"Are you serious?" Tammy says. "Oh, my God, everything makes sense now. That's why you've been acting so moody lately."
"I've not been moody," I say.
"You have," Ellie says. She runs up to me, stumbling a little before she hugs me. Tammy joins in and we're in our little circle.
I'm so overwhelmed that tears start flowing down my cheeks.
"I'm so happy for you, Kiera."
"You don't think it's weird?"
"You're twenty-five. These kinds of things happen," Ellie says. "So, when are we meeting the father?"
Tammy and Ellie look at me expectantly. "Actually, he's not in the scene anymore."
"What do you mean, he's not in the scene? Was it a one-night stand?"
"No," I say.
"Does he refuse to take responsibility?" Tammy says. “Because if that’s the case, then I can go out there and kick his ass. I’m serious. All I need is an address.”
"You don’t have to do that.”
“Why not?” Tammy asks with a frown.
“Him not taking responsibility isn’t the issue here.”
"Then what's the problem?" Tammy says.
"Maybe we can talk to him," Ellie suggests, giving Tammy a meaningful look. “Without resorting to violence.”
"No, you can't do that,” I say, protectively cradling my belly. I don’t want Jake anywhere near me or the baby. He doesn’t deserve that."
"Why not? I'm a lawyer. I can be pretty convincing."
I can't hold it in anymore. "Because it's Jake. Jake is the father."
Dead silence follows my confession.
"Jake Bennett knocked you up?" Tammy says. "Are you serious?"
"Yes."
“I’m going to kill that bastard,” Ellie says furiously. “Jake Bennett, I’ve never met you in my life but the second I see you, I’ll murder you.”
Despite everything, the look on Ellie’s face is so intense that I find it hilarious.
"The high school prophecy is coming true," Tammy says. “I can’t believe it.”
"What?"
"In school, everybody used to say you and Jake are going to end up together."
"Who said it?"
"Everybody," Tammy says.
"I thought he was the devil," Ellie says. "How did this happen?"