Song: "Halo" by Beyoncé

**

"This right here is the gestational sac," the doctor pointed to the circle on the screen. Heather was getting her first ultrasound, and Alejandro had come with her. "And see this little circle inside?" Heather nodded. "That's the yolk sac. And the little line right above it is the embryo."

"Is that normal?"

"Absolutely," she smiled. "You are five weeks along, and this is when we're supposed to start seeing some formation.

"I can't believe that tiny thing will be a fully formed baby in a few months," Alejandro said.

"Yes, isn't it amazing?"

Heather swallowed nervously, looking back at the screen. "...How fragile is it?"

"In the first trimester, the fetus is more vulnerable to damage because all the major organs are developing. Just don't drink, and make sure you keep us updated on the medication you use. And if you get very sick, please don't be afraid to contact a professional."

She nodded slowly. "Ok."

She gave her a paper. "This is the summary of your appointment. Come back in a month for another checkup unless you have any issues beforehand. Do either of you have any questions?" Both shook their heads. "Good. It was a pleasure meeting you two. Just follow me out to the checkout desk."

They both got up, checked out, and made their next appointment. Alejandro took her hand and led her to his car. "How was that, mi amor?"

Heather frowned. "I don't know...it's hard to describe what I'm feeling." She bit her tongue.

Alejandro sensed the change in vocal pitch. "Wanna talk about it in the car?" She nodded, looking at him anxiously. He opened the passenger door for her and got in himself. "Tell me, what's bothering you?"

"This whole thing...I-I'm scared." She immediately turned away and wiped her eyes before any tears could come out.

"What exactly are you scared of?" He asked gently, taking her hand and rubbing it.

"I already told you, dummy, the whole thing!" She snapped.

He raised both his eyebrows. "Ok, ok. So, you're scared of going through the pregnancy?"

She nodded, sniffling. "What if I fuck it up and the baby ends up coming out all deformed? What if it has a miserable life because of it?!"

"Whoa whoa whoa, you are getting way too ahead of yourself," Alejandro said. Everything will be fine. Just don't do anything too crazy."

She pouted. "I wish this stupid thing never happened. I was never meant to have a freaking baby. I have to make all these crazy plans for adoption, and-"

"Heather, just relax, mi amor. You are barely over a month along. You have plenty of time to figure everything out. Right now, I think you just need to rest."

"You can't tell me what to do!"

He sighed. "I know I cannot. It is just a suggestion." He started driving. Heather was quiet the rest of the way back.

Alejandro stopped by the sorority to let her out. Heather opened the door to leave, paused, then closed it. "Alejandro?"

"Yes?"

"I'm...I'm sorry. I... it's hard to tell you how I feel when I feel it. I don't know why," she furrowed her eyebrows, trying to figure herself out.

"It's ok, beautiful. Were you ever given that opportunity when you were younger?"

"God no," she shook her head. "I was always afraid to tell my parents if I felt bad. The one time I did, my mom compared my issues to other people's and just called me a spoiled brat. It only made me want more attention."

"I think seeing a counselor will help your situation. And I will always listen to you, no matter what. You can tell me anything at any time, Heather. I want us to be that close. I want you to be completely comfortable around me. Does that sound good?"

She nodded. "Yes. I really care about you, Alejandro. It's...going to take some time, though."

"Of course. I don't expect you to push yourself. I will focus on one day at a time with you and cherish it."

Heather smiled. "I'm hanging out with Courtney tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok, I'll see you then."

She opened the door to get out. "I think you're forgetting something," Alejandro smirked. She rolled her eyes placed a quick kiss on his lips. "Will you at least relax whenever you get in your room?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "I think I'm just going to listen to some music."

"What kind of songs do you like?"

"Just pop and indie music mostly."

"I'm going to show you some of my music tomorrow."

"Ugh, the Latin music I can't understand?"

"Sí."

"Ok, whatever," she feigned annoyance, but there was a slight smile in the corner of her lips. "You have to listen to some of my music too then.

"Of course. I probably know all of it already, though. I've listened to every genre."

"Show off."

"I like to be cultured."

"Bye, Alejandro." She got out of the car.

"Adios, Hermosa." He blew her a kiss, to which she rolled her eyes before shutting the door. She blushed all the way back to her dorm room.

She put the doctor's paper with results on her nightstand and got her laptop out, humming to herself as she searched up her favorite music playlist on YouTube.

She was content for a while until she had a sudden craving for ice cream. She got out of bed and grabbed her purse. Strawberry sounds good. Ooo! Or mint chip. Heather left the dorm to stop by the gas station and buy herself an individual-sized tub of ice cream.

A few minutes later, Courtney showed up. "Heather?" She called out. She frowned when she saw her purse wasn't there. Ugh, we were supposed to binge-watch Criminal minds this evening when we got out of school. And she dips out on me again?!

She put her things up and sat in her bed, staring across the room in thought. Should I call or text her? Would it even be worth my time? I'm about done with her randomly leaving. If it weren't for Duncan, I'd still have someone to hang out with. Bridgette's always with Geoff, and I don't like anyone else here.

Courtney noticed a paper on Heather's nightstand. Is that a letter? Maybe she told me where she is for once. She took one glance at it and could already tell that it wasn't the type of letter she was anticipating. "Oh, a doctor's letter," she deadpanned. "...For what?" She couldn't help but examine it more.

"First ultrasound...follow up..." she read bits and pieces to herself. "Five weeks along..." she gasped, dropping the paper.

Heather's pregnant.

"Oh my god..." she whispered. "What the fuck?" No wonder she was acting so weird.

She heard the door handle turn and quickly picked up the doctor's paper, putting it back where she found it. She jumped on her bed and pretended to dig through her backpack for homework.

Heather walked in. "Hey Courtney, want some mint chip ice cream? I was craving it so badly."

Craving... She swallowed nervously. "Um...no, thanks!"

"Ready to watch some Criminal Minds?"

I can't believe she didn't tell me about this. "I... actually don't feel too good tonight. Sorry."

She frowned. "Awe, ok."

Courtney looked at her friend as she put her things away and got back into bed. She noticed Heather quickly grab the paper and fold it up. She put it in one of the pockets in her backpack. Maybe she'll tell me if I coax her into it.

"Hey, Heath?"

"Hm?" She opened her laptop again.

"Have you been doing ok? You know... since the thing with Bruiser?"

"...Yeah, it's still kind of hard, but I'm pretty much ok now."

"That's good."

"Oh my god, have you seen this awesome music video?!"

"... Uh...no?" Courtney blinked.

"You have to watch it! It's so great that I think it will heal you."

"That's not possible," she laughed.

"Hey, anything's possible."

She gave her friend a strange look. "Heather...are you high or something?"

"No, gross. Just happy I got my ice cream."

Courtney noticed she had a certain glow to her face now. Could she be happy about being pregnant? No way. Heather would die before being a mom. Then she was concerned about what would happen with the baby. She knew it was Heather's decision, but she couldn't help but worry she would choose on a whim.

She just wanted her friend to be happy and not have to hide anything from her. It sucked that she could never tell if Heather cried right before she came back or if she was happy.

Heather's phone dinged with a text from Alejandro, now named 'Jerk💕' in her contacts. 'How are you, cutie?'

She blushed, texting back. 'Better now that I got ice cream🍨'

'I'm glad, Hermosa. I will leave you and Courtney alone now😘'

'Actually, Courtney feels sick, so our plans kind of changed.'

'Awe😢 Duncan is very boring to hang out with. All he does is play video games or hang out with Gwen'

'Ew😖'

'I know. I just got back to my room, and there's loud music playing. The door is also locked🤮'

'EWWW Alejandro, I didn't need to know that!'

'If I suffer through it, you have to as well, Chica😉'

'This is why your name is JERK on my phone.'

'Well, this jerk now has nothing to do, so...'

'Ok? Then find something,' She smirked, wanting to make him work for it.

"Jesus, who are you texting?" Courtney laughed. "Your face is red."

"Huh?" She looked up, almost forgetting she was there. "Oh...no one."

Courtney gasped. It all makes sense now! The secrecy, the constant daydreaming, the pregnancy... "Heather, do you have a boyfriend?"

She froze. "What? No way. I hate men."

"...Girlfriend then?"

"No, I'm not into girls. God, I thought you knew this, Courtney."

"You literally just told me you hated men!"

"That doesn't mean I'm not attracted to them!"

She sighed. "You're exhausting. I know you're talking to some guy. I can see it all over your face."

"Well, I'm not, so move on." She kept texting, biting her lip.

Ugh, that is so it! It's like I'm a mom raising a sixteen-year-old! "Heather, I know you're pregnant. I saw that paper on your nightstand."

The whole room went silent. "...Why were you looking at my stuff?"

"I thought it was a note from you! And that doesn't matter. Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"

"You're such a snoop, going through my things?!"

"Stop trying to place all the blame on me! What secrets are you hiding from me, Heather?!"

"I don't have to tell you shit, Courtney!" She snapped.

"Uh, yeah, eventually you do! Because soon, you'll start showing!"

"Well, I know that! I was going to wait a little longer to tell you."

"So, do you have a boyfriend or not?"

"That is none of your business."

"I just want to make sure you're ok!"

"I'm fine. And I don't need you constantly mothering me!"

"Well, that's what it feels like since you won't tell me anything! And it's not just this! It's any time you feel sad. I know you hid your emotions from me. And I've accepted that long enough!"

Heather felt panicked. To her, it felt like someone was forcing her walls down. She knew she should tell Courtney now, but she was scared. She will never want to talk to me again. She already hates me enough for holding everything back. She shut off her laptop and got up. "I'll be back later."

"No, Heather, stop!" Courtney got up and began to follow her when she slammed the door on her face. She sighed angrily. She is the most difficult person I've ever met!!

Heather texted Alejandro and waited outside for him. Alejandro had been sitting in the living room downstairs since he couldn't go up to his own room.

He immediately came outside when he saw the nature of Heather's text. He practically jogged to her side of the street. "How much does she know?!"

"She knows about the baby, not about us."

He grabbed both of her hands. "Want to take a walk and talk about it?" She nodded. He let go of one of her hands and started down the sidewalk.

"She's furious at me for not telling her."

"What? That is ridiculous. You have the right to tell her whenever you feel like it."

"No, it's not just that...I hide everything from her all the time. She's the longest friendship I've had, and yet I still screw it up. This whole thing isn't fair to her. But I'm just so scared, Alejandro. I don't know how she'll react. She'll probably hate me."

He wrapped his arm around her. "You are under so much pressure, mi amor. I don't blame you for being scared. But you two have always been great friends, right?"

"Mhm."

"Then I don't think she will hate you. Not forever, at least."

She snuggled her head into his shoulder, groaning. "I just wanna be with you for the rest of the night."

"Are you sure, mi ángel?"

"Yes. Do you want to be with me tonight? Cause I get if you're tired. I can just go back and deal with Courtney."

"I'm more than happy to be with you tonight. In fact, if you don't mind going for a drive, I'd like to show you something."

"Is this an excuse for you to play your music?"

"Maybe," he smirked.

"Ok, I'll go on a drive with you to this mysterious place."

"It's not mysterious, but I haven't brought any other girl with me before."

Heather smiled, feeling valued. They got in his car. Alejandro didn't wait before turning on his music. The first song was fast and upbeat sounding.

"This one's called La Fiesta. It's my brother Carlos's current favorite song. He had it playing at his birthday party a few months back."

"How old is Carlos?"

"He just turned twenty-six. José's twenty-two and I just turned twenty at the beginning of this year."

"What day is your birthday?"

"August twenty-first. What about you?"

"I'll be twenty on April sixth."

"That's very soon. I know the perfect gift for you."

"I doubt it," she challenged playfully.

"You'll see in a couple of weeks," he winked.

"Ugh, whatever."

"I know a song called Lo Que Sea. It's perfect for you." He flipped through his music on his built-in touchscreen.

"What does that mean?" She crossed her arms.

"It simply means 'whatever." He started playing it.

"It sounds like crap."

Alejandro sang along, knowing it would annoy her further. She glared daggers at him through the entire song. He enjoyed her frustration, laughing when it ended.

"I hate that song now."

"Oh, come on, Heather. You should be honored that I dedicated a song to you."

"Alejandro by Lady Gaga is yours."

"How original."

"Shut up!" She laughed.

"I know you're secretly glad you have your own song. And I will give you even more songs as time passes."

She blushed, turning away, and looking out the window. "I wonder if you have a Spanish song called Jerk."

"I do not believe I do."

"Then I'll find one."

He chuckled. "Let me know. I'd love to hear anything your ears hear."

"God, stop flirting like that!" She tried to sound angry, but endless laughter left her lips. "You're so stupid sometimes."

"Stupidly handsome?"

"No! Well...yes, but also stupidly stupid!"

"I love your insults. They are more like...compli-sults."

"What?"

"A compliment and an insult combined. The best combination. It only makes me love you even more."

"I know, dork," Heather replied smugly. "Did you make up that word yourself?"

"Sí." Alejandro had trouble keeping his eyes on the road. Only about thirty more minutes and I can look at her all I want.

A slow song started playing. Alejandro tensed and immediately turned it. Heather furrowed her eyebrows. "Why'd you turn it? Isn't this your playlist?"

"I just...I don't feel like listening to this right now."

"Ok." She noticed his tight grip on the wheel. She decided to let him be until they arrived at their destination.

It was an open field with a nice view of the horizon. The sun was setting over the hill. "This is where my father proposed to my mother."

Heather's eyes widened. "Um...wait, you're not going to...?"

"Oh, no," he chuckled, shaking his head.

She let out a breath of relief. "Well, when you take me somewhere and start with that story, it sounds like you are."

"No, I know that is way too soon. I don't even know everything about you yet."

"Yeah," she laughed awkwardly.

"Sorry," he cringed. "I'm not...I don't want to rush into anything with you, Heather. I just think this place is absolutely beautiful. I come here all the time to relax all by myself. It's comforting to know this was the foundation of mi familia."

She looked out with him, taking in the scenery. "Well...it is gorgeous."

"Sí. It is very ironic that José came out of this."

She snickered, scooting close to him and intertwining her hand with his. He turned away from the view and looked at Heather. His eyes dilated, and a loving smile appeared on his face. He admired how she was looking out at the field- the way her eyes darted around in wonder as if she was seeing something amazing for the very first time.

She felt him staring at her, so she looked back, her breath catching in her throat. He gently held her face and kissed her tenderly with nothing but love in his heart. She kissed back but pulled away shortly after.
"I wanna meet your parents," she breathed.

"I want you to meet them too, Preciosa. But it will be two different trips. They live separately now."

"Wait, they're...? But..." she looked back out to the field.

"Yes, they are divorced. It happened five years ago. I have wanted them back together ever since. But they refuse."

"Do you know why they split up?"

"They started fighting all the time. Carlos says it was just a lack of communication. José says they were too different to begin with."

"Well, what do you think?" She rubbed his arm.

"I don't know. All I know is I want them back together. I think they could've worked it out."

"Marriage is such a scam. People either stay together for financial reasons or split up."

"My parents' love was true. I know it." His eyes watered.

Heather blinked, not knowing how to react. She had never seen Alejandro like this. She wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sure they loved each other. I'm so sorry, Alejandro."

He laid his head on her shoulder, trying so hard to hold in his tears. She rubbed his back. "It's ok. You can cry."

He let it all out, his shoulders shaking. Heather did her best to comfort him but didn't feel so great at it. She just stroked his hair.

After a few minutes, he stopped crying and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'm muy pathetic, aren't I?" He laughed, wiping his tears.

"No," she frowned. "No, you're not. You were there for me when I cried."

"Yeah, but I didn't want to end up like this tonight. That stupid song on my playlist started it. It was a song my parents would dance to in the living room together. My older brothers were grossed out, but I always loved watching them dance. I thought it was the most romantic thing ever. They were my idea of love. Then when they split up, it was shattered."

"That doesn't mean...that doesn't mean love doesn't exist. You know, I used to think the same thing."

"And you had Courtney and Duncan as your only example," he smirked.

"Yeah," she cringed. "Not the best."

"This is why I want to do everything right with you. I want both of us to feel comfortable telling each other anything. Especially if we're having second thoughts."

She smiled. "I'm not having any."

"Me neither." He kissed her. Her lips made him forget all about any fear he had about relationships. Heather tangled her hands in his hair. "I promise you..." he said in between kisses. "I won't leave you."

"I won't leave you either, Alejandro."

"I've got mi ángel now." He planted kisses all over her hand.

Heather blushed. "And I've got mine."