I can hear the preparation for this picture: "Let's show them what a nice, good girl you really are, dear. Pull your hair back and put it in a bun. Just a small pair of earrings, not those long dangly things you usually wear. Let's see, now, where is my old cross? Here, wear this, it will make people think you are very religious, that is the right message we want. Now sit up straight, fold your hands like a lady. Quick, someone get a Bible. Oh, we don't have one? Well any book will do. Place it on your lap and cover up that tummy just a bit, sweetie. You don't want to appear too pregnant. Now gaze off into the distance, I know it is hard to look directly into the camera. My, doesn't she look virginal and studious? A darling graduation picture. No one would ever think she is anything but a perfect angel. I am so proud of my girl. She just made one little 'mistake' but she is going on for more education and I will watch her baby. We can get plenty of government help, now. She will even get more aid for tuition to college now that she has a dependant. The government (tax payers) will take care of her now. She didn't abort it, don't you think she is just wonderful?"
And the saga begins.....
"No one would ever think she is anything but a perfect angel. I am so proud of my girl. She just made one little 'mistake' but she is going on for more education and I will watch her baby. We can get plenty of government help, now. She will even get more aid for tuition to college now that she has a dependant. The government (tax payers) will take care of her now. She didn't abort it, don't you think she is just wonderful?"
Dead on BUMP. And I see the future a year or two from now:
Grandma: "Uh, honey, why didn't you keep out of trouble this time? Did you WANT another kid?"
Alysha: "Why, mom, you take such good care of my little angel that I figured you could handle a few more!"