Female 30's. 429 words. Deanna: "Pregnant." From Remote.

By Paul Pasulka

After my brother died, I started stayin' out all the time, partying. But I knew there had to be something more. I still managed to go to school, and believe it or not, I did good there... When I was seventeen my uncle got me a job at city hall.  I met Bobby – Jamie's father – there. I was scared of him at first. Everybody was. He was so tall and good-looking. And his eyes. But when he got mad – even people who were, like, senior to him – you could tell they were scared of him. He was always nice to me, though; always asked me how school was going. Help me with my writing. And then one night, we were at a work party. It was raining. I had had a little too much to drink. He offered me a ride home.  We got to my house and he gave me a kiss – here (She touches her cheek).

And, a few months later, I'm pregnant. I stopped drinking, like as soon as I knew.  I didn't tell anyone for a couple of months. Then, when I told Bobby, he was pissed. “Dee, what the fuck did you do?!” And I said something lame, like, “Bobby I didn’t do anything!” He was mad, said he always used a condom, which wasn’t true, not always. “Well, why didn’t you tell me sooner. We could’ve done something.” But I didn’t want a - an abortion. He was like, “What about giving it up for adoption?” Bobby. Please. It’s not an it! This is my baby. Our baby.

It was weird, though. He was, like, protective, too. Did I go to the doctor? Was I takin' my vitamins? And he started getting jealous. I mean, he had always been a little, but I told him he had no right. But then it seemed like he kinda did. And I had been seeing David. Just sometimes - after dance... When he found out I was pregnant, he was so excited.  He wanted to go shopping with me for clothes and furniture. And then he asked me to marry him...

At first, I was like, “No...” But he was so persistent. And sweet. And then, when I told Bobby – I was afraid to tell him. I thought he'd be all pissed. But, I was shocked. He thought it was a good idea, too. So, anyhow, we got married, and, like I said, at first it was good, but then... I don't know... And I am so sorry... What can I do?