Bill of Human Wrongs

Claire sat in her apartment feeling numb from the experience she’d had with Clancy. She slowly sipped her tea. Her life was off kilter, the stress almost unbearable. Yes, tonight she would look for Eve, maybe even get some answers. Tony would meet her at the coffee house, and together, they’d share their incredulous discovery with Rachel.

“Rachel. God, what do I say to her?” She thought of the photos in her phone, proof of the deception her colleagues had planned. How could she keep that secret?

“But if I don’t get re-elected, I’m useless for my cause.” She heard her sister’s voice in her head, I have to do this so you can become you. This is how it’s supposed to play out. Do something about this. Be strong and use your life to stop all this. “Become me, I know I’m supposed to help others from being victims. God, Trista. Help me understand what is most important here.”

Claire began rocking in place on her sofa. “I vote for this thing, and ruin entire lives for people like Eve. I don’t vote for it, and keep my power to help women. Maybe keeping my power will stop the harm the bill can do.” She stood and went to make a drink, ignoring what it would do to her aching head.

She began pacing her living room, drink in hand. Her breathing was heavy. “How did this happen? Why am I responsible for this outcome?” She stopped for a moment. “What outcome? I’m making this too complicated. Ok, no decisions yet. I play this thing. Not even Rachel can know.” She thought of how ugly the town had become to her.

“The paper, I can tell Rachel about the paper. Yes, Tony will be there to help with that. It will buy me time with her.” She laughed, “What am I saying? The paper’s bigger news than any vote. Of course, that will take the conversation off the vote.” She looked up as if talking to God, “Forgive me if I don’t make the right decision, Trista. Please forgive me.”

She looked at the clock, and grabbed her purse. She had a date with Rachel, and had news that she would deliver with incredible delight. If Tony was right, Eve was their miracle woman.

Claire suddenly stopped, the thought of Eve’s life suddenly sounding foolish to her. “This is too much to comprehend.” Tony’s excitement had affected her, the newspaper had given them so-called proof of the impossible. And, she had believed it. “What’s wrong with me? There has to be another reason for his test results.” She laughed, shook her head. “Well, Rachel, let’s see if you can be a believer, let’s just see.”