“No, not anything I can think of.” There were so many questions I could’ve asked if I was thinking with a clear mind. My nerves were all over the place, and I wasn’t in a safe place to freely speak how I wanted to.
“I know it’s a lot of information to unpack here,” she added, like she understood my internal dilemma. “You’ll have some time to go over everything while we handle a few more things on our end. I’ll reach out again when we have an update or when it’s time to move forward to the next step.”
“T-T-thank you, Amara,” I stuttered, doing everything to hide my nervousness.
“You’re very welcome, Ember. Remember to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.”
“I will.”
I quickly hung up and was finally able to breathe normally again.
Rhema was now looking at me. “Momma, you okay?”
“I’ll be okay, love. Don’t you worry your pretty little self, alright?”
Her attention was stolen away from me when a few kids who seemed to be around her age walked by with their mother. I appreciated her attention briefly being diverted from me as I tried to get myself together.
I thought about keeping the news to myself, but when I thought about it, this news was too big not to share with someone I trusted. Cassie was the only person who came to mind. She was the one who initiated this idea, so calling her felt like the right thing to do.
I dialed her number. Once again, I lowered my tone when she answered.
“Cassie, girl.”
“Hey, Ember. Is everything okay? Where are you? There’s a lot of background noise.”
I would avoid her question about my location. Cassie would have a lot to say about me declining her offer to stay at her house and choosing to be at a shelter instead.
“Yes, Cass. I’m fine, well, I think I am.”
“What do you mean you ‘think’ you are?” she asked, sounding alarmed.
“It’s just that the owner from Little Miracles Surrogacy called me just now to tell me I’ve been selected to become a surrogate.” I whispered the last word so no one around me would hear.
“What!” she squealed loudly on the other end, forcing me to move the phone away from my ear. “Ember, really? This is great news.” I could hear the shock and smile in her voice.
“Yes, really. I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” I chuckled nervously.
“This is great. Like, really great for you,” she reiterated. “Congratulations, friend.”
“Thank you.”
“When are you getting inseminated? Have you seen the couple yet? Are they giving you an amount that will be worthwhile?” Cassie blurted out question after question.
“Hold your horses. I don’t have all the answers to your questions yet. I just wanted to give you an update. Reality hasn’t settled in yet about what the next few months will look like for me, but I promise we’ll talk about it when I see you at work after our off days.”
I hated cutting my girl off, but I couldn’t even think straight. Before I could answer anything, I had to get my mind right first.
“I understand. Take your time. I’m so excited for you. It’s only going up from here. Ember, I feel it.”
I smiled.I sure hope I won’t regret this decision.
“Aight, let me get off this phone. Call me if you need me. And remember, you always have a place to stay if you need it.”
“I appreciate you, Cassie.”
We ended the call, and I sat on the bed silently. I was in a building filled with people, but suddenly there was only one thought on my mind.
My sweet Rhema.
