For Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge #199, based on the image above from the WordPress Free Photo Library.
“Tommy? But you’ve hardly been going with him two minutes. How did you manage that?”
“You remember I told you how our first date went well?”
“Holy shit, Lisa, I didn’t realise you meant that well!”
“I wasn’t planning anything. I came off the pill after Bobby, I wasn’t expecting anything to happen. But Tommy was so nice… It kinda got out of control.”
A pause.
“Does he know?”
“Nobody knows yet. Only you.”
“Well you should tell him, you know. You’re gonna have some big decisions to make, real soon. And from what I’ve seen, he seems a decent guy. He might even help you through this.”
“I don’t wanna get him involved.”
“Involved?” Cathy touched Lisa’s belly. “For fuck’s sake, Lisa, don’t you think he’s already involved?”
“What if he’s not interested? Or, what about that new law? If anybody realises he even knew, the cops could come for him.”
“Fuck the law. Try him.”
“That’s easy for you to say. But I can’t talk to anyone. Hell, Cathy, I was even scared to mention it to you.”
“Me? Hey, Lisa, whatever you decide, we’re tight. Don’t worry on my account. I’ll help you any way I can. If you decide to keep it, I’ll be here for you. If you abort, I’ll find things out. We can fly out of San Antonio, we’ll be back two days later, like nothin’ happened. Hell, girl, I hear those lights in Times Square are something worth seeing!”
A further pause.
“Don’t worry, Lisa”. Cathy patted Lisa’s knee. “Just say the word. I can find all this out. But it sounds like you’ve got some thinking of your own to do.”
Mister Bump 
Noice post. To think that out of the image is awesome.
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Thanks Sanjeet. Maybe you’ll progress more into flash next year?
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Yes I will. It’s time to test what I have learned.
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Well done, Pete! One of the most difficult decisions to make. Good story!
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I wanted to highlight that the only real effect of these laws will be to drive it all underground.
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nice take pete! ❤
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thanks Shirley.
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I know two women who had abortions. Neither one regrets it, but neither has completely moved past it. It’s like a part of them is stuck back there. I’m glad that I never had to face a decision like that.
I hope you and your wife had a lovely Christmas, Pete.
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I am surprised that so many women I have known have had abortions,,, and admitted it to me.
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Great interpretation of the picture and a timely commentary on the tough decisions many American women are struggling with thanks to conservative and religious politics and a far right Supreme Court.
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It just drives it all underground.
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Tough decision time
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yup
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Thank you for writing about such an important issue. These laws are going to hurt a lot of women and put them in real danger.
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I think a somebody, either a woman or a couple, who know(s) their own mind will travel. But I think there will be plenty of people end up in this situation who will not know their own mind, and what these laws do is prohibit any counselling.
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They are young women who aren’t in safe situations and don’t have the means to ask for help. They can’t travel. They will be forced to have babies they don’t want and change the trajectory of their lives—possibly tying them to their abuser for live as well.
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I think smart women, who do have the financial means, will get their abortions,
The law actually attacks poverty.
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Exactly. It’s 100 percent aimed at those in poverty to keep them there.
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As a short story writer, reading this blog post about Lisa and Cathy’s conversation about an unexpected pregnancy had me on the edge of my seat. The fear and uncertainty in Lisa’s voice as she grapples with the weight of her decision is palpable, and the support and love from Cathy is heartwarming. It’s a difficult and emotional situation, and the way it is written really pulls at the heartstrings.
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Thanks, Sebastian, what a lovely thing to say. They’re not all heartwarming, though. The one I just wrote today was straight out of Superman!!!
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