07 | Z A C K

"Hey," I said when I strolled past Jenna who was sitting in front of my table.

We were about to start the day in with chemistry and coincidentally, Jenna and her lab partner were in front of me.

"Hi," She replied, trying to hide her reddening cheek by brushing back a few locks of hair. I actually thought she was going to ignore me but then, she caught me off guard when she did the opposite.

Our chemistry teacher had just split us into groups for the practical we're about to work on. He left the class after the principal called for his attention. Fortunately, I was paired with a nice girl, not some happy-as-ever-to-date-Zack girl. Some of the girls are just chums with me. We talk and laugh but nothing goes beyond that. Those are the type of girls I respect.

"Hey Zack, can I borrow your chemistry textbook for a minute? I forgot mine at home." Lia, my lab partner asked with a sweet grin.

I smiled back. "Sure" I searched my bag for the chemistry textbook. Pulling out the textbook, I handed it over to her.

Two seconds didn't pass by before Daisy barged into the lab with two of her friends hot on her heel. She was in her bad girl attire with black leggings, a black tank top and a black leather jacket with the 'powerpuff hoes' printed on the back. Her hair was packed in a messy bun and her face was void of all sort of makeup. She looked so pale, like she was suffering from a terminal disease. Daisy had always being impassive with a deadpan expression.

It was a moment of shock because I wasn't expecting her to come. The day before, I dialled her number several times but she didn't pick up. Although, I don't really know what she was trying to point out by ghosting me, It would be ridiculous of her to try to remove me from my child's life. I don't want to come to such horrendous assumption because everything happens for a reason but at the same time, it was hard not to. I'm sure she's going explain the reason to me.

She approached me like a predator about to trap its prey. She must have said something to her friends because they nodded and changed their directions. All eyes were on us because the bad girl had never advanced towards the good boy. Great. I know the moment school is over, my friends will turn into a paparazzi and throw questions after questions for me, expecting me not to leave out even a single detail. I'm in so much trouble.

"Why don't you guys take your eyes off us before I detach your motherfucking eyes from their sockets?" The last part was said in a yell. Immediately, they did what they were commanded to.

And then, her eyes were fixed on her sister, Jenna who was shyly looking down her skirt. The poor girl had always being Daisy's greatest target and she bullied her heartlessly. My sisters and I joke around but our bond was special, unbreakable. From the way Daisy's eyes glistened with excitement when she hurt Jenna, I know something was off about their relationship. The truth was she preferred her friends over her sister.

"Zack," she called out before landing her eyes on me. "why don't you come with me for a little privacy? I don't want dumb bitches trying to eavesdrop on what I'm about to tell you. Take it or leave it."

Lia glowered at her but said nothing. I sighed before shooting Lia a silent apology. Now, my plans were screwed up and I'm certain Jenna will think of me as the insatiable who slept with her sister. She wasn't going to trust me anymore.

"What do you want? You refused to answer any of my calls and practically ghosted me," I whispered in a hushed voice angrily as soon as we left the lab.

"I was grounded, silly boy," She began interpreting. "You don't know what I went through yesterday. I had to fucking leave school and stay in bed for over ten hours because of your energetic, lively baby already rebelling in my belly. Your baby is full of spit and vinegar. I couldn't eat, nor sleep or even talk. I spent all day in the bathroom, being sick and blacking in and out." There was obvious anger in her voice. I felt sorry for her having to go through this sickly journey.

"I'm..."

She cut me off. "Don't. Even. Think. About. It. I don't want your apology." She stopped in the empty hallway, arms folded beneath her chest.

"Daisy, this is not just about you. There's a baby - my baby in you. I don't care about what you think because I have a say in my child's life too. Whatever you have to go through, I want to be there for you. I've concluded, I want to be part of this. I'm ready to be devoted to the baby. I'm ready to support you and take responsibility of my actions." I claimed.

For a second, I saw her eyes soften but it vanished before I could even register. "So, you believe the baby's yours?"

My eyes assessed the hallway before I reply, "yeah. I have enough evidence to believe you."

"Why don't we take the edge off by visiting the doctor together? You'll get to meet your baby for the first time but that's if you agree to skip the first two or three classes."

I debated whether to go or not for a few seconds. I've never skip school before. Maybe just taking a day off wouldn't hurt.

* * *

Daisy paced back and forth, impatiently waiting for our call. It has being over thirty minutes since our arrival at the hospital. Thankfully, it isn't the hospital my father works at. If my father was to find me here, with my baby mama after skipping school, I would have being in hell by now. Although, my parents are sweet and amiable, they have a strict side only when we get into trouble do they unravel.

I can't tell whether I'm excited or nervous to come with Daisy for the ultrasound. I know I did the right thing by coming with her. Needless to say, I broke out into a cold sweat.

"Miss Coleman." A nurse said, and I immediately stand.

Together, we went inside the doctor's office. With an affectionate grin, the middle aged doctor welcomed us. After a few words exchanged, she asked Daisy to lie on the hospital bed.

"So, you're the father?" The doctor asked, her eyes seizing me up and down.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Are you okay with him being here?" She asked Daisy as she slowly lifts up the tank top.

"Of course." Daisy replied shortly, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

I can't believe a baby is growing in her flat as pancake belly. She flinched a little when the doctor rub some gel on the belly and then move the transducer, as if looking for the right portion. I stood beside Daisy with my arms crossed, watching the moving dark screen on the computer.

"There's your little strawberry sized baby." She said, pointing a tiny, shapeless figure on the computer, just before a rhythm suddenly fill in the office.

Lub-dub.

Lub-dub.

Lub-dub.

The distinctive sound of the heartbeat is unmistakable. It sounds like the thunder of galloping horses in my ears. Emotional warmth flows inside me and I feel a soulful connection between us. The most perfect feeling swept through me as I imagine what my future will be in the next two years. I'd be holding a tiny creature I had brought into the world. I'd look into it's eyes and show them the love it deserved.

The humidity in my heart increased. I know in that moment that nothing was going to stop me from being there for my child. Our souls have bonded and we are forever casted under the divine spell. I will protect my child from the cruelty of the world. I will try to the father it needed. I'll provide my kid with love, care and affections. The baby was yet to be born but it had already stolen my heart.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Daisy's eyes pierced into mine, this time filled with affections. For the first time in my life, I felt connected to her. Her smile was huge, obvious that she was moved too.

"Beautiful." My eyes locked with the computer, staring intently at the tiny foetus. My mind spun around. I'm going to be a father in seven months time. What a change of event.

"I believe this is an unplanned pregnancy, right?" The doctor questioned. She dropped the transducer and gave Daisy a towel fabric to wipe off the gel.

"Yeah." We chorused.

"Are you guys still together?" She asked again.

"No!" It was an instant reply without any hesitation. Daisy eyed me, the affections replaced by a cold glare.

The doctor gave us the ultrasound copy afterwards. She further advised Daisy about her health and the baby's, what to eat and prenatal care.

"This is my personalised business card. It's a centre where I discuss with pregnant teens regarding their pregnancy issues." She handed the card and a book to Daisy. "And this is my published book that discuss about the concept of teenage pregnancy. You'll enjoy the book, I promise. It's an educational book to help you learn all about pregnancy related issues. My number is on the card in case you want to call me. I'll see you in the next appointment."

"Thanks." Daisy responded, offering a small smile. We walked out of the office silently.

"Don't worry about me." She simply said, before she started to walk away.

I gripped her arm, pulling her back to me. "I brought you here, I'll be the one to take you back."

"How dare..."

"I care about the safety of my child, Daisy. I can't just let you wander around anymore. You're my responsibility now, whether you accept it or not." We came to the hospital in my car, so she left her bike back in school.

The glare I gave her was not up for debate. She groaned before she gave in. I drove us back to school in utter silence. She stared outside the window all the time, refusing to look my way. There are two more classes before school is over.

"I don't want your fucking dorminance!" She screamed, slamming the car door shut.

It's always the darkest before dawn.

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