“No fucking way.” JC
said, sitting on the bleachers in the high school.
Christmas was over and they were starting to work on piecing
together choreography for the show. The group consisted of Miley, the guys and
Kelly. Briahna was actually curled up asleep near them.
“Yeah, I know.” Miley replied.
“And you didn’t even think to call and tell us?” Lance asked.
“I honestly thought it was a fluke.” Miley replied.
“Honey, ten tests saying the same thing isn’t a fluke.” Kelly
informed her.
“I know that now that I have a doctor telling me that it’s
true.” Miley shot back.
“So what did you do when you found out?” Chris asked.
“Cried.” Miley said. “Justin called our parents while I
cried.”
“Now was this before or after you told off the Barbie
wannabee.” Joey asked.
“After. We met up with her while we were picking up the
tests.” Justin said.
“Excuse me.” A voice said, breaking into the discussion. The
group turned to look at the girl and then quickly turned to face JC. At least,
all except Miley. She climbed down the bleachers and approached the girl.
“You must be Lily.” Miley said.
“Lily Michaels, at your service.” She replied, looking at the
group. Lily caught JC’s gaze and she swallowed hard. “Hi Josh.” She said.
“Lily.” JC said, the color slowly draining from his face.
“You know JC?” Miley asked.
“We dated for a bit.” Lily replied.
“I take it the relationship didn’t end well?” Miley asked.
“So, why did you snap at Barbie?” Lance asked, desperately
trying to change the subject.
“I’m not sure. She was just telling me that all the girls I
used to hang out with were there and I felt this dread. But, it was more along
the lines of hearing about these stupid trivial things. They threw me a party to
celebrate my book being published and they spent the whole party flirting with
all the guys there.” Miley said, walking back over to the bleachers. Lily slowly
followed behind.
“I think it was just the baby knowing how stressed Mommy was
getting.” Joey said.
“My god, you remember how crazy I was as a kid? My mom always
said she hoped my kids gave me all the grey hairs that I gave her.” Miley said,
her face falling in shock.
“Wow. Should we warn Sheriff Kildeer to go ahead and put in
for retirement now?” Chris asked.
“You know what? Let’s make up some choreography.” JC quickly
said, rather loudly. Everyone jumped and turned to look at him. “I’m starting to
get kinda hungry and would love to make some headway in this show.”
***************************************************************************************************************
“I really don’t have to work on this. I mean, it’s a thing
with you and the guys…” Lily said, walking out of the high school with Miley.
Justin was in the truck, watching the two come walking out while he talked on
his phone.
“Was the break-up that bad?” Miley asked.
“I haven’t really seen him, which is quite the feat because I
work at Heath’s.” Lily replied.
“Lily, I would love for you to work on this with me. I can
tell you’ll have some great ideas. But, I am going to leave it up to you guys.”
Miley said, sitting down on a bench outside the school. She ran a hand over her
stomach. Even though it still felt flat, Miley could almost swear that she had
put on an extra 75 pounds already.
“Maybe I can do more behind the scene stuff, like be your
sidekick. I can run errands and stuff.” Lily suggested.
“Are you sure? I have more pull over those knuckleheads than
you can believe.” Miley said.
“I think for now, it’s for the best.” Lily said.
“Then your first errand is to meet Kelly and I at the mall
later. We’re going to start looking at props and costumes.” Miley said.
“I will be there.” Lily said.
“I am so looking forward to working with you.” Miley replied,
standing up and sticking her hand out for Lily to shake.
“Me too Miley. Me too.” Lily said.