The Wall

Miller settled into the bus seat next to a window. Brad flopped down beside him. Great, hour and half bus ride with an excited squirrel. It should make for an interesting trip. Brad was all smiles. Miller shook his head. The boy hadn't even had the ring a full four hours before giving it to Kayleigh. He had to give him credit, Marchy knew what he wanted and went for it. Kevan knew his forever included Hadlee, but he also knew he needed to look her father in the eye and ask to marry her.

"Your face is going to freeze like that." teased Spoons "KK won't marry you if you look like the Joker from Batman."

"Kayleigh loves me" replied Brad "Joker or not."

"You couldn't make it four hours with that ring?" asked Dougie.

"Kayleigh is it. I don't need to wait." he answered "Worried it will give Caro ideas?"

"Hell no, if i got her a ring she would bolt. It would look like the Kentucky Derby." said Dougie "I figure I'll just wait until she informs me that we’re getting married."

The bus erupted into laughter. Seids clapped Dougie on his shoulder "It worked for me." Dougie just smiled and settled in beside Spooner.

"So, Tegan." said Dougie looking at Spooner.

"What?" asked Spoons.

"What?" mimicked Dougie "Come on, Dude."

"Tegan is awesome. She is going to come up to Providence for a game. I'm going to take her on a real date when we get back."

"She is hot as hell. Dirty Disney princess." teased Looch. Spoons smiled and took the ribbing from his team mates.

"We apparently need to get Looch out more if he thinks the Disney princesses are hot." laughed Campbell.

"You have a 2 year old baby girl and see what you watch. I see Frozen in my dreams." said Looch

"I don't want to hear about wet dreams involving Ana and Elsa. Especially since you bastards have decided we are dressing like the cast of Frozen for the Halloween visit." said Matt Frasure.

"We all had to do it." laughed Looch.

"Yes, but not in a dress!" said Frasure.

"Could be worse, Dougie will make a damn big Elsa." laughed Bartowski.

The boys were are giving each other shit. Kevan didn't care either way. He was lucky they all knew he'd make a damn ugly woman. He was not spared from the rookie bullshit, though. He would be dressed like Kristoff from Frozen. He didn't mind, Hadlee loved Kristoff. Kevan noticed that Davey was even quieter than usual.

"Hey Gears, why so quiet kid?" asked Miller

"Thinking." he replied.

"Looks like it hurts." laughed Kevan "What's going on?"

"I'm fine, Just trying to resign myself to going to Providence." he answered.

"We all spent time in Providence. Well, except Bergy. But he isn't human. The girls are already plotting on what to wear when they go watch you play. The first game you play in Boston, I am pretty sure we've lost all 3 of the girls. You'll have a full cheerleading squad to watch your debut." replied Kevan "It's been a lot to take in today. Hadlee was proud of you for speaking up today."

Davey nodded and went back to playing with his phone. Kevan knew the kid was crushing on Kayleigh. However, he hadn't expected him to stand up to the WAGs for Kayleigh. The kid was full of surprises. If he wasn't careful Hadlee would have two pets, Deke and her Baby K. 


"You guys are boring as fuck!" said Brad "Are we gonna sit around and gossip like old women?"

"Suggestion, Marchy?" asked Paille.

"It's team building!" yelled Brad "We should be bonding."

They all laughed. It was followed by a chorus of groans and boos. Most everyone on the bus was trying to sleep. Kevan finally convinced him to sit down and be quiet. Brad was almost vibrating with the need to be doing something. Kevan's phone chirped.

Hadlee: The Tahoe is home safe. It's ginormous!
Kevan: Nah, you’re just used to your skate.
Hadlee: It's a boat. So, I think I will drive it to the airport then make your brother or dad drive us home.
Kevan: They will do whatever you want. Mom is standing on her head wanting to meet you.
Hadlee: No pressure right, Miller?
Kevan: Babe I love you they will love you. No running off with my brothers.
Hadlee: One Cali boy is enough.
Kevan: You and Deke settled in for the night?
Hadlee: And Caro, Dani, and KK.
Kevan: Slumber party at my place.
Hadlee: Wine and wedding planning
Kevan: Should I warn the squirrel?
Hadlee: He's been texting us. He knows what's going on
Kevan: You girls have fun. We'll be back late tomorrow night. Keep the Squirrel busy or they might toss him off the bus and into the wilderness.
Hadlee: Miss you already. Love you Miller
Kevan: Love you too Babe.


Hadlee rejoined the group of girls drinking in her living room. Every device they had was linked to some form of bridal information. KK had been engaged for less than 7 hours and planning was in full swing. The girls were all laughing and pointing out things they each liked. Dani Grace had told Hadlee and Caroline that they should go ahead and start their own wedding plans. Caroline told her to shut her mouth. Caroline had just came to terms with loving Dougie. Dani Grace laughed. KK collapsed in a fit of giggles. Hadlee couldn't help but think her and Kevan would be planning a wedding by this time next year. She also knew that Caroline would marry Dougie but it would be on her terms.

"So, what are the boys doing?" asked KK

"Trying to sleep and not kill Brad." laughed Caroline.

"He's excited" said Kayleigh.

"He's bouncing and driving people crazy. I think Miller may have restrained him." teased Caroline.

"Kevan said for us to keep him busy or they would toss him off the bus." replied Hadlee "I'm not sure Bradley Keith is the surviving in the wilderness type."

"I'm not sure he could survive getting lost in a mall" laughed Caroline

"Mean!" called KK "He will be fine. Besides he is looking at wedding stuff on Pinterest and texting me."

"Yeah, because they won't make fun of him for that." said Dani Grace.

"Actually, if he’s quiet, I don't think they care what he does." said Caroline.

"Poor Bradley Keith" responded Hadlee "At least he knows we love him."

"Yep" laughed Kayleigh.

They continued looking at bridal sites. Kayleigh was showing them dresses she liked. Hadlee kept looking at Kayleigh, the ring, and the dresses. "You are going to be so beautiful." said Hadlee sniffling.

"You are a damn mess." said Caroline.

"I know, I can't help it. I don't know what is wrong with me" replied Hadlee "I think family court has made me squishy."

"I doubt it" answered Caroline "No more crying. I'm PMS and hormonal. I'll either cry or snap at you."

"We should throw chocolate and hide." teased Kayleigh.

"Very funny" said Caroline "I'm contemplating digging my uterus out with a spork."

Hadlee was listening to the girls talk about periods, various pain killers, wine, chocolate, and the benefits of the guys being gone while your period was occurring. Hadlee sat straight up from her position on the couch. Caroline was debating the merits of ripping out her uterus versus climbing into her bed for a week and not coming out. She decided removing it might be necessary since Dougie's parents would be there the next day. Kayleigh laughed as Caro swallowed the entire contents of her wine glass due to fear of meeting Dougie's parents. Hadlee looked at the date on her cell phone. Holy hell, it was the first week of October. Hadlee pulled up her calendar. She then opened an app that helped her keep track of her periods. Hadlee's cycle had never been completely regular due to the strain of gymnastics and cheer. But the little app helped her keep track. Hadlee was looking her last period had been sometime in August.

"Hads!" yelled Caroline "Quit texting Miller and pay attention." Hadlee's head whipped around and she looked at Caroline with a look of sheer panic. "Hadlee you okay? Is something wrong?"



"I'm fine" said Hadlee "Just thinking" she answered.

"No way Hadlee" said Kayleigh "that was sheer terror for a second. What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." said Hadlee before the girls could question her burst out into tears. Caroline and Kayleigh both crawled onto the couch with Hadlee. Dani Grace moved so that she was sitting in the chair closest to her. Hadlee was crying on Kayleigh's shoulder when she handed her phone to Caroline. Hadlee snuggled closer to KK as Caroline looked at the phone. "Nothing to panic about, right?"

Caroline looked at the phone and looked at her best friend crying on the couch. Caroline handed the phone to KK. Her eyes immediately got to be the size of silver dollars. She held Hadlee tighter and stroked her hair. "It's gonna be fine either way. You know we have your back no matter what."

"Miller loves you." replied Caroline "He might be shocked at first. But if you are pregnant, he'll be over the moon. And if not your brothers will kill him." Hadlee sniffled and gave them a watery smile. "This is kind of awesome."

"Awesome" squeaked Hadlee "How is this awesome? I might be pregnant by my boyfriend of three months, who happens to be a pro athlete who could have any girl in the world?" She sobbed even harder.

"Well, it's awesome because everyone assumed I'd be the one to get knocked up." teased Caroline. Hadlee started crying harder. Caroline scooted closer and pulled Hadlee over. "OH! Don't cry, it's going to be fine. Tall, Hot, Sweaty will do what’s right."

"I don't want him to do what's right." said Hadlee crying.

"Hadlee he already asked you to move in. It can't get much more serious." replied Dani Grace
"That boy is gone over you. How many guys know girls shoe preferences?"

"She's right" said Kayleigh "And you know Brad and I will be right there."

"Don't tell Brad!" exclaimed Hadlee "He can't keep a secret."

"I'll let you tell him." soothed Kayleigh.

Caroline was on the phone. "Who are you calling?" asked Hadlee.

"I'm calling Jami." answered Caroline "We've all been drinking. And you need a pregnancy test. Therefore we need back up."

"OH" sobbed Hadlee "I've been drinking and I might be pregnant."

"No worries" said Dani "They drank all through the 50's with babies and look how our parents turned out. It will be fine. Good news is we will have a DD for 8 months."

"Okay Jami, Tegan, and Desi are headed to an all night Walgreens. I swore them to secrecy." said Caroline "Ok, I threatened them, but it's the same thing."

"No more wine." said Kayleigh cleaning up the mess on the table "But you should probably drink a water or something. So you'll be ready to pee when they get here." Kayleigh handed her a liter bottle of Fiji water.

"Will this dilute the test?" asked Hadlee looking at Caroline.

"Why the hell are you looking at me?" yelled Caroline "I've never taken a pregnancy test! Sure,
I might have been slutty, but it was always protected."

Hadlee burst out laughing "I love you" she said to Caroline "and you" she said to Kayleigh "No matter what."

"No matter what." they repeated. Kayleigh flipped the TV on to kill time while waiting. She turned on Say Yes to the Dress reruns. They girls were discussing pros and cons of the various brides and dresses. They all jumped when Tegan threw open the door.

"Wow, that was fast" said Kayleigh.

"Uh, requests like this require quickness and stealth." said Tegan. Hadlee looked at the three girls and immediately started crying.

"Hadlee why are you crying?" asked Jami "It will be okay. Miller loves you."

"I am such a bad example for you all." she cried.

"I highly doubt that." laughed Tegan "I think I might be a bad influence on you."

Desi thrust the pharmacy bag at Hadlee. Hadlee peered inside. "Why so many?"

"We had no clue what worked best or how many you needed." said Jami "So, I think we got one of each type."

"They are thorough." said Kayleigh "Let's look at them." They all sat down around Kevan's coffee table and looked at the various tests. They finally decided on one that claimed to be able to tell you if you were pregnant before your period was due.

Hadlee grabbed her phone and headed to the bathroom. The girls followed and sat on her and Kevan's bed. Hadlee held the package in her hand. She quickly read the instructions. After doing what was required to test for pregnancy. She set a timer on her phone and sat in the chair Kevan bought her. She glanced at her phone only 20 seconds had elapsed. Hadlee needed back up. All the girls were waiting, but the only person she wanted at that second was West.

Hadlee: Can you call me?
West: Yeah, what's up?
Hadlee: I just need you.


Hadlee's phone immediately rang. She looked at the screen and saw her and West picture from their last home football game at UK. She slid her finger across the image.

"Hey" she said.

"Hadlee Belle what is wrong?" asked West

"Nothing is wrong exactly." she replied weakly as she sniffled "I just need you to hang out with me for two minutes and thirty seconds."

"Pretty damn specific for nothing wrong." said West "Where the hell is Miller and why the fuck are you crying?"

"He played a game and then they are gone to team building. It's a busy time. Opening night is Tuesday." she answered "His parents will be here tomorrow. I'm picking them up from the airport and cooking dinner."

"Hads" warned West "Why are you crying?"


"Because I'm scared to death." she replied honestly.

"Why?" he asked "I'll kill him if he hurt you."

"For fucks sake West. It's not that." she replied.

"Then what the fuck is it?" he asked.

"I'm pulling the twin card" she stated "You have to just hang out with me for another minute and I'll tell you."

"Damn it!" he exclaimed "You're scaring me."


"What are you doing right now?" she asked changing the subject.

"I'm sitting at the old Sam and Tonio's parking lot in Betsey Layne. It's one of the few places I hold signal. We are going to meet here and go serve a few warrants tonight."

"I miss the grater taters from there." she said causing West to laugh.

"What are you fixing for your future in-laws?"

"I think I'm going to make pulled pork bbq and all the sides. Because I can start it early in the morning and it be done by the time they get here."

"Times up, Boo." he said quietly.

"Yep" she replied "Don't hang up okay."

"I got ya" he said "No matter what."

]Hadlee stood up and walked over to the counter. She looked down at the small white stick. Hadlee glanced down at the digital display. It was blinking. She could barely focus through the tears. She snapped a picture and sent it to West. Hadlee didn't say anything she just waited for his reply.

"For fucks sake, Hadlee Belle Reynolds!!" yelled West. Hadlee immediately started sobbing "Don't cry. I'm sorry, Boo. Don't cry. Where are Kayleigh and Caroline?"

"In the bedroom" she cried.

"Do you want them right now?" he asked.

"In a minute" she said "We've always done everything together. I wanted you to be with me."

"I'm here come whatever." he answered "And if Miller doesn't step up..."


Hadlee interrupted him "No, if he wants no part of this y'all won't force him." she said steadily "I won't make the situation worse."

"I'm still gonna beat the ever living fuck out of him. Or he might beat the fuck out of me, but it will go down if he breaks your heart." replied West "That's a promise, Boo."

"I'm going to have a baby, West" she said quietly.

"Yep, if it's a boy you totally have to name him Westlee" he teased "Actually a girl Westlee would be cool too."

"I'll keep that in mind. Tell no one." she stated "I mean it not even Ash and Court."


"I'll give you 48 hours." he replied "Then I release the Kraken."

"I love you, West."

"Love you too, Hadlee Belle" he answered "The boys are rolling in. Got to go. Call me if you need me."

"I will. Be careful."

Hadlee hung up the phone. She walked over to the door and opened it. KK and Caroline were on the edge of her bed ready to pounce. Dani, Desi, Tegan and Jami were all looking at her expectantly. She drew in a deep breath and held the test out to Kayleigh. She was shaking as KK read the test out loud.

"Hadlee Belle!" exclaimed Kayleigh "I'm getting married and you are having a baby." She squealed and hugged Hadlee.

"She has lost her mind." said Tegan looking at Kayleigh.

"No, I haven't" said Kayleigh "I have faith in Miller. He was the only one who had faith in Brad and I. So, I am giving him the same courtesy. Hadlee, Kevan loves you and he will love this baby. Now no more crying. Plus, the boys are almost there. Miller will be calling anytime." Kayleigh hugged her tightly "Go fix your face."

Caroline grabbed her and hugged again "You know I'm ride or die. So whatever you decide. I'm there, and I will be the best Auntie ever."

The other girls all converged and hugged Hadlee. They all crashed in Kevan's bed. Kayleigh turned Say Yes to the Dress back on. They all continued to give commentary. Hadlee looked around at her girls. The boys might have team building but she was building a team of her own. She put her hand on her still flat belly and her MVP wasn't even here yet.

Notes