The Suitable Candidate
1080 Words
“…I’m sorry but I can’t help you out in that way. I really want to help out but I’m going through some things myself and I can’t just … I’m sorry,” Emma said finally.
She had just been through a rough breakup and was still trying to get herself back.
“Oh,” Christopher said with a broken heart.
Emma was his last resort and now she too didn’t want to help out. Although he knew it wasn’t an easy decision for anyone to make, he still wished that she would agree to it.
“I’m sorry,” Emma said again.
“It’s fine; I know it’s not also an easy decision to make. I’m sorry for pushing this on you. I’ll take my leave now,” Christopher said as he got up.
“I’ll walk you to the door,” Emma offered.
“Oh no, there’s no need,” Christopher answered.
“Thank you and good night,” he added as he walked towards the door.
He opened the door and walked out while Emma sat back feeling bad. Few seconds later, her best friend and housemate, Amelia walked in.
“Hey girl, you’re back,” Emma said.
“Oh yes I am. Hold on, I saw a really hot guy outside our home. Don’t tell me he came out of our house?” Amelia asked.
“Yes he did,” Emma replied.
“Ohhhh Emma, you didn’t tell me you’ve moved on already?” Amelia said.
“That’s because I haven’t. That guy you saw was the one I told you saved me from those muggers at the park when I was having my jog the other day,” Emma stated.
“Ohhhh, a hottie and a hero at the same time? That’s even hotter,” Amelia said teasingly.
“You should give me his number; he’s my kind of guy,” She added.
“I don’t think he’ll be interested,” Emma said.
“You think I’m not good enough for him?” Amelia asked.
“That’s not what I mean. He’s not looking for someone to date,” Emma answered.
Amelia arched an eyebrow in interest in the circumstance.
“So, what exactly did he want then?”
Emma sighed as she realized how serious the issue was.
“He is searching for a partner to get into a contract marriage with because he has a terminal sickness. Before he dies, he wants to have a kid.”
Amelia’s face went from being amusing to serious as she took everything in.
“That’s heavy, wow. Did he request that you serve as his contract wife?”
Emma gave a nod.
“Yes, he did, but I was unable to accept it. My personal problems must be solved.”
Amelia gave this some thought.
“Do you think he’ll be able to find someone who will accept to be his contract wife? I know you wouldn’t want to because you’ve recently ended a difficult relationship.”
Emma gave a shrug.
“I have no clue. He stated that even after searching, he was unable to come across someone who was a good fit.
Amelia slumped back in her chair and let her mind wander.
“You know, Emma, for someone who is sincerely looking for a purpose, this might be an opportunity. Beyond the union, other considerations include maintaining a person’s legacy and helping others in need in their final days.”
Emma acknowledged the difficulty of the circumstance by nodding.
“I concur, but it’s still too much to expect of someone.”
The girl grinned. “Well, you may let him know if you ever change your mind or if you come up with someone who would be interested.
That night, Emma went to bed still pondering on what Christopher had requested of her. She was troubled couldn’t sleep on time. When she eventually found sleep, a terrible dream woke her up. In her dream, she was back at the park and the same guys who were mugging her were trying to mug her again and this time, Christopher didn’t appear. In her dream, the bad guys still her money and phone.
She woke up screaming in fear. Her friend, rushed into her room and asked what had happened. Emma narrated the dream to been and once again, her friend advised her to do what she knew was the right thing to do. But as days passed, Emma kept thinking of Christopher's offer but she still wasn't comfortable with the idea of being someone's contract wife. She had always dreamt of getting married to someone she loved and having a baby for her husband.
One day, she couldn't take it anymore. Christopher’s case was making her so restless that all she could think of all the was whether she did the right thing to reject his offer. She thought about how Christopher saved her from those muggers at the park and thought that maybe accepting his offer was a better way of properly thinking him for saving her instead of the cup of coffee she bought for him.
Weeks passed by as Emma’s hesitation lingered. She made the decision to confide in Amelia, her best friend, once more. She gave a heartfelt speech while drinking tea in their comfortable living room.
“Amelia, I keep returning to Christopher’s request in my mind. Although it’s not what I had planned for myself, he’s running out of time, and I can’t help but feel that perhaps I should change my mind,” Emma acknowledged, her voice trembling.
Amelia leaned forward and showed thoughtfulness in her face.
“Emma, it’s a big choice, and it makes sense to be hesitant. But consider the difference you might make in his life. During his remaining time, you’d be giving him a sense of comfort and purpose. It’s a unique chance to create a big difference.”
Christopher and his best friend, Mark were discuss business in the office one morning when Christopher’s secretary knocked in the door and walked in.
“Sorry to disturb Mr. Knight but there’s someone here to see you,” the Secretary.
“Oh perhaps, it’s the electrician I called. I’ve been having electrical problems in this office. Please let the person in,” Christopher said.
The Secretary nodded and walked out of the office. Few seconds later, another knock was heard on the door. Someone walked in and said,
“Good morning.”
- Writer
