Zip It, Lock It

Sharing the News

Philomena had her head buried in her pillow when Jewel replied to her text.

So she's PREGNANT? Like, with child? Jewel texted.

Yeah. But that's not the worst part. I'm not even sure that they're my full on sibling, Philomena replied.

So you mean that... Oh.

Yeah. Fredrick.

Warily, Philomena placed her phone down on her desk and reached for her iPod.

"Why can't this stuff happen to someone else?" she groaned.

---

Jewel's eyes were wide as she read Philomena's texts a third time.

"Yeesh," she sighed, "That's pretty bad."

Jewel, unfortunately, didn't know how to feel about her friend's situation. Should she feel proud? Tell her to suck it up? Go over with a tub of ice cream and a teddy bear?

Hands trembling, she picked up her phone.
Have you ever thought about telling your dad?

Jewel patiently waited for her reply, counting the minutes as they went by.

WHAT?! Oh Jewel, I wish I could. But my mom warned me. Threatened me, really, about what would happen if I snitched, Philomena replied.

Jewel's shoulders slumped, Sorry, just thinking aloud.

---

But Jewel's idea had sparked an idea in Philomena.

Sorry for shooting down your idea, she typed, but I have one of my own.

Quickly, Philomena dashed out into the hallway and looked down the stairs. Her parents were still absorbed in their now hour long conversation. She waved to them as she stepped out into the warm sunshine.

The walk to the mall seemed to take ages without Jewel by her side. But the silence gave her time to plan.

As soon as she stepped into one of the several large department stores located in the mall, Philomena's senses were overwhelmed by the scent of pricy colognes and perfumes. Keeping her head high, she walked over to the small kiosk and began sniffing at the cologne, recoiling at most of the scents.

"Can I help you, ma'am?" a woman asked. Philomena turned, a bottle of cologne in her hands.

"Actually, yes! I'd like to purchase this. It's for my dad. Can't get a father's day present too early, right?" Philomena laughed as she handed over the bottle.

The clerk's nose wrinkled in disgust at the sight of the cologne, "Ma'am, are you sure you want this? I have so many other scents that are far nicer than-"

"Sorry. But this is the exact brand my father likes. I won't buy him anything else," Philomena said, pulling out the needed money.

The clerk quickly shook her head, "Of course, ma'am! Would you like that wrapped?"

Mmm... Maybe now is a good time for a little bathroom break. Have a nice cliff hanger!

What do you think of the story so far? I want to hear what you think!

~AppleStrueselWaffle