by Zena Wynn
Crystal decided then and there that she would not be attending those classes. She was not sitting in a room full of pregnant women learning how to give birth if she wasn’t one of them. Rashid could be Gail’s partner. It was his children after all. If anyone needed to know what to do, it was he.
She tuned out the rest of what Dr. Hagan was saying, only interrupting long enough to tell the group that she needed to return to work. As she left the building, she thought of the tender expression on Rashid’s face when he’d given Gail the kiss and was sorry she’d ever suggested this surrogacy business.
* * * *
After the sonogram, Crystal pushed harder than ever for Rashid to make love to her without protection.
“Crystal, I do this for you.”
“I know but I don’t like them. I don’t like the way they feel. I prefer to feel you skin to skin. Besides, we don’t need them. You know I’m on the Pill,” she whined.
“We do need them. It is the only way that I can guarantee that you do not get pregnant. While not one hundred percent foolproof, between these and the Pill, I know you will be safe,” he said firmly.
“I don’t want to be safe. I want to feel you, not latex when you’re in me. I’ve told you it’s unnecessary. If you insist on continuing to use them after knowing how I feel about it, then we just won’t be having sex.” Crystal delivered her ultimatum, confident that Rashid would give in to her demands.
His face impassive, Rashid studied her until she began to feel like a piece of scum. “If you feel this strongly about it, I will make an appointment with a specialist and schedule a vasectomy. It’s a simple procedure. With the twins, we’ll have one child of each sex. There will be the need for no more children.”
“No,” Crystal protested, horrified. “That’s not necessary. I don’t want you doing anything drastic.”
“Then for God’s sake, Crystal, what is it that you wish for me to do? You complain to all who would listen about the protection I use for your safety. You whine and make threats to me, withhold your body more than you share it, and when I come up with a viable solution to meet both of our needs, you reject it. What do you want from me? Let’s hear it in plain English for I tire of these games,” Rashid exploded.
Crystal took a step back, suddenly afraid. Rashid was well and truly angry, and she was at a loss. He’d put her on the spot with his demand and she couldn’t confess to him her real agenda. When she continued to stand there saying nothing with tears rolling down her face, Rashid heaved a big sigh. “I tire of this. Tomorrow I will call the doctor and make the appointment. By the end of the week, it will be done.” His voice told her that his decision was final. There would be no persuading him otherwise.
Crystal burst into angry tears and left the room. Nothing was turning out as planned. This was all Gail’s fault. If she weren’t pregnant with twins, none of this would be happening.
Chapter Nine
Gail was halfway though her third trimester and the end nearly in sight. Rashid began working at home in the afternoons so he could be there to monitor her while she swam. He usually brought his laptop out by the pool and conducted business with clients, one eye on the computer, and the other on her. When she had enough of the pool, he joined her as she ate, many times eating with her.
Gail didn’t see or hear much from Crystal. She was working long hours, trying to finish the projects she was currently working ahead of schedule so that she would be free to stay home with the children when they were born. At first, Gail had been upset, accusing Crystal of abandoning her. Crystal had begged for forgiveness, saying that all the work she was doing now was for the benefit of the soon-to-be-born infants. Besides, Crystal argued, Gail had Rashid. One of them with her was really all she needed, wasn’t it? And of the two, as the babies’ father, it was more important that Rashid be there.
So Rashid accompanied Gail to all of her appointments, and it was Rashid who partnered her as her coach during the childbirth classes. Without Crystal as a buffer, Gail got to know Rashid as a person and good friend apart from her relationship with Crystal. She discovered he had a fascinating mind and was a financial genius. She now understood why Jason had gone to Rashid whenever he needed financial advice.
Underneath that reserved air was a very sharp wit. Contrary to what Crystal claimed, Gail discovered that Rashid did have a sense of humor, albeit a dry one that gently poked fun at things. Many times, if you weren’t paying close attention, much of his humor would float right over your head. In his own way, once he opened up, Rashid was a lot of fun to be around. She could see why Crystal married him.
While she was at work that Thursday, Rashid called. “Do not to go to the house after work. I will not be there to monitor you. Some urgent business matters have arisen, and I do not know how long I shall be. Promise me you will not swim alone.”
“I promise. I learned my lesson. I do not want a repeat of last time.”
“What will you do in my absence?” She could hear the concern in his voice.
“Don’t worry, Rashid. I have plenty to do to keep me occupied. I’m getting so big that everything takes twice as long to accomplish and I’m getting behind.”
“I have offered to hire you some domestic help. I have even requested your return to our home so that we can be of assistance to you,” he reminded her.
“I know and I appreciate the offer. I wasn’t complaining. I was simply explaining that the hours I usually spend at your house can be put to use today in catching up on the things that have fallen behind, like laundry, household chores, etc.” But the first thing she was going to do was take a nap.
“If you still would like to take your swim, I can call when I get home and you can come over then,” he generously offered.
“That’s alright. I plan to rest today. I’m not getting enough sleep. A nap sounds really good. When I leave work, I’m going to turn off the phones and lay down. Then I’ll do my chores.”
In the background, Gail could hear the murmur of men’s voices. “I have to go. They are waiting for me. I will see you tomorrow, then. Take care and be sure to rest,” Rashid instructed.
“Yes, yes,” Gail agreed hurriedly. “Go! They’re waiting for you,” she reminded him and hung up the phone. Rashid, she’d recently discovered, was a worrywart.
Greg stopped by her cubicle shortly before scheduled to leave. “Headed for the pool?”
“Not today. Rashid has to stay in the office.” Greg was aware of the incident in the pool and was in perfect agreement with Rashid that she not swim alone.
“Does this mean you’re free tonight?” His expression was hopeful. Although their relationship was still going strong, they hadn’t seen as much of each other because of his busy schedule.
“I’ll be home but I really need to get some rest. It’s getting harder and harder to sleep comfortably at night. I’m going home to take a nap and then catch up on my chores.”
“If you’re having trouble sleeping, I know something we can do that’s guaranteed to relax you into a good night’s sleep.” As he spoke, he discreetly adjusted his pants, drawing her attention to his crotch.
Flirtatiously, Gail slowly licked her lips and winked. “I’m sure you do, and one day, I’ll take you up on that offer.” By tactic agreement, they’d decided to wait until after she delivered to become lovers. Gail didn’t feel right having sex with one man while carrying the babies of another. As for Greg, he’d stated that when they did finally make love, he wanted her focus to be totally on him, not on if what they were doing was hurting the children.
“Are we still on for tomorrow?”
“Yes, just don’t come by too early. I may want to sleep in,” she warned him.
“That’s fine.” He helped her stand and walked with her to the elevator. “Go home and get some rest. You look tired.”
“I will. The phones will be off, so don’t try to call.”
“I won’t. I’ll just see you in the morning. If you need anything, you
call me.”
“Will do,” Gail told him as the elevator doors opened.
“Go on. I’ll take the stairs.”
Gail allowed the doors to close and headed home.
Late that night, Gail put up her Christmas tree, finished cleaning and decorating her apartment for the holidays, and was now debating on whether or not to shower before heading back to bed. Her concern was that the water would cause her to lose the lovely drowsiness she was experiencing. She did not want another sleepless night. Deciding to skip the shower, she was heading for her bedroom when someone pounded on the door.
Must be one of the neighbors, she thought, as she headed to answer its urgent summons. A glance out the peephole showed a wild looking Rashid standing at the door. In her rush, she fumbled with the locks. Soon as she got it open, she had to jump to the side quickly to keep from being run over.
“Where is she? And why do you not answer your phones? I’ve been calling for hours,” he demanded.
“Where is who? And I told you the phones would be off while I slept. I must have forgotten to turn them back on.” She waddled slowly behind Rashid as he stalked further into the apartment.
“Where is my wife? I know you know where she is. She tells you everything.” He turned to face her, his hands on his hips and a forbidding expression on his face.
“Crystal? I haven’t actually seen or talked to her since Thanksgiving Day. Every time I call, she’s busy. She isn’t home from work yet?” If that was the case, no wonder Rashid was upset. It was almost midnight. As far as she knew, Crystal never worked this late.
At her words, Rashid burst out in a string of curses that caused Gail to flinch. For the first time, Gail realized Rashid wasn’t just upset, he was pissed. “Rashid! Rashid! Calm down and tell me what’s going on.” Although based on his reaction, Gail wasn’t really sure she wanted to know.
“She’s gone.”
“What do you mean, gone?” Gail asked sharply.
“Departed, left, vanished. Packed a bag, withdrew money from the bank, and left. No note. No word of where she was going or when she would be returning,” he said shortly as he paced back and forth. He reminded her of a caged tiger at the zoo.
At his words, Gail felt a little faint and sat down abruptly to keep from falling down. “She can’t be gone, Rashid. You must be mistaken. Crystal wouldn’t leave you. Where would she go? Are you sure she didn’t say anything? Maybe she had to go out of town unexpectedly and forgot to tell you,” Gail said a bit desperately. “Check with Carmelita. She would know.”
Rashid shook his head sharply. “She gave Carmelita the day off. Called her yesterday and told her not to come in.”
“Have you called her cell phone? There has to be a reasonable explanation for all of this. I can’t believe she would leave, not with the babies’ arrival so close.”
“I did that first. Her cell phone is off. She left it at the house, along with her house keys and credit cards.” He gave her a look that let her know he was not an imbecile. He’d already done all that she suggested.
Gail latched on desperately to what he said. “Well, there you have it. Something must be wrong. Crystal would never leave her credit cards, not willingly. Call the police. She must have been kidnapped or something.”
Rashid came, sat on the couch, and grabbed her hands. “I called the police when I discovered her car in the garage. It was my first thought too, that something happened. She is gone, Gail. Believe it. There is no sign of foul play. No reason for the police to believe this was anything other than voluntary on her part.”
Gail snatched her hands from Rashid and pushed at him. “Well don’t just sit there,” she commanded. “Go find her and bring her back. This is your wife we’re talking about. Whatever problems you two are having, get over them already! The twins will be here in a few weeks.”
The more upset Gail became, the calmer and more resolved Rashid seemed to be in contrast. “Calm yourself. You are too close to your time to be getting this upset. I have called the security company we deal with to make some discreet inquires. Other than you and her coworkers, she had no friends of which I’m aware.”
“What about work? Crystal loves her job. She wouldn’t just up and leave it.” This whole thing didn’t make sense. Crystal could be flighty at times, but this was off the charts.
Rashid stood up and paced again. “She has told her assistants that the babies were born and she would not be returning to work. Her projects are all completed so her presence would not have been missed.”
“I don’t understand. Why would she do something like this? Why leave now, when the babies are so close? Oh God, the twins. What are you going to do?” Gail was starting to get angry. If she could get to Crystal right now, she’d shake her until she couldn’t see straight. How dare she do something selfish like this?
Rashid came and knelt at her feet, placing his hands against her stomach as though he needed to feel close to his children right then. “I don’t know what was on her mind. I do know that she was unhappy, and nothing I did seemed to please her.”
“Maybe she just left to get her head together,” Gail suggested softly, placing her hands on top of his. “Maybe she just needed some time alone to think and she’ll be back.”
“Perhaps, but in the meantime, I will not allow my children to suffer for her foolishness. I need you, Gail.” He looked her straight in the eye. “Our children need you. If Crystal has not returned by the time they are born, I need you to help me care for them.”
Gail felt the shock of his statement right down to her toes. She leaned back in her seat in an instinctive effort to distance herself from his request. “Rashid, you don’t know what you’re asking of me.” Her voice was shaky.
“I do know. I have given it careful consideration. I know it will be difficult but my children need someone to care for them. I want that someone to be you.”
“Then hire a nanny. I am not their caretaker. I’m the Godmother, remember?” Gail was shaking her head back and forth. She couldn’t do what he was asking of her. She just couldn’t.
“And does not the Godmother step in to help with the raising of the child if one or both parents are unable to do so? Is this not one of their duties?” He grabbed her hands when she tried to push him away so that she could stand.
“This is different and you know it. You can’t ask me to care for them, to risk becoming emotionally attached to them then step aside when Crystal returns.” She struggled fruitlessly to free her hands.
“Be still before you hurt yourself,” he commanded sharply. “It is doubtful that Crystal will return. If she does, we will deal with that when the issue arises.”
Gail quit struggling and sat there breathing heavy, tired from her struggles. “What happened to the nanny you were going to hire?”
“A nanny cannot provide the love and attention these babies need, the love that you, their birth mother, can give to them. Of course, I will hire someone to help with the children, but what they need is you. One mother has already abandoned them. Will you do the same? Think on it, please. Perhaps it will be as you say. Crystal will return and all will be well. There is still time before the babies’ arrival for decisions to be made.” He got to his feet, forestalling any argument she would make. “I must go. You have much to think about and it is very late. You need your rest.”
Gail pushed off the couch and struggled onto her feet, trailing behind him to the door. “Seriously, Rashid, find Crystal and bring her home. She’s probably feeling overwhelmed with the coming of the children. Maybe this is just a desperate bid for your attention and she needs for you to prove how important she is to you by coming after her.”
Rashid looked as though he disagreed but held his peace. Her heart ached for him as he left even as she cursed Crystal and called her all kinds of a fool. What was she thinking, jeopardizing her marriage like this? Rashid was a good man, a wonderful husband, and an excellent provider. Crystal may have just messed up the best thing
she had going for her in her life.
* * * *
The next afternoon, when Greg came over, Gail was just getting up. He kissed her as he came through the door. “You look tired. Rough night?”
“You could call it that. Rashid came over late last night looking for Crystal. She’s gone. Packed a bag and left. I still can’t believe it. My mind’s been racing all night, trying to figure out where she could be and what’s going on in her mind.”
“Rashid must be livid. Has he spoken to her?”
“He has no way to contact her. She didn’t take her cell phone with her. Neither did she take her car. Foolish woman even left her credit cards behind. No one knows where she is. She didn’t even leave a note explaining why she was leaving.” She trailed Greg into the living room.
“She probably called a cab. If she left her cell phone, credit cards, and car, it sounds like she doesn’t want to be found. Is Rashid hiring someone to track her?”
Gail sighed heavily and lowered herself onto the couch. “I really don’t know. I advised him to but will he do it? You should have seen him last night. He was so angry, but it was a cold, deep anger. Truthfully, right now, I don’t know if he wants to see her again. I can’t say I blame him. At first, he thought something had happened to her. It wasn’t until he contacted the police that he realized she’d left him. I’m still having a hard time believing that she did something like this, especially now, with the babies’ arrival so close.”
Greg sat down beside her on the couch. “That’s probably why she left.”
Gail looked at him blankly, and then shook her head. “Maybe the lack of sleep is affecting my ability to comprehend, but that statement made no sense to me.”