Chapter 83
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When Eve returned to school on Monday she'd adjusted somewhat to less food, but she still felt hungry. Her religion taught her how to control her anger, but Eve still feared an outburst. At lunchtime Jenny approached Eve. Eve wasn't sure what this was about, but Jenny got straight to the point.
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Jenny: This food shortage sucks, right?
Eve: I've had better days.
Jenny: There is one way to get extra food, even during shortages.
Eve: I know, but islam frowns upon cannibalism.
Jenny: Funny. Bigger rations are given to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Eve: So, you want to get pregnant for more food?
Jenny: Not just that. If you have a baby before 2036 you and your baby get entered into the lottert as a whole. That means at least one more chance for each of you. Anyway, you're welome to join us.
Eve: "Us?" Who else is involved in this pregnancy pact?
Jenny: Aside from me, Mena, possibly your step-mother Karen. Hopefully I can bring others.
Eve: I don't even have a boyfriend.
Jenny: You don't need one. You can have a steady boyfriend if you want. I plan to be with as many guys as I can. Increase my odds of getting pregnant.
Eve: And those boys you sleep with, what happens to them later? Let's say you have a baby, you and the baby are both accepted into an Ark. What about those boys you were with?
Jenny: Hopefully, the father would be accepted as well.
Eve: And all the ones who aren't the father, they're just screwed?
Jenny: This could be my only chance to have a baby, to be a mother.
Eve: Yeah, but the odds aren't great that either of you will be chosen. You might have this baby, only for it to freeze or starve to death in a few years. What if the baby is chosen and you aren't? What if you're accepted and the baby isn't?
Jenny: I don't know.
Eve: Truth is, neither do I. I can't decide what you should do, only you can decide that. But me, I know I'm not ready for that.