The Decision

3 - March 2004

Based on a writing challenge:
Write 400 words (or more) in Dialogue only

"What do we tell him?"
"Do we have to tell him?"
"Don't we?"
"It would only hurt him if he knew."
"But he may find out anyways."
"How?"
"The doctors, for one. Then there's the press. And I think the neighbors might guess."
"Wait. No. Let's think about this. First, what neighbors, and why would they guess?"
"Mrs. Turner, downstairs. She knows you visit a lot, I catch her shooting disapproving looks at me."
"But I always came over, even when Jarrod was here. And it's not unusual for you to have company, surely even Mrs. Turner would realize you must be lonely with your husband in outer space for five years."
"But the funny looks..."
"Meaghan, she looked at us funny from the start. I think she's one of those that doesn't believe in quote that zodiac mumbo jumbo end quote."
"I think I remember her saying something like that."
"You see? So, strike through neighbors. Next, press and doctors."
"Both as one category?"
"Yes. Because of the way you and Jarrod made arrangements with the doctors, and because of who we are, anything the doctors know the press knows."
"Which is why Jarrod and I did it the way we did."
"Right, you take care of the artificial insemination, at home, alone, no doctors or nurses to sell out to the press."
"Right."
"But a number of staff ready on hand to say you were trained, and that you picked up the final details at the appointed time."
"Right."
"So the press knows this, and thinks it to be the case."
"But the press can get information from other sources."
"But who knows but you and me?"
"I don't know."
"And I won't tell anyone. I assume you won't either."
"Ani, come on. It's not funny."
"Seriously. And the baby was conceived in the right time window, right?"
"Yes."
"And so everyone will assume its Jarrod's. No, don't even think that, any paternity test, if anyone for any strange reason wants one, will show the DNA is Jarrod's. Benefit of being twins."
"It's just... He deserves to know."
"You deserve to be happy."
"I am."
"Liar."
"I miss him."
"I know."
"I was weak. I couldn't... Why did he have to leave me to conceive our child alone?"
"But you didn't."
"Ani."
"Meaghan."
"Okay. I forfeit. I didn't."
"Glad to be of service."
"Don't be crass."
"Meaghan. You know I'm always here for you."
"I know."
"And that my feelings haven't changed."
"I know."
"Hey, no tears. This is a happy time. You're going to have a beautiful baby born in the right year, and Jarrod is going to have a loving family to return to."
"I still love you."
"I know. But you married him."
"He needed me more."
"I know. And you love him, too."
"Yes."
"I just... Will you tell me one thing?"
"What?"
"That night. You were trying so hard to pretend he was there. When we... did you pretend I was him, or were you making love to me?"
"I..."
"Wait, if you were only using me to make it seem like he was there, I don't want to know."
"It was you, Ani."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I love you."
"Ani, I can't. We can't do this again."
"I know."
"It was nice."
"It was. And it will be our secret. No one will know. Not the press, not Jarrod, not our child."
"It's the best way, isn't it?"
"Yes, it's for the best."
"I believe you."
"Good. Now there's no need to ever mention it again. But Meaghan?"
"Yes?"
"It's okay if Uncle Ani spoils his brother's kid, right?"
"Absolutely."