Chapter 4 FOUR

"H-Huh? Surrogate?" I asked in disbelief, pointing at myself. "M-Me?"

She nodded slowly and motioned for me to come closer. Though confused, I still obeyed and stepped toward her.

"It's a secret, okay? The truth is, I went to that bar because I know Mamita. I was going to ask her help in finding a surrogate-"

"But didn't you say you already have an agency?" I cut her off. "Why not just look for one there? What if the person you get has HIV or something? You'll just put yourself in danger."

She quickly gestured for me to lower my voice. We were still in a coffee shop, and anyone might overhear our conversation. I nodded in understanding.

"In our agency, the supposed parents have to be the ones to go there themselves," she explained. "But in my cousin's case, they can't leave the country. The family mustn't know. Her husband doesn't want to tell anyone that she can't get pregnant, so..."

"If they can't go abroad, then just bring the surrogate here," I interrupted again.

She shook her head and sighed heavily. "That's not allowed in our agency. So I had no choice but to come home to the Philippines and look for someone who can be their surrogate mother."

I fell silent. Not because I was considering it, but because I couldn't believe such a thing existed. The world was truly unfair, wasn't it?

Teenagers who have unprotected sex get pregnant so easily, while married couples who are ready and longing for a child can't conceive at all. Those who don't want children end up having them, and those who dream of having one... never do.

I let out a long sigh and shook my head. The world was never equal for everyone.

"Lyana?"

I blinked and returned to reality when Dr. Vallero called my name. I looked up at her, confused, and she sighed once more.

"Please, say yes," she pleaded. "I know you're still confused right now, but I'll explain everything carefully if you'll just agree-"

"W-Wait." I raised my hand to stop her from talking. "W-Why me? There are so many other women out there. Why me? And didn't you hear? My child-my child died-"

"But that wasn't your fault," she interrupted firmly, and I fell silent. "You had a healthy pregnancy, didn't you? You even said it only took one time, and you got pregnant right away. You didn't miscarry even though you were working back then. You gave birth smoothly. Everything... you would be a perfect surrogate, Lyana."

I blinked several times, unsure how to respond. Finally, I shook my head and sighed. "I'm sorry, but I'm not into that kind of thing. And pregnancy isn't easy, you know," I refused softly.

"Lyana, my cousin is rich-really rich. You'll only carry the baby for nine months, and that's it. You'll have no responsibility for the child afterward, and you'll get paid. My cousin can pay you millions just so they can have a baby. Come on, Lyana. Please say yes."

I bit my lower lip, silent. I didn't know what to say. Yes, I needed money... but not that way.

What if I couldn't let the baby go? What if I grew attached? I already knew how hard pregnancy was-that alone made me hesitate.

"You should ask someone else, Dr. Vallero. I'm sure plenty of women would accept your offer, especially since you said your cousin would pay a huge amount. But if you're asking me... I'm sorry, but no," I said, lowering my gaze.

She sighed deeply, making the air between us heavy.

"Lyana, this isn't charity. It's a job-a legal one. After nine months, you'll be free again. You can go back to college, find a better job afterward. This is a good opportunity for you."

Even with that tempting offer, I still shook my head. No amount of money could ever replace motherhood. I didn't even know if surrogates could still be called mothers.

"I'm really sorry. Please offer it to someone else," I said, standing up. "Thank you for the coffee and the offer, but I can't accept it."

"Lyana..."

I let out a deep sigh and gave her a small smile. "I hope your cousin finds a surrogate soon so she and her husband can have a baby. I'll include you in my prayers. Thank you-and I'm sorry again. I really want to repay the help you gave me when I gave birth before, but... not this way. I'm sorry. I'll go ahead."

I was about to leave when she stopped me, holding my wrist before standing up. She reached into her bag and placed something in my hand. My brows furrowed when I saw what it was.

"That's my calling card," she said. "If you ever change your mind about the offer, just call me. I'll wait for your call, okay?"

"H-Huh? But I already told you I'm not interested-"

"Just in case you change your mind," she interrupted, patting my shoulder lightly. "It would be a waste if you did and couldn't contact me, right? Lyana, I trust you. If I'm going to find a surrogate, I'd rather it be someone I know-and someone I trust."

"But still..."

"I'm not forcing you," she said gently. "I'll respect your choice. But if ever... just call me, okay?" She gave me a faint smile.

In the end, I could only nod and say goodbye. I was about to return the jacket she lent me earlier to cover myself, but she refused, saying I might get harassed on the way home. So I thanked her again and left the coffee shop.

My steps felt heavy as I walked away, my mind replaying everything she said. I still didn't fully understand what she meant by "surrogate"-maybe that was one reason I said no. I didn't even know how a baby was made in a surrogate's womb.

Maybe it's normal abroad, but here, it just isn't. Maybe I just didn't know much because I never finished school. Still, the idea felt too complicated for me.

I hailed a jeep and climbed in; my feet were aching badly. I sighed. Ten pesos gone-but I couldn't walk any farther. I just wanted to rest. Too much had happened today, and all I wanted was my bed, even if it was hard and hurt my back. Besides, I still had to pick up Thirdy from Auntie's place.

I hadn't even settled into my seat when my phone started ringing. I took out my old keypad cellphone and frowned when I saw the caller ID. It was Auntie.

That was strange-usually, I was the one who called her to check on Thirdy. Why was she calling me now? Still confused, I answered the call. "Auntie? Why?" I asked right away.

"L-Lyana, it's Thirdy... s-something happened to Thirdy..."

My heart skipped a beat. A wave of fear rushed through me. I swallowed hard. "W-What happened to Thirdy, Auntie? What's going on?"

"Th-Thirdy... he was hit by a car..."

The world stopped. It was as if someone had doused me with ice-cold water.

"W-What?!"