Later, after seven months, we finished recording our second album. Now I was writing lyrics for our new song called Strength Lies Within You. This was going to be a different song; it was not as dark as our other songs. Plus, it had no screams; it was all pure clean. The listeners would hear my melodic soprano voice. Someone called me on my phone. I immediately answered it since it was close to me in my room, where I was sitting and writing in the corner of my bed. This songwriting could wait.
The caller was Harper. “Hello,” I said.
“Hello, Imogen, can you accompany me to Santa Monica? I will be having an abortion.”
I gasped quietly. I was shocked by Harper’s message. Not because I was against it. Personally, I wouldn’t do it. But it was her body, so she could do what she wanted with it. I paused for about ten seconds. My hand shook.
“Never mind, I’ll just be by my—"
“Sure, I will be right there with you,” I told Harper. I had to be there for my friend in a crucial moment like this. Luckily, I showered thirty minutes ago.
I threw on some clothes and a pair of sneakers. Then I locked all my doors and turned off all the lights and everything connected to the electricity. I left my house and drove my car to Santa Monica. I picked up Harper there at her own house, then we drove to the abortion clinic ten minutes away from her house.
“Sorry if I called you at the last minute,” Harper told me. She was sitting beside me in front. “I was panicking, and I was considering if I’m going to do it. I decided to do it. I just need your emotional support. Ava and Danielle were at work.”
“No worries,” I replied sympathetically. “You were right to call me. I wasn’t really busy.”
“I thought you were going to be the one who’s busy,” she confessed. “I’m glad you took the time to be here with me. Thank you.”
I wanted to touch her hand to comfort her. But I was driving. I didn’t want us to be late for her abortion. I also wanted to drive carefully, albeit quickly, to the clinic as much as possible.
On the way to the abortion clinic, we encountered several Christians carrying placards saying things like, "Abortion is a sin,” “Don’t be a child murderer," “Abortion is an abomination,” “Fetuses are children, too,” and lastly, “Abortion patients go to hell.”
“Ugh, these protesters are killing me,” I uttered in hateful disappointment. “They’re blocking all the roads.”
“I’m sorry that you have to go through this,” Harper apologized with concern.
“Oh no, sweetie,” I responded understandably, “this isn’t your fault.” Then I drove to the parking lot of the clinic. I parked my car there. When we got out of the parking lot, we walked towards the clinic. As we were about to enter, a protester blocked us. I put up my middle finger. The bald man about the age of 40 stuck out his tongue childishly, then reluctantly left the entrance of the clinic and never bothered us again.
I waited for Harper while she was getting an abortion for four hours. I read a book for two hours. There was a magazine rack in the corner near the door. So out of several magazines about health, sexy magazines for women, and showbusiness magazines, I picked one sexy magazine and one showbusiness magazine. I adored the sex tips and the dirty confessions of women in the former. I could use the sex tips for when I have a partner. Currently, I was single, so I wouldn’t be needing those. However, I still committed them all to memory just in case I got involved with someone romantically. I was entertained by the sensual confessions of anonymous women in the sexy magazine. I was shocked by the juicy revelations of celebrities in the showbusiness magazine.
In those magazines, our band was mentioned in the top lists of artists to listen to. We were chosen as the best metal band in the sexy magazine and favorite current band in the showbusiness magazine. My heart was doing cartwheels, and I was screaming joyfully deep inside. I was proud that our band was recognized in the magazines. A few minutes later, a female fan who was also waiting for her friend in the waiting room asked for a photo with me. I granted her request. I finished reading the magazines in two hours.
After four hours of waiting for Harper, we left the clinic. I assisted Harper while we walked towards my car. Then I assisted her again as she went inside the car. Then I drove my car and went towards her home. When we reached her home, I laid her down in her own bed and let her sleep for several hours. Before she slept, she asked for me to stay there at her house just for today. I nodded and stayed there.
Harper woke up after having a long rest.
“Oh, good, I’m glad you’re up,” I lovingly told her. “I cooked chicken noodle soup and some mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables for us.”
“Thank you so much, Imogen,” she replied with a sweet smile. I also put on the table glasses of water with slices of lemon.
“Aww, no need to thank me,” I kissed her forehead. We sat down by the table and then ate and drank.
“You know what?" I said, “Someone recognized me in the clinic and asked for a photo opportunity with me. Of course, I accepted their request. I am relieved that you wore shades and a veil.”
“You really think no one recognized me?" Harper asked me. She looked hopeful that no one recognized her.
“I’m positive about it,” I answered. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Good.”
“You may be wondering if I have a boyfriend. Yes, I do. His name is Matt. I met him in one of the acting award shows. I was showing support for my parents. He is their co-actor in a drama series. He is gorgeous, talented, and kind. We have been in a relationship for almost a year now.”
Harper was a singer just like me. But we belonged in different genres. She was a popstar.
“Of course, we slept together. We never use protection since we love and are faithful to each other. But I missed my period this month. So, we talked and decided to have an abortion because we are not ready yet for a child. He understood my decision.”
I nodded and hugged her. All Harper needed now was my support, and I gave it to her.