Melody's POV
I sat at my small kitchen table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the air. I sipped a cup of coffee while scrolling through my phone. The rent was overdue, and my mother's medical bills were piling up.I needed a solution, and fast. The pressure was taking a toll on me, and I felt like I was running out of options.
That's when I stumbled upon an ad on social media: "Surrogacy Agency Seeking Candidates." My heart raced as I hesitated at first, unsure if this could truly be the right path for me. But the promise of financial stability was too enticing to resist. I clicked on the link and began to read about the agency's requirements and process.
As I read, a spark of hope ignited within me. This could be the answer to my prayers. I had always been deeply empathetic, and the thought of helping someone build a family resonated with my core. It seemed like a viable option, a way to contribute to someone's happiness while securing my own future.
In the back of my mind, I thought about my mother, who had sacrificed so much for me. Since my father's death from cancer sixteen years ago, she had worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs to provide for my sisters and me. Now, that same cancer was haunting her again, and I wanted nothing more than to alleviate her suffering and give her the life she deserved. This could be my chance.
As I filled out the agency application, waves of past struggles crashed over me. We had always faced financial hardships, no matter how hard we worked. The bills seemed to multiply, and I felt powerless against them.
The agency's application process was extensive, but I was determined to see it through. I filled out every form, answered every question, and poured my heart and soul into my profile, hoping that my honesty would resonate.
Just as I clicked the 'submit' button, a notification popped up on my screen. "Your application has been selected for review."
Wow, that was fast!
"You're gonna do surrogacy?" My elder sister, Miriam's voice from behind me jolted me from my thoughts.
"Ah, fuck! Sis!" I clutched my chest, recovering from the shock of her sudden arrival. She always had a knack for sneaking up on me.
"I told you to stop doing that!" I exclaimed.
"Doing what?" Miriam stepped out from behind me, her expression innocent.
"Sneaking up on me," I replied, my voice a mix of irritation and amusement. She shrugged it off as she leaned against the counter opposite me.
"So you're going to do surrogacy?" she asked, lifting an eyebrow.
"Who's doing surrogacy and why?" My younger sister, Maya, walked into the kitchen, a curious look on her face.
"Do you really need to ask why?" I said, my tone laced with sarcasm.
"Oh, yeah. Bills. That's why. So who's doing surrogacy?" Maya plopped down beside me at the table, anticipation written all over her features.
"I am," I said, feeling a surprising swell of determination swelling in my chest.
"For whom?" Maya pressed, leaning in.
"Don't know yet," I replied, giving them a wry smile.
"For how much?" Both of my sisters asked in unison, their interest immediately reignited.
"Still don't know that either," I admitted, feeling their enthusiasm starting to fade as quickly as it had bloomed.
"But as long as it's surrogacy, I'm sure they'll pay pretty well," I added, trying to keep the vibe positive.
Miriam crossed her arms, a skeptical look on her face. "Are you sure you want to go through with this? It's a huge commitment, Mel."
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I know it is, but I feel like I need to do something different. I can't keep sitting around waiting for everything to fall apart. The bills won't pay themselves, and I want to help Mom. This might be the best way for me to make a real difference for all of us."
While we were all employed, our jobs barely covered the basics, and I could see the stress weighing on my sisters as they glanced at the scattered bills on the counter.
Maya leaned closer, her curiosity ignited. "So, like, you're actually going to be pregnant for someone else? That seems super intense."
"Yeah, it is intense," I admitted, a rush of excitement mixed with anxiety coursing through me. "But think about it... I'll be giving someone the chance to have a baby. It could be a life-changing experience for both me and the intended parents."
Miriam rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of concern in her gaze. "And what if it gets complicated? What if you bond with the baby or something? It's not as simple as just being a surrogate. You have to think about the emotional side of it too."
I appreciated her caution, but I couldn't let myself spiral into doubt. "I have thought about that. I'm going into this knowing it's not my child. Plus, the agency has a robust support system in place, psychologists and counselors to help navigate any emotional challenges that arise."
"Still," Maya chimed in, her brow furrowing, "can they really prepare you for everything? What if something goes wrong? What if the parents are jerks?"
"Those are valid points," I conceded, nodding thoughtfully. "But I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't believe wholeheartedly in the process. I'll be matched with intended parents who are thoroughly vetted and screened. I plan to approach this with my eyes wide open."
Miriam sighed, her expression softening. "Okay, okay. Just… promise us that you'll keep us in the loop. This isn't something to take lightly, Mel."
"Of course," I vowed, feeling a rush of gratitude for my sisters' concern. "I'll keep you both updated every step of the way. And if I can make some money while doing something truly meaningful, I'm all for it."
"Just be careful," Miriam said, giving me a warm smile. "You know we'll always have your back."
"Yeah," Maya supported, nudging my shoulder gently. "We're in this with you."
I smiled back, feeling a comforting warmth from my sisters' unwavering support.
"But you know Mom isn't going to be on board with this," Maya pointed out, her tone serious as she snatched my coffee cup and took a tentative sip. Just as she was about to savor the moment, Miriam reached over and snatched it from her too, taking a hearty gulp herself.
"Refreshment in solidarity!" Miriam proclaimed, giving us both a cheeky grin. Then her expression turned serious again as she chimed in, "Yeah, very correct."
"We can just tell Mom I got a new job. We don't necessarily need to disclose what kind of job," I suggested, trying to keep the mood light.
"That's if you're not going to be live-in," Maya said, her tone light but her eyes serious.
"Live-in?" I raised a brow, my heart skipping a beat at the thought.
"Yeah, in most surrogacy cases, you have to live together with whoever is hiring you." Maya explained, a hint of concern etching across her features.
Oh boy, the idea filled me with unease.
"There's no need to worry; I don't have the job yet," I said, trying to laugh it off to mask my growing anxiety. Just then, my phone chimed with a new notification, breaking the tension in the air.
I clicked open the email, and my breath caught in my throat as I read, "You have been selected for an interview. Kindly come to the agency at 10 AM. Address is below."
I paused, letting the reality wash over me. This was really happening. I turned to my sisters, my pulse quickening.
"I've been selected for an interview," I blurted, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling up inside me.
"Nice!" Miriam's voice was warm, her smile brightening room.
Maya's eyes widened with disbelief. "Wow, that's super fast! You must be really impressive!"
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle heavily on my shoulders. It felt surreal, almost dreamlike, and I couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at me. I had never done anything like this before.
"Oh God, please help me," I whispered under my breath, my thoughts swirling with uncertainty and hope.