AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No, I really want to go through the whole process. I think it’ll help connect me to my child. And I want to know what it’s like firsthand.”
I flash back to the woman in the waiting room. Morning sickness, intense cravings, back pain, hot flashes, uncontrollable bladder. Am I ready for all of that?
“Have you thought about whether you want a boy or girl?”
I pause for a moment, debating whether to give my true answer. “Honestly, I haven’t. I’m sure I’ll love my child no matter what.”
My reply sounds like a stock response, but the truth is I have thought about it extensively. I’ve always imagined that I would have a daughter, like my mother and me.
I imagined taking her to school, to museums, and to toy stores. We would bond while brushing her hair and we’d make sure to eat at least one meal together every day. The more I’ve thought about it, the more eager I am for motherhood.
But what if I have a boy? I haven’t prepared myself mentally for that. I try to imagine the same scenarios, but it feels different when it’s a little boy and not a little girl. I know what it’s like to grow up as a girl, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin with a boy.
At this moment, I wish my mother were here with me. I imagine her sitting next to me, smiling at me and holding my hand. I know she would have preferred for me to have a baby ‘the old-fashioned way,’ but I don’t need or want the drama of being with someone else.
“Who’s going to help you with the baby?” I can imagine her asking, but only after she tells me to have children no matter what.
The realization then hits me like a ton of bricks. I don’t have many friends, and I’m not sure who I can lean on to take care of my newborn. I don’t want her being raised by nannies, but what other choice do I have?
“You know, you don’t have to make a final decision today. Having a baby is a life-changing event. It’s okay to take your time. You’re not exactly in a rush, are you?” Dr. Cavanaugh looks me in the eye.
Suddenly, it feels like it’s all happening so fast. If I go through with this, I’ll have a deadline. Nine months can go by like that. Am I really ready for this?
I turn to face the empty chair next to me. I imagine my mother sitting there, trying to talk me down from getting too nervous.
“You’re going to be a great mom. No matter what happens, you’ll figure it out. You always do.” I imagine her caressing my cheek like she used to. I feel calm and collected.
“No, I’m ready. Let’s get the ball rolling,” I reply.
“Okay, I’ll find a date for your next appointment. It takes a couple weeks for the medication to do its thing, and after that, we can harvest your eggs.” Dr. Cavanaugh types on the computer.
It’s finally happening.
I’m going to be a mother. And I’m scared out of my mind and thrilled beyond my wildest imagination.
5
CEDRICK
Amixture of concern and frustration toward the old man pulsates through me and raises my speed as I walk with the stretcher to the medical wing of the palace, which is actually a hospital-level surgical center. King Francis had it custom-built after his stroke.
I follow inside with the team, helping where I can, but take a step back to allow them to work without distraction. Too many doctors can result in none of them being able to work efficiently.
I tap the chief nurse on the shoulder, letting him know I’m sitting there. “I’ll stay out of your way, unless you need me. It’s a small space, I know.”
I give a weak smile, unable to stop worrying. More than anything, I hope my last conversation with my father isn’t an argument.
“Of course, sir,” the nurse says with a nod. “You consulted with the design, so you definitely know. And you know he’s in good hands.”
“The best doctors in the country. I have to ask, do they know if it’s something serious yet?”
Nurse Valeria gives a reassuring smile, but not too big. “Right now, just some fainting and high blood pressure, it looks like.”
“Oh, good.”
Four medics surround my father on the hospital bed, organized but tense.
A doctor I recognize from medical school waves me over. “Dr. Vanecourt, we’re giving him oxygen and we’ve given him medication to stabilize his blood pressure, as you can see. It may have been an ischemic attack.”
