Free Choices by Annie Brewer Page A

the car and head inside the store. Even though I am not sure where the book would be, I walk in as if I know exactly what I’m looking for and where to find it. I walk past the sales clerk, smiling to be polite and head straight toward the back.
    “Do you know where the book is? Maybe we should ask someone where to find it.” Meg says from behind me.
    I shake my head and keep walking until I’m out of ear shot of anyone.
    “I will find it. On my own.” I state matter of fact. She gives me a sideways glance, clearly confused.
    “Why don’t you want to ask?” She’s clueless.
    “Look, I may be okay with this pregnancy but I doubt others would think it’s a great thing.” She chuckles to herself.
    “Oh Gracie, who cares what others think. Really, don’t let them bring you down.”
    “I do. I care what others think.” I interrupt. It’s not that I’m ashamed but being pregnant at this age is hardly something to celebrate in public. I know sooner or later people will talk, but for now I’d like to keep it quiet. Is that wrong?
    “Okay, so what about when we find it? You’re not going to just walk out with it in your shirt or something, are you?” I stare at her in disbelief. Then a thought occurs to me. I hadn’t really thought about the next step. I was just thinking I needed the book. I didn’t think about what to do once I got it. I take a deep breath and look around at the signs that might point me in the right direction.
    “Sorry Gracie, I didn’t mean to say that. It’s just I wasn’t sure what you expected. I mean once you find it, we’ll have to pay for it and they’ll see it anyway. So why hide it?” I pat her shoulder in assurance that I wasn’t offended.
    “It’s okay Meg. I didn’t even think that far ahead. I guess you’re right. They’ll see it so I may as well just accept that I’m going to get weird looks and whatnot. Nothing I can do about it.” I give a small smile.
    “Well, I can buy it for you if you want.” I almost say yes but the more I think about it, the more it sounds cowardly. I am not going to be a coward. I can handle a few stares or whispers from people I’d probably never see again. I turn to Meg and smile a real smile, which shows appreciation.
    “Thanks Meg! You’re the best friend a girl could ask for. But I have to be the adult and fight my own battles.” I say with confidence. She nods her head and smiles back.
    “That’s my girl. And I’ll be here if you need me. I’ll fight right beside you. Always.” I appreciate the friendship Meg shares with me. She always understood me, even when I sometimes didn’t understand myself. She never let me down.
     

 
    Chapter 12
    “Can I help you find something?” A nice lady with short red hair approaches us. We probably look clueless. I debate telling her we were fine and need no assistance. But to be honest, I really had no clue where to look for this book.
    I look over at Meg and she raises her brow, waiting to see what I am going to do. I take a deep breath. “I’m lost actually. I need to find that book “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” please.” She smiles sweetly, sizing me up but saying nothing. Thank God, I was in no mood for any questions or condescending comments at the moment.
    “Sure, follow me.” She smiles as we follow her to the parental section by the children’s area. I peek around the corner at the books I grew up reading or having read to me. Those were the days-sweet and innocent.
    “Here you go.” She hands me the book and I accept it gratefully, noticing the weight of the book.
    “Thank you.” I say mesmerized by the cover. The woman is sitting in a rocking chair with her hand on her belly and a book in her hand. Now I get it, some people know what this book looks like so I’m obviously stating what most already know. I skim my hand lightly over it. That will be me in a few months. I need to get me a rocking chair like that, I think to myself. I flip through