Inlove with the Surrogate

Angel's POV

"Mail!"

I was in the middle of sipping my favorite black coffee when I heard the mail man outside my door. It's been a stressful day for me since I pulled out all nighter because of my requirements for my major subject. As stressful as hell week may sound, I just have to go through the process since the final exam is coming.

Huston University is such a dream for every college student, and yes, I'm currently admitted there. So who am I to complain about how hard college is? For me, I just want to focus on finishing my degree since I know how blessed I am to be a part of it.

I stood up immediately to get the mail wondering what it was. I'm waiting for an important email so I'm quite enthusiastic about getting it. I picked up the white envelope on the steps outside my door and quickly ripped it open.

"Please settle your account so you will be able to take your final examination." I uttered, reading the letter from my university. My eyes scrolled automatically on the digits under it and to my surprise, my mouth hangs open.

"10 grand?" I gasped.

I bit my lip and can't help but to feel weak seeing my account. Before someone could even see me looking like a low bear outside I entered my room and sat on my single bed still looking at the blinding digits. I read it for the second time until It gets into my system.

I sighed and removed my eye glass. I palmed my face because of worry. Last time, I just wrote a promissory note because I don't want to ask for Brook's Money. The fact that they are the ones who adopted me, and chose to send me into my dream school is a debt already. Now that I know I'm not a kid anymore and can do something to pay my own bills, it will be a shame for me to ask for their money.

For me, their help is enough. I am forever grateful for their help in reaching my dreams. From the innocent child who did not know anything about this world, whose mind is enclosed into the walls of the orphanage I came from, now here I am. And so, it is just right for me to stop asking and bothering them to pay for the last two years of my degree.

"What do I do?" I whispered to myself and grunted more while thinking the impossible.

I closed my eyes tightly and searched my mind for ways I could do just to pay my tuition now but seem to have run out of ways I know. I started to panic and have anxieties thinking about my final examination.

"Should I just stop going to college?", I said to myself without thinking. "No!" I shake my head and bring myself up to my bed's headboard.

Wake up Angel, there's still a lot of ways to solve this. I breathed in and out thrice composing myself. I picked out my phone and called Molly- my best friend. She used to be my classmate before but after she got into some serious family problems, she decided not to go and just work. I know she's busy with her work but I still called her, after a few more rings she answered.

"What's up?", she answered.

"I need your help."

"What help?" I rolled my eyes lightly with her cold voice. She's such a tomboy but a heart breaker of our circle.

"Do you perhaps know some part time jobs?" My voice is getting smaller, couldn't even finish my sentence because she'll probably scold the shit out of me.

"What now? Last time you asked me this, you said you need to pay for your thesis? Didn't I lend you some? I told you that you should just tell the Brook's that you need money for college. Didn't they send you there in the first place?"

I sighed and grabbed a handful of my hair because of her outburst. I understand her, but I think she couldn't understand me. I am not in the mood to explain myself to her again because my concern as of the moment is to look for ways so I can pay for this goddamn semester.

"Just tell me Molly, please." I said with a monotone voice.

She didn't speak for seconds and I heard her sigh afterwards. She knows where I'm coming from and even if she scolds me, I know I always got her back.

"I don't know, Angel. You know that I'm planning to leave this bar because of how low their wages are. You might get worn out before you could even pay your tuition."

The disappointment in her voice is evident. She's working as a waitress in 'this' bar and I know how much she hates working there.

"Though, I heard from my boss last night about this surrogacy thing."

My forehead furrowed. Because even if I'm unfamiliar with 'that' word it still rings a bell inside my head.

"Surrogacy?" I asked.

"Yes. But, hell no. I know you're gonna decline it anyways. Considering your personality and all-" I couldn't mind all that she's saying because I'm just too focused on the thought of looking for that 10 grand right away.

"What is surrogacy?"

"You don't know it? You will bear a child for 9 months and before, during and after birth. Viola! Easy money."

I bit my lips. It sounds terrifying for me, but there is something inside me to push through this. Maybe because I'm in a concrete and caught lock situation where I wouldn't have a choice of saying no and will just keep on trying any ways I can.

"Is that even legit?"

"As far as I know, yes. I've read it before and got to know some women who do surrogacy."

"Then why didn't you do it?"

"If only I can, Angel. You knew that one of my ovaries was gone. Fvck this hysterectomy sh*t."

I stood up to open my windows so I could get some fresh air. I can't seem to function in everything that she's saying. Surrogacy? Ovaries? What the hell? I just want to pay for my semester!

"You can fit in that maybe. You don't have any background about that, and you seem healthy growing up with Brook's guidance. So yeah, either you tell them about your bills or get pregnant being a virgin and earn a lot of grand, baby.", she teased me more.

We talked more for a while catching things up, but throughout our conversation and until I laid on my bed at night I couldn't help but to think about the things she told me.

Do I really have to go this far just so I can pay for college? Why can't I just have the guts to tell the Brook's that I need the 10 grand right away?

But they've been so good to me. And I know the situation of their business as of the moment is rocky. I don't want to cause more problems. And besides, I'm In debt since I was young.

Due to the unending pressure in my mind, even staying up all night did me no good. And so in the middle of the night, I picked up my phone and typed a message for Molly.

To Molly:

Can I have the details about the surrogacy? And their contact if ever.

That's it. God knows how many times I deleted my message just so I can sound professional and not sound so pressured. I'm ashamed about this work but I can't think of anything else.

But what about college? I'll get pregnant while going to school? Is that even okay? What about-

My thoughts stopped when my phone lighted up into my chest. Molly replied right away, my chest rattled reading her message.

From Molly:

Are you really doing this? Send your resume to the Huston XXX building. That's what my boss told me. He even asked me if I'm gonna apply and taunted me with great deals. As if. If only I can, duh. He said I can earn a 100 grand just for a single baby? That's out of my nuts. If you ever get into them, 10 grand is no big deal at all!

Even through text I can hear a sarcastic voice. In other times, I might have teased her but right now, my eyes are fixated on the address.

Surrogacy. Can this work for me?

Angel's POV

I spent the whole night doing my resume rather than doing my requirements for finals. I counted all the sheep but can't sleep thinking about this decision I'm making. It felt weird making the resume because I have no idea if I'm doing it correctly or not.

Specialization? What should I put here? Bearing a child? Ugh! This is so frustrating.

I just tried to fill it all up and tried to be honest to the best of my ability. I sleep thinking about the address given to me and without knowing what the future that lies ahead of me.

I can feel the heaviness of my head and the bags under my eyes falling because of sleep deprivation. I couldn't even make an effort to fix myself because of how undecided I am If i shall go there and pass my resume or not.

I received a message while I was brushing my hair.

From Enoch:

How have you been?

I leave it on read and continue brushing my hair because I'm running out of time. I need to pass the resume before I go to my after lunch class.

Arriving at the address, I can't help but to get intimidated. I feel like going there would end in a conclusion about me. This is a surrogate company for goddess sake, what else would a woman be doing there?

The welcoming receptionist welcomed me smiling. Far from the judgemental and creepy mentality I expected them to have.

Wearing the simple clothes I stood on the desk and without any words, I handed my resume.

The receptionist seems to not know what I just did but she got it anyway. My eyes couldn't focus due to shame and awkwardness. The eyes of the receptionist narrowed at me and I pretended to be composed and normal.

I wandered and looked around just so my eyes won't meet hers because I really can't cope with the embarrassment. There's really not many people here. The people just look professional and normal unlike the nervous me.

"You can just wait for our call ma'am." She simply said.

I laughed awkwardly and nodded while slowly drifting away. And when I'm meters away from her I turned around and walked as fast as I could. I don't care if she thinks I'm crazy but I'm just so embarrassed being there. It's like the realization has hit me all of a sudden.

I went to my class without thinking much of it. I received a couple of messages from Molly asking for updates about that resume thing.

I tried not to dwell on it so much after the embarrassment I felt a while ago and I'm very much confident that why will not call me having that kind of background. There's no hope for me, like hello! I'm just a 22 years old student and have no idea about surrogacy and all. There's a lot of women who are capable of doing that. Why would the universe choose to put that fate on me right?

That's how I comfort myself all throughout the day. I did not check my phone because I couldn't handle the pressure of Molly's messages. I ask my colleagues if they know of a job that can earn 10 grand for a short period of time but I just made a fool out of myself.

It's like asking if I can kill someone to earn 10 grand easily. Jesus Christ.

---

"Why are you calling me again? Aren't you on duty?" I whined at Molly because I got tired of ignoring her calls. I'm doing my research and all she did was to destroy me.

"It's because you're not answering my questions. So how was it? Did they do anything to you? Check you? Ask you questions?"

I rolled my eyes and put her on speaker mode. I continued typing my research.

"That's the dumbest thing I ever did Molly. Why did I even listen to you? And for your peace of mind, no. I just passed my resume with no hopes of being hired because for sure I'm not fit for that job. So there's no hope for the both of us."

"Well, at least you tried right?"

I bit my lips and stared at my laptop. Why does my mind and my instinct seem to be not reconciling. I know that I shouldn't make a big deal out of it but whenever I hear Molly, it's all sinking into me.

My phone vibrated and that made me snap.

I read the message while still on call.

From unknown:

You're hired

My brows furrowed reading the short message out of nowhere. Molly is almost speaking in tongues ranting about her boss when another message arrives again.

From unknown:

On behalf of Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, we extend a warm congratulations to you for accomplishing the application. Kindly get in touch with the boss as soon as possible. Have a great day.

I chuckled automatically.

"This is insane." I uttered. I laughed like a mad person, couldn't believe it.

"I'm insane, I know." Molly said on the other line thinking that what I just said is for her.

"N-No. No!" I composed myself while holding my stomach because of laughing too much.

"What? Have you gone mad?"

"No, it's because I just proved that this surrogacy company is such a scam. Baby steps? really? Baby steps center?" I laughed more.

"Well yeah, that's what my boss told me. Baby steps company I know it's weird but..."

"And the message! Seems like a wrong message. Didn't even manage to compose a formal message." I shook my head in embarrassment.

I laughed more and more while Molly was silent on the other side.

"You know what, I'm done with you. My boss is fuming mad right now. I got to go."

"O-okay, bye. Take your time like, baby steps you know?" I mocked her and she annoyingly uttered some words before cutting the line.

I shook my head and even replied to the message.

To unknown:

Such a scam.

I stood up and still couldn't get over, I poured myself a glass of water so I could breathe properly. And when I got back the number replied immediately.

From unknown:

We can offer you a 500 grand for one contract of surrogacy.

I pursed my lips trying to suppress my smile. I typed with one while drinking on my glass with my other hand.

To unknown:

Here's my bank account, send it right away. And 500 grand won't do your highness.

I played with it more. I sent my bank number taunting even more. I'm enjoying it anyway. It's like I'm taking a break from this toxic research I'm working, and it gives me more of the assurance how dumb the decision I made.

After some minutes, I didn't receive any reply. I know that whoever is behind the number couldn't deal with me anymore since he or she knows that I'm not the one to be fooled. They are just wasting their time on me.

And so even though I got a bit sad, I just continue to do my research and focus more on it. Not so long an email popped out on my screen I'm currently getting serious in the case I'm reading.

I got nervous thinking that the scammer might have hacked my bank. Gosh! Why am I not thinking?So without any expectations I looked into it.

"Hugh Rockwell sent $1,000,000 in your account, with reference No. XXXXX"

My mind went blank as I read the email and it's like a cold splashed of water spread into my system. My phone vibrated and looked at it like I'm being chased. My fingers are shaking causing me to not be able to unlock my phone right away.

My chest pumped hard seeing the last message from that number.

From unknown:

You're a millionaire now baby.

Hugh's POV

I touched my lower lip as I didn't know how I would handle her if she replied. I stared at the screen of my phone and drank the tequila in one shot.

I waited for seconds... minutes, yet I didn't get any reply from her.

My jaw protruded as I felt the gushing stepped ego after what I just did. Fvck, I can't help it. I just sent her a million and still, I am the one who's nervous here?

I can't believe that she'll really end up with that decision. I knew all along that she's having problems with her expenses and maintenance. And I had a lot of plans laid in front of me just so I could help her. But I end up with this one, I don't want her working for days and hours while studying. And I know I can just give her money or pay her tuition in one go and out of nowhere but that would be weird. Knowing her personality, she won't take anything from me. I knew her very well.

Surrogacy. Does she really think that I would let her be a part of my company? Is she even that desperate to pay for college to the point that she's so willing to sacrifice her youth and purity?

She passed a resume as soon as I sent the news to her best friend's boss. Yes, It's not an accident of coincidence. I made it all happen, and no one meddles with that. If the heavens decide to take her away from me, then I'll draw all my cards just so I can be near her.

She doesn't even know that this company needs strict requirements when it comes to hiring surrogate mothers. First thing, you need to be an experienced mother. Meaning, you must have been pregnant once in your life, and much more psychological training and all that.

But who am I to worry about those things? As long as she bite on the bait and now It will be more likely for me to put a say in her life. I won't let her be someone's surrogate, there's no way in this world that they will touch this Angel. No way.

I looked at the night view of the city in front of me, standing in here feels like I got a hold of this world's rotation, like I can always dominate the world, but no. I might have anything I want in this lifetime but I only want one thing in this world, and the universe always decides to take her away from me, but this time, I'll make it happen.

I completely removed the loosened tie on my neck and the clacking of the glass made a sound in this silent and dull pent house of mine. I unbuttoned my white dress shirt slowly and one by one as I thought about how my patience is slowly drifting away from me.

I reached for my phone and typed my last straw. If this is not gonna work, I'll dig my own grave.

To Angel:

The million is yours now. Tomorrow night, at XXX. Come or else you'll vanish with those grands.

Is she that type of girl now? She texted that 500 grand will do her no good, does her non-existent reply mean she's still not happy with million? Fvck, yes. I know she doesn't cost anything and she's way more than dimes and gold, she's not happy with it? Then damn! I'll give her the whole world.

Just reply. One reply will do, and I promise... I'll be damned with this Angel.

Angel's POV

To Angel:

The million is yours now. Tomorrow night, at XXX. Come or else you'll vanish with those grands.

"Fvck, fvck, fvck. What should I do? What should I do?" I asked myself horribly. I paced back and forth not knowing what to do.

My hands are literally shaking and my knees are wobbling because of mixed horror and confusion. I couldn't think straight. I didn't know what to feel and think at the moment. I wanted to escape this reality or wake myself up with this nightmare.

With fear and shaking knees, I went to my bed and laid there, closed my eyes and tried to meditate and relax my self.

"This is not true." I spoke to myself a couple of times and even pinched myself just to wake up but neither of my hopes seems to happen.

I slowly opened my eyes, hoping that this would all be gone but no. I looked at my place and it's still the same. The phone is still there waiting for it's owner's presence.

"You fvcked up, Angel." I uttered.

I stood up immediately and reached for my phone and read the texts over and over again. I grabbed a handful of my hair and bit my fingers because of trying to stop myself from crying.

"Should I tell Molly?"

No, no, no! She'll just scold the shit out of me. She'll just say that she's been serious all this time and I just handled this like it was a joke.

"What if I'll just transfer the money again?"

But what if there's a contract and policy that I'm not aware of? And he just put up an ordeal! If I don't show up then this is how I'll end? Oh god! I look so pathetic. Why am I talking to myself?

"Calm yourself, Angel... " I full my lungs with air. Trying to pull my shits up.

I can do this with the right process. For sure I can still fix this. I just need to beg and deal with him. Right? Right.

So the next day, at the appointed time I just found myself standing at the glass door of the restaurant he said in his message last night. I just chose to wear a simple black dress and I paired it with white tennis shoes as well as a blazer if ever the night gets cold.

Even with a divided mind I still chose to enter. The place looks so fancy, as if even if I only ordered water, my wealth here on earth would be wiped off.

A man in uniform greeted me immediately, I'm sure it was a waiter. He smiled at me, so welcoming. He took me to a restaurant and I thought we would stop at a table at the far end but we entered a secluded or seemingly private room of the restaurant.

I don't even know if a reservation is needed here, but it seems like they already know me enough to take me to this room. Nobody's here, just me. My heartbeat can't stop beating so fast and loud because of nervousness. I'm really the only one here because I'm came early compared to the time he said.

Just minutes after the waiter left me and he came back again.

"This is our menu ma'am."

Even though I knew I had no intention of ordering, I still managed to scan their menu, and I couldn't even move the pages because just one order of fresh mango juice and I'll for sure run out of my one week allowance.

"Uhm, Can I have water please? I'm still waiting for someone. ", I smiled awkwardly.

Fortunately, the waiter didn't seem judgmental and he politely greeted me and took the menu in my hands before leaving in front of me. Just minutes later the waiter returned and laid fresh cut fruits on the table. He may have sensed that I'm wondering why he brought these fruits when I just ordered some water.

So he uttered, "Our complementary, ma'am."

My sense of smell quickly found the strawberry causing me to hold my breath. I don't eat strawberries. I'm not allergic to it as much as I'm allergic to cayenne peppers, it's just because I hate the smell of those. It looks appetizing but I hate how it smells, I don't know.

I endured a few more minutes and held my breath but finally I got up to go to the restroom so that I could touch up because I felt like I was going to faint because of its smell.

When is he coming?