The Baby Problem

The screen came down, forcing us to watch. I was always shocked. The poverty of our surroundings, yet this screen was made of some clear, high tech material. The screen announced three times a day the number of babies born in the world.

"Four babies born so far today" the presenter announced smiling and gave the details.

I had learnt at school that in the past the world was full of children and adults and many babies born every day. That was before the world wide infection, which affected 90% of the population. Nowadays babies are given to infected adults to bring up. And teenagers are tested and automatically impregnated many times in their life if found free of the infection when they are sixteen years old. Their families never see them again.

Mum looked at me giving me a look full of fear.

"Don't worry Mum. I'm sure I will be infected"

"I'm not sure what to hope for, that you are infected or not. It should be your choice to have a baby or not Kellen"

"There's no point wishing that things were any different" I said harshly “No one can change anything by wishing it so”

"Kellen" she shouted as I grabbed my coat and bag and left the house.

I walked to the woods breathing deeply trying to calm myself.

"Hello Kell" he said squinting against the sun.

"Jal"

We walked along the trail digging up roots and picking edible flowers, leaving some for the next day and future growth. We came across a blackberry bush heavy with fruit and filled our bags.

"We can make jam" I said excitedly.

"Anything to keep them going when we are taken away for testing" Jal said with a frown.

"Hopefully we have the infection and won't be away long" I said hopefully.

"Kellen, we both have two days left" he said fearfully.

"I know Jal, I'm scared too"

"Let's run away"

"Run away with our families too? They wouldn't manage like us"

"We can't leave them behind, they'd be punished" he said frowning.

"I've tried to think of a solution, but there isn't one" I cried with my hands over my face.

"Shh" he said pulling me closer and holding me "We'll be together at least. I'm thankful for that. That we were born in the same month"

We walked back home deep in thought with our bags full of food and heavy.

"See you tomorrow Jal" I said and he nodded walking away back to his parent's house. I quickly made my way home.

"Hi Mum" I said as I walked in the door.

"Kellen" she said.

"I'm doing as much preparation as I can before_"

"And we appreciate it" she said turning to my little sister.

"Let me teach you how to make jam Rosie" I said.

We spent the afternoon together making jam and preparing the vegetables to be preserved.

"Jal will give you and Mum food if I don't come back" I told her.

"You will come back Kellen, I'm sure of it"

"I hope so sweetie" I said hugging her tightly "But if I don't, you need to learn to do this because Mum is ill and she can't"

Two days Later

We ate breakfast together in silence nervously watching one another. I dressed in my best dress, the blue one with daisies on it. They came at ten to collect me. I couldn't stop staring at their clothes, so bright and new looking.

"Bye Mum, Bye Rosie" I shouted "I love you both so much. Look after each other"

We hugged quickly and then I was lead to a vehicle and told me to get inside. I looked around searching for Jal but I couldn't see him.

Once inside the vehicle they gave me a drink and told me to relax. As if I could relax in this situation. I hoped that I had taught Rosie enough skills. That they would survive without me if I didn't go home. Hours later woke suddenly noticing that the vehicle had stopped and saw a large building. I was escorted inside. I noticed as I was lead inside that the decor was white, and very clean, so unlike home. We walked up lots of steps before I was lead into a small room and left alone.

A few minutes later a man in a white coat came into the room and gave me a cup of water. It was the coldest drink I had ever tasted.

"Hi Kellen" he said looking at some sheets of paper "I need to take some blood"

I closed my eyes and felt something scratch my skin.

"All done" he said a couple of seconds later.

"Can I leave now?"

"Not yet, I have to get the results of this test"

I was left alone. Eventually I fell asleep, my stomach rumbling with hunger.

The next morning I woke up to find some food and drink had been left for me. I quickly drank the whole bottle of water and started on the food. There was so much of it but I ate it quickly as it was the most delicious food I had ever tasted.

Soon I felt the effect of having drunk so much and looked around me for somewhere to relieve myself. There was nothing. Soon I was desperate and banged on the door asking for help.

The door was opened by a woman with a very high voice. I noticed her face was perfect, and didn't look real.

"I need somewhere to_"

"I'll take you" she said and I followed her out of my room and into another door where there were cubicles.

"I'll wait here" she said "Use the toilet and have a shower"

Afterwards I felt so clean that I didn't want to put on my dirty clothes again.

"Here, put these on" said the lady, not seeming to care that I was standing there naked. She handed me a white dress with white shoes.

"Thank you" I said quickly throwing them on and braiding my wet hair.

She took me back, not into my room but another room where she sat me on a chair and immediately unbraided my hair before brushing it and drying it.

"You look tense" she commented and opened a drawer taking bottle of something out. She sprayed it around and I suddenly felt calm and relaxed.

"That's better" she said looking proud of her work. She finished by spraying something on my hair which she said made it look shiny "I'll take you back to your room now"

"Okay"

We walked back and she locked the door once I was inside my room. There was a plate of food waiting for me and some more water. I dived in straight away wondering how I could be so hungry already.

There was a knock on the door.

"Hello" I said and the door opened.

"Hello Kellen" said the doctor.

"Can I go home now?"

"I have good news Kellen. You show no signs of the infection"

"_" I was just speechless.

"You will be moved to the fertility suite now for insemination. Come with me"

"No" I shouted "I want to see my friend Jal"

He flicked through some sheets of paper and then announced "Jal has been taken home"

"Take me home now" I shouted angrily.

"Don't you realise the human race is dying out? That you could help save it?"

"I do realise that, and I do care" I said still in a loud voice. "But I want to make the choice myself, not to be forced to have a baby. And I want to be at home"

"That wouldn't be safe for a baby. No you will stay here. This is your home now"

"No"

He took a needle out of his pocket and held my arm as I struggled injecting me. The next thing I was aware of was lying on a bed in another room.

"Oh thank goodness you woke up" said the lady in a high pitched voice "We've found a great match for you. You'll be pregnant in no time"

She led me along a corridor which lots of white doors with numbers on and opened door number 10.

"In you go then" she said pushing me into the room.

I looked around the room noticing a boy with his head in his hands.

"Hello"

He looked up and I suddenly recognised him "Jal"

"Kellen" he said walking over and hugging me.

"What are you doing here? They told me you had been sent home"

"They told me the same" he said "What are you doing in here?"

"They just lead me into here. I'm not sure why"

"Oh Kel, it's been awful. Loads of girls have been in here. I've had to_ with them"

"And now they want us to do the same" I said angrily "I'm not doing it"

"You don't know what they'll do if you refuse Kell"

"What do they do?"

"I'm not telling you" he cried.

"Shh Jal" I wiped his eyes and put my arms around his waist, holding him.

"They don't have the right to force us"

"But they do Kell, because that's what they do"

"Look we're together again now. We can think of a way to escape together" I whispered in his ear. I took his hand and lead him onto the bed. I lay down too and covered us both with the blanket.

"How long will they give us?" I whispered.

"All day" he said and pointed to the table full of food that had been left for us.

I looked around and noticed a small window.

"Are you hot?" I asked Jal winking at him.

"A little bit" he smirked.

I hopped off the bed and walked over to the window. I turned the handle and pushed it open. Looking outside I noticed how high we were and the long drop down.

"That's better" I said joining him on the bed. We pulled the blanket over our heads and just hugged each other.

"We might die going out of that window" I whispered into his ear.

"Better than this" he said.

"Are you sure? We have to decide now"

"I'm sure" he said and we both immediately threw the blanket off, ran to the window and squeezed out.

"The ledge" he said and we crawled along it searching for a way down.

"There" I pointed to a ladder leading down the roof.

We climbed down and along another ledge and down again until we were on the ground.

"Somewhere to hide" he said and grabbed hold of my hand as we ran together. This place was nothing like home and we knew we needed to find somewhere to hide and quickly.

"The alley" I said pointing and we ran into the dark alley.

"The bin" he said.

We jumped into the big bin which stank and sat still.

"What should we do?" I wondered.

"I have no idea" he said looking worried. He held my hand and we sat like that eventually falling asleep.

We woke together suddenly and peeked out of the bin. There was no one there. We were safe.

"They'll still be looking for us" Jal said.

"How can we get home?"

"I have no idea Kell. I doubt we can" he said sadly "We're so far away"

"Look" he said pointing at a forest in the distance "We can make a home there, the two of us"

"Let's go then" I said with tears in my eyes. I let the tears fall, grieving for my family, who I would never see again.

Flash Fiction - The Choice

I had a first attempt at writing flash fiction today. Here is is:

“Does your Mum really believe you go to school like that?” laughed Tanika looking at Jenny’s smart uniform.

“I hope so” said Jenny taking off her blazer and stuffing it to the bottom of her bag before rolling the waistband of her skirt around a few times.

“Hurry up Jen, we’ll miss the train”

They ran to the tube station just as the train was about to leave and jumped on.

“Does my hair look okay?” asked Tanika.

“Yeah” Jenny said moving some of Tanika’s afro hair back in place.

They jumped off the train at the next stop and left the station before taking a short cut through the graffiti covered alley. They heard shouting further down the alley.

“What’s going on?” asked Jenny and Tanika shrugged.

“Come on” she said starting to run.

They ran and the noise got louder. There were a group of boys all yelling and Harry hitting a boy on the ground.

“Harry” Jenny shouted and he turned towards her and away from the boy he was beating up.

“Leave it Jenny” he shouted angrily “Get to school”

“Come on Jenny” pleaded Tanika starting to move past the group of boys.

Jenny looked around her and felt that time slowed as she contemplated what to do.

She looked at the boy on the ground covered in blood who mouthed “Help” at her. Then she looked at Harry, her boyfriend.

“Sorry Tanika” she said shaking her head.

“Leave it Jenny” said Tanika.

“Get off him Harry” Jenny shouted.

“Seriously Jenny, leave it” he said turning to her.

“I can’t” she responded sadly feel the tears prick her eyes “You’ll really hurt him if you’re not careful”

“Why do you care about him?” harry spat.

“He’s a human being who doesn’t deserve to have your anger taken out on him”

Harry stood up and pushed Jenny hard against the wall.

She closed her eyes tightly waiting for his fist to hit her face, instead she felt him stroke her blonde hair and tuck it behind her ear.

“I’ll miss you Jen” he said 

The Visit

Theresa painted the home-made mask onto her face and applied cucumber slices to her eyes. She fell asleep a few minutes later and didn't hear Lee open the door and head into the living room. He kissed her gently on her mouth, the only part of her face free from the mask and then he tickled her stomach.

“Ahhhhh” she screamed and the cucumber slices flew off her eyes.

“It’s too much fun tickling you” he said laughing.

“I just wish I wasn't ticklish” Theresa laughed and quickly jumped up when he aimed to tickle her feet.

“Enough!” Theresa said stopping him "Let me get this mask off and then we can eat"

"Great” he said picking up the cucumber pieces and popping them in his mouth.

“Ew, I can’t believe you ate those” Theresa said cringing.
Theresa washed her face and then they ate jacket potatoes with lots of cheese and salad.

“Don’t forget that my sister Anne is staying with us at the weekend!”

“Should I make myself scarce?”

“No! Seriously, I’ll need your help. She’s not the easiest person to spend time with”

Anne arrived on Friday early evening and Lee carried her bags up to the spare room.

“Hi Anne, lovely to see you”

“You too Theresa, it’s been too long since I last saw you”

“It has” said Theresa “Dinner’s ready so come through into the dining room”

“Oh no!” Anne said when she saw the food.

“What’s wrong?” said Theresa.

“I don’t eat meat” she said and turned away from the lasagne that Theresa had slaved over for most of the afternoon.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make you something else” Theresa said and mouthed “Help!” to Lee.

They both headed into the kitchen.

“Give her some of the salad with some cheese and pickles” He whispered and quickly kissed her “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine”

“Thanks darling” she said and made a plate of food for Anne.

“Here you go!” Theresa said as she placed the plate in front of Anne.

“Thank you!”

Finally they could eat although it was a shame that the Lasagne was cold.

The next morning after breakfast of cereal and toast, which fortunately didn't cause any problems, they headed into London to the Natural History museum.

“The dinosaur really is huge” said Theresa snapping away with her camera “It’s been so long since I've been here!”

“It’s been a long time for me too” said Lee “It’s all so fascinating”

He was interested in the insects mostly! Anne just looked around in silence. Theresa quickly headed to the gift shop and chose a book about insects for Lee. She hid in her bag to give to him later.

They made their way to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards next.

“We’ll have to come back soon and see Kate and Will’s baby!” Theresa said to Lee.

“Maybe I’ll come with you” said Anne “I love the royal family!”

“Shall we go somewhere to eat?” suggested Theresa.

“It’s about that time” said Lee “Let’s go to Hyde Park, I’ve never been there before”

 After eating the picnic Anne headed off to find a toilet. Lee pulled Theresa closer so she was sitting between his crossed legs and took the chance to kiss her.

“She’s hard work” he said and kissed Theresa again.

“Shall we relax here this afternoon, it’s lovely to see the sun make an appearance” she said squinting at the sun.

“Sounds good to me” Lee said tucking Theresa’s hair behind her ears and kissing her.

When Anne came back from the toilet she asked “Are we leaving London soon?”

 “No!” Theresa said shocked “I've planned activities for the afternoon too or we might relax here for the afternoon” she said looking at Lee.

“What have you planned?” he asked.

“To go to Madam Tussaud’s and then I thought we could find somewhere to have afternoon tea”

“How about we go to Madam Tussard’s and see how you feel Anne?” suggested Lee.

“Oh okay”

Theresa turned and kissed him again before mouthing “Thank you”

So they took the central line train and headed to Madam Tussaud’s.

“Look Lee, there’s Frank Lampard” said Theresa “Would you like a picture with him?”

“Definitely” he replied standing next to Frank’s waxwork. “Who do you want a picture with?”

“Maybe David Beckham” she said spotting him and Lee quickly took the picture.

“Anne would you like a picture with anyone?” asked Theresa.

“Um, I’m not sure” she responded looking bored.

Lee whispered “Ignore her” into Theresa’s ear and grabbed her hand.

“Ooh look” he said and pulled her towards the waxwork “You like David Tennant, want a picture?”

“Definitely” replied Theresa “Come into the picture Anne”

“If I must” Anne muttered.

Theresa spotted Kylie Minogue next in those gold hot pants which made Lee happy so she took a quick picture of them.

“I guess that’s it” said Lee and they found the nearest exit.

“You still want to leave Anne?” Theresa asked.

“I think so, is that okay?”

“Of course” replied Theresa and they made their way to the tube station. When they arrived home Lee rushed to the supermarket to buy some vegetarian food for Anne and they had a quick meal of burgers and oven chips.

“I have a surprise for you” Theresa teased as she and Lee headed to bed later that night.

“What is it?”

“Wait and see” she responded cheekily.

He saw the book as they entered the room.

“Wow Theresa, thank you” he said smiling as he started to delve into the pages. He stayed up late reading long after Theresa fell asleep.

The next morning after breakfast they headed to the nearby seaside and had a walk on the beach before stopping for fish and chips with plenty of salt and vinegar. It tasted extra delicious in the sea air. Anne was leaving in the afternoon so they drove home and she packed.

“Do you need any help?” Theresa asked as she headed into the spare room.

But Anne’s phone rang then so she left her to it. Once off the phone she came to find her sister.

“I've just found out some fantastic news” she told Theresa.

“That’s great, what news?”

“I've been offered a job here! We'll be able to spend more time together! Won’t that be wonderful?!”

Jem's Painting Week Away

Jem felt relaxed as she gently applied paint to the paper. It was the sixth day she’d

been here in Sussex on this painting course and she didn’t want to think about it ending.

"That looks beautiful" said George the teacher.

"Thank you George! I'm so glad I came"

"There's nothing better than painting in the countryside! It's a great way to relax, and thankfully the rain has stayed away this week" he laughed.

"We really have been so lucky with the weather! I am finding this relaxing!" Jem said.

"I'll let you get on" he said lightly touching the top of her arm and walking away.

"Ooh he touched your arm?" said Ruth a friend Jem had made on this week away.

"Ha ha lucky me"

"Very lucky indeed!!" she whispered laughing.

"If only_"

"Ssh forget about that for now and enjoy his cute presence!" she laughed.

After a shower in the hotel at the end of the day Jem headed down to the restaurant for dinner. Jem was clearly running late as the only space left was next to George. She sat down and said "Hi" to everyone. Ruth just winked at her.

"Hi Jem" said George.

"Hi George, how long have you been teaching courses like this?" Jem said enjoying the close up view of his green eyes.

"Not long, I used to work in an office, and paint in my spare time"

"What happened?" asked Jem sensing a story.

"I almost died, in car accident. It took quite few months to recover! I suddenly realised how lucky I was and I realised that being happy is more important than how much money you earn! So I quit my job and started teaching painting as well as exhibiting my own work.

"You're right! We all focus too much on money these days! I'd love to see your painting!!" said Jem.

"You can if you like! I have an exhibition in London in two weeks time" he wrote the address and details on some paper.

"Thank you! I hope I can make it!"

"It would be wonderful to see you again" he said and Jem's stomach was suddenly full of butterflies.

"You too!" she said and turned to speak to someone else before she blushed.

"You know" started George "You are more than good enough to exhibit too"

"You think so?"

He nodded "If I see you at my exhibition I will discuss it with you"

"Thank you George! I will try and get there"

Jem suddenly realised she had been hogging George's attention for most of the evening and she noticed some jealous eyes looking at her. But these girls had nothing to be jealous of! George would never fancy her. She turned away anyway to speak to Jane, the girl on her left.

"Drinks?" Ruth suddenly asked whispering in her ear.

"Yes please!"

"Come on then" she said grabbing Jem's elbow and heading to the bar area. "Cocktail?"

"Why not!" said Jem hoping the strong drink would still her stomach.

Once served they sat down and clinked glasses.

"I think George rather likes you" Ruth said with a sparkle in her eye.

"I don't think so!" Jem said feeling a little sad.

"Why not Jem?" 

"Come on Ruth you know why!"

"But_"

"Just leave it, I'm not interested in him anyway" lied Jem.

"Alright, sorry!" said Ruth and changed the subject "I hope we can meet up sometime, I'll miss you when we leave tomorrow!"

"Me too, I'm happy we met! George is having an exhibition in two weeks, let's meet then!

"I hope I can make it!"

They had a few more cocktails and when the music started they were on their feet straight away dancing and singing along! When Jem heard the first line of the slow song she left the dance floor to find a seat but instead she ran into George.

"Dance?" asked George suddenly holding out his hand to her.

"Okay"

He pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned her head on his chest with her arms around him and they slowly moved to the music. She felt him kiss her head and looked up. He kissed her gently on her mouth and smiled.

"Why did you kiss me?" she asked bluntly.

He looked confused but then, still holding her hand he lead her out of the room into the hotel lounge where they found a sofa to sit on.

"I kissed you because I like you Jem. Surely you are aware of that?"

"I..." she mumbled "Why though?"

"Why do I like you? Such an easy question, you are beautiful, kind and thoughtful. You love painting like I do..."

"But I'm old!!"

"Yes, you are older than me, but do you think your age matters to me?"

"But there are many girls here your own age! Don't you like any of them?"

"They are nice girls, but I'm not interestied in them the way I am with you!"

"How old are you George?"

"I'm 25!"

"Well I'm 40, that's 15 years difference"

"Jem" he said then paused before bluntly asking "Are you interested or not?"

Jem responded "Okay I am interested but_"

He smiled happily and pulled her into his arms kissing her before she could continue speaking.

They met two weeks later at George's exhibition. He smiled when he saw her and kissed her in front of all the people there before they walked around looking at his paintings.

"Come home with me?" he said after everyone had left.

"Where do you live George?" Jem asked "I know so little about you"

"I live in the Cotswold’s and I also have a flat here in London where I plan to stay tonight. Come back with me for dinner?"

"Are you going to cook for me?" Jem responded. 

"It's your lucky day, I made lasagna earlier!!"

They walked arm in arm back to George's flat and ate he wonderful food he had made with plenty of red wine. Afterwards they relaxed with coffee and mint chocolates. They talked and kissed, getting to know each other.