Broken (39 page)

As promised, Gail spent the next few weeks researching Artificial Insemination and Surrogate Mothers. She had a much better understanding of what she’d be getting herself into
if
she was crazy enough to agree to Crystal’s scheme. 

The problem was, she and Crystal had a long history together, going all the way back to junior high school when they’d first met in Mr. Peterson’s third period gym class.  They’d clicked, despite their obvious differences. Gail was the studious one, always with some book in her hands. She’d been on the debate team and student council, and even spent time working on the student newspaper. Crystal was a social butterfly who coasted through life on her looks and charm. She’d been a cheerleader and had won prom queen two years straight in high school. She’d done just enough studying to keep her grades high enough to cheer without being placed on academic suspension. 

Somehow they’d maintained their friendship, despite attending two different colleges, several hours away from each other. It was happenstance that they ended up relocating to the same city after graduation. Crystal married first, having met Rashid in college. Gail met and married Jason a couple of years later. The two couples had interacted closely, mainly due to the close friendship of the two women. 

Crystal had rejoiced with her when Gail discovered she was pregnant, and had cried with her three years later when she’d lost both her husband and their son Marcus in a fatal car accident. That was two years ago. She and Crystal had supported each other through every crisis, sharing the laughter and the tears. Crystal had always there for Gail in her time of need. How could she do any less for Crystal now?

Gail traveled home to Alabama to spend Christmas with her parents, still no closer to making a decision. The holidays were always rough for her. She couldn’t help thinking about Jason and Marcus, and what Christmas morning would be like if they were still alive. Having family around helped her get through the day without depression overwhelming her. 

Christmas day was boisterous as usual. Both of her brothers managed to make it home with their wives, and her sister and her husband arrived that early that morning in time to exchange gifts. Later that evening when everyone had finally left, her father Frank pulled her into his study. “So, you want to tell me what’s bothering you, baby girl? You’ve been mighty quiet all day.”

She debated for all of a second the wisdom of saying anything, but her father had always been her confidant. “Crystal asked me to be a surrogate for her and Rashid, using my eggs.”

“Well, now…” Her father settled his large, burly frame back into the recliner and stroked his chin. “That’s quite a favor to be asking. Which way you leaning?”

Gail settled on the floor next to him and laid her head on his knee. He immediately began stroking her hair. “I don’t know. I feel for her, Dad, wanting a child so desperately but I’m not sure this is the way. My gut tells me doing this would be a terrible mistake.”

“But…?”

“We’ve been friends for so long. She’s always been there for me. Can I honestly deny her?” Gail looked up at him.

Her father brushed her bang off of her forehead. “True, you two go way back but sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and look out for number one. You’ve already lost one child. Can you handle losing two?”

“But this baby wouldn’t really be mine,” she protested.

“Blood will tell. It will grow in your body and have your DNA. And what about your mother and I? You weren’t the only one affected by the loss of Marcus. He was our first, and only, grandchild. Now you’re considering giving away another.”

She hadn’t considered that. Gail thought for a minute. “So you’re saying I shouldn’t do this?”

“I’m saying it takes a strong woman to give away her own flesh and blood. Maybe your love for Crystal will carry you through. I don’t know, but think very carefully before committing to do this. Some decisions, once made, can’t be undone.”

His words stayed with her a long time
.