Chapter 16

I knew I was being rash. Or borderline insane. But that didn't stop me from setting an appointment at the clinic.

My nose wrinkled as I breathed in the sterile air. I hated clinics. So I looked at Blaze, who was calm, yet more anxious than I had ever seen her. Even when we were here four years ago.

"You're supposed to be the stable one," I said, flipping through a magazine. It was a distraction effort at best. Truthfully, I was terrified and mad that I was in this situation in the first place. Mad that Blaze was in this situation. Mad that this was taking forever...

"I'm just nervous," she replied very un-nervously. "This isn't a game, Amy. What you're doing for me is huge, if it can even be done."

I raised a brow. "What do you mean 'if it can even be done'?"

Blaze sighed. "We've been trying to have a child for more than two years now. I've been here so many times that the employees refer to me by nickname."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

She gave me a sharp look. "They're so optimistic; it pisses me off."

"Then it's a good thing I'm here." I smiled brightly, but Blaze only rolled her eyes before glaring at me.

"Why?"

I blinked. "Why what?"

Her look hardened. "Why did you offer to do this?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing could come to me quickly. Like I said, everything was rash. Less than a week ago I was determined to marry Shadow. Now I was opting to be a surrogate. I replayed the ideas in my head over and over again, hoping to draw some connection—an answer. I could tell that Blaze was getting uneasier by the second, but I don't know, I couldn't explain it. And I was a lawyer!

With a sigh, Blaze rose to her feet. "That's it, we're leaving—"

"Dr. Hedgehog?"

Blaze spun over her shoulder, nodding slightly. "Hello, Dr. Merecat."

Her smile broadened. "If you two are ready, you can follow me."

Before Blaze could object, I followed in the doctor's lead.

"So you want to have your best friend's baby?" the lady doctor was grinning as she looked through her file. "Medicine can do almost anything now, can't it?"

"Except let me have a baby." I was surprised at the lack of bitterness in Blaze's tone. "If you're done making fun of us, I'd like to know the logistics."

"You really don't play, do you Blazy?" The woman laughed. Blaze looked like she wanted to kill. "Well you're actually in luck. I was going to call you on Monday, but the other doctors and I have been working on your case. We have viable embryos ready for implantation." Her gaze then fell on me. "All we need is a womb."

"Well, when you say it like that."

"I'm being serious." But her grin only grew wider. I wondered if most doctors were actually high on optimism. "We've already cleared your physical. And you are in good health and prime age. If you fill out the necessary paperwork, we can initiate conception right now."

My eyes widened. "Conception? Right now?"

Blaze rose to her feet. "I told you this was rash. Thank you, Dr. Merecat. But coming here was a mistake."

"Look," I said, trying to hide my initial shock. "I know what it's like not having something you want when there's no reason you shouldn't. You deserve a happy family with children who love you."

"But at what cost?" She shook her head. "I can't do this to you."

I grabbed her hands.

"Then let me do this to myself."

"Aww! How touching! I've never seen such a sacrifice of friendship!" the doctor declared, clasping her hands.

I nudged my shoulder toward the near-crying Dr. Merecat. "You heard her."

"I wish I hadn't."

"You know, you sound a lot like Shadow right now."

"As long as you don't want to sleep with me."

"So are we going to do this or not, ladies?" the doctor woman started for the exit. "I'll let you decide as I prepare the procedure with one of the nurses." She paused. "But please decide quickly."

Then it was just me and Blaze.

"Well?" Blaze turned to me. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Want was a strong word. Which was why I could only stare back at her as the reality of the situation dawned on me. Even if it wasn't my baby, was I really ready to have one? I wasn't scared of the process, but I was scared of the future, and if this event would alter it for the worst.

I closed my eyes, and braced myself for the answer that would ruin everything.

Sorry for the shortness of the chapter. I just felt that this particular scene had to stand on its own.

But don't worry, there are plenty more twists where this came from. ;)

I should have the next two chapters up by the weekend. Please tell me your thoughts/critiques/criticisms.

~KB