Indecent Proposal

Julia

"Wow, everything looks so beautiful, Julia!" Melissa, my childhood best friend, says, smiling brightly at the colorful decorations of a children's birthday party.

I smile too.

"Do you think he'll like it?" I ask, feeling anxious about Alex's arrival.

And to think, my life wasn't always this simple and happy. I remember the day I fell in love at first sight with the young and handsome Adrian, and I thought it would be the beginning of endless happiness. And I know that's exactly how it would have been if it weren't for that damn accident that took him from me too soon. Afterwards, amidst the pain of his loss, I discovered Adrian had left me a precious gift. I was devastated, but I was also pregnant. Lost in a timeline between the joy of expecting a baby and the grief of losing my great love. Then I realized that, for my son, I would have to survive this storm. For a while, I felt alone and desperate, but I had to pull myself together. So, I focused on finishing my architecture degree and moved from company to company, seeking the best for my little Alex, who was growing inside me, formed of love and affection. And after he was born, I had the support of a few friends. Melissa and Paco were always my pillars of strength, as I have no one else in this world.

- "Are you kidding? He's going to love this beautiful surprise!" - Melissa says with extravagant excitement, pulling me out of my thoughts. And she's right. This is the first real birthday party I've ever thrown for Alex. And oh, everything looks exactly how he described it in his childhood dreams.

I smile, satisfied.

Earning my degree in architecture - a goal encouraged by my late husband - opened new doors for me and gave me back my dignity. Now, I'm working at Bennett Designer S/A, one of the largest design and architecture companies in the country and the world. This opportunity allowed me to create this magical moment with my first paycheck. Today, Alex is turning seven, and making his childhood dream come true is more than just satisfying for me.

"They're here!" Elizabeth, a neighbor, announces with restrained excitement, hiding behind a curtain. We quickly follow suit, hiding behind some furniture.

"Mom isn't here yet?" I hear my son grumble to his godfather, who is also our neighbor and dear friend, as they stand in the hallway of our house.

"You know it's still early, don't you?"

"That doesn't matter. It's my birthday, Paco." He retorts with a hint of impatience, making me smile.

"Relax, champ! You'll be able to hug her soon, and she'll spoil you like she always does. Now, how about a game of video games?" Paco suggests, luring him toward the living room.- "Yes!" The boy cheers, accepting without a second thought, and I quickly hear his hurried footsteps entering the room.

This is it, I think. Now's the moment!

"Surprise!!!"

We all shout in unison, emerging suddenly from our hiding spots with whistles, clapping, and horns filling the room. My boy's dark eyes widen in astonishment. I must confess, it's magical to see the surprised smile slowly spread across his lips. The sparkle in his eyes seems to light up every corner of the room.

Alex bursts with joy as he takes in all the colorful balloons adorned with ribbons, a table overflowing with sweets and savory snacks, and a cake featuring the theme of his favorite hero.

"Mommy!" My son cries out, overjoyed, and I confess, this is the greatest reward I could ever have. Seeing him run into my arms, wearing the most beautiful smile in the world.

And oh, I kiss him endlessly, taking in his sweet scent, unable to let him go for even a second. It feels as though my heart might explode with love.

"Happy birthday, my son!" I whisper, my smile growing even wider.

Before long, we're all singing "Happy Birthday." Minutes later, Alex is tearing into his presents with immense excitement. After devouring a generous slice of his favorite cake, he wraps me in his small, loving arms in a tight hug that I cherish more than anything.

"Mom, can I go play with them now?"

How could I say no? After all, it's his day.

"Of course, buddy. Go ahead!"

I spend a moment watching him with pride as he moves away, picking up his ball to play in the garden with his school friends. And God, I simply can't take my eyes off him.

"You really are a spectacular mom," Paco murmurs, leaning against the balcony railing right beside me.

"And you're an amazing friend," I reply, glancing at him briefly before turning my attention back to the children playing. - "I can never thank you enough for everything you do for him."

"You don't need to. I love that boy as if he were my own," he declares, and his words make me look into his eyes. Paco grows serious, and his gaze seems to pierce right through mine.

"What's wrong?" Mel's concerned question draws my attention away from Paco to look in another direction. "Alex?!" she calls out worriedly, while I see him standing still in the middle of the garden. Alex looks like he's struggling to breathe, and my heart stops abruptly.

"Alex?!" I call, completely panicked, running toward him at the exact moment he collapses to the ground. "Alex?!" I cry out, kneeling beside him, feeling how cold and limp he is. "Son, please talk to me!" I plead, but he doesn't respond.

"What happened?" Paco asks the children, who all look frightened.

"I don't know," one of them replies.

"We were playing hide-and-seek, and suddenly he stopped and... he just collapsed."

"We're taking him to the hospital now!" My friend abruptly picks him up in his arms and rushes out of the yard.

- "I'll grab my bag!" I announce, somewhat frantic, and seconds later, I'm in the back seat of his car, tending to my son, who now seems so weak.

Fate cannot be cruel to me again.

I think this, but it feels more like a prayer. I cannot lose someone else close to me. Dear God, I couldn't bear the thought of living without him.

Julia

One Month Later...

"Taxi! Taxi!" I shout loudly, running like a madwoman because, as always, I'm running late. "Thanks for waiting!" I say, settling into the backseat of the car. As soon as it starts moving, my eyes linger on the hospital's facade, which fades into the distance, leaving my heart in pieces.

Architecture has always been my dream, and working for a large company that can strengthen my name in the market is a huge achievement. However, all those dreams froze the moment I spoke with the cardiologist, who told me my son's days are numbered unless he gets a heart transplant urgently. Since then, I've been working like crazy-extra hours piled on top of extra hours-to increase my income and save an exorbitant amount to save the only love of my life. With so much work, I barely have time to rest, and the few hours I do, I dedicate entirely to my son, spending countless nights in the hospital by his side.

But not tonight.

I think, despondent, as I remember his sad, pleading eyes asking for more of me.

"How is he?" I ask Mel over the phone while waiting for my last meeting of the day.

"He's sleeping now. Will you take long?"

I sigh heavily.

"My boss just called for a last-minute meeting. I think it's about the new project they want to start. It seems they're selecting a few architects to work directly with him."

"Wow, girl, you already work so much! Do you think you'll have time for another project?"

I sigh again, exhausted.

"I'm not sure he'll pick me, Mel. I'm still new, and I'm always cutting it close with time. You know how things work. But honestly, I need something more to do. Time is running mercilessly, and Alex..." I trail off with a tired sigh.

"Stay positive, Júlia," Melissa, ever the encourager, says. "You're one of the best architects I know, and I'm sure you'll be chosen for this project."

I smile at her confidence.

"Tell that to my arrogant, egocentric boss," I mutter, followed by a deep breath. However, a cough behind me makes me look back, and I pale when I see it's one of the partners from Bennett Designer S/A.

"Oh, I... I need to hang up," I inform my friend in a shaken voice. However, I don't wait for her to respond and immediately end the call. "Mr. Abravanel?" I hiss, somewhat awkwardly.

"Miss Ricci!" He greets me, and embarrassed, I lower my eyes. "The meeting is about to start," he warns in a low but firm tone.

I nod subtly.

"Of course. I'm... on my way." He nods subtly, stepping away from me, and only then do I release the breath I had been holding.

"Damn!" I mutter, feeling even more discouraged after that, and force myself to walk into the meeting room.

"Well, are we all gathered?" Mr. Bennett asks, staring at me with a certain harshness as I walk toward one of the chairs. "Shall we begin this meeting?" He grumbles, adjusting himself in his chair as I settle into mine. "As you all know, we have a major project at hand, and we'd like to choose the best among the new hires for this project. For this, you'll be receiving a file with some ideas for this design. What I want is for you to envision and mentally map out every detail of this project. Bring me innovative ideas, something that will convince me your idea is the best option. The top three designers will be given this task and an extra bonus for their work. Any questions?" David Bennett's firm gaze scans the table, pausing on each employee, looking for questions.

I have one. I think, but I don't dare speak it aloud. How will I do this, stuck in a hospital room, while I watch my son fight for his life?

It doesn't matter, Júlia. There's a bonus for this work, and you need all the money you can gather to save your son's life. I sigh quietly, flipping through the project pages, and realize Bennett wasn't exaggerating when he mentioned something big. A luxury hotel with all sorts of leisure activities, businesses, and accommodations in a prime location near beaches that are practically pieces of paradise on Earth.

"You have three days!" He announces in a firm tone, jolting me awake at once.

THREE DAYS?! My brain screams.

However, the boss stands up from his chair and leaves, leaving the team inside the room stunned and lost in murmurs of questions and complaints. I glance at the time on my wristwatch. I don't have time for this now. I think anxiously, gathering the material I just received and shoving it into my bag, rushing out of the company straight to the hospital.

***

I never thought I would feel this fear again. I think to myself as I enter the hospital room and find Alex peacefully sleeping in a narrow bed. Losing his father nearly broke me inside, and I had to piece myself together alone to endure his loss and receive the life he left for me. But now, this life is hanging by a thread, ready to slip away from me as well.

It's agonizing not to be able to do anything. It terrifies me to be so helpless, and it hurts to have to smile when all I want to do is cry.

Julia

"Oh, you're here!" Mel hisses as soon as she notices my presence in the hospital room. And as always, she hugs me warmly. However, I don't take my eyes off my little boy.

"How was today?" I ask, seeking to know.

"He's really tired and slept almost all day." I let out a sigh of sympathy and approach the bed to place a calm kiss on his hair.

"I'm heading out now." Melissa announces, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.

"Okay. And thank you for staying with him again!"

"You know I do it with love, right? You don't need to thank me, dear. After all, that's what friends are for, and besides, I'm Alex's godmother."

I smile, and after she leaves, I stay by my son's side for a while.

"Mommy?" His weak voice causes a knot to form in my throat.

"Hi, baby!" I put some excitement in my voice as I hug him, lying on the bed.

"You took so long!"

"I know. Mommy had a meeting, but..." I open a wide smile and take out my bag. "I brought something for your collection." My boy breaks into a spontaneous, yet weak, smile, his eyes filled with anticipation as I take out a small package and extend it to him.

"Wow, this one's really old!" He exclaims, admiring the miniature sports car in the palm of his hand. "How did you get this?"

"Does it matter?" I tease, tickling him. "Did you like it?"

"I love it!" Alex still has his eyes fixed on the toy. "Can you put it with the others?" He asks, handing me back the car, and I place it on a table in the corner of the room, where half a dozen cars are already lined up. However, when I return, Alex is already asleep again.

I would give my life to save his.

I think to myself, feeling the knot tighten in my throat once more. But I decide to let him rest and lie down beside him for a while. Hours later, I eat the sandwich I brought in my bag and focus on studying the file for the new project from Bennett Designer. I search for the best options for a pleasant and comfortable leisure area that won't contrast with the client's proposed requirements. Seconds later, I start drawing a blueprint with its numbers, shapes, and colors. And before I know it, I am overcome by exhaustion.

***

"Hey!" I hear the sound of a low voice beside me, and with a groan, I open a small gap in my eyes, finding Dr. Aristides standing right in front of me. I immediately compose myself and realize that I had fallen asleep on top of a pile of papers and pencils.

"Oh, Doctor, good morning!" I stand up immediately.

"Good morning! Did you sleep here?" He seems surprised.

"Oh... it's just that... I had some work to do and..." I yawn. "I took advantage of the night to get ahead."

The doctor forces a smile.

"Can we talk for a bit, Júlia?"

"Oh... of course."

The serious tone he used for his inquiry makes me feel somewhat uneasy, and that makes me glance at my son, who is still sleeping soundly. We then leave the room and head straight to his office. The young doctor sits behind his desk and politely gestures to a chair for me.

"I just received the latest results from Alex's tests." Aristides announces, making me anxious.

"And?" He presses his lips before responding.

"I'm afraid Alex doesn't have much time, Júlia." The doctor laments, and my heart tightens. "Your son needs a transplant urgently."

The distress overwhelms me.

"I heard about a compatible donor on their way to this hospital." Interested, I adjust in my chair and look him straight in the eyes. "It's a very expensive surgery, Júlia, and Alex's health plan doesn't cover the costs of such a delicate procedure that will take hours."

These last words invade my ears like an echo, and I swallow my tears.

"How much does the surgery cost, doctor?"

"About fifty thousand. That will cover all necessary materials, a skilled medical team, and the stability of the post-surgical care."

I gasp in agony.

"Fifty... thousand?!" I choke. "I don't have that kind of money!" I feel desperation consume my soul.

"Maybe if you take out a loan from the bank, or..."

"A... loan?" I scoff without hope. "Sure, I... could try to do that."

After this difficult conversation, I return to the room and dedicate a few hours of my time to my son. Breakfast, funny and fun conversations, and a little time to tell him a story. Until Melissa arrived, and still in the hospital, I took a quick shower and put on the clean clothes my friend brought.

"I have to go." I whisper softly, so I don't wake him up.

"Okay. Go in peace, my friend. And focus on your work; I'll stay here with him the whole time."

Fifty thousand?!

God, where am I going to get that money? I think of the company. Surely they wouldn't give a loan to someone who's just starting out. I sigh. But I have to try. I have to try anything. I just can't give up on my only family.