Payback Years Later
Weve found the perfect candidate! The doctor beamed with satisfaction, watching the nervous couple sitting across from him. He seemed eager to share the good news: his eyes sparkled, and his whole face radiated confidence. He was already mentally counting his commission from this successful surrogacy arrangementthe deal was going to be more than just a little lucrative. Shes in excellent health, already has a child of her owna little boy, three years old. Shes got exactly the look you described: fair hair, big eyes, graceful features. Quite honestly, you two would be mad to pass this opportunity up! He ran through all the positives again, not missing a beat.
When can we speak to her? asked Mark, barely able to contain his excitement. His fingers drummed anxiously on his knee, his whole chest tight with anticipation, because his dream was finally about to come true. And, well, whys she agreed to do this? Surrogacy isnt exactly common in this country… he added more quietly, with a note of genuine curiosity, but also unease. He really needed to know that this woman wasnt looking for troublehe wanted to believe that everything would go smoothly.
From what Ive gathered, she wants to move somewhere by the sea, replied the doctor absently, still glued to the paperwork. Flicking through the pages, he barely spared them a glance. He didnt care for the surrogates motiveshe could barely recall her name. What mattered was her sparkling health and her mental stability. The money from her flat sale isnt enough for a place in her dream area. So this compensation is pretty important for her, and youve no reason to worry. The doctor brightened, finally looking at Mark and his partner. Youll be able to meet her tomorrow morning. Nine oclock alright? He smiled and closed the file to signal that the essentials had been settled.
Yes, of course! Mark almost gasped, his whole face lighting up with pure, childlike happiness, enough for even the doctor to glance at him with a rare moment of empathy. Mark practically glowedhis grin stretched ear to ear, his eyes shone, his shoulders relaxed as if hed shrugged off a huge weight. Weve waited so long that even a few hours more feels like torture! Every day, every hour, drags on forever when youre waiting for something this important… He was positively buzzing, unable to hide his hope and elation as he turned to his wife to share the moment, then quickly looked back, not wanting to miss a single word of the doctors instructions.
They were soon on their way, Mark chatting away about the things theyd have to sort out before tomorrow, mentally listing off questions for their would-be surrogate. His wife walked quietly beside him, nodding along from time to time, occasionally adding brief comments, but she remained distant, her gaze fixed somewhere else.
After the couple left, the nurse whod been tidying up the table finally allowed herself a small comment. She paused, staring thoughtfully at the now-closed door, and turned to the doctor.
You know, Dr. Harris, I cant help thinking that only one of them actually wants this baby, she said quietly, eyes catching the doctors. Her voice was gentle, almost tender with a genuine worry. Did you see how she looked? Her eyes are dull, her shoulders drooped like shes carrying something she cant bear Theres this deep sadness there, as if shes already saying goodbye to something precious. The nurse chose her words carefully, speaking in hushed tones, as if someone might overhear.
Dr. Harris tapped his pen against the desk, nodding slowly. For a moment, he pictured the wife againher face, her gesturesand he really did notice the troubled signs the nurse had pointed out.
Yes, I did notice a bit of reluctance on her part. As though shes being pressured into this, he muttered, frowning in thought. Doubt flickered across his face, but quickly vanished. But thats not our concern, Emily, he eventually said, leaning back in his chair and setting the pen aside. Were here to help bring a new life into the worldwhat happens after, thats up to them. Any hint of that brisk business-like tone he showed to the couple was now gone; Dr. Harriss voice sounded level, finished with the matter. The nurse simply nodded and went back to her work, yet her eyes lingered with a trace of concern for the fate of the soon-to-be parents.
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Mark was pacing the room impatiently, glancing at the clock every few minutes. He had to force himself not to check again, convinced the hands were deliberately standing still, to spite him. His heart thumped loudly, echoing in his head, and his palms were clammy with nerves. Today, they would finally find out if they were having a boy or a girl!
Marks mind was whirring with images of the future. Really, he was hoping for a sonhed already picked out a name and imagined teaching him to play football on the green, taking him fishing at dawn, pointing out the constellations at night… But a little girl would be just as wonderful. The only thing that mattered was that their baby arrived safe and well.
Sarah, on the other hand, didnt share in her husbands excitement. She sat curled in an armchair by the window, knees pulled up to her chin, staring blankly outside. Children were laughing as they slid down the frost-covered hill; couples wandered hand-in-hand, chatting and smiling, and everything out there seemed far away, like another world.
Inside Sarah, though, it was chaosan overwhelming mix of bitterness, sorrow, and guilt gnawing away at her. But the worst feeling was the sense that she wasnt complete, that somehow shed failed in her most basic role, no matter how much she tried to silence that voice. It was bad enough being reminded that she couldnt have children, but now she had to sit through Marks endless plans for a child who hadnt even arrived, wasnt even bornwasnt even properly a person. And yet there was already a beautifully decorated nursery and a hefty savings account in the babys nameall sorted, all planned with love and precision.
It made senseMark had dreamed of children his whole life. As an only child, hed always envied his friends with big families, brothers and sisters to share secrets and adventures with. In Year Five, he made himself a promise: hed have at least three children. The more, the merrier, hed thought, and it stuck with him for years. He even drew a family tree with three sons and two daughters, a big noisy, happy familyand pinned it by his bed, gazing at it as he drifted off to sleep, imagining the day it would become real.
Of course, Sarah knew all about this childhood dream. She used to share it toofondly imagining dressing up little girls, baking biscuits with them, taking boys to football and karate. But reality was harsh: after years of failed treatments, the doctors delivered the verdictthere was simply no chance of having her own children. None. It hit both of them hard, but in opposite waysMark threw himself into searching for new options, clutching at hope, while Sarah withdrew further into herself, weighed down by pain and guilt.
Honestly, she wondered how theyd avoided splitting up. Sometimes she thought back to those horrible days: sleepless nights, listening to the tick of the clock, quietly weeping into her pillow, not wanting Mark to hear, desperate for any hint of a solution. Shed trawled medical websites until her eyes ached, ringing clinics, chasing experimental treatments, but nothing ever worked.
They were only redeemable because money was never an issuethey could afford to try surrogacy. They spent ages discussing it, agonising, worrying. Gradually the idea took rootit seemed like the only route left to becoming parents. So they gave it a go. But it wasnt simple: this was their third candidatethe others had pulled out for one reason or another. One got cold feet, anothers personal circumstances changed, another simply panicked about the responsibility. Each knock at their hopes stung, but Mark resolutely repeated: Well find someone else. Were not giving up.
And then, finally, good news. The doctors office, that antiseptic smell, the soft overhead lightand the long-awaited words:
Congratulations, youre having a boy! the doctor said, positively glowing with delight. Assuming all went well, hed be getting quite a windfall himselfhis cut of the contract was hardly small. He tried not to be too obvious about his pleasure, but the corners of his mouth kept twitching into a grin. Mums doing greatnot a single problem. All her stats are spot-on, babys developing perfectly.
Brilliant! Mark was almost bouncing on the spot, his eyes shining, his voice trembling with emotion, his hands clenching and unclenching as if he was already holding the baby for real. He even went a bit red with happiness, short of breath. I just want to hold him already! Everythings ready: clothes, toys, little bits and bobs… I wish I could just fast-forward these months so he was here! I can picture myself rocking him, singing lullabies, teaching him to say Daddy… Mark spilled out the words, barely pausing for breath. At that moment, he looked almost like a boy himself, filled with impatient joy.
Sarah tried to share in her husbands happinessshe smiled, nodded, even managed a faint Yes, its wonderful, but deep inside she still felt that tiniest crackthe invisible, but all-too-real split running through her. Her mind ran circles: What if something goes wrong? What if were disappointed again? Will I be able to love him properly, if I never carried him myself?
Well, youll just have to be patient a little longer, the doctor said kindly, making some notes in the file. He noticed Sarahs inner struggle, but didnt read too much into ithed seen this before. Next appointment is in two weeks. Well keep you updated. Everythings going welltry and stay positive.
Mark immediately started peppering him with questions about the next tests, analysis, what to expect. Sarah stayed silent, watching her husbands beaming face, trying desperately to let at least a little of his joy into her heart. Somewhere deep inside, she made herself a promise: Ill try. For him. For us. For our baby.
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Yep, you heard me right, Victoria said, her words clipped and direct, eyes locked coldly on the man across the table. There was a sharp, bitter smile on her lips that really didnt suit her. Her eyes flashed with undisguised maliceanger built up over years, strong enough to send a chill down your spine. Ive decided not to hand the baby over. Ive got the right. The deposits been returned, you should already have the money in your account? She said it with an air of singsong calm, lazily adjusting her sleeve, as if the conversation held not the slightest hint of stress for her.
I dont give a toss about the moneyI want my son! Mark was seconds away from flipping the table in the little high street café where shed called the meeting. His knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists, hands shaking with powerless rage. His voice cracked, he felt a tightness in his chest, black spots swirling in the corners of his vision. Hed been hoping, right up until this meeting, that it was some kind of misunderstanding, a sick joke, but Victorias cold tone left no doubt. Apparently, shed given birth two weeks agoin another townno one had known, and he hadnt even been allowed near. My! Son! Give me my baby! he yelled, his voice breaking with such raw pain that even the disinterested barista looked up sharply, before pretending to polish a cup.
No, Victoria said, savouring every syllable. She leaned back in her chair, arms folded, oozing confidence and taking open delight in his helplessness. Triumph flickered in her eyes. Fat chance! Go to court if you want… wont do you any good. Your money wont make a difference, mines just as good as yours, she said with twisted glee, like she was taking revenge for some very old wrong.
But why? I dont get it! Marks confusion was painfully honest. He couldnt see how everything had gone so wrong. Just a month ago, she seemed calm and open, their arrangements friendlyand now she sat across from him, smiling that nasty smile, saying the unthinkable. His mind was reeling in chaos, his thoughts scattered, heart galloping.
Oh, you really havent worked it out? You still dont recognise me? She rolled her eyes, leant in close to catch his eye. Guess it isnt a surpriseIve changed a lot. Lost weight, fixed my eyes, got a half-decent stylist, good at makeup, whole new look. But the name hasnt changed! Try to remember, Markwhich girl did you once make a complete fool of? Her voice hardened, iron threading through it, the smile fading to coldness. She watched his face for recognition.
And Mark remembered. The memory popped into his mind as clear as a Polaroid. At uni, hed known a gentle girl called Victoria. Shed been a bit chubby, mousey hair tied back, thick-lensed glasses, shy and quiet. Mark, always good-looking, lively, the centre of attention, started flirtingsinging cheesy songs on his guitar, passing her little bunches of daisies from the station. He laid it on thick, and she meltednaïve, unused to the attention, believing every word, hanging on every look. She kept notes about their conversations in her diary.
But the truth was, he didn’t fancy her at all. He only paid her attention as a bet with his matescould he get any girl to fall for him? The lads cackled, Oh, Victoria? Shes way out of your leaguebet she wont give you the time of day! Mark just smiled, Give me a monthshell be chasing me. He won the bet, too.
It all blew up at New Year, when Mark brought her to the party, then, in front of everyone, loudly declared hed only been stringing her along for the challenge. As the laughter and jeers started, she stood there while the world caved in. Afterwards, the nastiness spreadbehind her back in the halls, snide jokes in the canteen, even humiliating photos online. Idiot girl was the mildest she was called. Victoria couldnt take itshe left after her fourth year, disappeared to a new city where no one knew her, and quietly rebuilt herself. Weight gone, contacts instead of glasses, a new wardrobe, tough as old boots. The years had given her not only a new look, but a resolveshed have her revenge on the one whod humiliated her, no matter how long it took.
That was just… ages ago! Mark tried to defend himself, but felt the floor give way beneath his feet. The full horror of his teenage prank suddenly struck him. His voice was raspy and small, tears stinging behind his eyes. He gripped the edge of the table to steady himself. A stupid, childish mistake… Thats not the same as taking a child! The babys innocent!
Hell have a wonderful life, Victoria cut in, her smile wider but icy. Ive found him a familya proper one, loving and well-off. They want a child just as desperately as you. Funny, isnt it? Her tone was razor-edged, as if she relished every second of his agony.
Give him to me! If you dont want him! Marks hopeless shout turned to a croak, his hands white-knuckled, chest burning with pain. He took a step forward, almost reaching out, but stopped himself. In front of him stood not just a woman, but a wall of pain and vengeance, the one hed built himself. At that moment, he realised exactly how deeply hed hurt her all those years agoand how her wound was coming back to destroy him.
Of course I dont want himhes yours, after all. Victorias words were pure venom. She said them almost in a whisper, but every syllable might as well have been a slap in the face. She lifted her chin, looking straight at him, completely unmoved. He shrank back, as if actually feeling the force of her hatred, and was lost for words.
Were flying out tonight. I have dual citizenship, so therell be no hassle. And yes, Ive got top lawyers, worth every penny, she went on, as confidently as if shed planned it all with military precision.
Where did you even get the money? You were an orphan! Mark persisted, though inside he already knew hed lost. His voice was hoarse, half-begging. He looked at Victoria with desperate hope, searching for any weakness. How did you pull any of this off? The lawyers, moving, a whole new life… Takes a fortune!
Victoria gave a short, joyless laughno spite, just the weary truth of someone whod endured more than most.
Married well, she answered flatly, standing up. Widowed after three years, if youre wondering, but thats not really your business. She flung some notes on the table for the untouched coffee. You nearly destroyed me back then, Mark. I swore Id make you pay. Didnt take much to figure out your weak spotso here we are. Satisfying, isnt it? She let out a bitter sigh, as if finally finishing some ancient, painful ritual. But tucked away in her eyes, just for a second, was a flicker of exhaustionas if maybe the revenge turned out less sweet than expected.
She strode towards the door, her heels clacking on the tiles, counting down the last seconds of Marks dream. He stood frozen, numb with a cold emptiness. His hands trembled, there was a lump in his throat, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. He wanted to say something, to argue, to begbut found nothing.
At the doorway, she paused. Her hand hovered on the knob, and she cast a look over her shoulderright at Mark. For a split second, there was the barest flash of regret on her faceso fleeting you might think it was a trick of the light, but Mark saw it.
You know, she said, quieter now, almost contemplative, her hard tone suddenly gone, I couldve just vanished with your money. But that wouldve been too easy. I wanted you to lose everything, like I did; to watch your world fall apart, to feel the ground vanish beneath your feet. You took my faith in people. Ive taken your chance to be a father. Fair, isnt it?
Mark didnt reply. He just stood there, hunched, as if hed aged ten years in an instant. His shoulders sagged, hands hung limp at his sides, while his gazeblazing with sorrow and despairstayed fixed on Victorias disappearing silhouette. He watched as she opened the door, a blast of cold air bursting in, as she walked out and melted into the crowd outside. In that moment, he felt not just loss, but a strange emptinessas if part of himself had left with her, a part hed never get back.
