For a moment, I stood in the aisle and contemplated what Madison had just said to me.

For whatever reason, she had some sort of grudge against me. From the second I stepped into the shop that afternoon, she hated me. I could see it in her eyes. But why? I had arrived here less than a week and a half ago, and hadn't even had a real conversation.

But, as I pushed my cart towards the check out a few moments later...There was no way she'd be able to find out I was pregnant.

A grand total of two people in Paris, Texas knew of why I was really here. And my Aunt Lauren and I certainly wouldn't tell anybody any time soon.

She couldn't figure it out.

There was just no way. Smiling to myself, I paid for the groceries and headed home. However vindictive she was, she wasn't a mind reader. When I got back to the house, I put away the groceries and cleaned up the house.

When Aunt Lauren got home from work that evening, she asked if I wanted to get something to eat. There was a small restaurant not far from here she loved. I quickly got dressed and we headed out.

"What can I get you ladies to drink?" The waitress asked.

"I'll have some water."

"I'll have chocolate milk, please," I answered.

The waitress, Betty, returned a few moments later with our drinks and took our orders. There was a delicious looking fried shrimp and pasta dish that I was dying to try as soon as I saw it on the menu.

Aunt Lauren got a simple burger and fries.

Even though the restaurant was busy, we didn't have to wait long for our food. The waitress brought it out soon, and I dug in. I was starving.

"How do you like the food?" Aunt Lauren inquired a few moments after we started eating.

"It's very good," I answered.

"So, I have a question," She asked, putting down her fork.

"What's up?" I asked, curious.

"What do you want to do about school? It starts mid August around here."

I shrugged.

"I don't really want to go back to school, but I refuse to have a GED as well. So I'm not sure what to do."

Aunt Lauren thought for a minute, contemplating my situation.

"You know, there's a program at the school for special situations like yours. If you fit the profile, they'll let you take a test and if you score on it well enough you will get your high school diploma. No GED. Colleges and future jobs will never know the difference."

I smiled at her.

"Really?" I asked, and she nodded.

I liked the idea of the plan that she had, but there were some insecurities behind if I decided to go forward with it.

"You think it's a good idea? I don't want people to think I'm trying to be lazy and take the easy way out."

"I don't think it's the 'easy way out' at all, honey. You're in a tough situation and you have to do what's best for you and the baby, Charlotte. You're due in January, with five months left of the school year after. You being with the baby is vital during those months. I know you won't want to put the baby in day care that young," She paused, and I shook my head no to agree with her. I wouldn't. She went on, "I couldn't stay home with the baby because of work. So I do think it would be what's best."

"Do you think I could pass that?" I asked.

"I know you can pass it."

"Thanks for the advice," I said, smiling.

"No problem. Come on, let's head home," Aunt Lauren said, dropping some money on the table next to the bill.

The next day, Saturday was a rare day according to Aunt Lauren. It wasn't often that she had weekends off, but for some reason they just didn't need her today. So we decided to relax and watch movies all day. A forecast for a storm coming in kept us from wanting to do anything outside.

"I think I'm going to get some candy from the gas station. Do you want anything?"

"No, honey. I'm good. Thank you," Aunt Lauren answered.

I grabbed my keys and headed out.

I parked the truck and went inside. Dark clouds were rolling in, a sure sign it was going to rain soon. I decided to be quick, not wanting to be stuck in it.

Strolling through the aisle, I wasn't sure what kind of candy that I wanted.  I finally settled on something chocolaty, and some skittles and starburst and headed up the counter.

As the cashier put the change in my hand, I glanced up at the security camera screen. One showed the line in front of the cashier, and someone on it caught me off guard.

Emmett was standing directly behind me.

His stance was casual, carrying some milk he was buying as he waited for his turn with the cashier. He was looking straight ahead. At the back of my head, really. 

Shit, shit, shit! If i just made it to my truck in time, I could avoid him. I turned carefully so he wouldn't seem me and scrambled towards the vehicle. 

My hand had just closed around the truck's door handle when he spoke my name. I froze, my heart hammering away in my chest.

"Charlotte? Charlotte Thompson? No fucking way."

My heart was pounding in my chest. This can't be happening. It was too soon. But with not much of a choice, I turned around.

Sure enough, there he was. Standing directly in front of me with that killer smile on his face. His dimples showed, even though his expression was one of clear shock. Everything about him was exactly the same. Everything I felt was exactly the same. Just as pulse racing. Just as heart pounding. And I was standing in front of him, exactly three months pregnant with his child.

I finally spoke, his name falling easily off of my lips. 

"Emmett."

Author's Note: So sorry about the long wait! I know it's been forever, but things have been hectic for me! Please tell me what you think. What do you think of Charlotte's school plan? What will happen with Emmett?

Also, I know it's very short but I need like a filler to kick off the next chapter since it's been a while since i've written for this. Please forgive me!!