Z A C K

"This is going to be the first homework for the new groups."

Mrs Miller wrote the topic of the day in bold letters - Podcast. "This month is going to be a very busy, project filled month. I want you to work harder as a team and give me the best you can. As you can see, we're heading towards the end of the first semester. I want to make your final year easier, so that when you get there, things wouldn't be as difficult as you expect. I want you guys to be cooperative and supportive of each other. If I keep switching your partners, your creativity and talents will mix together with others to bring out the best of you."

I nodded in apprehension. Though I'm very good in English, I like to expand my knowledge with others. Working together in groups helps uncover what different people have in common and their differences.

"Duh, I'm still going to write my exams alone," Eric mumbled humorously. Though, a few students heard him and chuckled.

Mrs Miller moved around the classroom, holding a clipboard. "The first activity is about podcast. Not all teenagers are familiar with podcasts, but it's a great way to introduce lessons in an interesting way. We're going to listen to to the serial, an investigative journalism podcast and as a group, I want you guys to discuss about it and then write an essay highlighting and explaining the important aspects of the topic. But firstly, before we start, let's understand the concept of a podcast and how it works."

Just across me - a few feet away - Jenna sat upright with her usual glowing smile. Every five seconds, her tongue darts out to lick her lower lip. I let out a sigh, lost in my thoughts as students interact with Mrs Miller about the podcast. Slowly, my mind drifts to the misery I'm currently dealing with.

I was unable to sleep. Nor eat. All I could think about was the conversation. In fact, I had to skip the football practice yesterday to think clearly. I came up with nothing. I don't know what to believe and what not to. My mind keeps nudging to not to, but from the way Daisy spoke and how her eyes screamed honesty, my heart was heading to another direction. I'm confused about what to decide.

This is another life we're talking about not some family issues. Having a baby will forever change my life. I had never imagined myself being a father at seventeen, especially with the bad girl. Although, I like the abstract of having a baby, I wasn't expecting it to in my teen years, when I'm still a minor myself. I'm a hundred years too early.

I'm not ready to give up everything to take care of the baby. I'm not ready to face the hardship of fatherhood at an early age. I'm not ready to accept my destiny but I can't leave Daisy on her own. As bad as she sounds, I don't want her raising a kid all alone when she's also a minor. We've to go through this together to deal with the consequences of our actions.

But, I need to confirm whether I'm the father or not. I don't want to be forced to be a father, only to find out the baby's not mine. I know Daisy and all her dirty games but this time, she's serious. I'll try to dig in and find out from sources. If it turns out true, I'll have to inform my parents, as well as Maxwell High.

"I want you all to split your various groups," Mrs Miller declared.

I packed my stuff and went up to Jenna in a matter of seconds. I'm actually feeling guilty for sleeping with Daisy and betraying my feelings for Jenna. It's cruel of me to try to have a sister and cheat on her with her sister. I'm pretty sure she thinks of me as the bad boy with the capital b because of the way I turned down all offers from girls unapologetically.

"Hey Jenna," I whispered, before sitting next to her.

She looks at me with hooded eyelashes in obvious shyness. This is getting awkward because I don't know how to talk to my crush. She's a nerd provided that she hardly makes friends. She's either in the company of fellow nerds or behind a computer.

"Hi."

It was a curt reply but satisfactory. It's better than nothing. Jenna's the type of girl more comfortable without friends than having boys around her. She likes spending her time alone, working on her skills. Countless times, I watched her assist the librarian to arrange the books in the library after school. I find it really attractive in a girl to be kind and down-to-earth towards others.

"How are you?" I decided to ask to break the silence.

She tugged a strand of hair behind her ear before replying, "good. You?"

"I'm good. I'm excited about the collab."

She grinned innocently. "Me too. It's hardly a collab, it's better termed as group work."

It seems like she opens up quite easily. Her smile was generous and her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Her eyes refused to hold my gaze. Her leg was bouncing up and down nervously.

"It's our first time working together but I hope it turns out fine." I proposed. Is this how a guy talks to his crush for the first time?

Mrs Miller played the podcast a few minutes later. The class was quiet as we listen to the interesting podcast. The air was tense between Jenna and I because it's our first time being together. A maladroit, tensed silence had fallen between Jenna and I. She wiggled and squirmed every other second, apparently getting the creeps from me.

That was not how I expected my first encounter with Jenna to be. In spite of not having her, I thought we'd be great as friends. Turns out, she's a little bit too shy to my liking. Maybe with time, we'll get more closer; as friends. I don't like making other people uncomfortable, especially the ones I want to spend my time with. I just hope that she finds me entertaining and funny to be with in the near future.

"This is the end of the English class. I hope y'all listened til the end. I have questions about the podcast for you guys in the next class. Meet your partner and discuss before it arrives. In fact, consider it a mini quiz with a free mark to the best group presentation. Have a nice day, kids." Mrs Miller finished after the dismissal bell rang.

Jenna's attention were glued to Mrs Miller. I know she wanted to help her favourite teacher but there's another reason too. She's trying to run away from me.

"So... What about the presentation? When should we meet?" I casually asked her before she takes up the chance and slip away.

She fumbled, her breathing hitched before she sighs deeply. "I'm really sorry Zack, but I have something more important to do. Can you please do this project on your own?"

"I get it. Don't worry about it." I could tell from the way she's looking back and forth something very important was up and I don't want to disappoint her. We have enough projects ahead of us - I don't really mind.

"Thanks," she muttered with a small smile and walked away. This is the second time she's walking away from me. Something has to be done.

***

Daisy was absent. I couldn't find her anywhere. I maneuvered around, looking for a blonde bombshell but there wasn't a single trace of her. I was worried something happened to her. She should have called me if something happened to the baby so I could be there for her.

I decided to scrutinize the crowded hallway for her best friend, Jupiter. I held my backpack slung on one shoulder before approaching her locker. She's talking with her other friend, Peyton as they insert their bits and pieces into the locker.

"Jupiter," I called out, my hand gripping the strap of my backpack.

She whirled around in reflex at the mention of her name. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she stared intently at me. Peyton smiles kindly at me and I returned back the smile.

"Yeah? Is everything okay?" She questioned.

Jupiter's like a small cog in a big machine. She's the ideal victim of bullying. One great advantage of being a bad girl's best friend is the protection. Daisy is overprotective of all her friends - the cheerleaders squad. They're all manipulative with the same bad girl's vibes as their leader including Peyton. They proudly call themselves the powepuff hoes or the lil divas to display their inadvertence towards slut shaming shit.

"Where can I find Daisy?" I want to be direct, without causing any suspicion.

She crossed her arms in bewilderment. "She's not here. What do you want from her?"

"I'm curious. You've never spoken to the bad girls because you feel like we're contaminated hoes. Why are you searching for our leader?" Peyton confronted without any hesitation.

The bond they share is more than just friendship. They love, respect and protect each other. They're willing to relinquish for each other in a heartbeat. They've being friends for the past three years and they're still going strong. Sometimes, I wonder why they're regarded as the bad girls because I admire their cooperation but as always, reality comes back crashing. They disrespect teachers sometimes and engage in a lot of illegal activities the reasons are way too much on the list.

I ignored Peyton. "I need to talk to her. You know what's wrong, Jupiter, please tell me where she is." I pleaded. I just want to know whether she's okay or not.

Jupiter suspired consciously. "she came today but left in the morning because she was feeling under the weather. She talked about calling you but I don't know whether she will. She wants to spend some alone time, that's why I didn't go with her."

"Well, well, well. Miss small potato is here."

Here comes the bull session with Eric Lockwood. I wonder how he became my best friend.

He has his arm wrapped around a girl with dyed blue hair, probably the new fling of the week. I don't know what's wrong with Maxwell High senior girls but they're too dumb to not know what they're getting their selves into. They think dating the rich heartthrob is the key to a successful love life. I'm distinctly sure the girl will cry herself to sleep tonight.

Eric infuriates the life out of Jupiter. He likes mocking her even when she refused to succumb. From the way she's blatantly glowering at him, this is no different.

"Baby, I agree with you. Sweetheart, this is not a place for you. Let me escort you back to grade four."

I rolled my eyes at Eric's girl-of-the-week's diss. I partially heard the comment but because my mind is dazed with Daisy's supposed whereabout, I said nothing.

"Your doctor diagnosed you with diarrhoea of the mouth? Sorry bitch but you deserve it." Peyton said sarcastically before taking a frustrated Jupiter away.

Eric's girl couldn't be more red in embarrassment.

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