Chapter 6

1337 Words
Cristine could hardly believe what she was about to do. A week ago, she would never have considered something like this, but after the chaos that had overtaken her life—the hospital bills, the eviction notice, and the persistent threats of loan sharks—she felt backed into a corner with no other escape. She needed to survive, not just for herself, but for her grandmother. And so, her only real option now was the one she had once thought impossible. Cristine gripped her phone, scrolling through her contacts until she found Vanessa’s number. The conversation they’d had in the salon replayed in her mind, but this time, instead of dismissal, she felt a sense of urgency. Her fingers hovered over the call button, heart pounding, before she took a deep breath and finally pressed it. The phone rang twice before Vanessa answered. "Cristine? I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon," Vanessa's voice was calm, with just a hint of surprise. Cristine’s words stumbled out, fueled by desperation. "Vanessa… I've been thinking, and I—I think I’d like to accept your offer." There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Cristine wondered if Vanessa would retract the opportunity after her initial hesitation. But then Vanessa replied, her voice measured and understanding. “I understand, Cristine. This isn’t an easy choice. But if you’re certain, I can set up an appointment for us to go over the terms and answer any questions you may have before you commit fully,” Vanessa said gently. Cristine exhaled a shaky breath. “Yes, please. I need this.” “Alright,” Vanessa agreed. “How about tomorrow evening at six? I’ll text you the address. We’ll go over everything in detail, and if you’re still interested, we can arrange the medical exam.” Cristine thanked her and hung up, feeling a strange mix of relief and apprehension. She spent the rest of the night thinking about her decision, wondering if she was truly ready for this step. --- The following evening, Cristine arrived at Vanessa’s upscale apartment. Her nerves were on edge, but she forced herself to keep calm. Vanessa opened the door with a warm smile and ushered her into a spacious living room decorated with modern furnishings. “Welcome, Cristine,” Vanessa greeted her, motioning for her to sit on the leather couch. “I know this is a lot to take in, so I’ll go over everything carefully. Please feel free to ask questions anytime.” Cristine nodded, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Vanessa began, "The surrogate arrangement comes with a detailed set of expectations and rules. You’ll have full financial and medical support throughout the pregnancy, and you won’t have to worry about any medical expenses—they’re all covered by the couple you’ll be helping. However, this also means regular check-ups and a strict wellness routine. They’ll want to ensure the child is as healthy as possible." Cristine took in Vanessa's words, feeling a faint sense of comfort that she wouldn’t have to bear all the costs herself. “Now, the contract is very clear,” Vanessa continued. “Once the baby is born, you’ll have no legal or parental claim to it. This arrangement is strictly for surrogacy, not adoption. Are you okay with that?” Cristine took a deep breath, considering the implications. “Yes, I understand. I’m… I’m here to do my part, not to raise the child.” Vanessa nodded, satisfied. “Good. Now, about compensation. The couple has agreed to an initial p*****t of twenty thousand dollars upon signing the contract, once you get pregnant, you'll receive 100,000 dollars with additional payments each trimester, and a final sum of 500,000 dollars after the delivery. You’ll receive about a million dollars in total, but the first installment will be available right after the medical examination and contract signing.” Cristine felt the enormity of the numbers, her head spinning slightly. That money would be more than enough to pay off her debts, cover her grandmother’s medical bills, and even give her a fresh start. It was hard to believe this was real. “One more thing,” Vanessa added, leaning forward. “The process requires you to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. This isn’t only for your health but also to ensure that there are no genetic or congenital issues that could impact the child. It’s quite standard.” Cristine nodded, her resolve strengthening. “When can we do the evaluation?” “Tomorrow morning, if you’re ready,” Vanessa replied with a gentle smile. “We’ll meet at the hospital specializing in these services. They’ll handle everything, and we’ll have the results in a few days. If you pass, we can move forward with the contract.” Cristine hesitated but quickly nodded, feeling a surge of determination. She needed this chance. --- The next day, Cristine arrived at the hospital as scheduled. Vanessa was already there, waiting for her. Together, they went through a series of tests—blood work, genetic screenings, a psychological evaluation, and a comprehensive physical exam. Cristine’s nerves flared throughout, especially during the invasive and personal questions, but she reminded herself of why she was doing this. Vanessa stayed by her side, offering her encouragement and assurance that the process was necessary. Hours later, exhausted and mentally drained, Cristine finally emerged from the hospital, knowing that all she could do now was wait for the results. Two days later, Vanessa called with good news. “You passed all the tests, Cristine. Congratulations. Now, let’s meet for the contract signing.” --- Cristine arrived back at Vanessa’s apartment for the signing. A legal representative was present, and the contract was laid out before her. The terms were exactly as Vanessa had outlined—strict yet fair, with clear boundaries about her role as the surrogate. She felt her heart racing as she lifted the pen, her fingers brushing against the edge of the paper. This contract represented both her sacrifice and her salvation. After signing, the lawyer left, and Vanessa handed her an envelope. “Inside is the first p*****t—twenty thousand dollars, as promised.” Cristine accepted the envelope, her heart pounding with a mixture of relief and disbelief. She had spent so long barely scraping by, fighting every day just to survive, and now she held enough money to clear her debts in her hands for at least few months. This decision, which had once seemed impossible, was now her reality. “Cristine,” Vanessa’s voice softened. “I know this isn’t easy, and I want you to know that I’m here for you if you need anything. This journey will be challenging, but you’re doing something incredible.” Cristine offered her a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Vanessa. I… I’m grateful to you for giving me this opportunity.” They shared a moment of understanding, two women who had fought their own battles, each choosing a path that few could understand. Cristine left Vanessa’s apartment with the envelope clutched tightly to her chest, knowing that she had taken the first step toward a new future. --- Back at her apartment, Cristine sat at her small kitchen table, the envelope open before her, and began sorting through her debts and bills. She made lists, tallying up the money she owed, setting aside enough to pay off the loan sharks and keep her grandmother’s medical needs covered, and apartment money. For the first time in what felt like years, she was beginning to feel hope. Her heart ached for the life she was about to bring into the world, a child she would never know. But as she thought of her grandmother and her future—no longer shackled by debt—she knew she had made the right decision. She had found a way to escape the darkness that had consumed her life for so long, and that was worth everything.
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