HER REGRET

The unbearable truth..

"Alicia Alicia, Alicia Alicia," Miss Agatha called out, her voice penetrating my haze.

I slowly opened my eyes, heavy eyelids struggling to stay awake.

"Kids these days," she sighed, approaching me.

As she tapped my shoulder, I looked up, disoriented.

"What's wrong with you?" Miss Agatha asked, concern etched on her face.

"Nothing, ma'am," I lied.

But Erica, my friend, spoke up from behind me, "Excuse me, ma'am, I think Alicia Alicia's sick. She doesn't want anyone to know because she hates taking drugs."

Miss Agatha's eyes narrowed, "Is that true?"

I glared at Erica, my face screaming, "Do you really have to say this?"

Erica's words, though well-intentioned, felt like a betrayal.

"Thank you, Erica," Miss Agatha said, smiling. "That shows you're a good friend."

"Class, I'll be back. Alicia Alicia, come with me," Miss Agatha instructed, exiting the classroom.

I trailed behind her, feeling like a disobedient child.

******************

We arrived at the school clinic, where Renee, the nurse, greeted us.

"Let's run some tests," Renee said, efficiently collecting samples.

The wait for the results seemed eternal.

Finally, Miss Renee returned with a paper in hand.

"What's your name?" she asked, her expression grave.

"Alicia,  Alicia," I replied, my heartbeat racing.

Miss Agatha's eyes locked onto mine, "Alicia Alicia, your test results..."

"Alicia, Alicia," Miss Renee's said, her voice gentle but firm, "when last did you see your period?"

I hesitated, confused. "What does my period have to do with my illness?" I wondered.

Miss Agatha's eyes locked onto mine, as if searching for something.

"Teacher..." I started, still lost in thought.

"Why did I ask that?" Miss Renee repeated, her expression serious.

Suddenly, a terrifying realization dawned on me. I hadn't seen my period in weeks, and the due date had long passed.

"No, no, no... it can't be," I thought, panic rising.

Miss Renee's words cut through my thoughts, "The reason I asked, Alicia, is that the test results show..."

She paused, her eyes filled with empathy.

"...pregnancy test: positive."

The words hung in the air, like a verdict.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

"Pregnant?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

The room began to spin.

.................

I snatched the paper from Miss Renee's hand, my eyes scanning the results.

"Pregnancy test: positive."

Tears streamed down my face as the words seared into my mind.

"How?" I whispered, stunned.

Miss Agatha's expression mirrored my shock. "Who did this to you, Alicia? You're one of the most decent girls I've ever known."

Miss Amanda, the school counselor, chimed in, her voice laced with disdain, "TSK, TSK, TSK. This is what happens when children get involved in social activities. Teenagers, especially the seemingly decent ones, are often the worst offenders."

Her words stung, but I knew I deserved them.

"I'm pregnant," I mumbled, collapsing to the floor.

Miss Agatha rushed to my side, concern etched on her face. "Miss Amanda, please excuse us."

"Okay," Miss Amanda said, her tone softening. "Take care, Alicia."

As she left, Miss Agatha gently coaxed me, "Talk to me, Alicia. What happened?"

My mind reeled as I tried to recall the events leading up to this moment.

**************

I was only six when Dad left us. Mom struggled to raise me alone, and life became a relentless battle.

People often mistook me for a street urchin due to my tattered clothes. Mom tried her best, but happiness eluded me.

I felt responsible for Dad's departure, and the guilt consumed me.

One day, Mom returned home in tears, refusing to share her pain. Later, I discovered she'd lost her job.

The neighbors helped us move to a new house, but the wounds lingered.

Now, as I sat amidst my tears, I realized my life had taken a devastating turn.