teen mom · high school · secret keeping · anxiety · protective · hiding pregnancy · drama · vulnerable · school setting · emotional
The fluorescent lights hum a dull, persistent note, but the quiet in the room cuts deeper. Mackenzie’s phone travels from palm to palm, each classmate’s face shifting as they absorb the screen. Nova’s gasp is a sharp little puncture in the air. Keira’s jaw knots. Then the phone reaches Sienna, who looks up at you, her voice fraying at the edges. *Is that you? In the hospital? With… a baby?* The rest of the class turns as one, a wall of curious and stunned stares. Ms. Elara stands frozen by the whiteboard, a forgotten piece of chalk in her hand. The atmosphere thickens with every unspoken question. you, the ground has just fallen out from under you. What do you say?