Chapter 4 – The Baby Plan

Clara

Monday night, nestled on Dana's sprawling couch, our bellies full of takeout pasta and chicken, we found solace in a familiar episode of Friends. We watched the episode where Rachel unexpectedly revealed her pregnancy. It was a scene we'd watched countless times, but tonight, it hit me differently.

My long-simmering idea bubbled to the surface. "I want a baby," I blurted out.

Dana didn't even turn her head; she merely snorted in amusement.

"I'm serious," I insisted. "I want to get pregnant. Without a man."

This time, she snapped to attention, silencing the TV with a click. "Are you being serious right now, Clara Beaufort?" Her tone was stern, but her eyes held a flicker of concern.

"Dead serious," I affirmed. "I've been thinking about it for a while now."

"Since when?" Dana demanded, her voice rising an octave. "Why am I just hearing about this now?"

I chuckled, a nervous laugh escaping my lips. "Well, that's because it wasn't something I had planned to talk about before." But here I am."

"Spill it, then," she commanded, her attention now fully focused on me.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "After this entire mess with Jake, I realized perhaps I've been approaching this whole life thing incorrectly." Maybe I don't need a man. Maybe I don't need to be a wife. But I want to be a mom. That's something I've always been sure of. I want to have a child, and I know I'd be a wonderful mother."

As the words tumbled out of my mouth, a sense of clarity washed over me. It was like a puzzle piece clicking into place, revealing a new path I hadn't considered before. The idea of having a child and building a family on my own terms filled me with a sense of purpose and excitement that had been missing for so long.

"You see, D..." I closed my eyes, willing my tears back inside. "I was ready to stay with Jake because I wanted to have kids. I wanted to become a mother so badly that I thought being married to him was the only way to make it happen."

Dana's arms instantly enveloped me in a warm embrace. "Oh, C..." she murmured, her voice laced with disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? Is this why you gave him five years of your life?"

I nodded, the shame I'd carried for so long dissolving in the face of Dana's unconditional love. "I've always wanted to be a mom," I confessed, my voice barely a whisper. "Even as a child, I loved playing mommy to our dolls, and kids just seem to gravitate towards me."

For a while, we sat in silence, the muted glow of the TV flickering across our faces.

"Are you serious about this?" Dana finally asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Third time you've asked?" I chuckled, a newfound determination in my voice. "And yes, I am. Even more so now."

Dana sighed, her expression a mix of worry and resignation. "Being a single mom isn't easy, C. You know that. Sleepless nights, dirty diapers, tantrums... Are you prepared for all of that?"

"I bet it'll be worth it," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips as I imagined a tiny face looking up at me with adoration.

"I was hoping you wouldn't say that." Dana sighed again, but there was a hint of admiration in her voice. "You've always had a way with kids. They flock to you like you're the Pied Piper of toddlers." She paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "But have you thought about the practicalities? How will you manage financially? What about childcare?"

Her questions were valid, and I knew I had a lot to figure out. But the hope that had ignited within me would not fade. I was determined to become a mother on my own terms. And with Dana's unwavering support, I knew I could face any challenge that came my way.

"I don't need a man to be a mother," I declared, a newfound conviction in my voice. "We're in the 21st century, D. Women should have control over their bodies, including childbirth preferences. Science and technology have come a long way. It's totally possible now."

Dana's eyes widened, revealing a mischievous glint. "Damn, girl. You're right." She paused, a slow smile spreading across her face. "And you know what? You might just be in luck."

My heart skipped a beat. "What are you talking about?"

Dana leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "Last week, a friend of mine at a fertility clinic in Uptown called me. They had a slot open up for an artificial insemination evaluation. The woman who had booked the slot canceled it at the last minute.

I couldn't believe my ears. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," she grinned. "It looks like the Moon Goddess is smiling down on you."

"The Moon Goddess?" I raised an eyebrow, recalling Dana's fondness for quirky expressions.

She winked, "You must have done something right for her to bless you with such luck."

I shook my head in amazement. "Talk about serendipity, huh?"

"Tell me about it," Dana agreed. "This clinic is top-notch, C. said. They cater to New York's elite—billionaires, celebrities, even royalty. Getting a slot there usually takes months, sometimes years. While not exclusive, they conduct thorough background checks and accept most referrals. Additionally, their sperm bank is considered to be the finest among gene pools.

A wave of excitement washed over me. "This is insane," I breathed, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and anticipation. "How do you know someone who works there?"

Dana's smile turned mysterious. "Let's just say I have my connections," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Although it piqued my curiosity, I decided to set it aside for the time being. This was my chance to take control of my destiny and create the family I'd always dreamed of. And with Dana by my side, I knew I could make it happen.

Dana fell silent, a thoughtful expression obscuring her features. I could practically hear the gears turning in her brilliant mind as she weighed her options. Finally, she spoke.

"I've been working on this important project for some time now with a special team," she began, choosing her words carefully. "That's how I met this friend at the clinic."

I nodded, understanding the unspoken boundaries of her work. "So, when's the appointment?" I inquired, barely able to contain my excitement.

"It's supposed to be this Thursday," Dana replied, her hands tracing invisible dates in the air. "I can ask my friend to hold the slot until Wednesday because you need time to decide."

But I didn't need time. The universe had presented me with an opportunity that was too perfect to ignore. "I don't need to think about it," I declared, my voice firm. "Call your friend and tell him that I'm in. I'll be there bright and early on Thursday."

Dana studied me for a moment, her eyes searching mine as if to gauge the depth of my resolve. I met her gaze head-on, unwilling to back down. Finally, with a resigned sigh, she reached for her phone.

The call was brief, but the tension in the air was palpable. When Dana hung up, she sent me a text message with the clinic's address. "Be there before 9 a.m. on Thursday," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

I couldn't contain my joy any longer. I threw my arms around Dana, squealing with delight.

"I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" With a smile tugging at her lips, she posed the question.

I laughed, giddy with anticipation. "Probably," I admitted. "But it'll be worth it."

As I drifted off to sleep that night, my mind raced with possibilities. The road ahead was uncertain, but I was filled with a newfound sense of purpose. I was going to be a mother. I was going to do it my way.