Time seemed to stand still as Destiny decided what to say. “I feel like the conversation has derailed a little, so let’s get back on topic, shall we?” She turned her attention to Ivy. “How are you feeling as you approach your next insemination?”
The girl looked toward me, but I barely noticed. I was too busy staring at Destiny. No, this woman was definitely not on my side.
Seventeen
Whoever had made the comment at the beginning of group about the food being the only part that wasn’t a waste of time had been right. The whole thing was a joke. As if determined to brainwash us, Destiny put all her energy into twisting every comment to make it seem like The Fertility Act was the best thing to ever happen to any of us.
“Look how much the Department of Fertility has given us!” she exclaimed. “Food, support, excellent medical care, and money once our commitment is up.”
She gushed about the neighborhood she and her husband had just moved to, commenting on the childcare and doctors who made house calls, as well as a dozen other perks. It was like watching a commercial for the Department of Fertility, and it made me sick.
Few people other than Destiny spoke during the meeting, and everyone with the exception of Bette seemed determined to eat as much as they could while the group leader droned on about the miracle that was The Fertility Act. Seriously, she acted like the law had fixed things even though the population had decreased even more since it was passed, and fertility rates hadn’t changed at all.
I was so relieved when the hour was up that I practically ran to the elevator, but to my disappointment, the door didn’t openthe second I pressed the button, and I was forced to wait with the other women in the group. Since I didn’t want company, I wasn’t too jazzed about the idea of riding to the lobby with them, but at least Destiny was too busy overseeing the cleanup to join us. I couldn’t listen to her rave about The Fertility Act a second longer.
Thankfully, the wait for the elevator was short, and after only a few seconds, a ding sounded, and the door slid open.
Malika elbowed me as the six of us piled into the elevator. “Way to tell Destiny what’s up today.”
“Thanks,” I said, flushing under this stranger’s praise. “You were pretty badass yourself.”
“I refuse to let that woman get away with her bullshit,” was the response.
“Like it did any good,” Ginger muttered as the door slid closed.
The elevator lurched then slowly began to descend.
“It never does, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit there and listen to her lies.” Malika gave a snort of derision. “She’s seriously messed up in the head and actually believes all the stuff she’s spouting.”
“Of course, she believes it,” Lilly grumbled.
“I don’t know,” Ivy said in a timid voice. “Maybe she’s doing it for the money? I mean, it’s a lot of money.”
“Not enough to make me sell myself,” Malika muttered.
Ivy flushed and looked down.
Everyone had joined in the conversation except Bette, who stood at the back of the group, her hand making slow circles on her stomach while she listened to the others talk, a placid expression on her face that made it impossible to guess what she thought about the situation. Unlike the others, who wore their emotions like a suit of armor.
Ivy, it was clear, was ashamed that she’d volunteered, and she felt like she was letting other women down but was also determined to get through this with as much of herself intact as possible.
Lilly was defiant but relieved to be nearingthe end so she could return to her normal life.
Ginger was vehemently hoping the program didn’t work and she would never be forced to carry a baby she hadn’t asked for.
Malika was so defiant it bordered on violent.
I understood all their emotions, and got where they were coming from, but not Bette. No, she was a mystery. In group, she’d said she was excited about the baby, and she clearly was, but I’d seen a flash of anger in her eyes more than once, and she’d obviously agreed with my rant. The two things didn’t really contradict one another – it was possible for her to be happy for herselfandfeel bad for those of us in this against our will – but I couldn’t help thinking there was more to her story. Although what, I didn’t have a clue.
The elevator ride to the first floor was short, and the second the door had slid open, we spilled into the lobby. Lilly and Ivy murmured quiet goodbyes as they headed for the exit, while Ginger practically ran, and Bette hung back as if wanting to talk to me.
Before following the others, Malika smiled, gave a jerk of her chin, and said, “See you next month, newbie.”
“Next month,” I replied, involuntarily smiling in return.
It melted away as she headed off, whistling quietly while her fingers flew across her phone’s screen. By next month, I could be pregnant. I had no idea how to feel about that.
“Good group?” the soldier I now knew was named Ramirez asked.
