New one, completely different then any of my others. Forgive my lack of knowledge on the science part of IVF. Will be an Andrea/Mike-centric
The Gift
Chapter 1
Once they got home from Asia, and dealt with all the fall out from Allison Shaw and her minions; Mike and Andrea both had time to catch their breath. Tom had left with his kids and Mike finally got confirmation of his wife and daughter's deaths. It hit him hard and through it all, Andrea was by his side.
It wasn't romantic. Just two friends who had a similar story. Both with lost families. Both trying to pick up the pieces. Both struggling. They only had their careers figured out. One day, Mike and Andrea were sharing a dinner out because they didn't like eating alone.
"I'm taking a desk position for a while. Wanted to figure somethings out." Andrea said. It surprised Mike.
"Like what?" Mike asked.
"I really missing being a mom. I can't replace Lily, and I know that. I'm checking into IVF." Andrea said.
"IVF? Don't you still need a donor for that?" Mike asked.
"Yes. At my age, I don't foresee finding a willing donor to do it the old-fashioned way, but they still have banks, so to speak. I would pick my donor, based on education, health issues, physical characteristics, and they would do the IVF. Of course, that's simplified. There's stuff I have to go through." Andrea explained.
"Sounds scientific. I suppose I am more of a fan of the old-fashioned way." Mike said.
"Honestly, me too, but I am a traditionalist. I'm not going to find some guy at the bar, just in hopes that he'll help me get pregnant." Andrea admitted.
"So, your ready to be a single mom?" Mike asked.
"Yes. Sure, I would love my baby to have a dad, but this is the easier and quicker method." Andrea said.
"You're braver than me. I couldn't imagine going to so much trouble to have a baby, knowing I might lose it." Mike said. He was playing with his straw until Andrea took it.
"If you had known that Kaitlyn, Hannah, or Lucas was going to die, would you have refused to be a part of their lives, to love them?" Andrea asked.
"I don't know." Mike said.
"I would have loved Lily anyways. I understand what your saying, but I miss being a mom. I am not willing to deny myself a lifetime of happiness for a fear that something might happen." Andrea said.
"So, when does all this start?" Mike asked.
"I have an appointment next week to start the hormone shots, to make me more fertile." Andrea said.
"That sounds like a ton of fun. I'm sorry. I support you, but I can't imagine that this is a good idea. What happens when you deploy?" Mike asked.
"I am going to hire a nanny." Andrea said firmly.
"Well, as your friend, I will help however I can, despite what I think." Mike replied.
"Thank you. That means a lot." Andrea said. They finished eating, paid the bill and then went their separate ways. Andrea to her little cottage, and Mike to his non-descript apartment.
As Mike watched a re-run of a Cubs apartment, his mind wondered. He didn't want to risk loving again, but he understood Andrea's standpoint. He missed being a dad. He had to wonder if there was a way to be a dad, without putting his heart on the line. About midnight, before he went to his lonely bed; he sent Andrea a text.
"I'll be your donor for the IVF. I just don't want to play a role with the child. I don't want to love again, because I won't stand to lose someone else." Mike text. He knew Andrea wouldn't read the text until the next morning, which was fine, because he didn't want to be psychoanalyzed.
Love or Hate it? Thanks for reading!