That Was Then... Read Free

school? 2) Or do you have a good friend with understanding parents who might let you stay with them? 3) If you really want to move out, do you have enough money for a rental deposit? 4) Have you estimated what it will cost each month, making a budget that includes things like rent, food, utilities, clothing, commuting costs, etc.? 5) Have you asked a school or church counselor for advice? B) Last but not least, have you told your mother how you feel—have you asked for her help in making this adjustment?
    I know that being on your own looks tempting right now, but it could end up being like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Maybe you should do what youcan to get yourself ready to move out (like saving and planning a budget) while you give yourself time to see whether or not your mom has made another mistake.
    Just Jamie

Two
Friday, September 8
    I just finished the first week of my senior year, and as far as academics go, I think it’s going to be easy breezy. I’ve already taken most of my requirements as well as several AP classes, and I could actually graduate early if I want. Not that I want to.
    The only reason I’m even thinking about this is because that’s what Natalie plans to do. She met with the academic counselor this week. And her new plan is to finish high school before the baby comes. Fortunately, like me, she’s taken almost all of her requirements, and by taking a full load of classes this term, as well as one night class at the community college, she can be done by Christmas.
    “Of course, I’ll come back and walk with my class for graduation,” she informed me at lunch the otherday. “But I think it’s better to do it like this.”
    And while the selfish side of me wants to argue this point with her, I know she’s right. Unfortunately, the first week of her senior year has been anything but easy breezy. And despite the negative feelings I’ve harbored toward my best friend lately, I’m feeling really sorry about that and actually pretty defensive of her now.
    Naturally the word’s leaking out. Okay, it’s more like a dam that has burst wide open. By the end of this week, the only people who don’t know about the pregnancy and upcoming marriage of Nat and Ben must be living under a stone. But the comments I’ve overheard and the looks I’ve observed—toward Nat, not Ben—have been nothing short of downright mean and cruel.
    The weird and sad thing is how quickly our classmates put their own spin on this regrettable story. Acting like Nat got pregnant on purpose, like it’s her way to catch poor Benjamin O’Conner. Like Ben is some innocent, unsuspecting victim who got pulled into Natalie’s diabolical scheme. Give me a break!
    It doesn’t help matters that Ben seems to be avoiding Nat. He told her he’s just trying to lay low until the news dies down. Poor Ben. I really do feel sorry for him too. Life as he knew it is pretty much over now. He doesn’t get to play sports this year, and although he acts like it’s no big deal, I know it’s got to hurt. He’s been such a jock in the past. Nat said he’s thinking about graduating early too, although he doesn’t have quite the academic record Nathas and will need to take more community college classes.
    To make matters worse, some kids are throwing Natalie’s religion in her face, making fun of her for messing up, even calling her a hypocrite. Some do it behind her back. Some to her face.
    “I hate this school!” Nat slams the door of my Jeep. It’s Friday afternoon, and as usual, I’m giving her a ride home.
    “Give them time,” I say. I want to tell her not to take it out on poor Daisy (my Jeep), but considering her mood I think better of this. “In a week or so, they’ll have something new to gossip about.”
    “I can’t wait to get out of here,” she says as I pull out of the school parking lot. “For good.”
    I don’t tell her that I’m feeling slightly abandoned by this announcement. Or remind her that