Thicker Than Soup by Kathryn Joyce

that she couldn’t have a cigarette. “Firstly, we don’t want a baby. Not now. Not ever. John’s even more against it than I am. And you know what happened to him at college.”
    â€œBut he was only a kid himself then and he’s older now. And he loves you. Surely, that makes a difference?”
    â€œI hope so, Diane, I really hope so.” Sally felt nauseous and it wasn’t morning sickness.
    â€œWhat about you?”
    â€œI’m pregnant. I don’t have a choice. I guess it’ll grow on me.” She laughed mirthlessly at the pun.
    â€œBut you’re worried about John.”
    â€œAh, there’s the rub.” How, she feared, would Diane judge her? “It’s not as simple as that.” But it was too much to bear alone. “I don’t know… if John is the father.”
    â€œYou what?” Sally didn’t think she’d ever seen a jaw drop before. “Sal? What happened?”
    What happened? It was an appropriate question and Sally told her friend about ‘what happened’, finishing with, “so you see, it could be James’s baby.” She dropped her eyes, waiting for condemnation.
    â€œYou idiot.” Diane’s voice didn’t sound damning. “It could have been anyone, you know. James is a bastard. Does anyone else know – apart from James?” She touched Sally’s arm. “Sally. Look at me.”
    It felt unreal. Rousing herself she looked at Diane. “No, I don’t think so. Or at least, I doubt it.”
    â€œYou poor thing.” They stared at each other until Diane spoke again. “Do you want to know what I think you should do?”
    She nodded.
    â€œMuch as is grieves me that ‘Daddy’s boy’ will get away with it, the baby probably is John’s and he must never believe otherwise. You’re not James’s first conquest…”
    â€œYou…?”
    â€œNo, not me, but there were others. You don’t need to know. He’s a predator. But you and John, well, you’ll be terrific parents. John’s older now, and he loves you. He’ll be back once he’s got his head round it. He might even grow to like it! The baby’s his; it will grow up with John as its father which will make him so. Think about it Sally, life’s tough enough without letting bloody James Black ruin it for you both – in fact, for all three of you.”
    Words were easy. Sally shook her head then stood wearily. “I’m going to make some tea.” Once in the kitchen she sat and it was Diane who made the tea.
    â€œHere. Tea – panacea for all that ails.”
    â€œThanks. You may be right but I don’t think John deserves to have a baby dumped on him.”
    â€œNo, Sally, he doesn’t. But he isn’t going to have a baby dumped on him. You need to start getting used to the idea that the two of you are going to be parents. Together. Otherwise…well, you’re going to ruin the lives of three people over one mistake. You’re going to suffer, whatever you do – that’s punishment enough. Don’t ruin John’s and the baby’s futures too. Don’t you think that James has some blame for what happened? I’ll bet he’s not thrashing himself to death over it!”
    â€œHe…”
    â€œI know he doesn’t know. But he’ll know soon enough, and he’s bound to wonder.”
    â€œYou don’t think…?”
    â€œNo fear! He won’t let you get in the way of what he wants. But if I were you I’d watch your back where he’s concerned. Sally, think of it this way. If it had been me who’d been seduced by James, would you, as my friend, forgive me?”
    She answered without hesitation. “Of course I would, and I wasn’t seduced. I’m sorry to say I participated.”
    â€œWe’re talking in circles. Think about it, Sally, forgive yourself, and get on