WORK IN PROGRESS The Parent Contract

The Set up

I stepped out of the shower to find my walking frame there and ready for me. Using it to get to the bedroom,  I found Amy ready and waiting with a business suit for me to wear.

"Edward called and said he's been tasked with drawing up the custody arrangement for the baby. He's suggested you have a separate representative, and he's set up an appointment at 11 today with someone he's recommended." She told me. If you're not reading this on Wattpad,  maybe switch over to save yourself some time and money.  Wattpad is a free to read site that is the original place where this story is published.  I drew in a deep breath and let it out. "So it begins."
"This how a fellowship begins." Amy smiled. I have a half hearted chuckle.
"I'm guessing last night didn't go well?" She added.

I sat on the side of the bed and sighed.
"He's so happy.  He's going to be a dad." I replied. "He announced it to the table where I was seated next to a doctor involved in chronic fatigue research."
Amy bent down and helped me dress. I continued talking.
"The Doctor didn't take it well,  even after Drake said it was surrogacy."
Amy continued her work with a frown.
"But it's not surrogacy." She said.
"No it's not," I agreed, "Surrogacy involves using the mother's egg, and no one has taken any eggs from me. It's cheating,  plain and simple. He took what should have been mine, and gave it to someone else, and now expects me to deal with the result."

We finished getting ready in silence.  The weight of the situation looming above us.
"Breakfast,  then meditate,  then lawyers,  then decide the next step." Amy announced.
"Thankyou, Amy." I smiled at my friend.
"I've got you,  Tori. You're more than a boss."
I closed my eyes in relief.
"No I'm also your study sponsor,  and you haven't claimed your funding."
I reminded her.
"You pay me enough." She shrugged, helping me to stand.
"No I don't. Let me pay your course fees as we agreed to, Amy. I need to ensure you'll be OK."
Amy looked at me as I grabbed the walker.
"Ok,  but let's use the wheelchair today again."
I nodded in relief.  The walk from the bathroom to the bed felt like a 20 k hike uphill.

Drake was sitting at the table when I rolled into the dining room.  His eyes lit up as he caught my eye. He stood up and moved a chair out of the way for me to roll up to the table by myself.
"How are you, my darling?" He asked kissing my forehead. I was too busy putting the brake on to stop him.  Besides he'd proven he had no respect for my bodily autonomy by arranging a baby for us.
"Better," I smiled as he took his seat next to me. One of the maids brought out a plate of eggs Benedict for me.
"Thankyou Risa, and tell Cookie Thankyou as well." I told her as she slid it in front of me. She smiled gracefully and disappeared.
Drake shook his head.
"It amazes me how you do that." He said.
"Do what?" I asked,  placing my napkin on my lap.
"Know the staff's names."

I looked at him from under my lashes.
"Drake,  she's been here a year. How could I not know her name? And Cookie has been with us since we moved in. I gave her permission to bring her grandchildren in on school holidays. "
"Yes,  but Mom never knew the staffs names, let alone their grandchildren." He chuckled,  reaching over to brush my cheek. "I'm just reminded of how amazing you are."
I took a deep breath and let it out.
"Well we've proven time and time again,  I do things differently to your mother." I replied cutting into my eggs.  The yolk poured out over the bacon and sourdough bread. Cookie made this bread daily for me since she read about supposed health benefits. It can't hurt Madame, she told me when I thanked her personally.  She was a blessing.

"Yes,  well I'd better be off.  Edward is wanting to meet with me today to hash out this custody agreement for our baby.  I don't think it will be a problem though." He stood up and paused, "I'll ask to include the proof of parentage just for you." He patted me on the shoulder and left. 

A proof of Parentage clause, just for me,  how nice of him.  Arsehole. I stopped eating and collected my thoughts, then continued enjoying my breakfast.  Risa looked in,  and then scurried in to push Drake's plate aside and sit beside me. Amy followed her in, and Cookie came up behind with a huge jug of orange juice. She placed it on the table and came over to give me a hug.
"I heard the commotion yesterday," she said, "We've got your back."
Risa nodded.
"I started recording just in case. If you ever need it."
"Thankyou everyone. Amy and I are going to see a lawyer and see where I stand going forward. We'll get through this."
"Of course we will. Team Toni" Risa blurted out. "Booyah."
I laughed. The simple surge of love and acceptance energised me.

At 10:50 Amy and I were in the waiting room to see Ms Jacinta Clarke, the lawyer recommended by Edward.  A young Asian woman came out and asked for me.  I wheeled forward, and to her credit, she barely blinked. She just stood her ground,  leaned forward and offered her hand.
"Antonia? I'm Jacinta, pleased to meet you.  Please come this way." She led the way to an office and held the door open for me,  then smoothly stepped aside to pull a chair away from the desk.
"So,  I'm told you need legal representation. What's the story?"
I glanced at Amy.
"Where do we start?"
Jacinta waited patiently. Well time did equal money for her.
"I guess we start with how much do you know." I said. "Edward arranged up this meeting,  what did he tell you it was for?"
She smiled.
"A very complicated custody arrangement." She replied.
"No,  that one is between my husband and the woman who is carrying his baby.  I'm interested in a divorce." She  raised an eyebrow at my words and her smile grew slightly.
"Is there a prenuptial agreement involved?"
"Yes,  but infidelity voids it."
Jacinta brought her hands up in the classic evil pose.
"Infidelity?"
"His PA is pregnant with his child,  the custody arrangement is to negotiate how she is going to live with us,  and how much influence she has in raising the child.  He has the delusion that I would be alright with this arrangement."
"And why do you think he had this delusion?"
I shook my head
"I have no idea, maybe because his mother wants a grandchild,  but I don't want a baby.  I have a career that I'd like to get back to and goals I'd like to achieve before I have a child. This situation was not discussed with me beforehand. Apparently it was decided over drinks with his mother and the PA."
Jacinta looked at me over the top of her hands, then her lips curled up further.
"Really,  I think I'm liking this case. Can I get a copy of this pre nuptial agreement?"
"Edward has copies. I can get a list of current assets from our accountant."

She looked at me shrewdly.
"How much are you after?"
"At minimum, enough to maintain my current level of support, at the most? Whatever you think is reasonable considering emotional damages. I do have frail health Street all and this can set back my recovery significantly."
I stared her down as she rested her face on her hands as if she was hiding a smile.
"So take him for as much as I can?" She asked.
"Please do," I sneered.

Jacinta lent back on her chair.
"Your maiden name is Lees, isn't it?"
I nodded.
"Well, Ms. Lees. Looks like we have a deal. I think I will have fun."
I smiled at her.
"Thankyou,  I'll get you the documents you need by the end of today."