Black Rose

Thirty

"Congratulations Ms. Willoughby, you are eight weeks pregnant." Dr. Johnson announced proudly, holding up the pregnancy test she urinated on.

"Oh Lord Jesus." She grabbed her head as she instantly became faint.

Venus had to help her sit down before she collapsed on the floor. "Come on baby, sit right here." She let Melrose take her chair while she stood up, rubbing her back for support.

"I'm sorry, I thought you'd be a bit more ecstatic about the news." Dr. Johnson apologized, feeling for the mother to be. Still in shock, Melrose couldn't respond at the moment.

"She's just taken by surprise at the news. The parents didn't exactly plan for this to happen." Venus chimed in since her daughter didn't seem like she was going to open her mouth to speak.

"It's completely understandable." Dr. Johnson nodded, giving her attention to a mute Melrose. She knew how an unexpected pregnancy could be and decided to discuss options. "Ms. Willoughby, you do know if you aren't ready for a child, we can always weigh in your different options."

"Oh, no ma'am, Dr. Johnson." Venus shook her head rapidly, catching the woman's drift. "We don't kill babies in this family. Never have, never will."

"Well, mama this decision is solely up to Ms. Willoughby. She's old enough to speak for herself and choose what she would like to do."

"As her mother, I know what she's going to do and aborting this baby isn't it. Isn't that right sweetie?" She looked down at Melrose awaiting her answer but Melrose gave Venus a stare that basically spoke for itself. Venus gasped, widening her eyes. "You can't possibly be considering getting an abortion. Suri Melrose Willoughby, you know better than this. Nana would not approve."

"And Nana isn't here, so she can't really do anything about it." Melrose snapped unintentionally. She didn't mean any harm but her frustrations had gotten the best of her and Venus talking out of term was only worsening it. Noticing she'd embarrassed her mother, she felt the guilt immediately kick in. "I'm sorry, Venus. This is just so overwhelming and I don't have the slightest clue as to what my next actions are going to be."

"I'm not trying to make this situation any stressful for you Ms. Willoughby. I'm simply letting you know there are other ways to handle this if you're not ready for a child. It's best to weigh your options now while you're early on. When women find out about their unplanned pregnancy they tend to procrastinate when it comes down to making a decision and by the time they get a solid answer it's far too late. I just want you to have enough time to sit down and really deliberate on what you want to do. You have until you reach 24 weeks to decide, but after that it'll be intent to murder."

"You're speaking of abortion. What about adoption?" Melrose queried.

"Well you first have to decide if abortion is right for you and your baby. Although, without the father, getting pregnant would be impossible, but not even he knows what's right for you. Not your mother, friend, sibling, you! Once you decide, you can move on to the next step which is creating an adoption plan. You'll have a specialist and she/he will be with you throughout the process, assisting you with finding the ideal family, the type of contact you wish to spend with your child and so on. To be honest, it's quite a lengthy process, no loopholes, so that's why I encourage you to get a start on what's best for you. I have some pamphlets about adoption and they're very informative. I can give them to you if you'd like."

Melrose had never been fond of adoption or abortion because she always felt that you as a parent, make the choice of having unprotected sex or just sex period. Anytime you have intercourse you're risking getting pregnant and one should take responsibilities of their actions. If you were bold enough to lay down and spread eagle, you should be bold enough to handle the consequences. However, Melrose wasn't pleased with the situation she'd gotten herself into. Yes, this baby will be well taken care of financially, but what about emotionally? That's her biggest fear. Not having a motherly connection with it. Not giving it the undying love it deserves. Melrose has yet to come to terms with Bella's death and it's been years. How can she bring another being in this world when she's still not where she wants to be? Adoption or abortion is looking like the route she'll take but it will be a discussion with the father before a finalized decision is made.