Across Town

“Next.”

I moved up to the counter. I was nervous, having driven to the other side of the city for this. A ridiculous precaution and unnecessary, now that I thought about it. I smiled at the cashier. The older woman gave me a polite one in return. “How can I help?”

“I’d like a box of condoms.”

“Sure, what type?”

Type? There were types? “Uh… normal ones?”

She gave me a funny look. “ID?”

Digging out my wallet, I handed it over. She frowned after scanning it. “I don’t see a prescription linked to your CN.”

“Prescription?”

“Come on kid, you know I can’t sell condoms without a prescription.”

“Huh? Why not?”

“Not my rule, kid. Contraceptives have always been tightly regulated. Sorry.”

“Thanks anyway.”

“Next.”

Embarrassed, I quickly rushed out of the pharmacy. No wonder Faith was bumming condoms off Liam. Not having been tested yet, he probably had a prescription. Shit. I should have known better. Damn government. What was so wrong about anyone being able to buy condoms?

I got back in my car, slamming the door. So much for that idea. I had invited Kaylee over, and these were an important part of my plans. She was expecting something to happen. I don’t think either of us would be happy with just cuddling again. As great as that was, I wanted something more. I was tired of being afraid.

Didn’t matter now. I was back to square one. Well, not exactly. I wasn’t out of options yet, but the more I thought about it, the less I liked.

Defeated, I headed home.