A bonfire roared in the middle of a circle. Laughter and music brightened the young faces who were eating the last of the harvest.
Annie placed a plate with a single tangerine in front of Opal. With so many mouths to feed, there was very little to go around.
"Opal, your tangerine is here."
She placed her hand on the fruit.
"Thank you Annie. Are you enjoying the harvest dinner?"
She pulled a blue knitted blanket around her shoulders.
"It's the best harvest ever!"
She kissed her on the cheek.
The fire pulled her attention to the dancing flames. Through what little vision she had, light and shadows were her world.
A couple of older kids ran off into the school. Jade and Art locked the door in the makeshift clinic. Art pulled her into a corner and they started kissing. Jade pushed him away and started going threw the drawers.
"Come on Art, help me find it."
He kissed her.
"In a minute."
She pushed him away again and started crying.
"Why aren't you taking it seriously? I'm terrified, Art. I need you right now."
He pulled her close.
"I'm sorry, I'm also scared. We'll be OK as long as we're together. I'll help you look for it."
Looking through all the drawers, he found a box of two pregnancy tests.
"Here, I'll wait for you."
She grabbed the box and hurried into the bathroom next door. A few minutes later, she walked back in.
"We have a wait for three minutes "
"OK."
Art held her close. At seventeen, he didn't expect to be a father. He was grateful that they were atleast the same age.
"It's time."
She flipped the test over. Two lines made her cry. His emotions confused him. He was happy, really happy. Pulling away, he kissed Jade again.
"It's OK Jade. I'll look after you, after us."
"Us?"
"Yes, we're a family now."
She smiled brightly. They placed a hand on her flat stomach.
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