Under the Mistletoe by Baldwin Becca

Author:Baldwin, Becca
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: W. Nelson
Published: 2023-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

10

Tests and Nosy Neighbors

Holly

The rest of the school day flew by. I’d expected it to move drudgingly slow, but it hadn’t. It also began with a bad mood which had now tempered some into nauseated anticipation. Whether the need to vomit came from the possible child growing in my belly or just plain nervousness, I didn’t know. Rachel boldly stated she thought it was both.

We pulled into the local pharmacy without fanfare. Thankfully, the parking lot was mostly empty and no one stopped to say hello as we rushed inside. A rarity in Copper Springs

“The pregnancy tests are over that way,” Rachel said as she pointed towards the back corner of the store. I nodded and followed as she led a blazing path towards the rear corner.

Who would have guessed that there would be so many options to choose from? With one of my best friends flanking my side, I took in the entire wall of options and fought against the overwhelm that threatened to swallow me whole.

“Holy shit,” I whispered as I quickly lost my battle. “This is . . . it’s a lot.”

“Don’t let the number overwhelm you,” she added, sensing my struggle.

“Why are there so many?” I took in the rows of colored boxes, all the while wondering why someone would need all these options to test whether or not they’d gotten themselves knocked up.

“I know it looks daunting, but we can always just pick three or four at random. We don’t have to waste time trying to figure out if one is better than the other.”

Silently, I grabbed four separate tests and tucked them under my arm. Giving me a supportive nod, Rachel led the way towards the front where, thankfully, they’d just installed a self-checkout stand. Once again, no nosy residents around to insert themselves into my business.

“Today is your lucky day, my friend. No having to avoid the cashier’s questioning looks.” Rachel grinned as I began checking myself out. I’d just scanned the second item when the one voice I did not want to hear suddenly spoke.

“What are you two girls up to?”

“Mrs. Pittman!” Rachel greeted the town’s gossip a little too excitedly. Instantly, the older, nosy woman’s interest was piqued. So piqued she brushed past Rachel to peer at the pregnancy test I was holding in my hand.

“Holly Barnes.” Mrs. Pittman narrowed her dark eyes as they fixed on me. “Do I need to call and have a talk with your mother? You’re a school teacher, for goodness’ sake. Don’t you think you should be setting a better example to your students? And what about your future husband? What do you suppose he’d think about this?” She eyed the box as if it were an evil relic that had the power to destroy the world. Her condescension rippled down my spine and created shame where there shouldn’t be.

“Mrs. Pittman,” Rachel interrupted before I could get a word out. “It’s not what you think.” She paused for a second before she magnificently and blessedly threw herself under the bus for me.

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