Stolen Innocence
We must all be ever vigilant.
Already late, I pulled into the drugstore parking lot, jammed the car into park and jumped out. God, I hated being late all the time. Nick’s parents would be mortified when I arrived late again for Sunday dinner, and he was going to kill me. I entered the drugstore at a half trot and ran smack into someone just coming out.
“Seems we’re both in too much of a hurry….” I bent and picked up the rectangular box of condoms that had dropped to the ground. “Wow, the mega pack, you must have a hot da…..Lauren?” I felt my heart sink to my toes as I recognized the face of my neighbor’s 12-year-old daughter.
Lauren’s face turned 3 shades of red, she was obviously embarrassed. “I am yes, so sorry I wasn’t watching.” Lauren grabbed for the box in my hand, but I held it away from her. “Really, they’re not mine, it was a dare. God, I’m so embarrassed. Mrs. Lesee, please don’t tell my mom.”
“Oh, I’m not going to tell her.” Lauren’s eyes glimmered with hope for a moment. “You’re going to tell her yourself, but first we’re going to have a talk.”
“But….” I raised my eyebrow and Lauren closed her mouth, obviously resigned to whatever was coming. She followed behind me slowly as I walked back to my car. Nick was not going to believe this one. He was always teasing me about parenting…
