Planned Parenthood

by Sarasi Peiris

She smiled when he arrived at the restaurant carrying flowers.

“Sorry, I’m late,” he muttered sheepishly.

She opened the door and froze, like a deer in the headlights.

“That’s alright. You should’ve called. I’ve ordered my second helping of cake – been craving dessert lately,” she patted her stomach.

He made no comment and checked his phone.

The boy who had promised he loved her yesterday was locking lips with the girl she believed to be her best friend.

“Expecting a message?”

“Oh…um, no.”

Deeply indulging in their passions, they stayed blissfully unaware when she closed the door.

Now she noticed: the tapping of the foot, the glances at the watch, the restless fingers.  She had been played for a fool.  The saddest thing – she had loved him.

Two choices: revelation or revenge.

“Well…” he began awkwardly, “I have some bad news. Don’t take it ha-“.

“I’m pregnant.” She linked her hand in his and lied to his face. “It’s yours. That’s why I wanted to see you… in private.”

His face went pale with shock. Desired reaction.

“How do you know?” he asked, searching her face.

“Morning sickness.”

It was clear her news had big implications and he was getting serious. She could play him just fine.

“I want you to take a pregnancy test. I’ll come with you.”

She got a test kit from the pharmacy. He waited outside for her. But she stayed inside, muted in horror, seeing the test turn pink.

***

Sarasi Peiris is a manipulator of words that admires ingenuity and innovation and strives to use creativity in writing. Having graduated with a M.A. in Publishing and Communications from the University of Melbourne, currently she’s an editor of two publications and works on her blog writing and taking photos during her spare time.
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