“And she’s nothing like—” Mama stopped herself. “She’s a good girl, Amai. The kind of girl you should be with.”
I looked at my mother.
At the hope in her eyes.
At the desperation.
“I know, Mama.”
She smiled and kissed my cheek. “Drive safe.”
I walked out into the night.
Got in my car.
Sat there for a moment with my hands on the steering wheel.
Alexis was perfect.
And I didn’t want her.
I started the engine and pulled out of the driveway.
And all I could think about was Truth.
Chapter 8
TRUTH
The email came at 6:47 AM two days after I signed the contract.
Subject: Medical Appointment Scheduled - New Beginnings Fertility Center
I stared at my phone screen, still half-asleep, the words blurring until I blinked hard enough to focus.
Date:Thursday, May 14th
Time:9:00 AM
Location:1234 Prytania Street, Garden District
Provider:Dr. Simone Beaumont, MD
Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork. Bring a valid ID and insurance card (if applicable). Fasting is not required.
My stomach twisted.
This was real.
This was happening.
I sat up in bed, the springs creaking beneath me, and read the email three more times like the words might change if I looked long enough. I’d put a star by it so I could find it quicker. Today was the day.
Mama was already awake—I could hear her moving around in the kitchen, the coffee pot gurgling, the radio playing low. She didn’t knock. Just called through the door.
“You up?”
“Yeah.”
