Chapter 7
747words
I focused on coursework, maintaining the top GPA in my program, while also participating in research projects outside of class. I intentionally built relationships with prominent professors and mentors, steadily growing my network.
All of it served a purpose. It smoothed my path in academia and laid the groundwork for whatever I chose to pursue afterward.
By the end of the semester, I ranked first in my major with ease and even secured a research scholarship. My name quickly became known within the department.
When I went home for the New Year, Lucy invited me for a shopping trip and dropped a bombshell—Ginger was pregnant.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Lucy looked thrilled by my reaction, her expression clearly teasing me for not seeing it coming. She said, "You haven't heard the details yet. After Maverick and Ginger started their senior year again, her family rented them an apartment near the school.
"They were left alone with no parents watching. How could nothing happen? I heard Maverick had been glued to her since. He's totally slacked off in his studies.
She continued, "When teachers reprimand him, he snaps back that everyone in the repeat class is trash, that he could still get into Bloomdale University even if he barely studied. He annoyed them so much that they eventually ignored him.
"Later on, Ginger's belly grew so large that her uniform could no longer hide it. That's when everyone realized she was pregnant.
"And get this, her parents didn't even get mad. They arranged for her to take a leave of absence so she could focus on her pregnancy. She'll come back to school after the baby is born."
Lucy leaned closer. "Crazy, right?"
I smiled and nodded.
Lucy sighed. Conflicted, she said, "How did Maverick end up this way? Back in high school, I actually thought he was kind of charming. He is decent-looking and gets good grades.
"Your relationship with him was straight out of a romance novel. Now, look at him! He's turned into a delinquent, getting a young woman pregnant before marriage.
I took a sip of my drink. "Who knows? You never really know someone. Some people are just very good at putting on a facade."
Before heading back to college, I stopped by a mall to buy some clothes. Coincidentally, I ran into Ginger, her belly already noticeably swollen.
I was about to take a detour to avoid her when she spotted me. She blocked my path, her face smug with confidence.
Ginger glanced at me once over, her tone in an unnaturally high pitch. "It's been a while, Amelia. You still look somewhat ditsy. Don't tell me you went to university just to bury your nose in books."
I said nothing, looking at her flatly.
She lowered her eyes shyly and stroked her belly. "I don't even know how it happened, and I surprisingly got pregnant with Maverick's baby. He loves me so much and treats me very well.
"Once our baby is born in a few months, we'll be a happy family of three. Maverick even said he's willing to give up applying to Bloomdale University for us. He'll stay here so it's easier to take care of the baby and me."
She looked at me expectantly. "He really loves me so much, doesn't he?"
I smiled and answered her calmly, "He does love you. After all, not many people have children at 18."
She caught the sarcasm in my tone immediately, her expression darkening slightly. "Amelia, being jealous won't change anything. Maverick still chose me and abandoned you.
"What good is higher education anyway? Men don't like women like that. They want someone gentle and attentive—someone who feels like home. Can you do that?"
"Besides," she said, glancing over me dismissively. "Your figure is mediocre at best, and you dress so plainly. No man would ever want you."
Then, her phone rang. She shot me a provoking look when she saw who the caller was. She answered in a saccharine voice. "Okay, darling. I'm heading back now. Don't miss me too much, okay? Mwah!"
She gave me a side-eye, held her belly, and walked away.
I couldn't help but laugh. Two 18-year-olds raising a child. Now that was something worth watching.
