A Few Hours Later
I don’t know how or when I ended up at Cassie’s doorstep, but I stood there feeling defeated. I couldn’t go back to the shelter, and the only other one I found was hours away. If I didn’t have Rhema with me, I would’ve chosen to sleep in my car. But I couldn’t do that to my daughter.
The door slowly creaked open, and Cassie peeked out. When she realized it was me, she opened the door fully and pulled us inside.
“Are y’all okay?” Her eyes went back and forth between Rhema and me.
“Yes, yes.” I looked down at Rhema, my voice low.
“Rhema, come with me, love. You hungry? I’ll get you something to eat, then yo’ momma and I can talk.”
Rhema followed Cassie into the kitchen while I stayed in the living room, wiping away the tears that kept coming. A few minutes later, Cassie returned alone.
“Let’s talk while she eats.”
I nodded, relieved that Cassie was helping me because I had no strength left.
“Talk to me, Ember. Why are you crying?” she asked softly, sitting beside me on the couch.
I didn’t hold back. I told Cassie about the shelter, the fight, how I ended up on my mother’s doorstep, and finding out about my father’s death. She cried right along with me, both of us in full tears. Cassie rocked me back and forth, trying to soothe me.
“You and Rhema are staying in my extra room until you’re able to get another place. I have a couple extra blow-up beds, and I promise my husband won’t mind. He’s barely home as it is.” Cassie grabbed a tissue box from under her coffee table and pulled out a few pieces. She handed some to me and then used the rest to dry her face. “And I’m not taking no for an answer.”
I gave her a small nod. My pride didn’t matter anymore. I accepted her help for Rhema’s sake, if not my own.
My phone buzzed in my back pocket, over and over. “Excuse me,” I murmured, pulling it out.
Amara’s name flashed across the screen in big, bright letters. My stomach fluttered.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Good evening, Ember. I’m so happy you picked up. Sorry for the late call. I know it’s been some time since you last heard from me, and I wanted to reach you before the night was over to tell you that everything on our end has been finalized. If you still want to proceed, we can start the insemination process as soon as tomorrow afternoon.”
My eyes widened. My palms grew sweaty. Cassie leaned closer and whispered, “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
I mouthed,I don’t know.
“So, Ember,” Amara continued, “if you’re ready, I can schedule you for tomorrow.”
“Y-Yes,” I stammered. “I’ll be there.”
“Perfect. I’ll notify the intended parents. I’ll also send over a few more forms for you to sign electronically, or you can do it in person. Your choice.”
“You can send them now.”
“Got it. I’ll forward them right away.”
“Thank you. See you tomorrow, Amara.”
“See you soon!”
When the call ended, Cassie was already in my face, trying to figure out what had me looking like I’d lost my mind. “Ember, what is it? What’s happening?”
I looked her dead in the eyes and told her, “I-I’m getting inseminated tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 20
SAJE
