She's No Angel by Janine A. Morris Page A

still was as she had been—absolutely beautiful. She had a nice shape and a pretty face, and the boys adored her. When they were younger, they used to get so much attention they didn’t know how to act.
    When they first sat on the couch, they began making small talk. They discussed how Tanai had got lost on her way over and how she found her way. Then after the small talk subsided it was like they both needed to get stuff off their chest. Charlene had thought about whether she would bring up what had been going on if Tanai didn’t mention anything serious first, and she hadn’t come to a decision. She decided to just go with the flow, but she didn’t have to wonder long because Tanai wanted to talk seriously, too.
    â€œI really want to talk about the past ten years of our lives, Leeney,” Tanai said.
    It came out of nowhere. Tanai had interjected all the phony small talk to work up to saying something of substance. At first Charlene didn’t know what to say, but then she replied.
    â€œWhat about?”
    â€œJust all the things that we never did talk about, and how things are between us now.”
    â€œI would like that, too,” Charlene said, although sounding unsure.
    â€œListen, Charlene, I know that it’s not easy to talk about. I also know that something that bonded us shouldn’t be the cause of our separation as well,” Tanai said.
    â€œYou’re right,” Charlene said.
    â€œI never thought we would be able to actually sit down and talk about it,” Tanai said.
    This whole conversation was kind of throwing Charlene off, but it was also kind of refreshing to hear the honesty.
    â€œMe, either, trust me. It’s just one of those things I was hoping I could leave tucked away forever,” she opened up and said.
    â€œI know, Charlene; I wish I could take it back, too. I have had nightmares about it, up to even a year or so ago.”
    â€œWell then, you can imagine how it haunts me,” Charlene said.
    â€œYeah, I know having an abortion is emotional enough, but to have it as painful and memorable as that, I can imagine,” Tanai said.
    Charlene didn’t respond right away. It was still hard for her to speak about it.
    Then she said, “It definitely hasn’t been easy.”
    â€œNow they give counseling. God knows we both needed it after that, but back then they just sent you home.”
    â€œIf my mom would have let me go anyway, but she wanted to put that behind us as quickly and quietly as possible,” Charlene responded.
    â€œI know, your mom was no joke. I just wished she didn’t take it out on me. I needed you at that time, and I think you needed me.”
    â€œI did. Especially since you were the only person I could talk to.”
    â€œIt was like double the punishment,” Tanai said, sounding as if she was still angry at Charlene’s mother.
    â€œSure was ... I had to cope with it somehow on my own, and I think I was just trying to deny it ever happened.”
    â€œI know, I think I tried to forget it myself.”
    â€œThat’s what I did, I lied to myself. When I wasn’t having nightmares, I tried to forget it as much as I could.”
    â€œI’m just happy that you survived it and you’re healthy and happy today,” Tanai said, truly sounding sincere, like she had been wanting to tell Charlene that for years.
    â€œWell, I just hope that I am able to have kids and I can put this all behind me.”
    Charlene was deep in thought just staring down at the floor. On the couch next to her, Tanai had her head dropped, fiddling with her hands. There was an uncomfortable silence until Tanai interrupted it.
    â€œI don’t know if I have ever told you this, Charlene. . . But I am truly sorry.”
    There was silence again. Charlene didn’t look in her direction, she kept her head low, staring into her lap. Slowly a tear rolled down her cheek and she sniffled. She tried to