AN: You probably noticed from the last chapter that while I'm sticking to canon, I am moving events around for dramatic purposes.
I'm building some big things for Erica, D&E, and J&E. There are so many layers to this that I have to do it slowly and methodically. Ultimately, it's Erica's journey, so I'm going to be highlighting that a bit more as well.
Chapter 9
"Alex looks so much like Josh and David. I mean there's no question this is his son," Opal's voice shook, and the words struggled up her throat.
The whole of Pine Valley had heard the gossip and fueled rumors they hardly understood.
"Olivia is the only one with his black hair," Erica mused, motioning to the photo. "Amazing how genetics work, isn't it?"
Opal nodded. There was no question Erica and David's DNA created gorgeous, brilliant children.
She just still didn't quite understand how their DNA had come together to make these children. "And Josh, Josh was his as well?"
Erica nodded. "He was. He was the first of the three embryo's that Greg used."
"What about Jeff?" Opal queried, trying to make sense of it all.
"Greg Madden said he did that horrible experiment on me. We did a DNA test against me, and it was a match. So we believed Greg. We never tested Jeff's
DNA because it didn't seem necessary."
"And David found the discrepancy when he was preparing to transplant Josh's heart into Kendall?"
Erica nodded. She was happy to set the record straight and minimize the gossip where she could.
They weren't hiding the details of what was happening from the public. They were, however, waiting to address it once they knew if the transfer took.
"Honey, I mean this is all a bit...don't you wonder if David...if he, well if he helped Greg Madden do this to you? Have you had independent DNA tests done? Are you completely sure it's all true and David didn't manipulate things?"
Erica sighed before nodding firmly. "Greg's notes are extensive and very clear. David was used and lied to the same as I was. He had no idea the eggs he'd been given were mine, nor that there was any reason to suspect the Greg was going to do anything other than rest. Jack and Jesse ran independent DNA tests on Josh, Alex, and Olivia, and they all belong to David and I."
Opal nodded, though she still had one final question. "And the embryo you're off to New York to transfer is also David's?"
"Yes," Erica confirmed. "Yes if the transfer takes, David and I will share a child."
"Why? Why on God's Green Earth would you want to have a child with David Hayward?"
Erica jumped up from the couch and shook her head at Opal. To say she was tired of this quest was an understatement.
She was due on a plane to New York in less than three hours to have their embryo transferred, and no one was going to change her mind.
"I can handle David. He's going to be a wonderful father."
"Even if you're right, you're not the slightest bit worried that he may try and take the child from you?"
"He wouldn't do that to me. Honestly, Opal everyone in this town treats me as if I'm a naive teenager blindly following my heart. I know exactly who David is and every miserable thing he's ever done, but I still trust him with a child. I know what I'm doing."
"We just don't want to see you hurt or your child if this works. You've put yourself through a lot to get ready for this transplant. You're still grieving, Josh. And pregnancy at a later age is harder than you think. And I'm speaking from experience."
"I am not doing this to replace Josh or because I'm looking for something to hold onto. I would be doing this if he was still alive." She was stopped at the foot of the couch and looked down at Opal.
There were tears stinging the corners of her eyes. Her heart could handle mourning Josh. Her heart could handle the transfer failing. But couldn't, wouldn't handle her not trying.
"Greg kept notes on everything. He even kept notes about what he did to me. There's only a minor note about wanting to use the last embryo for Emily, but he never did. And there are no other mentions anywhere. That little embryo has been there waiting for almost thirty years. They have tested it, Opal, it's strong and viable. If I'm not meant to carry it, give it life, be it's mother, I don't see any other reason why it's still there. This isn't what Greg planned, but it's what I've planned. What I've worked for. I want this child more than even I completely understand."
Opal blinked up at her and swiped at her own tears. "Well if you put it that way."
She still didn't like this, and she certainly didn't trust David Hayward, but it was clear how much Erica wanted this child.
Erica's smile was wide despite the tears on the cheek. "I can't wait to see who this child is."
"We know he or she will be gorgeous and brilliant, but unleashing more Kane-Hayward genes on the world might be risky."
Erica laughed and nodded. "I'll take that risk."
"And where is David during all of this?"
"He's in surgery right now but will be in New York in time for the transfer."
Opal nodded and stood up. "I've got a lot of reservations about you doing this, but I know how much you want this. You are an amazing mother, Little Embryo will be lucky to have you."
Opal hugged her tight and let her eyes drift closed. She said a little something to Myrtle and Mona, asking them to let this little miracle turn into a healthy little baby.
Even if that meant David Hayward was the child's father.
TBC
