I call Simon after school.
We don’t have any of the same classes…
And since I spent lunch hiding in the bathroom…
I’m praying that he found something online that can help.
Thankfully, he picks up on the first ring.
Simon
I was just about to call you.
Maura
Did you find anything?
Simon
But we should talk in person.
I enter through the back of Simon’s house and rush up to his room.
So I grab the seat next to him.
He shoots me a concerned look.
Simon
How you holding up?
Maura
Not great…I’ve never been so stressed in my life.
Maura
What’s the verdict?
He sighs, then turns back to his computer.
Simon
Okay, well, I think I might be able to help you, but first…
Simon
How do you feel about Bitcoin?
I rub a hand over my face.
Maura
Simon, can we talk about your crypto portfolio later—
Simon
I’m asking, because I think we can buy abortion pills on the black market…
Maura
Like the illegal black market?
Simon
I know it’s not ideal but…
Maura
Probably my only one.
Simon
Found someone selling them in the area.
Simon
It would take pretty much all I’ve got.
I grab his hand, desperate.
Maura
I know you’ve been saving for years…
Maura
But, I’ll pay you back, I swear!
Simon looks at me. Swallows hard.
Simon
Don’t worry about it.
Simon
I want to help you Maura, I –
Simon is about to say something but holds back.
I pull him into a tight hug.
And when we pull apart, a warm glow emanates from his face.
He clears his throat and turns to his computer screen again.
Simon
Transaction complete.
Simon
Bitcoin has been transferred.
Simon
And the pills are ready for hand-off.
But Simon frowns when he opens a message from the seller.
Simon
He gave us directions to a P.O box key…on the East side.
The East side of town is a very sketchy area…
Littered with abandoned buildings, smashed windows…and drugs.
Maura
I guess we shouldn’t be surprised.
Maura
Where else in town would an illegal transaction take place?
Simon laughs without humor.
We’re in the car, and I’m trying to stay calm but…
My palms are sweaty and my heart is in my throat.
I just bought something illegal off the black market.
And now I’m headed to the shadiest part of town to pick it up.
I put my head in my hands.
What has my life come to?
Just then, I notice an envelope stuffed into the open glove compartment of Simon’s car.
I pull it out and shriek.
Maura
You got in to STANFORD?!
Maura
Why didn’t you tell me?
Simon looks over shyly, trying not to grin.
I can tell he’s really happy, but he also looks concerned.
Simon
Was just waiting for the right time.
Simon
Did you hear back yet?
And that’s when I realize, I was so caught up in everything, I didn’t even tell Simon the news.
Maura
I got the letter the other day.
A smile spreads across his face as we pull into a run-down post office.
Simon
We did it. Just like we always planned.
We share a smile, but then reality comes crashing back in.
Maura
Let’s go find those pills.
We get out of the car and walk toward the building…
I instinctively reach for Simon’s hand.
He looks down and then at me, surprised…
Then he smiles and squeezes my fingers.
Together, we walk inside.
The building looks worse inside than it does on the outside.
A single, fluorescent light flickers on and off.
And no one is working behind the counter.
A chill runs down my spine.
Simon
He said the key would be taped to the side of the radiator.
We scan the room, find the radiator and walk over to it.
A rat escapes from behind the corner.
Maura
It’s here! I found it.
I peel the key off and notice a number etched onto the key - 62422
I take the key and rush over to the rows of mailboxes.
I find the right box, and when I open it…
There’s a small package inside.
Simon looks as relieved as I do.
Simon
Great - now let’s get out of here.
We hustle back to Simon’s car…
And once we’re inside, doors locked…
I turn to him, nervous, hopeful.
Maura
Thank you so much for this.
Maura
You’re the best friend a girl could ask for.
And again, it seems like he wants to say something.
But he doesn’t, so I start tearing into the package.
But when I see what’s inside…
Simon takes the box out of my hands and examines it.
Maura
It’s not the abortion pill.
Maura
It’s just a pack of birth control pills.
Simon
Are you telling me I just spent all my savings…
Simon drops his head on the steering wheel and groans.
Maura
I’m so, so sorry, Simon.
Maura
I promise I’ll pay you back.
Simon lets out a heavy sigh.
Simon
It’s not your fault.
He buckles his seatbelt, so I buckle mine.
Simon
Want me to take you home?
Maura
But I have to get back to the school to help with prom decorations.
He nods, turns on the engine, puts the car into reverse and drives off.
We ride in silence until we reach the school.
I don’t get out right away.
I hate the tension between us, and I want to fix it.
Maura
Do you hate me now?
Simon
Maura, I could never hate you. I…
I wait for him to finish his sentence…
So after a moment, I grab the door handle.
Maura
Talk to you later, I guess.
I walk into the school, and feel my head start to spin again.
This is the last thing I want to do…
But I guess it’s better than crying alone in my room.
The gym is filled with chatter and laughter…
Everyone else is bubbling with excitement for tomorrow night.
But I’ve never felt so separate in my life.
I’d give anything to be one of them…
But I feel like I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulders…
And it’s all I can do to go through the motions.
So I put on a happy face…
And pretend that my life isn’t falling apart.
An hour or so later my phone rings.
A FaceTime from my mother.
I answer it, but I regret it instantly.
She’s surrounded by her friends at church…
And they all yell congratulations at the same time.
Mom
But everyone is just so excited for you!
Mom
Stanford! I still can’t believe it!
I talk to them for a few minutes…
The entire student council is standing behind me, beaming.
You’re living the life, girl!
You’ve got it all, I’m so jelly!
I stand there feeling sick to my stomach…
But I force myself to smile and pretend that I’m as happy as they are.
And just when I think I can’t take anymore…
My phone pings with a text.
Justina
Hope you’re ready for tomorrow night.
Justina
It’s definitely going to be one to remember.
A horrible feeling filling my gut.
As if I didn’t have enough to worry about.
And now she’s going to ruin my reputation.
If she tells everyone that I’m pregnant…
