Crime Of The Millennia (4) Elizabeth, stopped to look at herself in the mirror, well I could be the worse for wear, after all that had happened to her today. Three-thousand miles across the country and in the Presidents house. A personal tour by the First Lady. Life had been pretty dull in her own opinion, but now she wasn’t sure she’d be able to write all of today’s events into her diary; let alone tell her mother. Life was definitely full of surprises. CHAPTER 8 – THE ELLIPSE, Roe vs. Wade On the ellipse in Washington, DC-Jenny Tripp faced the illuminated glow of the residence of the nations leader. Never, ever had she dreamed that she would find herself here, facing this edifice of America. It was funny how she had always viewed the White House on television (usually with some extremely well dressed news reporter, who Jenny thought was a great shopper with impeccable taste) in the foreground and the backdrop of American Democracy; indicating her closeness to this seat of power. Now, in its presence, its grandeur over whelming; though it could not fill the barren spot in her soul. Jenny had traveled over a thousand miles to lend her support to the rally that would be held right here, in the spot she stood. Devoid of people now, Jenny wanted to see the view alone, without those that would share this place in history tomorrow. Jenny, a devout catholic girl who observed all religious holidays found a common ground in the words that leapt forth from the radical newspaper she had found on the seat of the bus. On a whim she decided to take that particular bus. To Jenny, it was a sign, as sure as an omen; for providence beckoned her on that night. The terrible secret of her sin was no less deadly than the remedy Jenny sought, as it had almost cost her-her life. The guilt Jenny wore on her conscience was equal to the secret that she kept from her parents, for it would have hurt her mother and definitely alienated her father; being devout Catholic’s. Jenny was irregular in her cycles, due to her enthusiastic participation in gymnastics since she was young. The vigorous punishment she put herself through in the name of competition (to please her parents) took its toll on her regularity from the beginning. Jenny did not desire freedom or independence and accepted her cloistered life that contributed to her predicament, for she was naïve in the ways of boys and men. Jeff caught her fancy immediately and was the first date Jenny had in college. Pregnancy did not cross her mind, as she found the moment had enveloped her; carrying her spirit and inhibitions away. Drinking was not her forte and the dancing and gaiety; all of the elements that were missing in her life. The night went by in a blur and when she woke up, she found herself in a disheveled mess with a pain between her legs. For over an hour she "genuflected" at the toilet praying-no-vowing she would never-ever lose control again. In class the next day, Jeff tried to engage in conversation, through gestures, signals and finally a note, one that did not contain any apology; which Jenny expected-but to her surprise another invitation for a "good time." The brute how callus? Was I conscious? Did I say yes? Was the liquor a prelude to my rape? In anger, she glared at him hoping to catch his attention, and when he turned towards her, she tore his note into little pieces. After class, she brushed off all advances he could muster. No, she was determined that never-ever, would she be a victim again. She held her secret inside, telling no one hoping that time would wash and cleanse the terrible night away. The days turned to weeks and Jenny’s time occupied with her studies, preparing for finals, with a daily practice in gymnastics. Missing her monthly was no more an event, than before, attributing it to her irregularity. Visits with the family gave the first warning as her mom commented on her appearance; it seemed that she was gaining weight. Jenny parried her mom’s comment that she was eating lots of pizza and other junk while studying for finals. Inside Jenny was in turmoil, could it be? She calmed herself by planning to see the campus physician first thing in the morning. All night she lay in bed going over any peculiarities in her daily life since the incident. The next day, between classes, Jenny saw the campus nurse, who took a sample of blood and a cursory examination from the physician who asked polite questions; many of which she responded, yes (astonished that some of the questions were accurate on her physical state of being.) A small sigh escaped her as she signed the form. After handing it to the intern, she was instructed to call back in three days for her test results. The three days passed quickly, Jenny had regained her confidence after scoring a ninety-four on a final in English literature. A game of tennis with her best friend and a quiet discussion calmed her anxiety. Everything seemed to be perfect in her little world, with no negative effects from her "incident" Jenny returned to her apartment settling in for a well deserved rest. Since classes did not start until 11:00AM, Jenny took the opportunity to call the number to find out the test results, which she was sure was negative; she held on to the one belief that; "it couldn’t be possible to get pregnant after only having sex one-time, "Could it?" Dialing the number of the clinic, Jenny gave her special number, and what seemed like a very-very long time (she was ready to hang-up and re-dial), the receptionist came back on the line and apologized for the delay, informing her that the test was positive. Jenny, stunned and deaf to the receptionist’s question, asking, if she would like to schedule an appointment for prenatal care. Jenny in a daze with tears streaming down her cheeks dropped the telephone unable to respond. How much time had passed? She could not be sure, a quick glance at the clock showed that it was 10:45AM, fifteen minutes for her to get ready for her next class. See-sawing between shock and disbelief; Jenny struggled to get ready, unable to organize herself, or overcome the steady flow of tears cascading down her face. She felt her world crumbling, accompanied by the echo of her parent’s admonitions reverberating in her mind. Jenny strong, self-determined knew that no explanation would rectify her failure as a "good catholic girl." Returning to her room, seeking refuge, by holding "BRR-BEAR" her stuffed friend with its missing button eye. Finding the familiar comfort, she succumbed to the safety and sanctuary of sleep. Ring, ring, ring, Jenny’s hand reached for the phone, answering with a barely audible "Hello." Becky her best friend was on the line talking and asking Jenny a question, with Jenny prepared to answer, when another question from Becky followed; over taking the last. Jenny idled between sleep and consciousness, unable to provide answers that were personal and potentially devastating to her over the telephone, she asked Becky to come over. Becky agreed telling Jenny that it would take her about fifteen minutes. Becky was concerned, but boy crazy and completely unaware of Jenny’s problem. When the intercom buzzed, Jenny pushed the talk button to ask who it was and she knew that it was Becky. Becky she asked? Its me! Becky responded, I’ll buzz you up, Jenny said. The crash of the door, let Jenny know that Becky was on her way up. Jenny waited for Becky by the elevator door. As the elevator door opened on Jenny’s floor, Becky saw Jenny with her swollen red-rimmed eyes and opened her arms to hug her. Jenny’s story came out in a torrent of words, spaced by sobs and comforting hugs from Becky. Jenny surprised herself at the openness she vented her emotions as they tumbled forth. The problem of Jenny, her life, and the shame she felt. Becky let Jenny know that she would support her in any decision she made; for now Jenny’s choice was not simple, as one required her to exist with the shame of her family and the sacrifice of her education. The other meant extinguishing the life that formed within her; a contradiction of her up-bringing and her religious beliefs that formed the foundation of her life. Jenny found it difficult to form arguments that would provide a path to a proper choice. This path would require her to seek assistance to provide a procedure that would terminate the innocent and defenseless child within her. Jenny faced a decision that would affect the rest of her life. Jenny needed advice and Becky was her friend, but like Jenny, she was inexperienced and unwise. Who was there she could turn to? Where could she seek the sound advice of wisdom and principal? Becky suggested calling the campus switchboard, as she had heard stories from different students that a plethora of departments was available within the campus system. Jenny agreed that it would be a start, a place to seek advice that she needed to make a decision. Together they dialed campus information, "Hi, this is Angie, how can I help you?" Becky in command and desirous to help, asked for: "Birth Control." Jenny confused and incredulous told Becky that it was too late for that. "Becky, why did you ask that? " "Well, we have to start from somewhere, don’t we Jenny?" Angie waiting patiently during this exchange, said; "I’m sorry but there is no department in my directory for that, can you be more specific?" My friend, I mean, I have a problem…Becky said. "Oh! I think I understand, why don’t I give you the number to the Free Clinic, its 525-4600; Thank you! Angie, you don’t know how much this helps, Becky said as she hung up the phone. "Well how do you like that Jenny?" "Like what? Jenny said." "We have someone that we can call-silly, lets call them, okay?" As Becky dialed, she tried to put on her natural perkiness, as she knew this always set the pace for her friend Jenny. "Hello, free clinic?" Hi, the university gave me this number. And? The operator asked. "Oh! I’m sorry, I’d like to speak to someone about birth control." Becky! Jenny said, looking cross at her friend. "I mean, I’d like to speak to someone who is past the point of birth control." "Are you trying to tell me your pregnant? The operator asked." "Yes! We are-no I’m not-I’m calling for a friend." "Should I speak to your friend? The operator asked." Becky turned to Jenny; "She wants to talk to you," With trepidation, Jenny took the telephone from Becky. "Hello? Yes? We, I mean, I was given this number by the operator at the university." "Your pregnant, the operator stated." "Yes I am. Jenny responded." "Well, we primarily deal with pre-natal care and aftercare; I’m afraid that I can’t help you." "Becky," Jenny said as she handed the telephone back with tears flooding her eyes, and a sob convulsing her body. Becky took the telephone, "hello? I’m sorry, she’s not on the line Jenny." "What did the operator tell you, Jenny? "She, she said; "she couldn’t help me, Becky "What am I going to do?" Jenny, there must be something we can do, We! Yes, Jenny, I’m your friend and I told you that I would do whatever I can to help. "Looking back at the moment, Jenny felt mixed emotions that surfaced in her. She was no longer pregnant and it would relive itself over and over again, as Becky did live up to her promise and together they learned of a Doctor (Jenny, shudders at the thought of him) who would perform an abortion at cost and resolve her problem. However, at a cost neither she nor Becky could not foresee, the Doctor, did not have an office or hospital privileges; yet he convinced Jenny that the procedure would be painless. After providing him his fee, the procedure was implemented in Jenny’s room! The shame of his probing and the humility that Jenny suffered in the vulnerable position she had to endure and the subsequent results were equally catastrophic, as she could not stop the bleeding that resulted from the Doctors procedure. If not for her friend Becky, Jenny would be dead. Becky’s quick thinking overcame Jenny’s objections, taking Jenny to the emergency room that was staffed by real Doctors who were horrified at the ineptly performed procedure. The only recourse, a complete hysterectomy that would leave Jenny barren and traumatized from the ill-advised decision that changed her life and a burden she would carry to her grave. Jenny felt that she was a victim of circumstance, what could she have done? Regrets, remorse and bad memories consumed her soul and Jenny sought solace in her pain from the knowledge that the life torn from her womb was the true victim and one that could not grieve nor understand the circumstances that ended its life. Jenny vowed to remember and to do what she could with her life. Now, Jenny was drawn like a magnet to the impending review of the landmark case before the United States Supreme Court, in Roe vs. Wade. Jenny would lend what support she could offer, share her story, profess her beliefs reaffirm her faith and hopefully this small effort on her part would help some of the women there. Let them be the judge and understand the choices before them, for no one could tell her that her experience was a part of life. No it was more, it was the experience of life itself, she chose life for herself and death for her child, and the true burden of her choice, she would carry for the rest of her life. This is the end of the SAMPLER We hope that you have enjoyed the SAMPLER and will continue with your journey into the: Crime of the Millennia © The full edition of the Crime of the Millennia is available by subscription and can be ordered from either one of the Crime of the Millennia web sites located at: http://www.mypage.onemain.com/crimeofthemillennia/subscription http://members.mindinfo.com/crimeofthemillennia/subscription The download page of the aforementioned sites, list numerous sites which have a sample of Crime of the Millennia and information about the subscription. If you have any questions you may contact us by email at: not4profit@mindinfo.com
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