Her stomach dropped. Panic gripped her chest. How could she be so stupid? Had anyone walked in last night, a maid? Worse still, what should happen in case her parents returned earlier? Her hands covered her face, and she was breathing rapidly.

 She tossed the bedding off, and crawled to the floor, snatching up her garments from the chair. She could not lift her jeans and her top because her hands trembled. Each movement was clumsy, and her body was not willing to do it.

 She was at length dressed, and glancing down, deepened her breath and ran down the stairs. There was a slight odor of coffee and eggs in the kitchen. Marcus stood there, by the stove, turning something in a pan. He looked up, and his face momentarily hardened into an expression of paralyzed amazement, and then sank into composure.

 "Morning," he said carefully. "You're up early."

 "Uh... yeah. Morning," Ava mumbled. Her voice was tight. She made attempts to smile but she was unable to, she knew that what had occurred last night was not what she had expected to occur. But the sight of Marcus behaving so nonchalantly as if it were a common occurrence did not help. 

 Marcus looked at her for a moment. "You look... tense. Are you okay?"

 "I... I'm fine," she said quickly. "Just... tired."

 He walked closer. "I ... I am sorry. About last night I had no idea what came to me and I- 

 Ava shuddered at the mention of these words and she hastily interrupted him. "I don't want to talk about it. Not right now, not later. I'd... I would just prefer that we pretend there was nothing between us last night.

 Marcus paused, a glance of something in his eyes. He was about to open his mouth, when she raised her hand. "Please. Not now. I'm not ready."

 He made a little sigh and withdrew. "Okay," he said quietly. "If that's what you want."

 The silence between them was heavy, yet no one said anything. Ava's heart raced. Not like this, she could not face him. Not after what they'd done.

 "I... I will go see Riley," she announces more to herself, trying to make it sound natural. "She wakes up early. I don't want to go out  alone."

 Marcus frowned. "Your parents will be down any minute. I don't think that's a good idea. Perhaps you had better keep in your room a little."

 Ava shook her head. "I... I'll be fine. I just... I need to go out."

 "No," Marcus said firmly. "Stay in your room. Your mother and father will come soon enough."

Ava hesitated, then gave up. Turning around, she went up the stairs with a twisting stomach. She closed her eyes and leaned against the door of her room after shutting it. Her body was still tense, her head spinning. She took off her clothes very fast and entered the shower, letting the hot water run over her. It enabled her to relax, at least partially.

 The door was later softly knocked on. "Miss Ava," a maid said politely. "I brought breakfast."

 Ava replied, looking normal, and gave back a simple "thanks" in response. She picked up the tray and sat down on the rim of her bed. She chewed but did not really taste the food as her mind kept replaying what happened the previous night with Mark and Bella and also with Marcus.

 Her phone buzzed on the bed. She jumped and picked it up.

 "Hello?" she whispered.

 "Ava! Hey, are you there?" Mark spoke, as though nothing had happened, and his voice was easy and good-natured.

 Ava's stomach twisted. "Y-Yeah... I'm here," she said, forcing calm.

 "Good! It is the birthday of Bella today, you know. She really wants you there. You coming?"

 Ava forced a laugh. "Of course... I'll be there." 

"Great. I will be down to fetch you by and by, still in an off-hand manner.

Ava released the edge of the bed and took a deep breath, before hanging up. She could not allow anyone to notice that she was nervous. She had to act normal.

In another couple of minutes, she heard a knock at her door.

"Ava? It's Mark."

She opened the door and remained expressionless. "Hey... thanks for coming."

"No problem. You ready?"

Ava nodded. "Yeah... let's go."

The drive was quiet at first. Mark tried to make small talk. So... you have that top that I like on. Looks good on you."

Thanks, Ava replied as she stared at the window.

By the time they got there, the party was in full blast. The room was filled with music, laughter, and chatter. Nobody was left behind as people were mingling and dancing. The center of attention was occupied by Bella who was smiling, taking photos, and laughing with friends.

Ava's hands balled into a fist. She couldn't stay quiet. She simply could not allow them to pretend that nothing had occurred. She lifted her glass, quailing and yet strong.

Please may I have your attention? she said.

The room quieted. All eyes turned to her.

Ava was not too shaky in her voice, and she was well articulated. "I just want to say something. Everybody has a right to know the truth. She looked directly at Bella. Bella, Mark... you have been cheating. Right in front of me. And you two have betrayed me, I believed you both.

Gasps spread across the room. Bella's smile faltered. Mark went pale.

"You cheated, you lied, and you believed you would not be noticed by anybody," Ava went on. "I have put my trust in you, and you just decided to deceive me...? I wish every one of you here now knows quite well who you are dealing with." 

Word went round like wildfire. Some stared at Bella and Mark. A few clapped quietly.

"Fool, you will regret this," hissed Bella.

"I do not, and I will not," Ava said, turning around and going to the door. She walked out followed by chaos. Mark was about to say something, but she turned her back on him and walked away.

Her phone was ringing, just as she got to the car. She answered quickly.

Ava," said her mother Patricia sharply. "We need to talk. Come home."

Ava had a twisted stomach as she drove to the house of Riley. She could not go back home yet. Not after the events of last night and not after the mayhem at the birthday party of the Bella. Each step towards the door of Riley seemed to be heavier, as though the weight of all this should be upon her chest.

She knocked lightly. Riley opened the door and was rubbing her eyes and looking tired. "Ava? What's up?" asked she, with her still sleep-thick voice.

"I... Come with me, I need you to come with me," Ava said with her hands trembling a little. She did not want to go home alone.

Riley nodded slowly. "Of course, I'll come. I have only just woken up, and must have a quick bath first."

Ava looked at the living room and nodded. "Okay. I'll wait."

Riley ran off into the bathroom and Ava was left alone. She sat down on the couch her thoughts whirling. She repeated all that occurred, Mark cheating on her, the way she reacted at the birthday party, and the one-night stand with Marcus. She was not able to tell anybody about Marcus yet. She forced that thought aside, and had to concentrate on surviving the day.

After some time, Riley emerged from the bathroom, dressed and looking fresher. Ava rose and was a little steadier with her friend at her elbow.

"I must tell you what happened last night," Ava said to Riley as they prepared to get going. "Mark cheated on me with Bella. I ended things with him. I attended the birthday party of Bella too and... I revealed to everyone what they have been doing behind my back."

Riley's eyes widened. "Very good. The next time I run into that fuck, I will give him my two cents."

Ava scowled and tried to smile. She never said anything concerning Marcus. It was her secret, that part of last night, and she did not propose to reveal it at this time.

When Riley was ready, they got in the car and drove off to Ava's house. The nearer they got, the tighter Ava felt her chest getting. As they arrived, she looked through the front door and saw the familiar figures of her parents. And there was Marcus, calm as though nothing was ever the matter.

Ava took a deep breath. She had to act normal. She followed Riley inside.

They made Patricia brighten up when she saw them. "Marcus and Elena are not divorcing anymore!" she exclaimed with all the excitement and relief in her voice.

Ava froze. Her stomach tightened. She closed her lips and tried to smile. Great, terribly great, she thought to herself.

Riley followed her closely and could see the tension, but she did not say anything. Ava walked behind her mother and Marcus into the living room with her mind whirling. She experienced all the looks, all the movements around her as though her heart could betray her.

The next hour was spent by the family assisting Elena in returning to the house. Boxes were transported, the furniture was rearranged and everyone helped out. Ava kept to herself and only moved when she had to. She assisted where she could and she avoided eye contact with Marcus because, she was well aware that any kind of interaction would attract attention. She felt a pain in her heart seeing Marcus and Elena collaborate. They were smiling, laughing lowly, and brushing little, easy touches that had to remind her how she had crossed the line last night.

At last, the work was quieted down and it was time to eat. The table was properly set, and everyone sat down. Ava sat next to Riley who gave her a comforting nod. Marcus was sitting across, detached but alert. There was a heavy atmosphere. Ava and Marcus did not address each other. There was a heavy silence that was their silent secret between them.

Patricia broke the silence, and her voice was gentle. "It is a huge relief that Marcus and Elena have chosen to get things straight. It is nice to find them so glad to be together once more."

Ava's chest tightened. She felt used. She would have liked to say something, to complain that she was injured and that she had emotions that no one could know. But she made no reply, and had to lower her eyes to her plate. As she watched Marcus and Elena laughing at minor jokes, glancing at each other, and caressing each other, her stomach ached with envy.

She chewed her food in silence. She was holding her fork tremulously. Every bite felt heavy.

Marcus looked at her once, but only briefly, with a neutral expression. Ava turned her head away and concentrated on her plate. She did not want him to observe how ambivalent she was. She could not allow him to know that she had been hit more by last night than she could take.

The dinner table discussion was generally civil. Daniel and Patricia were talking of their day, of Elena settling down, of small domestic schemes. Ava quietly listened and nodded ever so often. She was aware that Riley was looking at her, though not saying anything, just being there, providing support by being there. That little assurance made Ava keep herself together.

The thoughts of Marcus and Elena came back to Ava over and over again as she ate. She did not understand how they could behave so normally, so easily in love, and she had a secret that could ruin everything.

After dinner, the dishes were cleared. Ava remained at the table for a few minutes more, attempting to calm down. She was not sure if she would be able to remain in her room permanently, yet she was aware that she would not be able to fight Marcus. She had to wait. She had to be careful.

At last, she rose and took her leave unobtrusively. She retired to her room and shut the door. She put her back to it and drew a breath. Her heart was sore, and her stomach was clenched with anxiety. She reflected on the secret she was bearing, the line she had crossed, and the effects which might follow.

This could not be her permanent state. She had to suppress it at present. She was forced to act like nothing had occurred. But the fear lingered. And how much time would she be able to hold on to it? Until when the truth broke in and everything was different?

Time flew by after  Bella's birthday. The entire Marcus episode became a load on her heart, and eventually, thoughts of him slipped away from her but still a compulsion for her. Always beside her at school, helping her across the awkward bylanes of her social life was Riley. 

Right now, Ava was at her usual place in class, right next to Riley. She just stared, her eyes drawn blank at the notebook just in front of her. The words merged, and none of them made sense. 

There came a thud when the door was slammed open against the wall. Ava flinched with the sound. Mark entered and was a sight of red rage. All heads turned to him in the classroom.

"Ava! You have to listen to me!" he bellowed. His voice echoed along the room.

Ava froze, a pen slipping from her fingers. Her heart raced, while the adrenaline pumped through her body, sending her stomach into knots. At that moment, he was all but impossible to ignore as his looming presence seemed to shrink the room. 

"Uh-huh. I don't want to talk," said Ava in a low voice as she got up. She merely stepped another half toward Riley like somehow this suddenly made her unpopular and so she tried avoiding it.

But that was of no use to Mark. He strode a huge step toward her, thumping a finger onto her. "You have to take me back, Ava! I am begging you! And you owe Bella an apology! You humiliated her at her party, and you wrecked everything!" 

Ava's complexion turned red-hot. She readied her mouth to say something; nothing came out. 

Immediately, Riley had jumped in between Ava and Mark. "Back off, Mark!" she growled. "Ava doesn't owe you or Bella anything. You were cheating on her; this is on you, not her!" 

Mark swiveled his enraged gaze toward Riley. "You're meddling in matters that are none of your business! You don't get to lecture me!" 

Riley squared her shoulders and answered, "I'm allowed to protect my friend. Now listen to her, or get out!" 

It was altogether chaotic. At the lightest provocation, noise levels peaked and Ava felt extremely sandwiched in between. She never thought she would see Mark so rowdy or so loud or so relentless. With Riley standing her ground, saying sharp and uncompromising things, somehow Ava drew her attention and began to feel very small under it. 

And then the ground tilted beneath her feet. All vision before her started to sway, while all sound lost itself in a high-pitched ringing. Her knees betrayed her, and she felt herself falling over. Riley, quick enough to act by instinct, reached out to grab her just before she hit the ground.

"Ava!" Riley cried out screamingly. Out of panic, she grabbed her belongings, threw them inside her bag, and barged out of the classroom. Whispers filled the halls behind them, but Ava was hardly aware of just how much was happening around her. All she felt was this immediate emptiness, this spinning sensation, and, in an instant, the burgeoning wave of unconsciousness crashing down on her. 

Ava sat, trembling, weak, and almost dragged to the floor, in some room at the school nurse's office. "Slow down," said the nurse while helping Ava sit down. Mildly waving the fan as she offered water, she asked, "What happened?" 

"I don't... I don't know," murmured Ava in a tiny voice. "I got dizzy... and just... fell." 

Meanwhile, Riley stood by squeezing her hand. "It's okay, Ava. We'll work it out. Just stay with me." 

"You seem weak and stressed out dear," said the nurse. "How about I give you a referral to the nearest clinic to run some tests so we know what is really wrong with you before it gets out of hand?" she continued. 

"I think that's a good idea." Riley agrees. 

"Alright then, give me a few minutes as I  prepare the referral form for you." With that, the nurse walked out. 

She soon came back with the referral form. 

Riley helped Ava out of the school clinic as they made their way to her car. 

They got into the car and headed straight for the hospital. Ava sat in the back carrying her handbag, mind swirling. While she fought with herself as she tried to think of something else. Every thought, however, so often turned back to the events of the night with Marcus weeks back. New thoughts, however, joined the previous ones, especially on what Mark did. It weighed heavily against her chest, much like a dull complaint flashing in her stomach, and really not about fainting.

While Ava leaned back on the bed, looking a little dizzy, the doctor began to examine her completely. The nurse checked her vitals and glided out of the room with a promise to be back soon with the results. Then she held her breath and forced herself into silence in an attempt to calm herself. Beside her, Riley stayed, clutching her hand and seeking to comfort her without words. 

Finally, the doctor entered there, clipboard in hand. His face turned serious, and without doubt, Ava's heart began to pound in her chest. 

"Ava Thompson?" the doctor inquired while looking directly at the girl. 

"Yes," she managed to push out with a little voice. 

The doctor drew in air; "The results are in... You're pregnant." 

Ava's mind went blank. Blinking several times, she could not fathom the information. Beside her, Riley gasped, squeezing her hand till she thought it would break. Ava's stomach twisted with shock, and fear and disbelief swirled together. 

"I... I'm... pregnant?" she intoned, shaking. 

"Yes. You're a few weeks along now. You should schedule follow-up appointments, and then we can meet and discuss with you and your guardian about your options and next steps," the doctor replied. 

She tried to clutch the little bit of shakiness left in her hands about what he told her; however, her mind was in no way blissful. A dozen wild thoughts loomed large in her mind-all concerning Marcus-rushing to last night, the ordeal she wanted to keep under wraps. Mark, Riley, and the thoughts of her parents came back to her too, and suddenly the world started tilting and crashing down. 

Holding on tight to her right hand, Riley was indeed in her moment of staying alive. 

The doctor took a few steps away to give them some privacy. Buried under her hands, Ava managed to process everything that had happened. 

She was pregnant with Marcus's child!