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“I closed in on myself. I pushed my parents away, my friends. I was angry and sad. I wanted to run away but didn’t want to leave those I loved.”
She nods like she understands, and this, she just might. “That sucks.”
A laugh bubbles up this time, and I let it out. “It does. Did. It really did.”
And that’s how our relationship begins to grow and blossom—finding companionship in the unlikeliest places at a time when we both needed it.
* * *
Three weeks later.
“Miss Taylor?” I glance up from the paperwork I’ve spent all day working on—it’s a proposal to the school board about establishing an after-school program during the regular academic year so I can continue working with some of these kids I’ve spent the summer getting to know—and I smile at a waiting Lucy.
Waving her in, she drops down into her favorite seat—the cupcake bean bag chair. “What’s up?” I reach behind me and grab two bottles of cherry-flavored water. She’s grown as addicted to it as I have.
“I need to talk to you about something, but do you have to report it?” Alarm spikes my pulse.
“Well, that depends on what it is. If it’s a crime, yes.” I doubt that’s what this is.
Lucy shakes her head no. “Nothing like that.”
“How about you tell me, and then we’ll decide how to best proceed?” Over the last few weeks, Lucy has been to school every day, participating in the activities I have planned or even helping and being a role model to some of the younger kids from the neighborhood. As word has spread, my program has grown, and I hate the idea of it only lasting through the summer.
“You know I’ve been seeing Darius.” I nod as she picks at the label on her water. “Well, he made me do some stuff. I told him no, but….” Tears crowd her doleful eyes. “He wouldn’t listen to me, Miss Taylor…” Taking a mouthful of water, I wait for her to continue, plotting to give this boy a piece of my mind and possibly getting the police involved.We’ll see.My gut is screaming I know where this is going. “I took a pregnancy test yesterday and two more today.” I hold my breath. “I’m pregnant, Miss Taylor.”
* * *
One week later.
“Are you sure you want me here?” Sitting in my car in the parking lot of the women’s clinic, Lucy looks sick to her stomach. It’s early in the morning, and the protestors aren’t as big of a crowd as at other times of the day. Thankfully, the facility has volunteers who accompany clients into the building without too much trouble.
“Yes.” She nods, sliding out of my car while I take a few deep breaths.
When Lucy told me she was pregnant, I was stunned. Probably as much as she was. But we spent the evening talking about options and where she could go that wouldn’t contact her parents and how to broach the subject with them if she chose to.
I’d given her the number for the women’s clinic the next day and told her she had to be the one to make the appointment, but I would take her if she wanted me to.
Now, here we are.
Pulling up the hood of Lucy’s jacket, I’ve never been so grateful for a rainy day as we walk around the corner to the path leading to the entrance. Immediately, three people approach, yelling at us as security comes to escort us inside.
After getting checked in, filling out the necessary paperwork, and taking Lucy’s vitals, we’re led to a room in the back. I believe we are the first appointment of the day because a doctor enters with a welcoming smile on her face a few minutes later.
“Good morning, I’m Dr. Sherry Martin. You’re Lucy Michaels?” Lucy confirms, and the doctor looks at me. “And you are…?”
“Magnolia Taylor.” It’s quite obvious I’m too young to be Lucy’s mother. “I’m her guidance counselor at school. I told her I’d be here for support if she needed it.”
The woman’s eyes lose a bit of their spark as she admonishes, “You can’t lead her in any decisions she makes.” I acknowledge that.I hadn’t planned on it.
“I’m only here as support. Whatever she wants, she’ll get. I don’t matter in this situation.” And it’s the truth. Lucy is so young—only fifteen—she has her entire future ahead of her. I’m simply here to ensure she gets the outcome she wishes.
“Good, let’s begin then.” It’s just like any other appointment. They explain the pros and cons of her options, the possible side effects. Offer counseling and social help. I’ve never been involved in an appointment like this before, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how well-equipped they are to handle situations like this.
I’m unsure if Lucy is more overwhelmed than when she came in or if she’s better prepared to make a choice, but I can see she’s not as tense. By the time we’re ready to leave, she has an appointment with one of the psychologists in a few days and then a final appointment about her decision next week. Both of which I promise to drive her to.
When I got into counseling, it was with the intent to help kids in trouble. If I’d been asked if this was the kind of help I anticipated arranging, I would have said no. Nonetheless, I’m extremely happy to be here for Lucy because, if nothing else, she deserves someone in her corner who will be silent but supportive.
* * *
