Page 23 of The Virgin's Baby
“The cleaners down the street.” She came to sit on the end of the sofa, by my feet.
I’d applied for that job too. Funny how I didn’t get it.
“I’m really happy for you, Margo. I am.” It didn’t sound like I meant it but I sort of did. “I applied for that too. Apparently, I didn’t get it.” I said drolly.
“I’m sorry. Something will come up, Aspen. I’m sure it will.” She pulled one of my flip-flops off to rub my foot for me. She was a great friend like that. “At least I’ll be there if anything opens up, and I’ll bring you in.”
“Yeah. Cher said the same for Chick-fil-A, and even Anna said the same for Long John Silver’s.” I stopped to make a long sigh. “A woman with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, and my biggest prospects are in fast food and laundry. What a winner I am.”
“What about that financial aid thingy you’ve been talking about this morning? From what I hear, you can get more money than you need for your classes, and you can live off that until you find something.” Smiling brightly, Margo thought she’d said something that would make me happy.
“I can’t get financial aid. I’m not eligible for any scholarships or grants either. The lady at that office told me to use the degree I’ve got to get a job.” I had to pause to huff; I was so depressed. “Only those jobs are in other towns. Towns I can’t get to. Even if I could, I wouldn’t have a place to live.”
Margo got up to go into the kitchen without saying a word. I next heard her talking on the phone for the better part of an hour. I did nothing other than breathe and stare at the walls.
When she came back to stand in front of me, she sounded upbeat. “Okay, I’ve called everyone I know. I’ve got the solution for you, Aspen Dell.”
Sitting up slowly, I wondered if she’d found me something to do. It wouldn’t get me back into classes in the fall, but it might keep a roof over my head and food in my stomach. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She took a seat next to me, put her arm around my shoulders, and hugged me tightly. “You see, you have this option. It’s not the most favorable or the most popular, but you’ve got one. And it may allow you to finish your degree on time.”
“I don’t understand.” I really didn’t. “What are you talking about?”
“Ransom Whitaker.” She smiled like she’d said something that would actually work.
“Are you nuts?” I had to ask. Sometimes crazy people will admit to their breakdown.
“No, but you’re desperate, and I think this is your only hope.” She reached over and took my phone out of my pocket. “Call him.”
“I don’t think he wants me anymore.” I was sure he didn’t. “He hasn’t called. Nothing. Not even a text. I went too far. I made him not like me. Maybe even hate me.”
“You’re gorgeous, and you’ve got excellent genes. He still wants you. Believe me, he does. He might make you sweat a bit, but you can take the heat.” She pushed the phone into my hand. “Make the call. I’ll be right here for emotional support.”
“And if he tells me to fuck off, then what?” I asked her because I wasn’t sure what I would do if he said that to me.
“Then I’ll hold you while you cry. Afterward, we’ll think of another plan.”
My fingers trembled as I pushed the buttons on my phone to call him.
“Aspen?” he answered.
“It’s me.” I had to close my eyes to say the next words. “Do you still want me?”
“I don’t know,” came his answer. “I’ve got a few other girls who might be a close second to you. None of them have called me names.”
I knew it.“Will saying that I’m sorry help my chances?”
Now, I’m reduced to begging someone to let me carry their baby and then just handing it over to him?
Chapter Eleven
Ransom
Lubbock, Texas – May 19th
“It wouldn’t hurt.”
Aspen was silent for a moment. I heard a long sigh first, and then I could clearly hear tears in her voice.
