18

WE’RE STROLLING UP THE SIDEWALK that leads into the health clinic to retrieve the no-baby pills when a familiar face comes walking out in the other direction.

“Alissa, hey!” I say, fully expecting her to smile politely like she always does and greet me back. We were never really close friends or anything, but the two of us having the same major and her living in Teagan’s dorm had us crossing paths a lot over the last few years. She’s a lot more serious about life then either Teagan or I am, but that doesn’t stop her from always being polite.

She’s a good girl like that.

Alissa looks up at me, her eyes bloodshot and red-rimmed. Her gaze drops to the sidewalk and she makes as if to go right by Teagan and me without a word. It’s then that I notice her belly.

“Alissa?” I grab her by the arm as she’s about to walk past me like I’m a stranger with a bad haircut.

“Don’t,” she says, pulling away slightly as she keeps on going. I stand there with my mouth hanging open as she walks away.

“What