Luciana

by Maggie Wells

  “Kids are real expensive—they grow out of their clothes every six weeks or so! But I also think it’s kind of like what Izzy said. I don’t know that I will ever find a husband—someone who would love my daughter, Mia, and me equally. I know Father Rick loves us and maybe someday we will get married.”

  “Father Rick wants to marry you?” I asked. I thought about my interview with Amanda and Father William. “Has he tried to kiss you or anything?”

  “Father Rick?” Aleecia snorted. “Hell, no! He’s a holy man. You are thinking of Father William. I googled Father William after I watched Amanda’s video. I think they arrested him.”

  Oh shit! They arrested Father William?

  “Any advice for our audience?” I asked.

  Aleecia’s expression was solemn. “Believe in the Lord. And don’t trust condoms.”

  “Bless you, Aleecia,” I said. “I hope you find happiness. You can still move to Nashville and pursue the Gospel singing thing, you know.”

  “I know. But first I need to finish high school and lose about a hundred pounds.”

  Aleecia’s video got three million views.

  TWENTY THREE

  WELL, THAT IS MY STORY. AND THE REST AS THEY SAY, is history. After the first Real Teen Moms series concluded, my inbox overflowed with requests from girls all over the country wanting to be on my show. I also had a few dozen inquiries about the Real Teen Dad series as well as a couple for Survivor: Baby Edition although I was hoping those folks were joking.

  My mom didn’t know about any of this, of course. She thought I was just upstairs in my room doing my homework. And my dad had a girlfriend by then so I didn’t see much of him anymore.

  I was just finishing up my sophomore year of high school when Netflix called. Somehow my promiscuous lifestyle and unwanted pregnancy had given birth (sorry for the pun) to a whole new media empire. I was offered a Netflix original series plus a line of books, graphic novels, and teen maternity clothing. I had become a role model for girls everywhere. My logo included the phrases: “Love Yourself” and “Don’t Trust Boys.”

  by Maggie Wells