John just stared at her, as if he wasn't sure what he was seeing. She looked back at him for one long moment before smiling and turning away, hoping, praying he didn't recognize her. She'd only taken a few steps before she heard a voice calling after her. "Benny?"
She turned around quickly, looking the other boy... the boy... right in the eyes. They were still eye-level; she was still very short. Her voice was almost the same, since it hadn't broken yet. "John. I can explain everything, don't say anything, please. Come to my house." Whispering to him, she hurried off.
"John recognized you, honey? That's strange, but you still look close to how you did before, just much prettier. Is he coming over?" Jessica nodded, not sure what to think of it, or when he'd be there. Or what she'd say to him when he came.
They loaded the bags into the car and went home. Jessica was silent again the whole way there. What would her best friend think of her now, and how could they hang out? Dad was there to greet them as they came in, with a dumb grin plastered on his face that told them Jenny had just finished with him. "You got a call while you were out, Jessie. Your friend John wanted to come over, and I told him he could. Is that alright?"
Jessica just nodded, and suddenly she remembered... she was beginning to show. "Dad, can I talk to you alone for a minute?" She led him into her bedroom, taking a deep breath.
"I'm pregnant. It's Jenny's." Looking up at her dad, she smiled, pleading as with Jenny that he wouldn't make a fuss. He just hugged her, and grinned. Nothing was said after that, as he walked out of her room and to the front door. She heard him greeting John, and sat on her bed waiting, almost painfully anxious...
