"Well, it looks like you're pregnant. Ohhh, about 8 weeks or so," the doctor said as he removed his gloves with a snap. He cooly tossed his gloves in the trash and shot her a disapproving look. You'll need to come back in a week for a check up.

She got dressed as a feeling of dread washed over her. She went through the motions of checking out of the clinic in a trance like state. She thought it was something she had eaten. Her sister wasn't much of a cook. Or maybe the cafeteria food she often ate between classes at the local community college. Pregnancy was the last thing she'd expect. But as the weeks went on, she had a sneaking suspicion. At 19, she felt invicible and free. As she made her way to the waiting room, she didn't feel so bulletproof anymore.

This 'miracle,' occured on a date not too long ago. He was the most gorgeous guy she'd ever seen up close. He offered to take her fishing up at the lake. Maybe it was the moon or the summer heat, but they didn't exactally fish all night. It was the exciting passion she'd seen in the movies. They laughed and kissed all night. But after he didn't call her back, she took the hint. She'd him two weeks ago at the local burger joint. Cuttin' up and flirting with a leggy red head. As soon as his gaze found her, he seemed off his game. He kept glancing her way, a detail that didn't excape her or his date.

She shook herself out of her thoughts as she waved to her sister in the waiting area.

"Alma?" Dora asked as she neared her sister.

Almas face crumpled as her composure broke. Tears fell freely from her eyes. Dora led her sister out of the clinic, away from prying eyes. As they found themselves leaning against their car Dora faced Alma.

"Are you?"
Alma let out a loud sob and covered her face. It was clear that she was overwelmed with shame. This kind of thing didn't happen to nice girls.

"Oh, shhhh," the eldest sister soothed. "It's not like your dying," she continued as she eased her sister int he passenger seat before heading to the drivers side. "Besides, you've got options you know."

"I know," Alma sniffled. "I just feel so damn stupid."
Dora pushed the hair out of her sister's face. "We all make mistakes Alma. Cute and Handsome Mistakes. Dispite the red glassy eyes, that comment coaxed a laughed out of Alma.

Silents hung heavy in the air, as the situation sunk in. Pregnant. Alma was pregnant.

"You gonna tell him?" Dora asked cautiously.

Alma nodded and rubbed her eyes vigourously. "Well, shit. I suppose we should get this over with."

Dora was taken aback but this suden show of boldness. "Alma, there isn't any harm and sleeping on it. Do you even know what you're gonna do about...Ya know?"

Alma huffed in frusteration. "If I don't do it now, I may never do it. Best get me while I'm feeling brave."

Dora nodded and started the ignition. The car ride was mostly quiet. Alma made herself up in the visor mirror. She didn't understand why she even cared. Neither did Dora. She rolled her eyes as Alma powdered her face. It didn't do much to diminish the redness in her face, but it helped. She carefully wiped the traces of mascara away from her eyes.

The DX station wasn't far from Doctor Fairfields office. Soon that DX sign loomed into view. Her breath caught as her anxiety seemed to sky rocket. "Alma," Dora said as she parked. "Are you sure you want to do this today?" Alma fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "It's like a bandaid right?"

"Right," Dora sighed. "Just like a bandaid."

Alma slung her purse around her shoulder. "You can go ahead on home. I'll take the bus or walk. Probably will need the time to think." Her sister nodded unsurely as she shut the cardoor. She could hear servicce bells and tools in use. She forced herself forward wtih every step. Until final she slipped through the enterance; the door closing behind her with an audible smack.

Soda came strolling out, not really seeing her. "Welcome to DX, how can I help caught himself of guard when he saw her right infront of him. He broke into his signature grin. "What're you doing here?" His smile wasn't returned.

"Hey Sodapop... Can we talk?"

"Well sure, but I'm at-"

"Please," she interupted. "It's important."

Soda sighed and nodded. "Steve?" He said as he motioned to the counter. Steve emerged from the doorway and patted Soda on the back as he turned to go.

The walked silently to the side of the DX. It was a a private area where the guys go to smoke.

Soda itched the back of his neck. "I'm real sorry for not calling. Ya see, things have been really busy."

She snorted and shook her head. "I'm not here for that."

"That why are you here?" He said with a mixture of confusion and annoyance. She leaned against the brink wall and looked blankly ahead of her. She was searching for her courage.

"I'm pregnant," she said quietly.

You'd have thought she socked Sodapop right in the jaw. He started pacing rapidly before kicking a trashcan. It crashed into the brickwall, scattering it's remains. He whipped around and faced her. He placed his hands on her shoulder, and they were suprisingly gentle.

"Are you sure? Like, are you completely positive?"

She scooted away from him as she bit her lip. "I went to the doctor's today. 8 weeks," she said as she looked him dead in the eye. She searched for any resemblance of the man she was so sweet on. All she saw was fear.

He ran a strong hand through his dark blonde locks. His chest started heavy slightly. "Are you sure it's even mine?" She shoved him away from her roughly. Soda was waiting for the yelling and screaming. But all her heard was soft wimpering sobs. "It was my first time," she said as she raised her eyes to his. He lip quivered as she looked away. At that moment, she couldn't stand to look at him. Soda felt about 2 feet tall. With 5 words, she explained so much.

"Well, shit," he groand. "Ain't that the luck huh?"

She attempted to dry her eyes but her hands were greeted with fresh tears. He shook his head. He knew now wasn't the time for his humor. But words just seemed to excape him.

"I didn't know," he said quietly. She seemed stunned almost to silence. It made him uneasy. "Alma," he said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm real sorry I scared you. It's just shockin' is all." She shrugged it off and shook her head. Her eyes were starting to get puffy. "Anyways," she grumbled. "I'm gonna get out of here."

She turned to walk out of the ally. When she heard his footsteps approaching, she quickened her pace. "Wait!" He caughed up with her easily. "Please," he begged. "Ain't we gonna talk about this more?"

"Like what?"

"Like, what in Sam Hill you and I are gonna do?"

She pinched the bridge of her nose and laughed in frusteration. "I found out less than an hour ago. You're guess is as good as mine."

"Well," he sighed. "That's fair."

"I'm giving myself a week or so to think about it." She looked at her wristwatch as if she was late for an appointment. "I've uh, probably kept you long enough. I better get going."

Before she could excape again, he gently touched her shoulder.

"Wait, how're you getting home?" His voice sounded tired but filled with concern. He seemed to remember that she shared a car with her sister. That's why he picked her up for the lake.

"Probably gonna take the bus, maybe walk."

"It's kinda hot out. Come on, let me drive you home."

She shook her head and pulled away.

"Please," he said to her back. There it was. There was a sliver of the man she remembered. So genuine. "I want to drive you home."

No words were spoken as they got into the truck. Nor, were any spoken on the ride home. After such a heavy conversation, Alma welcomed the quietness. He kept sneaking looks at her. It was enough to make her want to jump out of the car.

Sodapop pulled into the parking lot of her appartment and turned off the engine.

"I wanna help," he said as she fingered the door handle. "Whatever you do. I want to help."

"Assuming is yours right?" she said bitterly.

Sodapop nodded and sighed. "Hey, I shouldn't have said that. Alright? Look, I know you ain't like that. I just let my own shit, get the best of me."

"Look, I have another check up next Tuesday at 12. I mean if you want to come."

He looked at her almost miserable expression. Miles away from that smiling girl at the lake. Boy he sure did love that smile. Or the way she'd wrinkle her nose when she tried to bait her own hook. Of course, Soda did what he did best when he liked a girl. Nothing at all. He just let her slip on by. Not that any of that mattered now.

"Yeah, I- Of course," He said fumbling over his words.

"Meet me at the clinic at 11:45," she said as she unbuckled her seatbelt.

"Alma?" he said before she had a chance to close the door.

"I'm real sorry," he said with an expression filled with guilt and maybe a little regret.

"For what?" She closed the car and darted inside.

"For a lot," he said to no one in particular.