Broken

Broken Part 7

Meghan

It had been a quiet couple of days at home with Flo. She had to work today so Flo was up early to make them both breakfast – pancakes with bacon and herbal tea. Meghan missed her coffee, especially on early mornings. She knew today would be especially busy with boxing day sales but hoped it would make the day go by quickly. She dressed and stood sideways in front of the mirror. The small swell of her belly was now evident in her tight sweaters. She rubbed her belly smiling. She had received the first month's child support from Richard the night before and had called around immediately to book viewings of bigger apartments. They would hopefully find a place before she was too big and uncomfortable to move. There was no hope in counting on family to help them move since it was evident no support was there. She arrived to work early to a line winding around the outside of the mall. She had never been one to capitalize on the after holiday sales but she understood it was as rooted as religion in some people. It was still dark out for crying out loud! She opened the accordion style gate to the bookstore with her master key and set to preparing for the day. By eight thirty the store was not only open but packed with early shoppers hunting for a deal. Many of their best sellers had been marked down by forty percent for the occasion and the news spread quickly throughout the mall. It pleased Meghan to see so many people who still loved to read a good old fashion book. She had never understood the e-reader commotion. The experience of reading a book to her was more than just the words, it was the turning of the pages, the smell of the print. Her feet were aching by noon and she was glad to see her relief had shown up so she could take her lunch break. She grabbed her purse and made her way to the crowded foot court to grab a hamburger and milkshake (a pregnancy craving since she never cared for red meat much before now.) She had just found a seat and unwrapped her burger when she saw her mother coming down long hall of the stores toward her. She ducked her head in hopes that they wouldn't make eye contact. Daring to peer up again she saw that it was no use – her mother was staring straight at her, looking more forlorn that she herself felt. Meghan attempted a smile and half-hearted wave, hoping it seemed genuine. Truthfully she had no intention of ever speaking to her mother again after what she had said to her. The thought that her own mother could be so intensely embarrassed by her was sickening to Meghan. She vowed to always accept her child no matter what they did. Her mother walked closer and then tentatively took a seat across from her. "Is it ok if I sit here?" Meghan nodded. "Sure." They sat in silence for a moment before her mother spoke. "Meg, sweetie – I'm sorry for how I reacted the other day. I guess I was just upset that you got yourself into this situation and didn't talk tome. I know that lawyer got you pregnant" She paused and looked into her lap before taking a deep breath. "I just don't understand how you could sleep with a married man Meghan. You understand that is what someone did to me all those years ago, don't you?" Meghan hadn't thought of that. She had been so caught up in the desire and rush of it all that she hadn't once considered that she had become the very person she had despised. A tear made its way down her cheek. "I'm sorry Mom. I know I should feel ashamed of what happened but I really thought I had feelings for him. I understand it was wrong and I'm so sorry that this is hurting you now too." Her mother covered her hands in her own. "It's not going to be easy kid. I will still be away taking care of Grandma. I'll come when I can, but it won't be as often as you'd like. I just want to be honest with you. If you are really planning on keeping this baby, you and Flo need to have a plan in place. You know there are other ways. Lots of couples can't have kids..." She trailed off, leaving Meghan dumbfounded, mouth gaping. "You aren't suggesting I put the baby up for adoption are you? Mom, I'm in a relationship now. I'm not going to be doing this alone." Her mother sighed as she hoisted her purse back onto her shoulder. "I have to get going sweetie. The respite will only be with Gran until four, so I need to hit the road." Meghan tried to read her mother as they hugged and said goodbye. She could tell her mother was covering up what she truly felt, although she appreciated the effort. She didn't understand why everyone couldn't just put on a happy face and see this for the blessing it really was. A new life would soon be born. Instinctively she rested her hand on the small swell of her belly, watching mesmerized a sit rose and fell with her breath. She resolved in that moment that no one was going to take the joy out of this for her. Her little family was going to be safe and happy – and that was all that mattered.