Read Online A Constant Reminder by Lolah Lace - Free Book Online Page B

“Isn’t that what you young folks are saying nowadays?
    Roxanne almost laughed. She wouldn’t dare tell him that saying was played out. She loved the way the pastor could take a serious situation and give it a brand new life. That’s why his church was packed on Sundays. That’s why people were catching the Holy Ghost on Sunday like it was the flu in the dead of winter.
    “Listen I know what the church is supposed to preach but I would never presume to tell a young woman what to do with her body. I will tell you this. You are smart. You have never given your mother a bit of trouble like some of these young folks. That’s what I know. I definitely don’t want you to drop out of school. This world needs an educated young black woman like you. If you feel you don’t have the strength to bear it all, I can tell you right here and now, you do. God is not the only one that can turn rain into sunshine. I’m a witness. One man’s worse day can be another man’s blessed day. I know you’re smart enough to know what I’m talking about.”
    “I understand.”
    “I support your decision as long as you consult with the Lord before you make it.”
    “I will.”
     
    ***
     
    A few days later Roxanne invited Erika over to her mom’s condo. The doorbell rang and Roxanne buzzed her friend in. Roxanne ran from her room and turned a corner to the front door. She looked out the peephole. She knew it was Erika but now she took extra precautions with everything.
    Erika was standing on the opposite side of the door. Roxanne unlocked and opened the door letting Erika in. She closed the door and led Erika into the living room where they both sat down on the cream colored sofa.
    “What’s so damn urgent?” Erika asked.
    “I went to the mall and I bought something.”
    “You bought something?” Erika’s head snapped back.
    “Yeah.” Roxanne smiled.
    “For me?”
    “No.”
    Erika glowered. “Okay what did you buy?”
    Roxanne went into a shiny red Macy’s shopping bag and removed a mint green infant one-piece jumper with the price tag still attached. “Look at this adorable little thing.” Roxanne gushed.
    Erika’s mouth hung open. Roxanne displayed the matching hat and booties.
    Erika leapt forward and snatched the infant outfit from Roxanne’s relaxed hands.
    “What the hell Roxanne? Are you crazy?”
    “What’s your problem?”
    “Last time I talked to you this was a wrap. I thought you were calling me to take you to the abortion clinic like we discussed.”
    “No I wasn’t calling you for that.” Roxanne snipped.
    “Pretty soon people will be able to see you’re pregnant. You’re almost four months, four months. What is wrong with you?”
    “Nothing is wrong with me.”
    “Shittttttt!”
    “I want to keep this baby.”
    “You have lost your damn mind.”
    “Hold up.”
    “Why, why would you keep this baby? Why?”
    “I just, I just don’t believe in abortion. You know that.”
    “Bullshit! I know that there is absolutely no good reason for you to have this baby. There’s no reason for you to have a baby period.”
    “That’s not true. I have never believed in abortion.”
    “This is a special circumstance.”
    “Right and this baby can’t help the circumstances that surround its conception.”
    “It’s ridiculous to consider having a rapis--”
    “Don’t say that. You better not say that word.”
    “Well fine.” Erika took in a breath and decided to choose her words wisely, with a little bit of sensitivity. “This kid has no father.”
    “That’s not fair. You don’t have a father.”
    “No I don’t. Thanks for pointing that out. That’s painful for me. Is there any chance this baby is Quincy’s.”
    “There is no chance. I never was on birth control but we always used condoms.”
    “You could act like it is his baby.”
    “Did you hear me? We used condoms Erika, every single time. Besides, I would never lie about something like that.”
    There’s a brief period of