Free Choices by Annie Brewer

are all of these people on the road?” Meg starts pounding on the steering wheel. Oh yeah, she’s got mad road rage. I grip the door handle more firmly as she guns it on the highway, silently saying a prayer we make it in one piece.
    “Well, Meg the same reason we are on the road. They’re going places and hopefully there’s not another Meg driving them too.” She laughs at me, noticing my panic.
    “Relax Gracie, I’ve got this. I’ve done this enough times honey.” She points out.
    “Yes, but you didn’t have an extra human being to think about. So excuse me for being a little paranoid right now.” She grins at me.
    “So you’ve really accepted this new reality haven’t you?” I nod but loosen my hold on the door handle when she finally slows her pace, to appease me probably. I think I can breathe again.
    “Yeah, I really have. I’m getting used to the idea of another life depending on me. It’s definitely a new strange feeling and it’s scary as Hell but when I saw the sonogram, it totally changed my attitude.” I look at her and notice a dreamy look in her eyes.
    “I’m so happy to hear that Grace. As crazy as it is, I’m glad you’re finally coming around with this. I hear the middle of your pregnancy is the best. You need to enjoy it, not bitch and moan about it. What’s done is done, you can’t change it. You can only embrace it now.” I started to realize I was whining so much that I was annoying myself. I’m seventeen and I’m pregnant-yes it’s not ideal. But it happened, I can’t change it. Now I just need to accept and move on and start thinking about what this baby needs.
    “I think once this baby stops protesting everything I eat, I will be happier. This “morning” sickness is killing me.” As I say this, I look down at my belly as if I’m talking to it. Well, in a way I am.
    She shoots a glance down at my belly as well then says, “You hear that baby? Give your mama a break so she can feed you and you can be big and strong and maybe even kick her booty.” I laugh and rub my belly.
    “Aw, that is so cute Gracie! I can’t wait until the little thing gets bigger and I can play with your belly without it looking weird or sexual. Auntie Meg is ready.” I smile to myself. Auntie Meg, it has a nice ring to it. Do people get excited this early in the game? Isn’t it still the danger zone for miscarriages? My luck would be to get attached then have it taken away. I chide myself and push the absurd thought to the far back of my mind.
    Meg puts a CD on and starts bobbing her head, humming to the beat. I don’t recognize the song so I just close my eyes and lean my head back; willing my annoying headache to make its descent, but it only intensifies. Relax Gracie. I tell myself and let out a long breath right before I drift off.
    I feel a tug on my arm and groggily lift my head up.
    “Hey sleepy head, we’re here.” I look at Meg and wonder how long we’ve been sitting here in front of the book store. I rub my sleepy eyes and put my hair back in a ponytail.
    “How long have I’ve been asleep?” It seems a habit of mine to pass out the minute the car starts going. I feel like an ass.
    “About twenty minutes.” She states.
    “What? Why didn’t you wake me up?” I grab my purse and reach for the door handle but quickly stop when the movement in my right leg starts to throb. I stomp my foot on the floor board trying to wake it up. Lately, I’ve been getting Charlie horses and God knows that suck s something awful. I’m sure it’s one of those wonderful symptoms of pregnancy.
    “Why did you let me sleep?” I ask again. Meg shrugs.
    “You look exhausted. I thought you could use a cat nap. How are your nightmares Gracie? I swear I had the radio blasting and it didn’t even faze you.” I still have them but not as bad.
    “Less.” Is all I say. I don’t mention the fact that when I do sleep, it’s only a few hours. I hope that changes. I like sleep.
    We get out of