Free Choices by Annie Brewer Page B

the book, overwhelmed by all the information that fills each page. I will have to read this from front to back one day.
    “Is there anything else I can help you with?” I forget the lady is still standing there. I probably look like a moron. Like I’ve never seen a book before. I lift my head to meet her gaze.
    “No thank you. You’ve been a big help but I think I’ve got it from here.” I smile. She returns the gesture before walking away. Meg takes the book out of my grasp and flips through the pages. She starts reading aloud and I walk away to the children’s area, looking at the books. I might have to buy a few books so I can read to my baby every night. I want this baby to come out smart. I grab a few books. I remember the Berenstain Bears books. I used to love those.
    “I think someone is awestruck.” I hear Meg whisper close to my ear.
    “I just didn’t think I’d be this in love, with books.” I state. But it’s also a reminder of what my childhood was like; full of love and joy and reading. I want that for my child. I pick up a few Dr. Seuss books- The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish and a couple others and of course the classic If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. I loved that book. I used to read it to Tyler when he was little. As soon as I feel satisfied, I walk out of the kid’s area.
    “Are you ready?” Meg asks. I feel sure that at this point I won’t care if I get stares. People can talk all they want.
    “Yep. Let’s get this stuff and get out of here.” We walk up to the register since there’s no line. The lady looks busy and doesn’t notice our approach. I look around for someone more helpful but Meg clears her throat behind which attracts the lady’s attention. She stops what she’s doing and walks over to stand right in front of me.
    “Oh I’m so sorry I didn’t hear you walk up.” I smile.
    “It’s fine. I’m pretty quiet, as a mouse some would say.” I state as she takes the books and starts scanning them.
    “Did you find everything okay? Oh I love these books. Great selection.”
    “Thanks, me too.” I set my purse on the counter and pretend to dig through it like I am looking for something.
    “Do you have a points card with us?” She asks. I look up, confused.
    “As in a credit card?” She shakes her head and grabs a card that looks more like a library card and shows it to me.
    “No this is like a savings card. Each time you come in and spend money, you earn points. We use your phone number if you don’t want to search for the card every time, and the points rack up. When you get to a certain number of points, you will get a gift card or coupon in the mail to spend in here or you can use it online. It’s like a Tom Thumb or Kroger rewards card.
    I ponder it for a minute and decide to sign up since I’ll be coming in more often now with a child on the way. I’ll probably need Pregnancy for Dummies, if they have that.
    “Sure I’ll sign up for one.” She hands me the application and I fill it out, with Meg beside me.
    “That is awesome! You’re gonna be in here more than you ever were before. You may as well save some money” She says, nudging my shoulder. I smile and nod as I’m filling out my information.
    “Yeah, I mean I save at grocery stores and I hate food shopping. This will be more fun. And I am turning this baby into a complete nerd.” I say that last part as a whisper, only Meg can hear.
    “There’s nothing wrong with reading. Take it in stride. If you read every night until the baby comes, it will probably come out smarter than Einstein.” I laugh at her endless humor.  I can always count on her to make me laugh during a rough time or when I need it most. She will never know how much I love and appreciate her.
    I guess I can show her, take her out for her birthday-which is in March. I will be big by then but Hell I’ll take her out anyway. I glance her way and smile in appreciation. She squeezes my arm in return.
    “Alright, well there