Unprotected

Barbara inched out of her chair in anticipation for the results; she was surrounded by people in a similar state of impatience, glued to the tv screen, waiting for the newscaster to return with a verdict.

Cheryl was just itching to get a word in after being silent for the past 20 minutes, "They're coming out! They're coming out!"

"Ok, this is it." Barbara had so much adrenaline she could have ran a marathon. Not that she would, maybe if she was still in high school and exercised more frequently than a once a month exertion with Shawn.

"The courts are about to announce their decision...this verdict will change the fate of women for decades...we are being told they have...repealed Roe v. Wade. Yes, Roe vs. Wade has been overturned."

The room erupted with applause and praise; everyone was hugging one another as streamers began to litter heads and the whites of teeth were on display for all of those in attendance. Barbara was elated, after years of cases and traveling from state to state the courts have finally agreed with the right people.

͠

After four hours, Danielle could see the front door, but the line seemed to move slower with every step. She was growing increasingly anxious, longed for this day to be a memory she will try to forget. She would rather be doing almost anything else, even having another grotesque dinner conversation with Mark as he spouts food particulates towards her face. Dani's husband refused to follow the dinner etiquette ingrained into her since before she knew the meaning behind "b.s." It wasn't entirely Mark's fault. During their first few dates, she found it almost charming to meet someone less composed, but flashforward five years of marriage and its novelty has long since worn off. Mark's not such a bad guy though; he was with Danielle until about an hour ago when he couldn't postpone his work meeting another minute.

A car drove by blaring an over-played pop song that sent feet tapping and a few exclamations from the teenagers in the previously silent line.

"Now which of those One Direction boys sings this one?

Dani turned around to answer the women's question, "I'm pretty sure it's Harry Styles, but honestly you can never really be sure."

This unlikely conversation lasted through the clinic's main doors and reception area so flooded with people that the gray floor tiles were sparsely visible.

"...and basically, I can't afford no more babies with my two boys and my mother just moving in. She can't stay by herself no more, but we don't got enough money to send her to no senior housing or for a nurse. Honestly, I don't know what's gonna happen, but I'm positive it's no life for this child..."

The woman concealed her watering eyes as she rummaged through her purse; she will not cry in front of all these strangers. Tonight, once the house was quiet from her sleeping family would she allow the tears.

Dani reached towards the woman but decided against it.

"Next in line, please."

͠

"How many hot dogs? ...4, 5. Okay and hamburgers? ...7, 9, 11. Barb, can you grab the buns?"

Barbara passed Shawn as he zoomed through the kitchen wearing mud-crusted sneakers. "Shawn!" She grabbed his arm, "What did I tell you about looking nice for the barbeque today?"

"But Mom I'm wearing the shirt and pantsh you gave me!"

"Look at your shoes; you look like a pauper! Go put on your Nike's before anyone sees you."