Falling in Love with the Surrogate

Chapter 1: Emergency Situation

MY name is Denise May Andrada, and I am the eldest among three siblings. I’m 23 years old and is currently the breadwinner of my family. I work as a waitress at a Chinese restaurant and a part-time nanny. I work hard to earn as much money as I can with the skill set that I have.

When I was 19 years old, my father suffered a stroke while he was at work. He was a bus driver and was earning just enough to send his three kids to school and afford the basic necessities for the family. I was in my junior year in college studying to be an Accountant.

With our primary earner being incapacitated to work, I made the decision to stop studying and start working so my other siblings could continue their studies. My mom was against it, but we didn't have a choice. She finally relented after assuring her that I will return to my studies as soon as my father's condition gets better.

My younger sister is about to enter her junior year in high school and my younger brother is about to enter his freshman year, also in high school. They wanted to help by working themselves, but I got mad and told them that it doesn't make sense for all of us to stop studying. I am willing to sacrifice my own interest just so my siblings can continue on with their dreams. I just asked them to study hard and do their best to finish school so they can get a good job to help out the family later on.

My mom decided to help by selling vegetables in the market. However, she can’t do it full-time since my dad also needs full-time care. His stroke has rendered him semi-paralyzed on the left side of his body.

After four years, I'm still working to support my family, and has been unable to go back to work.

As soon I just got off from my shift at the restaurant, I prepared to go home right away. One of my co-workers Jared invited me to grab a bite before heading home, but I had to decline. He has been asking me to go out for a few years now, and I have always said no to him. It's not that I don't like Jared, in fact I've had a crush on him since the first time I saw him at the restaurant four years ago. She has always been nice to me too, and has told me more than once that he likes me and wants me to be his girlfriend. With my current situation, I feel that it would be unfair for him to be my boyfriend since I won't be able to love him the way that he deserves. My current priority is my family, and that will not be changing anytime soon. Besides, I still feel that I'm too young to be in a relationship and that I am just not ready yet.

I'm excited to go home today because it's payday. I bought donuts to bring home to my family. As I got off the bus and walking towards our house, I was skipping a little. I was a little surprised when I didn't see my mom and dad in the living area who were usually waiting for when I arrived home. The only person I found was my brother Diether. He seemed anxious and panicking a little. Suddenly, I got nervous as I asked him what's going on.

Denise: "Hey, bro. Where's mom and dad? Are they already asleep. I brought some donuts for us to eat."

Diether: “Sis, mom and dad are in the hospital. The ambulance just left. Dad had a heart attack.”

I felt my head's size suddenly increase (not literally) as my mind went through different scenarios. I was reminded of the time when we found out that my dad had a stroke while driving a bus a few years ago. I tried to remain calm to not add to my brother's aggravation.

Denise: “Why, what happened?”

Diether: “You should talk to Danica. It’s her fault.”

Danica was my 18-year old sister who is currently in her sophomore year in college. She’s studying to become a teacher. I asked where she was and Diether just pointed towards the direction of the bedroom I am sharing with her. I headed towards our room and found her inside sitting in the bed. She seems to be bawling her eyes out while crying.

My imagining started running while once more as it went through different scenarios. I calmed myself before asking her why's she's crying.

Denise: “Danica, what happened? Why are you crying?”

Danica: “Sis, I’m sorry.”

Denise: “Why, what’s wrong?”

Danica seemed hesitant to talk and just kept sobbing. I sat next to her and stroked her back to comfort her and convince her to tell me what caused my dad’s heart attack. Danica looked at me before speaking.

Danice: “Sis, I’m pregnant.”

I almost had a heart attack myself. I assumed that finding out about my teenage sister's pregnancy must be the reason why my dad was rushed to the hospital.

I know that my sister has a boyfriend, which we decided to conceal from our parents. We were close enough for me to know that she's gotten intimate with him already. I am a virgin myself since I've never had a boyfriend before. No one has even kissed me before. I don't expect her to stay as a virgin herself, but I made sure to always remind her to always use protection. She's just too young to be responsible for another human being. 

Denise: “What?? Are you sure?”

Danica: “I tested positive three times. I just came from the doctor. It’s confirmed. I’m six weeks pregnant.”

Denise: …..

Danica: “I’m sorry, sis. I know you gave up a lot for us, even your studies just to support us and let us continue studying. I’m sorry I disappointed you.”

I was definitely disappointed, but more than that, I felt sorry for my sister. I know it must be the hardest for her more than anyone, because her body is carrying another human being. I put her head on my shoulder and stroked her hair.

Denise: “It’s okay. We’ll figure it out. Just relax, crying might not be good for the baby.”

When my sister calmed down, I asked my brother which hospital they took dad to. I left them some money to buy food and headed towards the hospital myself. I was praying and hoping that my dad is okay.

When I got to the hospital, I headed to the emergency room immediately. This was the same hospital that my dad was confined in before, so I am familiar about where to look already. I found my dad lying in one of the beds in the ER with my mom sitting right next to him. He had an oxygen tube on his nose and some other wires connected to his body.

I hugged my mom as soon as I saw her. She looks really frail herself. Seeing my formerly physically able dad suddenly unable to walk had been hard on my mom. He has been her source of strength, and now that he’s weak, she’s having a hard time finding the will to continue. This is why I have taken on the role as the temporary head of the family. I have to be strong for them, and support them during this time.

Denise: “How’s dad? What happened?”

Mom: “Your dad had a heart attack. They’re still running tests on him. The doctor said he might need an operation. They’re asking us to prepare at least half a million pesos.”

I suddenly gasped. Where are we going to get that kind of money? I tried not to show my worry to my mom and just continued hugging and assuring her.

Denise: “Don’t worry mom, we’ll find a way.”  

When my dad had a stroke before, most of the medical expenses were shouldered by his company since it happened while he was at work. Now, he doesn't have that benefit anymore since he doesn't have a medical insurance or anything else that can cover her hospitalization. We're only living from paycheck to paycheck and I just couldn't afford to pay for it.

I stayed with my mom until the doctor came and explained the situation. He said that they still need to confirm his condition with more tests, but it looks like there’s a blockage on my dad’s heart that they need to operate on. The total expenses may reach up to half a million pesos, including the laboratory tests and exams that need to be done. I asked when he needed the operation, and he said as soon as possible.

He must have sensed my worry because he said that I can talk to the social welfare office to see if there's any way we can get financial assistance. I thanked him for the advice. As soon as he left, I told my mom I just needed to take care of something and left. I headed to the social welfare office in the hospital. I waited almost an hour before I was able to talk to one of their officers.

She  reviewed my dad’s case and sighed before she talked to me.

Welfare Officer: “I’m sorry Ms. Andrada. I’m afraid your father’s case does not qualify for assistance. It’s a complicated procedure and we don’t cover it.”

Denise: “Is there anything else I can do?”

Welfare Officer: “You can maybe talk to the accounting office and see if they can do the operation if you put in a deposit. This would give you more time to come up with the money. You can also try to reach out to different foundations and see if they can help you.”

Denise: “Thank you, Ma’am.”

Welfare Officer: “You’re welcome. I’m sorry I couldn’t help any further.”

I smiled timidly as I left. I turned around right away since I don’t want her to see my teary eyes. I have been holding back the tears since I found out earlier that my dad had a heart attack. It resurfaced as soon as she said that my dad doesn’t qualify for assistance.

I headed to the accounting office. They reviewed my dad’s case and said that as long as I can pay at least a 20% deposit and sign a promissory note, they can schedule my father’s operation. I asked if they can lower it to at least 10%, but she said her hands are tied and their policy wouldn’t allow it.

I left feeling defeated once more after thanking her. I sat in one of the chairs outside the accounting office and took my cell phone. I called my best friend Wendy. She also works at the restaurant and she’s helped me with some of my financial needs before.

Wendy: “Hello, friend. What’s up?”

Denise: “Uhm, I’m in the hospital right now. My dad just had a heart attack.”

Wendy: “Oh no, is he okay? How about you?”

Denise: “He needs an operation right away. I’m okay, but I need help. Do you know anyone who can lend me some money? I need at least 100 thousand pesos.”

Wendy: “Oh wow. 100k? Not that I know of. I can maybe get you 10k max, but that’s it. I can probably lend you about 5k additional.”

Denise: “No, I know you need money too. You don’t need to do that.”

Wendy: “Oh come on, who else can help you but me, your very beautiful friend.”

I giggled as Wendy made me feel a little better.

Denise: “Thanks, Wendy. In reality I need half a million pesos. The 100k will be for deposit only so they can schedule their operation right away. If you can help me find a way to earn that much money, I’d really appreciate it.”

Wendy: “Well, the only way to earn that much money really fast is if you sell your body. But I know you’re a virgin so it’s not something you might be into.”

Denise: “Honestly, at this point, I’m willing to do anything just to save my dad.”

Wendy: “What?? Don’t talk like that friend. I’ll help you find something, don’t lose hope.”

Denise: “Thanks Wendy. Please keep me posted.”

Wendy: “Stay strong friend. Bye.”

Once the call ended, I started browsing using my phone and searched for foundations that can help with my dad’s case. I saved some contact numbers and sent online inquiries to some of them. I bought some food and went back to my mom and dad.