Me
I’m sorry you’re going through this.
Jordan
No one is sorrier than me.
I wish there was something I could say to give him hope and assure him that his life isn’t over. I want to tell him that if he works hard enough, he can accomplish anything. Yet now doesn’t feel like the right time. Jordan needs to feel what he’s feeling. If Margie ultimately decides to keep this baby, there will be plenty of time in the future for pep talks.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
ALLIE
Having Margie at my apartment is turning out to be a nice experience. Not only is she quiet and respectful, but I haven’t washed one dish since she’s been here.
On Saturday night, we ate pizza, watched movies, and did our best to ignore the circumstances that have made us roommates. On Sunday, she caught up with her homework while I read a book. Which brings us to today.
“Morning, sleepy head,” I say as I walk out of my bedroom and into the living room.
“Morning,” Margie replies as she busily folds up the bed and puts the cushions back on. She sounds more resigned than excited.
“Are you nervous about going back to school today?” I ask while filling the coffee pot with water and coffee grounds.
“Terrified.” She lays my new tasseled throw over the back of the couch before sitting down.
Most of our conversations have revolved around how her parents are taking things. I have yet to delve into the treatmentshe’s receiving from her peers. “Are your friends giving you a hard time?”
She offers a half-shrug. “They’re trying to be there for me, but the truth is that none of them can understand why I won’t just make the problem go away.”
“Everyone thinks they know what they’d do in a situation,” I tell her. “Until they’re faced with it themselves.”
She snorts. “If I had to put money on it, I’d guess mysituationwill have the entire senior class keeping their knees together for the rest of the year. I’m like a walking abstinence ad.”
I pull a cup out of the cabinet and pour the first cup of coffee that comes down, which in my opinion is the best one. “Why don’t you grab your stuff, and we can head downstairs and get you a hot chocolate and a muffin for breakfast.”
She stands up with a little more excitement. “That sounds delicious.”
“It’s important to get enough calories in your body while you’re making another person,” I tell her. “We’ll also have to make sure you get enough protein. Do you like eggs?”
She makes a face that indicates she’s not a fan, so I tell her, “I’ll pick up some protein powder later, and we’ll make sure you have at least one shake a day.”
“You’re being so nice to me, Miss … Allie.” Margie grabs her backpack from the front closet, while adding, “You’ll never know how grateful I am for you.”
Turning off the coffee pot, I pick up my purse and respond, “You’re not on your own, Margie. I’m here to help.” I don’t even think about there being an end to assisting her, either. She’s a young girl who feels completely alone, and she’s bringing an innocent child into this world. They need someone.
Once we’re down the stairs, I hold the door open for Margie to walk into Rosemary’s. Teddy is at the counter which gives me the opportunity to introduce my new friend.
“Allie is in the house!” Teddy calls out endearingly.
“Good morning, Teddy.” I smile at him before gesturingtoward Margie. “This is my friend Margie. She wants to be an actress.”
Margie’s expression of awe immediately turns to one of panic. It shifts again when Teddy winks at her and says, “Maybe we’ll be in a movie together someday.”
“I … uh … hm …” Margie has lost her ability to string together a sentence.
“She’s still a senior in high school,” I tell him. “But she wants to go to Northwestern someday.” I know that if she keeps the baby, that won’t be anytime soon, but I want to remind her that her life isn’t over. She can still work toward her dreams. Nobody can take that from her.
“I went to Northwestern!” Teddy says excitedly. “It’s a great school. You’ll love it there.”
