Project Title: Allison

Vignette: Dead End

Everything was going great in our relationship, until that terrible day. I smiled at Blane as he stood by his truck while he waited for me to come down for our lunch date. A glare is all I got in return.

“What’s wrong baby?” I asked with a tone of concern.

He shook his head, grabbed my arm, and walked me to the passenger door. Nervously, I got in and he started the truck, sped down the road, and gripped the wheel tightly.

“I saw the results,” he said. “I’m not ready. We aren’t ready. You have to get rid of it before it’s too late, Alison.”

I stared at him in utter disbelief and confusion.

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

Blane turned on to a street that had dead end and smiled.

“As if I didn’t know!” he said. “You and I aren’t ready for this.” Blane was silent as he stepped on the brake. “Will you get rid of it?!”

“Get rid of what?” I asked in a shrill tone.

I’d never seen him like this before, and it was scaring me. He shook his head and stomped on the gas pedal, looking at me.

“You know what,” he said in a calm tone. “A year together doesn’t mean that we are ready. Since you won’t get rid of it, I’ll get rid of us. Your parents would kill us if they found out. I just want you to know and remember always that I love you.”

I realized what he was talking about – the rage, the fear, the way he was talking. It all added up. He thought I was –

“Blane, that was my sister’s test result – not mine,” I said.

I didn’t realize how close we were.

“What?!” Blane cried out.

Then came the Dead End.