Chapter Fourteen: Interrupting

The ice cream in my hand has long melted; even my fingers are sticky. I don’t think Mum knows how to comfort me, or anyone for that matter.

As we stood outside the ice cream shop, her exact words were, ‘This always cheers you up!’ Yes, ice cream, specifically saffron, always cheered me up when I was twelve. Right now, I both want and crave something strong enough to make me forget how I feel, even if it's for a moment.

"Bethany..."

Mum calls softly as the car’s ambience lulls my thoughts to a slow. The driver easily joins the Bridgeway as I watch the glittering lights in the distance reflect atop river Florence.

"There are many ways to have a baby; technology is too advanced to excuse that he should have discussed this with you! and it's also too advanced for you to think that a test from one hospital means you can't get pregnant! There is a way through this.”

"I know."

I reply tiredly; my throat is hoarse from all the crying.

I should be glad that I didn’t have to subject a child to