Free Wisdom Seeds by Patrice Johnson Page B

off. The sun was too bright. I closed the blinds so I could sleep.”
    Alicia had one hand on her hip and massaged her temples with the other one. “You’re probably hungry. Did you eat today?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œGet dressed.” Alicia was now the bossy one. “We’re meeting Andrea for dinner.”
    I reassured Alicia that I was pregnant, not suicidal.
    My being pregnant and the best way to tell my parents dominated our dinner conversation. There was no good way to tell either of them and I admitted being afraid my dad would put me out. My cousins agreed he would be furious, but were confident my mom would never let him put me out. I apologized to Andrea and admitted that I should have listed to her.
    On the bus ride home I cringed at the thought of having to tell my parents. Mom would be hurt, Dad would be angry. How could I explain my predicament? I would stick with the facts. I loved him and believed he loved me. The thought of loving Greg made me sicker than the thought of telling my parents. Greg had lied to me and probably never loved me. It was a game and he won. I got tagged and I was out. He could say he was first.

4
    During the two weeks after I returned from Pittsburgh with my secret, I busied myself job hunting in Atlantic City, Camden and Philly. I had a collection of applications from Psychiatric Departments and Social Service agency – both of which I felt in need of. Fatigue made sleeping difficult and the fear of telling my parents about my pregnancy consumed me. On Friday, I forced myself to go downtown to complete an application at the Community Health Center. The classified ad listed the position as an entry level Case Manager. Although I didn’t feel capable of helping anyone, I desperately needed a job.
    The heat had taken a temporary hiatus and the weather was a welcomed eighty degrees. I got off the bus and walked down Fourth Avenue. As I turned left onto Main Street I heard a voice calling me.
    â€œDanielle Allen.” It was Rhonda Porter.
    â€œHey, how are you?” I hadn’t seen her since we graduated from high school.
    â€œGood,” she said hugging me. “What’s going on? How was Penn State?”
    â€œHad a good time. What about you? How was Rutgers?”
    â€œI got what I went for – it was alright.” She never paused. “I’m surprised to see you; I heard you were in Pittsburgh.”
    â€œI was a summer intern.” I answered, hoping there were no more questions. “What’s up with you?”
    Her excitement was obvious. “I’ll be opening my own pre-school next month. The renovations are almostdone, I’m so excited!”
    â€œThat’s great Rhonda. Congratulations.” I hugged her.
    â€œI just put an ad in the paper for two teachers and an Administrative Assistant,” she told me. “Are you looking?”
    â€œI’m pounding the pavement for a job,” I sighed. “I haven’t decided what I want to do as far as grad school.”
    â€œGirl, you were an honor student and editor of our year book – I know you’ve got to be organized. If you want the Administrative Assistant position, you got it.”
    â€œI don’t know much about preschool, but I was an Administrative Assistant in the Dean’s office during my freshman year at Penn State.”
    â€œI can’t pay much,” Rhonda smiled, “but it will be a little something until you decide what you’re going to do.”
    Rhonda and I talked for almost an hour before exchanging numbers and promises to call.
    Riding home on the bus I decided to take Rhonda’s offer. At least I wouldn’t have to continue looking for a job.
    Mom was sitting on the porch. “Hi baby,” she greeted me as I walked up the driveway.
    â€œHi Mom.” I nervously smiled.
    â€œCome, sit with me.” She motioned for me to join her on the swing. “You’ve been distant