"Hey, what are you doing here?" Eric asked.

"I am back. Back in school."

"Yeah, that's good then."

"It is." I nodded.

"So, did you hear?"

"What?" I tightened my grip on the books I was holding.

"Sophie's in the hospital. Apparently something happened. No idea though."

"She's WHAT?!"

"Guess she didn't tell you, huh?"

"I have to give her a call."

"Yeah, you should. Tell her to get well soon for me." He smiled.

"I will. Well, I guess I'll see you around." I was about to walk away when he pulled me back. I looked at him with questioning eyes.

"There's something else."

"What?" I asked, curious. What more could there be?

"This isn't easy to say."

"Just say it."

"You have a baby. You're pregnant. Is it true?"

"What?! Where did you get that from?!"

"Everyone around campus knows."

I didn't know what to say. How did he know? How did THEY know?

"I'm not the father, am I?"

"No. It couldn't possibly be you," I lied.

"Good. Cause last time was just a one time thing. I mean I used you, you used me. And we wouldn't want to go back to before when we were dating."

"Don't kid yourself." And I walked away.

WHAT THE FUCK?! The only people that knows are Sophie, Mimi and Billy. Sophie couldn't have told, she's in the hospital. Why in the world would Billy tell anyone? We agreed to keep it quiet until we agreed to tell and I trust him. Mimi....She....She.... SHE TOLD! It must have been her! There's no excuse for her. But Mimi? I don't believe it. I was raging with so much anger as I stepped into homeroom. THAT BITCH! I wasn't analyzing anything because I knew it was her. She may have slipped it out to someone without realising.

"YOU BITCH!" I screamed as soon as I spotted her. Everyone was looking at me. I don't know if it was because I screamed or because they knew I was pregnant.

Mimi looked around, thinking it wasn't her. "Are you speaking to me?"

"Yes! I'm looking right at you! Why would you tell?! Why?!" I walked nearer to her desk.

"Tell what? What are you talking about, Cass?" She looked as if she really didn't know what I was talking about. But she can't fool me anymore!

"That I'm pregnant." Everyone gasped.

"So it is true?"

"Oh my god!"

"She's a slut."

"It was bound to happen."

"I wonder who's the father."

They were all talking. I didn't care. There was no point in hiding it when they would sooner or later find out.

"What! No i did not Casey! Why would i? Seriously, are you thinking that I was the one who told everyone about it?" Mimi asked.

"It must have been you! You know what? Don't bother covering up your shit. I know it was you. You have no excuse not to tell."

"Well then, if it was me, who could I have told?"

"How the fuck do I know?! You and your big mouth! You probably told more than one person about it. Gosh, Minnie. I fucking trusted you!"

"You think I'm behind all this! I'm guessing you won't believe me even if I'm telling you now that I didn't spread it." she replied angrily.

"Why would I believe you after this? You don't even seem that shocked."

I walked away and didn't turn back. I didn't want to stay in homeroom after that so I went to the toilet and decided to give Sophie a call.

"Hey, Sophie?"

"Hey, what's up?"

"You tell me. Are you okay? I heard you're in the hospital."

"Oh yeah. Long story. I'll tell you about it if you ever come visit."

"I'll come by later."

"What about you? You sound upset."

"I am. Apparently everyone knows I'm pregnant."

"What? How?"

"Minnie spilled the beans."

"How do you know? Are you sure?"

"Well, I confronted her and she didn't seem sorry at all."

"I don't think she would tell."

"Yeah, well, I didn't think so too. But I guess you can't trust no one. Not even your best friend."

"Where is she now?"

"I don't know, I don't care. Hey, I got to go now. Class is starting."

"You're back in school? Managed to convince Mrs. Goy, I see."

"Yeah," I laughed.

"I'll see ya later, Casey."

"Take care." And I hanged up. I really didn't have to mood to study but I can't back out now. I rushed to class. Everything went by in a blur. Teachers were surprised to see me back. I guess my attention span in class was a little better than usual because I got to answer questions pointed at me about history or chemistry or any other subject for that matter. Students were surprised too to see me back. I don't know which they were more surprised at, the fact that I was back or that I was pregnant. I thought it was cause I was back because me getting knocked up? No shocker there.

Lunch came and I decided to visit Sophie at the hospital. I bumped into Billy on the way.

"Hey, babe. You okay?"

I rushed to put my arms around him. I hate her, I hate her, I hate her. I HATE MINNIE. How could she do this to me?

"I'm fine."

"Where are you headed off?"

"I'm gonna go visit Sophie."

"Want me to come along?"

"No, it's okay."

"I love you, Casey."

"I love you too."

He let go of me. "See ya later?"

"Yeah."

I walked to the hospital. As I walked to the reception counter, I spotted Minnie. What is she doing here? Are you fucking serious? She can't be visiting Sophie the same time as me.

That bitch.


I was walking down the hallway when suddenly my cellphone rang. I answered immediately after the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Minnie, it's Mike."

"Oh! What a surprise. What's up?"

"We have a big problem."

I stood still for like 5 seconds and replied back with a serious tone, "What is it?"

"Read today's paper. It might help." he said and hung up on me.

Right, today's paper. How the hell am i going to find that?

The bell rang and it was time for English. I pushed aside the thoughts of finding a newspaper and head for my class. As usual, i chose the seat at the back again and it did remind me of Ashton all the time. I didn't bother and never will, i swore. I took my piece of essay out which was due today and handed it to Mr Bales.

"I'll take that." he took the piece of paper from me and smiled. Why the hell was he smiling?

"Impressive work on your previous essay, Miss Gasper. I could really relate to the story you were writing."

Oh, that story.

"To tell you the truth, I've experienced it before myself. But, thanks for the compliment, Sir."

He gave his best smile and walked off. Hey, that was a nice feeling, wasn't it?

I spotted Kelvin, looking lost like he did before whenever he didn't complete his essay. Lucky for him, i wrote a shorter version of my story so i guess i could help him again this time.

And perhaps i can get my friends back.

"Here," i handed my paper out to him and he looked up to see me. Priceless expression on his face.

"Gee, thanks." he lowered his voice. "MR GABES! I found my essay!!" he waved the paper as high as he could to get his attention.

"I owe you, Minnie. Thanks again. I never thought you'd help me after what I've done to you."

"Hm, you wanna talk about it?"

"You mean.. Yumi and I?"

"No, the other one, Melanie. You met her during Biology class? Don't fool me. You were cheating on Yumi, weren't you?"

"Yes.. Yes, I was. But i broke up with Yumi already and now that we're friends , it's cool. I don't have to feel that guilty anymore."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"And i'm sorry, i didn't mean to make the whole gang-"

"What do you mean? You told them something else?"

He sighed.

"Okay, you have to be really honest with me now. I'm your friend right?"

"I can't believe i have to tell you this."

"Just tell me."

"I faked some rumors and told them that you chose to hang out with Ashton than with us. I did that only to prevent you from telling anyone else that you saw me with Mel the other day."

"Oh my god! How could you!?!" i said in a high pitch voice and half the class was looking at us with a look. Lucky for us, Mr Gabes didn't notice.

"I'm sorry Minnie, i just had to. I wanted to-"

"Wait, does this mean you didn't trust me?"

"You are close to Max-"

"I was." i corrected him.

"Yeah you were close to him back then so i wasn't sure if you could keep that secret. If Yumi knew, she really would have done something stupid like committing suicide."

"You're joking."

"She's facing depression. It's proven, you can ask Max. She's doing slightly better now and that's the reason why, when i told her that i had to end this relationship, she was pretty open about it."

"Oh my god. I didn't know it was this bad. But you should have trust me and not accuse me!"

"I know, i know. And i apologize. I'm sorry."

"Ugh, i guess it's alright. No doubt, this misunderstanding has caused me to be a loner most of the time now." i patted his shoulder. "Since you owe me, why don't you help me this time? What do you say?" i chuckled.

He agreed to help me and said, "Usual place during lunch."

**

Twenty minutes later, i found myself laughing and gossiping with Max and friends. How did this happen so fast? Ah never mind. At least, now that Kelvin has told the truth, they apologized to me sincerely and asked me if i was free on Friday night for a movie.

Isn't that great?! I have friends now!

Suddenly, my cellphone rang.

"Hello?" i said while chewing on my food.

"Are you visiting me or what?"

"Omg! Sophie! I'm on my way now."

"You'd better not be having your lunch in school."

While she was saying that, i wiped my mouth with a napkin and felt guilty. I laughed silently and hang up the phone. I have 20 minutes before my next class starts. I should hurry up a little. I hailed a cab and made my way to the hospital.

It didn't feel long at all when I've finally reached the hospital. I pressed for the elevator and ran out of it as soon as i reached the 28th floor and that's when i saw.. Omg i can't even say her name.

She gave me a look and we reached out to open the door at the same time.

I gasped and thought, "Damn. What a day. This is definitely not one of my luckiest days in my life."

I should leave.. No. I shouldn't. I'm here to see Sophie too.

After all, Casey is just another friend of Sophie's.



" What happen to my darling ? I thought you'll take good care of her ? "

" I'm sorrrry , Aunty . I thought i could . "

" This is why i never trusted this guy over here . He's just the same his dad . "

" Shheesh honey , Sophie's sleeping . "

I could hear Mum's and Dad's voice and obviously Trace's too . But why is he here ? I need to ask him if he's together with Catherine right now . I need to wake up right away , but I couldn't . It's like my eyes are too heavy to be opened . But I have too .

" Hmm- " I slowly opened my eyes . I could see Mum sitting down next to me , Dad and Trace standing infront of me .

" Honeeeyy ! You're awake ! Are you alright ? "

" Mum ? I'm alright , i guess . Where am i ? "

I'm definitely not feeling alright . My whole body is weak , and my hands are just too heavy for me to lift up .

" You're in the hospital . Trace sent you here - "

" Since she's awake , I think i better get going . Bye . " Trace interrupted and walk to the door .

" Wait ! Mum , Can i have a few words with Trace ? "

" You sure ? " Dad asked .

" Yes , please . "

" Alright , Sweetie . Take care . I'll be right back . " Mum laid her face near me and gave me a kiss on my forehead , and so did Dad .

" So , are you alright , Soph ? What happen to you ? " Trace came and sat next to me .

" Trace , did you receive my message ? "

" Erh , message ? What message ? Nope . " Trace looked around the room with a lying face on .

Obviously i know he's lying . Come on , He's already putting on a lying face . Can't he do better than that just to make me not being curious ? Gosh .

" Oh god , Trace . Don't lie . It's all obvious already . By the way , my cell says that it's delivered . "

" Fine . Yeah , i received it . So what ? " He looked at me straight to my eyes , and faced me this time .

" Why are you talking to me like that ? Am i not your friend anymore ? " I stared right into his eyes , and hoping that he'll tell me everything .

" You're still my friend , Soph . It's just that ... " He looked away , and I know that he can't continue with his sentence because there's something he's hiding away .

" Trace , please . I beg you , just tell me . Please ? " I started to tear out bit by bit .

" Dont cry , Sophie . Just remember this . I can't be with you anymore . "

" But why ? ! You just confessed to me ! Is it too late for me to say yes now ? "

Oh damn it . Why is he doing this to me when i'm already telling him that I like him ! Well , indirectly ! He's not that dumb right . I thought he can read my mind everytime , but why not this time ?

" Soph , what i've said that day , was what i felt inside my heart . It have always been , and will always be . I'll always love you . "

He held my hand tightly , and I started to cry more . I hope this moment will last longer . Is it really that late for me to say yes now ? Fuck . I'm regretting badly now . I should have just told him earlier , I should have just forget the shit out of Martin , that ultimate jerkass ex-boyfriend .

" I have to go now . Bye Sophie , Take care . Believe in yourself . "

" But , Wwwaait - " Before i could even finish my sentence , he had already walked out of the door .

Great , is he together with Catherine now or not ? I couldn't stop thinking bout the fact that Trace is together with Catherine now . Suddenly , my mind was interrupted by Sonia .

Oh what do we have here? A 'Best friends' reunion?

Sophie was lying on bed, looking as pale as ever while Casey and Minnie arrived unexpectedly, at the same time. Both exchanged looks and Sophie smiled to herself. Her plan worked. She knew that she was going to save this friendship no matter what.

"I don't suppose this has anything to do with you, Sophie?" Minnie asked, looking from Sophie to Casey. She tried to keep a distance away from her.

"What are you doing here?" Casey asked, staring straight at Minnie. Looks like there won't be an escape for Little Minnie now.

"Sophie's sick and as her friend, I SHOULD be here. But I swear, I didn't know you were coming -"

"You're not wanted here. I don't need more backstabbers in my life."

Minnie ignored what Casey had just said and asked Sophie, "So are you feeling better? I brought some magazines for you, in case if you feel bored."

Casey rolled her eyes, feeling disgusted with the way how Minnie's treating Sophie.

"Thanks. I'll need that." Sophie replied with a smile.

"Hey, Sophie, I brought you some movies. So you don't need those trashy magazines that BITCH brought you." Casey turned to look at Minnie. "Wait, what the fuck is your problem anyway? You come in here and act like you're fucking innocent sucking up to Sophie like I'm the bitch in this argument."

"Stop it. I'll read the magazines and watch the movies-"

"Why did you assume it's me who told everyone about your bump?" i protested.

"You're the only big mouth i know."

"But i didn't say anything about it. Why don't you believe me?"

"Who else could have told?"

"What about Billy?"

"Billy and i agreed to not say anything until the time is right. I trust him."

"Yeah, i trust Billy too. He wouldn't tell." Sophie said.

"Stay out of this, Sophie. It's between Casey and I. And, I'm not going to be accused for doing something i did not do!"

"But you did." Casey said.

Minnie looked at Casey for one moment and sighed. She shook her head, not believing that her own best friend is doing this to her and walked to the chair to grab her bag. Looks like she's about to leave without having her name cleared.

"I can't take any of this anymore, Casey. Enough is enough. I'll leave, alright? You won't have to see me anymore. I'll leave Sunny Dales High too, if that's what you want. So this is my final goodbye to all of you."

When she was about to head for the door, Sophie finally had the guts to speak up, "Okay, okay. Maybe i have a confession to make."