The Girl Next Door

Mrs. Mitchell sat quietly on her couch, listening to the young woman on the other end of the phone. Christmas had come and gone and it was the day after New Year’s. She listened as the girl on the other end sobbed softly.

“It’s going to be okay, sweetheart.” She softly cooed into the phone, trying to soothe her daughter.
“But . . . I. just....don’t know....what to do.” Veronica hiccuped into the phone. “I haven’t . . . even . . . told him yet.”
“Why not?” her mother prodded gently.

“I don’t . . . know. What . . . if he’s not . . . ready? What do . . . I do . . . if he wants . . . me to get rid . . . of it?” Veronica began sobbing again.
“Honey, you’ve got to tell him if you’re pregnant. He deserves to know. Then the two of you can make a decision.”

“Maybe . . . you’re right.” Veronica said after a short pause. “Of course I am. The only option you have right now is to tell him. You two are engaged now, and you never know. He might not be as upset as you think.” her mother replied with motherly wisdom. Veronica didn’t say anything else, knowing her mother was right, but she continued to hiccup every now and then.

“What about Mrs. Hampton?” she finally asked.
“Well, we’re going shopping later. If you want me to tell her for you . . . ”
“Please mom. I couldn’t stand.... it if I disappointed her.... with this news. I’m so . . . glad . . . you’re not upset with . . . me.”

“Honey!” Mrs. Mitchell half laughed. “I was elated until I heard how upset you were. I’m sure she won’t be disappointed at all, but I’ll tell her for you and let her come to you. Okay?”
“Thanks, so much.” Veronica managed. She was grateful that her mother was so understanding.

That evening Veronica got a call from Mrs. Hampton. She couldn’t believe the excitement in the woman’s voice and it made her almost giddy. It was obvious that her future mother-in-law was happy about this new upcoming edition and it gave Veronica the confidence to tell a few of her co-workers, who were also overjoyed with the news.

It was now almost a week later and Veronica was sprawled out on her living room floor, flipping through a few baby books and checking off things that looked necessary yet affordable. She had gotten wrapped up in this whole baby “craze” and knew she would have to tell Jason soon. She had called him and had been told that he was going to be away from the base for two weeks on business in other parts of the country.

A knock at the door startled her a little but she jumped up and bounded over to the door anyway, swinging it open. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?” she said to Alex, who was standing in her doorway. He looked slightly irritated and pushed past her and into the apartment.

“Who the hell invited you in? And how did you get past the downstairs door?” she yelled at him. He simply held up a key. ‘Shit.’ she thought, remembering when Jason had taken Alex’s key. ‘He didn’t get the downstairs’ one.’
“So it’s true.” he mumbled, spotting the magazines on the floor. “He got you knocked up, huh?” Veronica still stood by the open door.

“Please leave.” she said in a shaky voice, a little afraid to be alone with him. He shook his head and turned to her. She looked into his eyes and saw.....hurt?
“I can’t let you have his baby.” he said in a hoarse voice, stepping closer to her.
“What are you talking about, Alex?” she said, stepping back to get away from him.
“I can’t.” he repeated and continued his advance on her. She continued to back up, unknowingly stepping into the hallway.

“You’re really starting to make me think you’re psycho or something!” Veronica said in an unnaturally high pitched voice. Alex just shook his head and kept coming toward her.
“Come to me, babe, before you hurt yourself.” he said, holding his arms out to her.
“Oh God. You are crazy.” she announced, as if she had just made a discovery. She shook her head at his outstretched arms and was ready to scream when it happened.

She reached the top of the stairs and lost her footing. Alex’s eyes widened and he grabbed for her, almost catching hold of her flailing hand. She tumbled backwards, down the flight of stairs, crumpling in a heap on the landing that connected the second and first floors. Alex stood, shocked for a moment before rushing into the apartment and picking up the phone.

“I need an ambulance here, now.” he screamed at the operator on the other end.

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All the voices sound so muffled and far away.........

“It’s okay baby. Momma’s here”

And it’s so dark............

“Why were you there in the first place, Alexander?!?!”

Mrs. Hampton? I can hardly recognize her voice............

“Yes, I’m afraid she did loose the baby.”

What baby? My baby? No, it can’t be..........

“She is lucky to be alive with only a few bruises.”

Where is Jason.............

“Come on, sweetheart. Open up your eyes.”

How long have I been here.........

“Don’t worry mom. I’ll call Jason and let him know.”

Oh my head! I’ll just lay here a little longer.........