Amanda
“Hi everyone. I tried pressing the doorbell, but no one heard me. Your gate is open, so I entered immediately. I’m sorry for the short notice.”
I waved my hand, panicking.
They looked at me with questioning eyes, but then Aidan stepped up and spoke.
“It’s fine. We’re waiting for you. Please make yourself comfortable. Babe, please accompany Miss Young, I’ll get us some refreshments.”
Aidan walked towards the kitchen, leaving us both behind. I took a seat and he also sat in front of me. The center table that separates us seemed invisible as my heartbeat raced faster feeling his presence.
I looked at him and he was already staring, so I looked away, avoiding his gaze.
“How is your mother, Miss Young?”
After a long silence, he asked. I looked towards him, examining any hints of familiarity on his gestures, or if there are clenched fists or teeth grinding, or eye shifting from one place to another but boy, there’s none. Nothing. He looked so formal and innocent like we shared nothing on those two months.
“She’s fine now. We’re just waiting for the doctor’s advice to send her home.”
“That’s good to hear.”
I took a long sigh and find enough courage to talk.
“Mr. Lance-Lawrence Villafuerte. I have a question.”
“What is it?”
He asked back formally.
“Do you… Do you-“
“Here’s our snacks.”
I cut off what I was saying when Aidan came with a tray in his hand. He offered me a glass of juice.
“Thank you,” I said and took a sip.
“What was your question, Miss Young?”
Lance asked. Is he even for real? Why is he asking me in front of his husband? He’s totally crazy.
“I was just asking if there is an agreement about where should I reside.”
“Oh, now that you’ve asked about it. We want to tell you some changes.”
Aidan spoke, looked at Lance, and looked back at me again.
“The first plan was to do the IVF on you and we can fly to Greece for that. However, our chosen egg donor backed out for some reason, so we are still looking for donors.”
“Ohh.”
Actually I was not surprised because I overheard them talking about that earlier.
“Miss Young, I have a favor to ask you. I might look like I overstep my boundary, but I still want to ask you this. Can you be our donor instead?”
I choke on my drink upon hearing that.
“Me?”
“Why her?” Lance also asked in surprise.
“I just think you’re perfect to be the gene donor. You are gorgeous, tall, your eyes are so pretty, and you’re smart. I am not wishing for a perfect baby, but seeing the combinations of you and my husband, I bet it would very nice.”
“Babe, we didn’t talk about this. There are lots of donors out there.”
“I’m on it.” I cut in. They both looked at me, and Lance furrowed his brows. It seems like he can’t hide the fact that he knew me.
“I mean, it would be fine. It doesn’t bother me at all.” I said, shrugging my shoulders. I would love to see a little glimpse of what would my future baby looks like with the person I like and hate the same time.
“Really?”
Aidan stood up and sit next to me until we’re face to face.
“Yes. It’s alright.”
He smiled and hugged me. I was surprised, but then I pat his back and snickered awkwardly.
“Thanks a lot, Miss Young. I appreciate it.”
“No problem.”
“By the way, Miss Young. Based on my research, IVF is kind of dangerous and there are side effects on that. Since we’ll be using your egg cells and your womb, we can do it in a natural way. I think that would be better.”
“Natural way?”
What does he mean?
“Babe! No way! Can we talk about it first? Don’t jump into decisions just yet.”
“I think it’s better to go natural. It will save us some time and also it will not harm Miss Young’s body. She’s still young, and those machines might cause her more complications in the future.”
“Wait, slow down. May I know what you mean by ‘natural’ way?”
What are they talking about? I can’t seem to catch up.
“Miss Young, you will need to sleep with my husband.”
Sleep with what? With his husband? Is he crazy?! Why would I sleep with him?
Damn fool, to make you pregnant!
“Aidan!” Lance blurts out. He stood up, grabbed his hand and pulled him away. They went into the kitchen, but their voices are still audible to me.
“He will let me sleep with his husband. Is he insane? Who in the world wants to let his husband f*ck off another girl just to impregnate her? That’s insane!”
I shook my head in disbelief. This will really be awkward for the both of us!
I stood up and went to the kitchen floor and eavesdrop on what they are talking about.
“Why do we have to go through these measures, babe? I agreed on being the sperm donor for our baby. But sleeping with another woman is too much! You need to think it through."
“Lance, babe. Listen. Hear me out.”
Aidan grabbed Lance’s face, caressing it.
“If I can be a donor, I would do it. If you’re not comfortable with this setup, I can do it for you in exchange. But you know my condition, right? As much as I wanted to give you a baby, I’m unable to do that. So, please. Do this favor. For me, okay?”
“But-“
“I trust you, babe. No matter what you’re worried about, I won’t worry at all. That’s because I trust you with my life. And I know you love me. I can hold on to that.”
“Alright.”
“Uhm, excuse me. I’m sorry to disturb you, but your phone is ringing.”
I interrupted them and hand them the phone. Lance took it and went outside to take the call.
Aidan walked over to me and held my hand.
“Miss Young, I know I surprised you. And you didn’t see it coming. But I’m asking you this favor one more time.”
His soulful, tender eyes searched into mine, pleading silently, and I can’t help but nod. How can I say NO to such a beautiful soul?
“Alright. I will take the offer.”
“Thanks, Miss Young! In return, you won't need to worry about your hospital bills, I will take care of them. And since you’re asking where you will stay, you are very welcome in our rest house. We can visit you there or you can even go home and visit your mother if you want to. All your expenses for your necessities will be catered by us, so you can just relax and focus on your pregnancy.”
My heart melted at his kindness, and I felt a tear forming my eye. I want to say NO but I remembered my mom, this will really benefit her the most.
“Thanks for helping my mom. I really appreciate it.”
“I need to take care of you because you will be taking care of our baby.”
I smiled and hugged him back. I felt so comfortable with him, and I didn’t mind doing this.
The next problem that I need to face was dealing with this Lawrence Villafuerte. I hope luck comes bids my favor.