Becoming Ms.Fortunate

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Lesson One

Always Respond with Action.

Elle could have accepted her statistical fate. But responded with action.

She was bringing another life into the world.

Thoughts were coming in from every direction. What am I going to do, she thought over and over as she stood in the bathroom, alone. Staring at the stick in pure disbelief. I’m pregnant, again; she said to herself out loud as she looked in the mirror pulling her half wig off to reveal the cap that covered her jet black grown out pixie cut. Letting out a sigh of acceptance after the at home test just confirmed pregnancy, she didn’t know what would come next but she understood that ready or not, it was coming.

Her name was Elle. She was already a mother, unmarried and with only a high school education. She carried her first child with her as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, she was five months pregnant at the time. Her reaction to her pregnancy then was similar, only at 17 and sheltered, she didn’t know exactly what to expect. She had only been intimate with one guy before finding out she would have a child. Never having the birds and the bees talk with her mother or any real conversations with her father; she had gotten the run down from her friends. They would all discuss their sexual experiences in detail and so casually. When Elle was growing up the only thing she knew is that sex was something that married adults do and she didn’t ask any questions.

A few years after graduating high school she was seemingly making out okay. Having a stable job as a cashier at Walmart and a nice apartment. Things were coming together and her and her first born were happy. She didn’t have a plan for her life but another baby wasn’t what she had in mind in the least. As if not knowing that sex can make babies she sat on her couch surprised.

Eight months ago, she was having a small get together at her apartment with close friends. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Elle loved to host potluck like events and motivational conversations in her home. She enjoyed having friends over.

A guy about her age had moved into the apartment across from her, she had only seen him a few times and they never really stopped to meet. On the day of this get together her new neighbor also had company over. She noticed a handsome stranger walking up the stairs and waited to speak. She wasn’t shy, she wanted to introduce herself. Turns out he was the new guy across the walkway’s cousin. In very brief conversation she found out his name was Brew. Brew was the same name of the guy she was dating previously. In some aspect she only wanted to get to know him because of his name but he was an attractive guy too, she could admit that. Elle invited Brew and his cousins to join her and her friends. Not only was it their normal get together but they also cooked delicious meals for the occasion. Barbecue meatballs, baked macaroni and cheese, cabbage, chicken wings, spinach dip, pasta salad and the most scrumptious dinner rolls! It was easy to see why her new friends wouldn’t have turned down the invitation.

After hours of talking and laughing; this night was the first of many. It become a weekly event for her neighbor Ventran, Brew and his friends to come over. They jokingly called it “Sunday nights”. Elle's best friend Beth was always there too. It could be described as a modern day Living Single truthfully! Young adult life, friendship. The only butterfly feelings were between Elle and Brew. But it wasn't a match made in heaven. Elle had a child, Brew would be considered a playboy by most. He was never without a baseball cap, had pretty eyelashes and knew how to make all the women laugh; by purpose and accident. He was suave like Kyle but unpredictably funny like Overton and he was popular on the college campus because he put his name out to promote a lot of parties and club events.

Elle gravitated to him, he was fun. She pursued him and he obliged. Perhaps he only returned attention because she was a pretty girl with the same fun personality. They began spending time together outside of the Sunday night routine. After a few months the relationship became physical, Brew came over often. Often enough where he felt comfortable spending time with Elle's daughter, Taya. He once attended her school's donuts for dad event. Elle began to fall even more for the young man that gave his time and attention to her and Taya.

Still sitting on the couch processing her pregnancy, Elle thought about just the one month before. She no longer had to ask herself how did this happen. She knew. This was the second month consecutively that she had taken the morning after pill. The morning after pill is medication taken to prevent pregnancy after accidental unprotected sex of failed protected sex. Ironically, Elle and Brew experienced both in February and March. In March, the morning after pill failed too.

There was no question about the date or moment of conception. March 23, 2010. At this point the relationship between Elle and Brew wasn't healthy. They didn't see each other as often anymore. In fact; they were the epitome of back and forward toxic behaviors in situationships. In those two months they were only together those two times. There was one night they were out at a party Brew was hosting. This particular club was located in the middle of downtown and was typically always lit on a Wednesday or Saturday night. This was a Wednesday. Elle was there, she frequently was in attendance at his parties. She should have been, she helped with prices and spaces while Brew was in class. In her opinion, it was a partnership. Brew may not have felt completely the same way but he enjoyed having and feeling like someone was in his corner so he went along with it. This night was similar to the rest, only Elle witnessed him get a little close to another female. She may have had a few drinks and was frustrated at a disagreement they shared earlier but she was not here for it. In the middle of the club, near the bar yet a heavy populated area she walked up to confront him and was immediately provoked. They caused a scene!

Everything happen so fast. The only thing that was for sure is the clear sound of Brew proclaiming “fuck you Elle!” In disbelief, Elle repeated back what he was saying. “Fuck me Brew, really; fuck me?” Elle was shocked, surprised and embarrassed. This whole party wouldn't have happen if she didn't wake up an hour early to pick up the flyers from the printer. There were many nights where she was only getting one or two hours of sleep between being a mother and working a full time job. She helped Brew with his course work and stayed up late talking about business and promotion ideas. These thoughts rolling through her head as the same man had just yelled fuck you in front of everyone nearby. And Elle was a firecracker, act now; think later. She pulled back her elbow, arm and fist and sucker punched him right there when he stood. Her and her best friend Beth were escorted out of the club that night. Elle, still sitting alone in her living room chuckled at the memory.

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