Better Safe Than Sorry

by Ana Cristina

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I twirled the rose in my hand, amazed at how perfect its petals were.

“I’m probably just on the rebound. You know I haven’t seen anyone since Carl and I broke up. I just didn’t feel..”

“Comfortable. I know, Emily. But it’s been two months. You should start seeing people, go on dates. You’re young – you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. So start enjoying it again.”

I pressed the receiver to my ear and wished my mother was in the same room with me and not a continent away. She wasn’t just my mother, she was also my best friend, my confidant.

“But he’s French.”

“Oh, Emily, it’s not like you have to marry the guy. Just enjoy yourself. But remember to be careful.”

I knew what that last euphemism meant. “Mom, you know I’m on the pill. I didn’t stop taking it just because Carl and I broke up.”

“Well, better safe than sorry.”

We hung up shortly after. As I was brushing my teeth, I thought over my first 24 hours in Paris. I’d had my first café au lait and bought a few postcards. I’d even met someone new.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. Better Safe Than Sorry

    BARomero's Buddy Icon BARomero

    Posted 6 months ago

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    I still like the story so far, but I do feel that some of the dialogue is overstated in this section. Emily’s relationship with her mother should be such that they should be able to communicate without spelling everything out for each other. Dial back a bit on the dialogue, and let the subtext pull your reader in. Example:
    “Just be careful.”
    I knew what that last euphemism meant. “Mom!”
    “Well, better safe than sorry.”

  2. Better Safe Than Sorry

    emma jo_234's Buddy Icon emma jo_234

    Posted 5 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    I still feel like there’s something waiting to happen here, and not something good either. Maybe I’m just paranoid…
    LoA

  3. Better Safe Than Sorry

    penguincaptain18's Buddy Icon penguincaptain18

    Posted 3 months ago

    I really like the dialogue between Emily and her mom. I love how she knew what her mom really meant.

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