Chapter Six

ALEXANDER’S POV

My phone rings continuously.

Who the hell would call me by this time? I doubt if it is work calls because I made it an announcement: "No calls at 10 pm."

I stretch my hands to the bedside drawer, the thick grey duvet falls off, exposing my hairy chest and briefs as I shuffle my fingers in search of my phone.

"Oh, Stephan." I grunt. Maybe he's around. I dial his number, hoping he does not take his call.

"Man, this is past 10 pm." I say as soon as I hear his voice over the phone.

"Yeah, I know. I'm at your place."

"Are you mad at your bed? Do you ever sleep?" 

"I do. Not just as early as you do." He chuckles.

"Oh, heavens!"

"I'm downstairs. Either you meet me here or I come in there."

I throw the phone alongside my body, yawning. I am extremely tired. Not because of today’s endless supervision. I am exhausted because of the situation I find myself in.

I drift off to sleep only to hear series of banging on my door, each bang getting louder. Enraged, I get up from the bed, heave a sigh as if to call down the spirits of peace.

I twist the lock and open the door slowly.

"Alex, I've been knocking."

"Knocking or banging?"

"They sound alike, yeah?" He teases, slapping my shoulder in a friendly manner.

I sigh in frustration and usher him in. We sit in the fairly large cozy parlor—a part of my bedroom.

"I thought to check up on you, man."

"Thanks," I acknowledge, "You look like you would be bursting into a club." I take to note his outfit.

His vintage shirt and pants, trimmed hair and shiny gold wristwatch.

"If that's where you want to be, let's head there," He smiles.

"Nah," I object.

Stephan is the closest to a brother. We've been through a lot together and the universe knows it. Our friendship has passed through the tunnels of disagreements, fun, business, and a lot words could not place together.

"Why? A lot of ladies would be waiting for a dashing fella as you!"

"I'm not in my fun elements." I stretch my bare-footed legs.

"Man, are you for real?"

I keep mute. My eyes are glued to the aquarium.

He brushes my arm, "What's happening?"

"Stephan, you would find it hard to believe."

"Come on. Nothing is new. Talk to me, man."

"My grandparents took the 'Alex, settle down' to another level."

He tilts his head, "Found you a wife?”

"That would have been much easier to slip through." My fingers swimming over my head.

I tell him every single detail of Grandparents' resolve; from Sophia, the sperm thief to the unknown surrogate.

"My legacy can be passed on without unnecessary measures as this. It is too risky. It is not what I want for myself."

"This really, is a lot. I understand how difficult this is for you," He pats my back, "but take a look at it from their viewpoint."

"Their viewpoint is archaic, you know. I am not ready for fatherhood. Worse, I do not know the woman."

"I would be real with you. You need to settle down, have children, live happy…"

"Who says I am not happy?" I retort.

"Hey, hey. I never said that. I can understand your love life being a mess and your unavailability to any romantic relationship. I also support their decision in making you a father."

I hit the table and grab some water from the dispenser, "You support my Grandparents' ancient thoughts? I thought you know me better."

"Chill."

"Of course, I am chill." I gulp down a glass of water.

"You know what? Let's get some air."

After a quick wardrobe search, I throw on a silk sleeve and a pair of loose pants

"You look just like it."

In few minutes, we hit the road. The streets are perfectly lit with street lights and neon signs hanging over the marts lined up in rows besides the smooth lane.

"Where are we heading to?"

"Anywhere with air and comfort."

I inhale the fresh smell of the wind as Stephan speeds up against the rushing current. The car steadies to a slow stop as we approach a small pub.

"What's this place? I never knew it existed." The car comes to a halt in front of the pub.

"You'd love it here, Alex." Stephan assures me as we alight.

The entrance is quite tiny. We go in through the small glass door. The neon sign above exudes green, blue and red lights at intervals. It reads: "Sweet Pub".

I wonder how much sweet memories I've made in chains of clubs and I haven't seen this one.

"Quite nice." I spread my lips in a U-shape.

He shuts the door behind him, "Built in an ancient way. And that is my reason for being here."

"Makes me feel like a cowboy." I grimace.

Stephan let out a little contagious laughter, I can't help but chuckle.

The lights are quite dim, our shoes make creaking sounds against the floorboard. The pub exudes an aura of solitude with few people spread across the glass tables, clinking of mugs and the murmur of hushed conversations as we walk to an unoccupied table.

A waitress, her apron stained with the countless spills of beer move towards our table with a bent smile. 

"What'll it be, gents?" she inquired, her voice as warm as the air.

"A bottle of your finest wine, if you please," Stephan requests, his tone carrying a hint of melancholy.

The waitress nods and retreats, returning moments later with a dusty bottle and two chipped glasses. She deftly uncorks the bottle, filling each glass with a deep, crimson liquid that sparkled like captured starlight.

As the waitress leaves, my fingers trace the rim of the glass, my eyes set on the rich red liquid.

I feel Stephan's gaze.

"If you have something to say, say it." 

"Alexander," he begin, his voice low and steady, "give this surrogacy a chance. Accept your good fate."

I lower my glass. "Man," I reply, "I never wanted this."

"You do not know the surrogate. All that is your concern is the outcome of it," He waves his hand, "Your grandparents are wise fellas. It makes it easier for you."

"If I should take such step, I need to know her,"

I tap my fingers on the table, making agitating sounds.

"You don't have to love anyone just yet, you need heirs."

"Hmm…" I nod my head.

"I'm here as the friend I have always been, as the brother I would forever be," He sips from his glass, "Make this work. You'll be grateful soon."

I stare at him, mute, thinking about his words.

Hitting my fist on the table, "I must meet with her, if I accept this." 

"Like your grandparents arranged, you really don't need to." He pats my shoulder.

I keep shut, knowing that no one disputes my will even if I had just bent over to satisfy my grandparents ' desire. I must get to know her.