying to get ready for Alice's arrival," I explain.
"Alice is...?"
"Oh sorry, Alice is my baby's name. Alice Ann," I explain.
"Cute name," he says. I just nod. "So I'm guessing you haven't gotten far in all of it?"
"I try and do what I can but being six months pregnant makes it hard. I can't sit or stand too long. And sometimes my belly gets in the way or I'm too tired to work on anything."
"I could help you," he offers.
"You don't even know me or my situation. I'm sure you have a girlfriend," I snap.
"No actually I don't. And I would love to know your story."
"You wouldn't want me after I told you all that," I explain.
Josh sits in my couch and pats the seat next to him. "I'm intrigued, it's Friday night and I have nothing to do. Sit," he says.
I shake my head. "No, Josh."
"Heather Grace, I'm interested in hearing this story of yours." I sigh. "Please Heather Grace, tell me your story."
"Fine, I will tell you," I say. I sit on a chair across from him and start my story of how I am this way today.