LAST NIGHT, A SHORT STORY

When Valerie opened her eyes, it took her a couple of seconds to figure out where she was. She couldn't remember how she ended up on a bed, naked and covered with a blanket. She tried to remember exactly what happened the previous night, but all she had were vague memories of it. The only thing she could remember was that she was at a party at her boyfriend, Victor’s house. It was the type of party where people challenged themselves to liquor-drinking bouts, and got high on all manner of substances they could sniff or smoke. The type of party where girls walked around in bikinis and people had sex at every corner they could find. It was a party she had lied to her parents about, giving them the impression that she was going to a friend’s house for a sleepover. A party she was feeling guilty about the whole time she was there. Victor’s parents were out of town for the weekend, and since he had the house to himself, he decided to have as much fun as he could before Monday, when his parents were scheduled to return. As Valerie lay on the bed still trying to remember what happened last night, she recalled in the fuzziness of her mind that she and Victor had been very drunk and were making out on a couch. She also remembered being carried by Victor into his room, and being stripped of the floral frock she was wearing. That was it. That was all she could remember. The rest of it seemed to have gone away with the night. As she rubbed her eyes, and tried to get out of the bed, Victor walked in with a smile on his face.

          “Good morning babe,” he said and bent forward to kiss her. “Last night was one hell of a night wasn't it?”

          “Victor, what happened last night?”

          “Baby, last night, we had a great time, you and me; great party, great music, and oh the sex was…”

          “The sex?”

          “Yes babe, the sex.”

          “We…we had sex?” she spluttered.

Victor chuckled. “Don’t tell me you were so drunk that you forget all that happened last night; baby I was rocking your world!” Tears streamed down Valerie’s cheeks as he spoke. “Babe, what is it?” Victor asked as he drew closer to her and pulled her to himself. She didn't answer, but started sobbing as more tears trickled down her cheeks. “Come on baby, what is the matter? Why are you crying?”

          “I made a promise to God, my family and myself, that I was going to remain a virgin till I’m married. But now, you have helped me break that promise.”

          “You were a virgin?”

Valerie nodded. “Victor you were the only boy I have ever truly loved, and I trusted you with my life; but you betrayed me.” She continued to sob.

          “But Valerie, we were both drunk; it’s not like I raped you.” Valerie didn't respond. She knew he was right. Last night, they had made a stupid mistake; one that they were both responsible for. She sat still for a while as Victor stared at her, unsure of what to say next. Then she stood up and slowly walked towards the bathroom with the blanket wrapped around her, up to her chest.

          “Baby, I’m really very sorry,” Victor said as she walked into the bathroom. She shut the door behind her, and started sobbing loudly.

          “God, please forgive me; forgive my disobedience, and dishonesty. I know I've been unfaithful lately, but please…” Her voice trailed off in tears as she prayed. Standing next to the bathroom door, Victor could hear her pray, and in that instant, a new feeling of guilt overshadowed him. Somehow, he felt he was solely responsible for last night. He knew Valerie was a Christian, born and raised in a Christian family. Her father was the presiding prelate of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, where Valerie lived with her parents and younger sister, Vanessa. Her mother was a deaconess and Valerie herself was the lead soloist of the church choir. He knew that Valerie had come to the party last night because she loved him; because she wanted to please him. In spite of her father’s open disapproval of their relationship, Valerie had secretly continued to see him, in the hopes that one day her father would see beyond Victor’s apparent secular lifestyle and know that deep inside, he is a good person, who had a heart for God. Victor’s parents never went to church, neither did they believe in God; and they were very vocal about it. The only God they believed in was their media company which they had built into a billion-dollar empire from nothing. But Victor believed in God even though he didn't go to church. Lately, he had begun to attend the St. John’s Episcopal Church because of Valerie. He didn't like going to church, but he would do anything to make Valerie happy. As these thoughts flooded his mind, he also recalled that last night, he was the one who got Valerie drunk so he could have sex with her. They've been seeing each other since they were fifteen, and after two years of being together, Victor had shared with Valerie, his desire to have sex with her. But she had declined, saying the time wasn't right. She never told him that she was keeping herself for marriage, and for some reason, he had begun to think that she was playing hard to get. So last night, after promising his friends that he was going to “seal the deal” with Valerie, he decided to get her drunk so he could sleep with her. But as he listened to Valerie sob uncontrollably, he felt very sorry for her.

          “Valerie, I am so sorry; it was entirely my fault. All I wanted to do was just have a little fun with you. I had no idea you took a vow of chastity.” He moved closer to the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. “Val, baby, I’m so sorry; if I hadn't gotten you drunk this would not have happened.” That part had slipped out his mouth. He hadn't meant to say it. Valerie flung open the door of the bathroom and stepped out.

          “You did what?”

          “Baby, I’m …”

          “Don’t baby me, you bastard!” Victor was shocked. That was the first time he heard Valerie use that word. “You got me drunk just so you could have sex with me?”

          “Valerie, I’m sorry; I don’t know what I was thinking. I…I…it was John and the guys, they dared me to…”

          “So you made a bet on me with your godforsaken friends? Victor, you are the only boy I have ever truly loved in my entire life. I loved you with all my heart, and to think that I was considering a future with you, when you saw me as nothing but a piece of item to bet on.”

          “Valerie, it’s not like that. You know I love you.” He moved forward and tried to touch her.

          “Don’t touch me!” She knocked off his hand, and stormed back into the bathroom with her dress. Moments later, she came out of the bathroom, all dressed, and as she looked around for something, she continued to sob, while Victor continued to apologize.

          “Baby, I’m terribly sorry. Please find it in your hear to forgive me.” She was silent as she continued to search the room. When she found her purse sitting on the floor, underneath the bed, she picked it up and dashed out of the room without saying word.

          “Valerie, wait!” Victor called out, as she slammed the door behind her. After standing there speechless for a while, he slowly sat down on the bed and ran his hand, miserably through his hair.

That night as Valerie lay on her bed, sleep departed from her. As she lay stretched on her bed, facing the floor, her whole life flashed before her. She remembered her father’s sermon from when she just turned thirteen. It was a sermon titled, “Worth the Wait.” Her father had preached the sermon to her and other children at the church who just turned thirteen. It was during that sermon, four years ago that she decided she was going to save herself for marriage. In a matter of seconds, more sermon titles rushed through her head. Watch Your Friends; Consequences of Immorality; the Result of Disobedience; Light and Darkness; Avoiding Temptation. She also remembered the sermons she had preached herself, to the teenage girls at her church who looked up to her. Don’t Give Him Your Treasure was the one that now stood out in her mind. After she preached that sermon, a fourteen year-old girl had come to confess to her about being pressured by her friend to have sex. Valerie had prayed with the girl and encouraged her to stay away from the boy and continue to keep herself for God. Valerie was a role model to all the young people at her church. Both her parents loved her very much because in their opinion, she had wisely chosen the way of life, and she was everything they desired. And her sister, Vanessa was already following in her footsteps. At age thirteen, she could recite all sixty-six books of the bible, and she knew off hand the memory verse for each week’s Sunday school. As Valerie lay still in her bed, and as these thoughts rushed through her mind, tears trickled down her cheeks. She felt like a hypocrite and a failure. She felt she had let everyone down, and sooner than later, she knew what happened last night was soon going to become public news. She knew Victor was going to tell his friends about it and somehow, either her father or her mother would end up hearing about it. So, she decided she was going to tell her parents first. But almost immediately, she changed her mind. Instead she decided to hold her peace and see what happens. Her life had always been filled with bliss. But last night had, and was still about to change everything forever.

The next day was Sunday, a day Valerie was always excited about. Because it was the day she always had the opportunity to use her voice in serving God and His people. But this Sunday was different. Not because the summer sun was unusually hot, or because she was wearing for the first time, the hundred-dollar red chic gown her father bought from Paris the last time he visited. This Sunday was different, because of the guilt that now lay heavy in her heart. As Valerie looked out the window of her father’s SUV on their way to church, she remembered what her father had told her the day after she brought Victor home.

          “Valerie, honey,” he had started out. “I love you and I want the best for you. I would hate to see you waste your life with someone who is clearly not right for you.”

         “What do you mean dad?” she had asked.

        “Valerie, that boy you brought home yesterday; what’s his name…”

        “Victor?”

       “Yes, Victor. Valerie, that boy is not right for you.”

       “But dad, Victor is a nice boy,” she contested.

       “I believe you honey; but being nice does not make him right for you. Valerie, the bible says, ‘Can two walk together, except they agree?’ No, Valerie. The answer is no. That boy is clearly not interested in the things of the lord. Don’t forget the bible says, ‘Evil communication corrupts good manners.’”

       “But dad, people change. You did. You once told me that it was mommy that led you to the lord, remember?”

      “Yes, Valerie; but that was different. Your mom and I were not dating when she led me to the lord. She was evangelizing to my friends and I, and I happened to be the only one who gave my life to the lord when she gave us the opportunity to do so. And we didn't start dating until I ran into her at a youth camp meeting five years later. Five years Valerie. By then I was no longer a babe in the lord and she on the other hand, was still waxing strong in the lord. So, you see my point? We were already in the lord, together.” He paused for a moment and then continued. “Trust me, pumpkin; if that boy does not first change his ways, he is bound to take you down the path he’s on,” he said sternly.

Her father was right; Victor had indeed taken her down the path he was on, and now she was going to regret it for the rest of her life. As they got out of the car and made their way towards the main entrance of the magnificent church building, Valerie felt like turning back and heading home. She felt totally unworthy, and even though she had asked God for forgiveness, she still struggled with guilt. Valerie managed to sit through the service, and by what seemed like God’s way of assuring her of His forgiveness, her father preached on the topic, God Can Still Forgive You. It was as if he knew exactly what she was struggling with. At the end of the sermon, as Valerie stood on the stage to sing, she spotted Victor in the middle row. He was seated with his head bowed. She decided to seize this opportunity to tell him that she had forgiven him. After all, she was the one holding the microphone, and she was supposed to exhort the congregation before starting the song.

          “Praise the lord, church,” she said.

          “Praise the lord,” the congregation chorused.

          “The title of our song this morning says, Oh Happy Day. It’s a song that reminds us of what our lord and savior did on the cross of Calvary to redeem us. It’s a song that reminds us that we are forgiven no matter our sins. Hence, we are expected to forgive those who hurt us. Two days ago, a friend of mine did something that really hurt me, and I refused to let go of it. But after hearing today’s message, I have decided to forgive my friend, because, I too, have been forgiven by the lord. I encourage us to do the same as we go home today. God bless you as you listen. Amen.”

        “Amen.”  The congregation chorused, but this time with a round of applause. Victor lifted up his head and smiled in her direction, knowing full well that she was talking about him. She, too, smiled when she saw him. After the service, when he came to thank her for her forgiveness, she told him that it will be best if they stayed apart from each other for a while. He agreed, saying it would be best for both of them.

Exactly one month later, Valerie and her family were gathered around their dining table for breakfast, when she was asked to pray.

        “Dear lord, we thank you for this meal that we are about to partake of,” she started off. She was about one second into the prayer when she suddenly felt an unusual irritation in her stomach. Something was making its way up her mouth as Valerie abruptly ran into the bathroom. She threw up twice in the sink, and walked out looking exhausted. Everyone brushed it off as nausea triggered by lack of food in her stomach. But Valerie knew something was wrong, she just wasn't sure what it was. She hadn't had her period in the past month, and although she knew this wasn't normal she didn't think she was pregnant. She thought perhaps, her period was delayed for some other reason.  Later that evening, Valerie was helping her mom in the kitchen, when her sister Vanessa walked in.

        “Mom, can I help you cook? I’m bored.”

        “Sure pumpkin, help me wash up the tomatoes, cut them up and blend them when you’re done. Be careful, pumpkin. Make sure you don’t cut your finger like last time.”

       “Okay mom, I won’t.”

       “Mom,” Valerie said.

       “Yes sweetie.”

       “Were you a virgin when you married daddy?”

       “Of course, sweetie; and that’s why I’m so glad you girls are following in my footsteps,” she said as she affectionately rubbed Valerie’s cheek. Valerie immediately felt that irritation again, in her stomach. This time she couldn't make it to the bathroom. She threw up right into the kitchen sink.

       “Valerie, are you all right?” her mom asked with concern.

       “Yes, mom; I’m fine. I think it was the potato pie I ate earlier.”

       “But this is not the first time you are eating potato pie; why all of a sudden is it making you throw up?”

      “I don’t know, mom.” She shrugged.

      “I think she’s sick mom; you should take her to the doctor. This is the third time she is throwing up today.”

Valerie widened her eyes at her sister. “Who asked you?”

     “I’m just saying; you are probably sick and need to see a doctor.”

     “Well, you need to mind your business,” Valerie retorted.

     “Sweetie, she’s your sister; don’t you think it’s her business to be concerned with your health?” Valerie didn't answer. “All right, come on; let’s go and see the doctor.” Valerie felt her heart skip a beat. Make that three beats.

     “Mom, I’m fine. I’ll be okay,” she insisted.

     “I know you are fine baby, but it doesn't hurt to be sure. Prevention is always better than cure.” Valerie knew that something was wrong.  And now it was slowly dawning on her that the past one month had not been normal at all. First, she had missed her period and now she was throwing up like one who had food poisoning. Not to mention her frequent urination, and the fact that she could hardly climb the stairs without gasping for breath or feeling dizzy. Last night she felt so exhausted after just doing the dishes and she hadn't read past the first page of the Last Song, when she fell asleep, and didn't wake up till 11 am the next day. None of these were normal and she knew that something was definitely wrong. As her mom walked out of the kitchen, and as she watched Vanessa cut up the tomatoes into four equal halves, Valerie felt shivers run down her spine. What if she was really pregnant? What if her missed period and the many other abnormalities she experienced, had something to do with the last night she spent at Victor’s house? A night her parents had thought she spent at a friend’s sleepover. Again, she thought of saying something to her mom about that night, but she didn't  She couldn't get herself to face her mom. So, she decided to let things reveal themselves, and face the consequences. Consequences that she wasn't sure she was prepared for.

At the hospital, Dr. Cynthia, Valerie’s family doctor, held her by her wrist and checked her pulse. She shot Valerie a puzzled look before proceeding. She took her stethoscope from off her neck, positioned the ear tips in her ears and placed the chest piece on Valerie’s chest. After a couple of seconds, she took of the stethoscope and placed it back on her neck. She then held Valerie by her wrist and checked her pulse again. Then, she tilted her head, and checked her eyes.

          “Ma’am, we’re going to have to run some tests,” the doctor said.

          “Is everything all right?” Valerie’s mom asked.

          “Everything is all right, ma’am. We just need to run some blood tests on her.” The doctor led Valerie through a double door to a well-lit room where she collected some of her blood using a needle syringe. After a couple of minutes, she came back into her office where Valerie’s mom had been waiting. Valerie was standing next to the doctor, wishing the test results in the doctor’s hand had nothing to do with what happened between her and victor, a month ago.

         “Go and have a seat, Valerie,” the doctor said. Valerie slowly walked across the office and sat beside her mom.

         “After checking Valerie’s pulse, I noticed that it wasn't normal for an average seventeen year-old. So, I decided to do some tests, including um, a pregnancy test.”

         “A pregnancy test?” Valerie’s mom turned to look at her, but she was facing the floor, afraid to look into her mom’s eyes.

        “Yes Mrs. Jones and the result of the tests shows that your daughter is approximately four weeks pregnant.”

       “Four weeks pregnant! No, doctor that can’t be; Valerie is still a virgin, she can’t possibly be pregnant. Valerie,” her mom said, and as Valerie slowly lifted her head, rivulets of tears were already streaming down her cheeks.

        “Mom, I’m sorry,” she said, her voice muffled by tears. “I should have told you and dad about it. It was a mistake. Mom, I never meant for this to happen; I’m sorry.” As Valerie’s mom listened to her, she couldn't hold back the tears in her own eyes.

        “Valerie, I trusted you; we all trusted you. How could you let this happen? What would people say? That the preacher’s daughter, who encouraged other teenagers to practice abstinence, was in fact doing the direct opposite of what she preached.”

       “I’m sorry, mom.”

       “Did you think of the consequences of your actions? Did you for a second, stop to consider how this was going to affect us, especially your father? Valerie, you are a pastor’s daughter for crying out loud.”

       “Mom, it was a mistake; believe me, I never meant for it to happen.”

Her mom looked at her for a while and then sighed, “Who is responsible?” Valerie didn't answer.        “Valerie,” 

         “Yes mom.”

         “Who is responsible for the pregnancy?”

Valerie looked at her mom, and then turned her face towards the floor, again. “Victor,” she finally said.

         “Which Victor?”

         “The one that leaves on M-street, by the Montrose Park.”

         “The same boy your father warned you about?”

Valerie nodded without saying a word. After a long pause, in which her mom fixed her gaze on Valerie, she sighed and then turned to the doctor.

        “Thanks, doctor.”

        “You’re welcome Mrs. Jones. Now, I know you’re very upset with her but please take it easy with her. These things happen. I’m sure she had learned her lesson.” Valerie's mom wanted to tell the doctor that although she knew these things happened, they shouldn't be happening to her daughter, because her daughter was different. But then she decided against that almost immediately. There was no point explaining anything to the doctor. 

        “Thanks doctor, for everything. We’ll be on our way now.”

        “Okay madam; please be sure to bring her back after two weeks for a routine checkup.”

        “I will, doctor; thanks again,” her mom said as they left the doctor’s office.

Valerie’s father sat across the living room from his daughter; as he listened to her narrate the story of how she got herself pregnant.

          “Dad, I know I have disappointed you and everyone; and I know I will never be the daughter you have always wanted me to be, but I beg that you please forgive me.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she spoke. “I never meant to let you down, daddy; I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. In the silence that followed, her father walked over to her and put his arms around her.

          “Baby girl, the day you were born; I blessed the lord for giving us a daughter who would grow up to love the lord and be a source of pride and joy to me and your mother. That is exactly what you've been for the past seventeen years. And even with this pregnancy, I want you to know that, you are still my pride and my joy; I don’t care what people would say and neither should you. You are my daughter, and I love you, no matter what happens.” He kissed her hair, and hugged her as tightly as he could. Both her mom and sister also joined in the hug. Valerie was pleasantly surprised. She had expected her dad to render at least a thirty minute sermon, filled with quotations from the book of Corinthians, Romans, and Thessalonians. But his reaction was totally unexpected. It was pleasantly unexpected. 

          “Thanks, dad; I love your dad,” she said as she hugged him again.

          “I love you too, pumpkin,” her dad said as he withdrew. “Does Victor know about this, yet?

          “No.”

          “So, we’ll let him and his parents know; and he would take responsibility for his actions. He would have to father his child. Come on baby, let’s go have dinner.” They all stood up and walked towards the dining table.

Both families were present at the hospital on the day Victor Jr., was delivered. When Valerie held her 7 pound 11 ounce baby boy at the hospital, her lips cracked open in a radiant smile, as she watched with joy the life that she had carried within her for the past nine months. As Victor watched her smile, he knew right then that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Valerie. She was his first love, and he was her first love, and they were both in love with each other. Valerie and Victor went on to marry after graduating from college. The birth of the baby made both families realize that though they had different beliefs they could still be a united family. Valerie also realized that although that night at Victor’s house changed her life forever, it did not change her father’s love for her; neither did it change Victor’s love for her.