Free A Constant Reminder by Lolah Lace

silence, a period of letting the events sink in. Erika folded her arms in front of herself and turned her back to Roxanne.
    “I’m keeping the baby, my baby.”
    Erika whipped around to stare at Roxanne. “It could be a crack baby or something.”
    “Don’t say that.”
    “It’s true. Do you understand that this will be a constant reminder of the night you were raped? Every time it cries. Every time you look at this baby, you’re going to think about it.”
    “Seriously? Did you just say that?”
    “The truth hurts sweetie… Okay and what about school?”
    “I’ll graduate before the baby is born. You can’t talk me out of it. I need your support. I need you to be a friend. This was a hard decision for me.”
    “I am your friend. This is a dumb decision.”
    “I’m going to tell my mom when she gets home from work. Are you going to help me tell her?”
    Erika reluctantly shook her head yes. “Yeah whatever.”
    Erika was confused. She couldn’t understand why Roxanne would take the hard gravel road when there were so many other options for her like the newly paved clear and free road.
    Erika wasn’t sure if Roxanne was brave or just plain ole stupid. Maybe her friend had book smarts and no common sense.
     
     

CHAPTER 7
     
    Time moved with a swift quickness. The graduation ceremony went off without a hitch. Young adults with various degrees spilled out of the auditorium and into the streets. Everyone seemed happy to Roxanne but no one seemed pregnant. She was sure she was the only one with child.
    The lawn and sidewalk was covered with students in their navy blue caps and gowns. There were a few camera flashes and camcorders mixed in with people holding cell phones and iPad’s up to record the momentous conclusion of the occasion. There were graduates, friends and family everywhere.
    Roxanne and Erika posed together in caps and gowns as Roxanne’s mother Margaret snapped pictures under an oak tree. Erika’s family had already taken off for the restaurant. She would meet them there in a few after she finished up with her BFF.
    “Okay girls one with the caps off.” Roxanne’s mother ordered.
    “You see she didn’t say take off your gown.” Roxanne mumbled for Erika’s ears only. “I’m too damn fat.”
    Roxanne and Erika removed their caps and placed then on the grass. Margaret took another picture.
    “Mom you finished yet?”
    “No no let’s do one without the gowns.”
    “Seriously mom. I’m a pig.”
    “No you’re pregnant.” Margaret hissed. “Take off the damn gown.”
    Erika waved at a student passerby and then she removed her gown. “Take your gown off fatty. Everybody already knows that you’re pregnant.” Erika playfully taunted.
    “Yeah right.”
    “Come on Roxanne. Just one.” Her mother pleaded.
    Erika tossed her gown on the ground beside the tree. “Roxanne take off the gown.” Erika repeated Margaret’s words.
    “Okay just one.” Roxanne removed her gown and her pregnant stomach appeared huge in the light of the afternoon. Roxanne glanced to her left to toss her gown to the ground and her eyes met with Quincy’s.
    Quincy began walking toward them. Roxanne could see him out the corner of her eye.
    “Okay girls say mozzarella.” Margaret chanted.
    “Cheese.” Erika shouted as she posed.
    Erika smiled widely for the camera. Roxanne smiled halfheartedly. Margaret snapped one picture and then another picture.
    Quincy approached Roxanne. Erika walked over to Margaret to give them some privacy.
    “Hey congratulations Roxy.”
    “Congratulations to you too.” Roxanne stumbled across the words. She wasn’t just pregnant and clumsy. She was also tongued-tied.
    “Thanks, thanks...Oh congratulations on the baby thing too. I wanted to tell you that months ago when I found out. But I was pretty rude to you the last time we spoke. So you know.”
    “Yeah I was rude to you too. I’m sorry. Hormones I suppose.”
    “So when is your baby due?”
    “Five