Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Disclaimer: Twilight and the characters belong to Stephenie. Only this little plotline is mine.
Edward and his wife Tanya are having trouble conceiving. Bella is in desperate need for money so she can finish her degree.
The Surrogate
Chapter 15
BPOV
Shaken by Mr. Newton's implication that there would be a quid pro quo apparently of a sexual nature to retain funds to continue in the fall, I stood suddenly letting the folder I'd been clutching fall to the floor.
"What exactly is it that you are implying Mr. Newton?" I was stunned by his forward behavior and with a scholarship student no less. Was I the first to be approached this way? Somehow I doubted it. I trembled with outrage.
"I hope, Mr. Newton that this is not how you treat your scholarship candidates in general. I'm not certain what you were expecting but I can assure you I will not engage in any sort of illicit behavior to keep my scholarship."
I picked up the scattered papers and returned them to my portfolio. I recalled my conversation with Professor Cullen and concluded I should seek him out for advice. I didn't think it wise for me to alert Mr. Newton to this potential.
I looked at him directly and judging by the look on his face, which registered shock and indignation I might have misinterpreted his comments. I blushed immediately regretting my rash words.
"Miss Swan, I was only trying to provide you with some options to explore so that you can continue in the fall. I apologize if you misinterpreted my actions!" His blue eyes blazed with indignation. What did he expect when he touched me like that? I now suspected he was playing both sides of the fence and decided to take him up on it.
"Assuming they are on the up and up, please expand on these potential options." I sunk back into the leather chair and Mr. Newton assumed his position behind his desk.
"As I stated, the easiest option is to take on a loan assuming you have the wherewithal to pay it back." I shook my head. I currently had no source of income other than the scholarship and the stipend. Charlie sent me a few dollars now and then but not enough to live on. I did not intend to graduate with a load of debt as many of my colleagues had chosen. It was a lodestone that would haunt them for years and I wanted no part of that.
"What are your skills? Could you take on a full time job and manage your course work? It would only be for one semester and I'm sure your scholarship is likely to be approved assuming you follow proper procedure given your academic excellence. That was a slap at my inattention to my mail. I decided to own that.
"I can't devote my time to a full time job and be able to maintain my grades. It's imperative I am accepted to grad school and my grades must be stellar."
"There's another option that a few women have chosen…" Mr. Newton spoke slowly but I was angered that it came up again.
"I'm not sure why you think I would ever entertain the notion of sex for money Mr. Newton but that is a non-starter." I wrapped my arms tightly around me and wondered whether I should leave. I stood up once again.
"No, no Miss Swan you misunderstand me. Please sit. Let me explain."