I respond as @agmoore and not as the nkwell here, because my response to your piece is quite strong.
My first reaction is, this girl suffered so for a stupid decision made when she was young. Of course she was vain and selfish when she sought the attentions of the boy in high school. Of course it was wrong for her to try and win him, by having relations with him one night. But, what a penalty she paid.
This is like the Scarlet Letter: the woman pays (in this case, a teenager!) for one misstep. As a woman and as a person I reject that moral judgement. Of all the bad things a woman might do in life, having intercourse with someone is certainly not the worst. And yet, if she carries a child to term, the punishment is severe and lifelong.
As for the structure of your piece. Very brave of you to try this format. I like that courage. I like the originality, the personality you give to a diary.
Reading your piece was an interesting exercise. For me, after a lifetime of reading, that's the best compliment I can give.
Oh my goodness! I won't say I am lost for words because I have a lot to say to you. Thank you so much for this touching feedback on my story. I really appreciate you taking the time to read it carefully and share your perspective.
I'm glad you responded so strongly to the story and the girl's journey. That was exactly my intent - to explore the harsh consequences a young woman can face for a single misstep, even one that was born out of vanity and immaturity rather than malice.
The Scarlet Letter comparison is apt, and I share your rejection of the moral judgment placed on Diane. As you point out, having a child is not the worst thing a woman can do, and yet the price she pays is so steep.
I'm also happy that you enjoyed the structure and format of the piece. Trying something new and original is always a risk, but I felt the diary format allowed me to get inside Diane's head and give her a distinct voice and personality. I'm glad it worked for you as a reader.
Thank you again for your feedback, @agmoore. It means a lot to get such an insightful response from someone with your experience and expertise. Your comments have given me a lot to think about in terms of the themes and messages I was trying to convey. I will carry this experience with me as I continue to hone my craft.