Good Girl

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Kimberly G. Anderson

For more information:

www.goodgirlonline.com

To send an e-mail:

[email protected]

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200       

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: 1-800-839-8640

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

© 2009 Kimberly G. Anderson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse

ISBN: 978-1-4343-7093-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4678-6664-4 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

All scripture verses are from the King James version of the Holy Bible.

Contents

Prelude

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Postlude

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There are a lot of people who helped me through this project and I will thank them each here, but first I must thank God for His guidance through this endeavor. I hope that you will see Him as you read. We do a lot of things without thinking. Some of these things we do because we see others doing the same and some things we do because we don’t know any better. It is my hope that after you read Good Girl you will examine your life and determine if you are living as God intends.

My all-nighters at the computer, attempting to bring this story from my heart to the pages of this book, were most felt by my husband, Gerald Anderson. I thank him for his patience with me through this project. There were lots of leftovers served, both for dinner and in conversation. Gerald was always there to assist when the MS Word synonym list fell short and at the final crunch time when I had to decide on a title. I was a complete wreck and he helped me through.

My parents, Ben and Deloris Griffith of Sumter, SC, gave me a wonderful upbringing. They helped me to learn discipline, morals, and God’s will. Growing up, writing was always encouraged and good writing was rewarded. Without their teaching, this book would not have been completed.

The idea for Good Girl came to me in a required Health Education class taught by Donna Bisom at Sumter High School around 1993. This book is proof that at least one student was listening to the valuable lessons she brought forth. If I tried, I could write a book about some other things she taught as well.

My primary editors were Reverend Nate Brock of Sumter, SC and Mae Ruth Thompson of Rock Hill, SC. Both Nate and Mae Ruth are former English-Language Arts teachers. Their suggestions were paramount in the final production of Good Girl. Unfortunately, as I went through the story to fix what they found, I would change other things as well—things that really weren’t broken, just small things that I decided to change on my own. Later, I would become worried that I had inadvertently created problems, and so I would ask my sister, Erin Griffith of Columbia, SC, to read the manuscript for me with a red pen. She has zoomed through this book in two or three days on several occasions.

In addition to the major proofreaders, there are several other people who graciously read the manuscript, or parts of it for the purpose of providing feedback. My friend, Tarnita Lewis of Rock Hill, SC, was the first person to read the manuscript. Her reaction was highly favorable, and she and I discussed many of the angles other readers might take as they read—those conversations were priceless. My friend, Betty J. Evans of Rock Hill, SC, was one of the primary people I discussed the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing. This was a big decision and Betty was always open to discuss it with me. Once I reached the point of writing the prelude and prologue, I had a long discussion about it with seasoned English teacher, Beryl Usry of Rock Hill, SC. She helped me decide on exactly what I should say. Finally, at the point when I was ready for first publication, I was completing my first year of teaching in Rock Hill School District. Since I was new in this district, I did not want to break any rules, and so I had several discussions about this with my principal James Blake, II of Rock Hill, SC.

Next, I want to thank those people who weren’t participants in the technical production of Good Girl, but whose encouragement kept me going during the rough spots. My sister, Allison Griffith of Charleston, SC, and my embraced-brother Eric Stukes of Columbia, SC, each provided a strong shoulder for me many times. My mother-in-law, Bernice Ham of Timmonsville, SC, has been encouraging me to get this thing done since the moment I told her I was working on it—even at points when I didn’t know what to do next. Last but not least, Reverend Willie Caldwell of Rock Hill, SC helped to confirm that this story was pleasing to God. Several of the topics in the book are sexual in nature, and at times I wondered if I had dealt with them appropriately. After reading Good Girl Reverend Caldwell commented, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11). He and I have discussed the book in great detail. He has even dissected it in angles I didn’t know were there and did not intend.

In addition to the people specifically mentioned here, there are others who helped in some fashion along the way. Their assistance was appreciated too. I am very gracious for the support provided by my acquaintances. This was not a lone project. I have been surrounded by helpful and loving friends and family.

Thank You

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The basics of this story came to me as a high school student sitting in sex-education class. Something my teacher said could happen was very puzzling and questionable. I started thinking about how things would play out if that actually did happen to someone. As you read the book, you’ll find out exactly what my teacher said. Like most high school students, I didn’t have time to write a book; nor do college students, high school teachers new to the profession, new wives, new mothers, or graduate students—all of the people I have recently been. During the summer of 2006, after eight years of teaching, I decided not to teach summer school and my excitement about writing this story, after more than ten years of thinking about it, exploded.

I am a Christian, and most of the people I associate with are too. Many of the people who proofread or read to give me feedback immediately commented, It was good. It ain’t no Christian book either! But it was good! Those comments bothered me, made me reword, reevaluate, and pray. I could never market something I didn’t think was pleasing to God.

This is a Christian story. It illustrates some of the struggles that Christians face in their lives. Every Christian can’t resist every temptation. The flesh is weak. We know the limits God has set, and when we break the rules we can pray about it, ask God for forgiveness and strength that the next time the situation arises we will be stronger and more able to resist. As you read, notice how sin does not always appear to us as ugly and dirty, which would make it obvious. Instead, sin frequently comes to us disguised as pleasure. There are some sexual scenes in the story, but it is my hope that you, the reader, will not dwell on them specifically, but instead analyze why the characters felt their behavior was right. As you read, notice how the characters have picked certain parts of the Bible to live by, but have ignored the parts of the Bible that would inconvenience their preferences. Evaluate yourself. Do you do this? Is it right?

This book is a teen love story with a dilemma—a pregnancy. As you read, I invite you to experience the situation and understand its hardship. The story exposes the fears and uncertainty involved in an unplanned pregnancy as the characters attempt a life of normalcy when truly their world has been shaken. This story is completely fictional, but I hope it sounds familiar.

Regarding Good Girl, nothing makes me more excited than to receive an e-mail from someone who has read the book. Please check out the website. You can learn more about the topics presented in the book and have your comments posted for the world to see.

www.goodgirlonline.com

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1994 — Although they couldn’t yet see the car, Shayna pulled out the remote and aimed in the car’s direction to unlock the doors.

Oh, your daddy let you drive the Lex today? You go girl! Kaneshia exclaimed. What about the Benz…your mama got that one?

As they reached the car, each tossed their book bags into the backseat. Shayna took off her coat and put it in the backseat too, Yeah, you know that. You’ll never see me driving that one. My dad had to go to Columbia today so he drove my car. They each got inside and Shayna cranked the engine.

So let me finish telling you…so we went in Camelot ‘cause I wanted him to buy me something. I was standing there flipping through one of the shelves looking for that new Brian McKnight tape, and he was behind me rubbing all up on me and stuff. I was just like… Kaneshia rolled her eyes, and sucked her teeth as if, even the memory aggravated her, and then when I found it, he didn’t have enough money, so I still had to pay two dollars and some change. But that didn’t keep him from rubbing up on me at the checkout counter. Quann is so fine! You know he has that mustache coming in now, and those eyes. He’s so strong. He must have just got a haircut, ‘cause he was fine Saturday, I was rubbing his head and down his shoulders and stuff, he got so much muscles in his back, ooh, he looks just like a sculpture!

Kaneshia, please stop. I know where this story is going and…I still gotta tell you what happened with me and Kendall over Christmas break.

No, Shayna, you gotta hear the rest. This was good! I’m sure whatever happened with you and Kendall don’t end like what happened with me and Quann…

Shayna shook her head as she drove, You’re right about that. Hurry up.

So we walked back out in the mall part, you know…and we…we were just walking, we weren’t really talking or anything much, but he had his hand around my back, then he put it in my waistband in the back…So we were walking and I wanted to go in that store with all the strange stupid little stuff, you know down near the end where JC Penney is, and the bathrooms are down there? Well, I went to turn and go in that store and I walked in front of him and my arm accidentally touched near his crotch, ‘cause I was swinging my arm, you know…well, he was ready! His jeans were holding him back, but he was ready! I went on in the store and looked around for a few minutes and then he said he had to stop by the bathroom. I didn’t have to go right then, so I waited outside while he went in, you know? She paused and took a deep breath, Well, this other dude came out, and a minute later, I felt somebody grab my arm and pull me in that stank men’s room! Shayna! Quann had his pants down, and you know how I dress…His back stayed up against the door to keep anyone else from coming in and he held me like I was a big brown paper grocery bag with legs. Kaneshia slapped her leg and laughed out loud like she couldn’t get over the memory. It was good, Shayna! It was real good! He’s so strong. I’ve never had anyone hold me like that! And his…

They came to a stop at a red light, I thought you said you always had protected sex, Shayna challenged as she interrupted.

I do. It was! Just ‘cause I didn’t say exactly what hand he used to roll it down with, don’t think I rode bare back. I don’t do that kind of stuff. You know me better than that.

Shayna rolled her eyes, And how many does this make for you? Now the light was green and they were moving again.

How many Quann’s does this make? I’m not sure I understand your question…

Now Shayna was irritated, You do understand! And that’s not funny. Kaneshia, keep it up! You’re gonna get something you won’t be able to trace your way back to…You gonna get something the doctors ain’t ever seen!

Why you always gotta lecture me?

’Cause you’re my friend and I want you to cut it out. Why you always gotta tell me about your escapades anyway? You know what I’m gonna say!

Forget it Shayna, I just wanted a high-five from my friend, but…just go ahead and tell me about Kendall. Kaneshia’s voice dropped off like she really didn’t want to hear about him, she was just annoyed at the mini-lecture she had just endured.

I’m not telling you about Kendall right now. I wanna tell you about you!

Kaneshia sucked her teeth, Oh Lord, here it comes. Just ‘cause I told you doesn’t mean I’m trying to make you do it. You can wait as long as you want. You can wait until your wedding night or you can wait until your five-year wedding anniversary, that’s up to you. I was just sharing what I experienced over Christmas break. You don’t have to tell me about STD’s, pregnancy, or going to hell, ‘cause I already know what you’re gonna say. You’ve said it before.

Well you’re my friend and I don’t wanna see you get hurt, so I’m gonna tell you again. No, I’m taking a different approach, no STD’s, no pregnancy, no hell. But Kaneshia, there’s more to life than sex. There’s emotions you’ve never felt, ‘cause you always jump straight to the sex. There’s love. There’s commitment. Just ‘cause he’s hard don’t mean he’s gotta have sex! Kaneshia, you think every erection has got to end inside you. Well, it doesn’t. You talk to me about me waitin’ too long. You don’t wait long enough. I mean, we became friends slowly, why can’t you get to know a guy slowly and let things grow into a loving, caring, trusting relationship? If you always jump straight to the sex, you miss out on all the other important stuff…and I’m no therapist, but I don’t think it’s possible to start with sex then go back and pick up love. You already jumped the gun. He knows what kind of girl you are and no man wants that as his wife. He knows you aren’t worth his love and you’ll never get his respect. What if you do get pregnant? Are you gonna be able to tell the baby how much you love his father…No…you won’t even know who the father is. Shayna was pulling into the parking lot out in front of Kaneshia’s apartment.

Ugh! Kaneshia took a deep breath and laid her head back on the headrest, You don’t understand. Shayna, once you have sex, you can’t turn it down anymore. That’s where I’m at. I know about love and all that other stuff, but right now I just love sex. My body just craves it. You would understand that if you weren’t a virgin.

I understand that…and my virginity doesn’t have anything to do with it. My body sends me messages too, but I let my brain make my decisions. Let’s say you do get married one day, if you don’t learn how to say no, you’ll be cheating on your husband every time some other man winks at you. You can’t just say yes to any man, anywhere, you gotta set some limits for yourself. Kaneshia, we just had our first day back at school from Christmas break. It’s a new year…our senior year! That should be your resolution, to try and find somebody to love and stop having so much sex. Put yourself on a sex diet.

Shut up. Everybody don’t think like you. I’m goin’ inside. Thanks for dropping me off…and I really appreciate the lecture…Call me tonight and you can tell me about Kendall.

Okay. See you tomorrow.

Kaneshia got out, pushed her door closed. Shayna sat and waited until her friend was inside and had turned to wave. She rolled her eyes and shook her head before she backed out of the yard.

Everybody did not think like Shayna Marshall…the biggest contrast could be found in her best friend Kaneshia Wilson. Shayna’s older brother Sean always said, I can’t see how you and Kaneshia can be friends. What’s wrong with her, I guess all that sperm she collects has started swimming to her brain. She’s a horny nut. Can’t you find somebody better to hang out with? Sean was three years older than his sister. As they reached their older teens, they became pretty close. No longer did they fight all the time, they now hung out together and appreciated advice from one another. Sean had graduated high school and entered UNC-Charlotte as a freshman. After two rough semesters and his parents complaining about the grades he was making, and the pricey out-of-state tuition, he decided to drop out and get a job. His parents were distraught with disappointment about his decision. They never meant for him to drop out, they just wanted him to make better grades. It seemed every conversation since, had centered on his going back to school. Shayna wanted him to re-enroll too, but she tried not to bring up the subject, unless he mentioned it first. She knew her brother well enough to know that no amount of persuasion could change his mind; it would instead cause him to stop all communication, and she needed the door of communication with him to remain wide open, for his sake and for hers. Sean was no dummy; he said he would go back to school when he could pay his own tuition—that way the grades he made, would be the grades he bought.

As they got older, Shayna had also become closer with her