Sandile and Khanyiswa pulled up to the surrogacy agency. Sandile felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This was itâone step closer to having a baby. Khanyiswa, on the other hand, looked bored. She barely glanced at the building as they walked in.
Inside, the agency staff went over the details, explaining the process, the paperwork, and what would happen next. Sandile paid close attention, but Khanyiswa seemed checked out, scrolling through her phone most of the time. She only looked up to sign where she had to, her face showing nothing but indifference.
"Are you really okay with this?" Sandile asked as they walked out.
Khanyiswa shrugged, giving him a half-hearted smile. "I told you, I'm not going to ruin my body for a baby. This is the best way. Besides, you're the one who wants kids, not me."
Sandile's heart sank a little. This wasn't how he imagined starting a family. He glanced at Khanyiswa, hoping for some sign of excitement, but all he got was a quick, "Can we grab something to eat?"
Later that day, across the city, Mmabatho sat in the doctor's office, waiting for her test results. She was nervous, tapping her foot while scrolling through her phone. Finally, the doctor came in with a smile. "You're in great health, and you're fertile. Everything looks good."
Relief washed over her. It felt like a big step forward. But then came the surprise.
"We've already found a family for you," the doctor added. "You'll be meeting them next week."
That hit her hard. Things were moving faster than she expected. It was exciting, but it also made everything more real. She wasn't sure if she was ready for all of this, but the thought of finally making enough money to turn her life around pushed her forward.
Later that evening, Mmabatho got home and found her boyfriend, Kabelo, on the couch watching TV. Typical. She knew this conversation wasn't going to be easy, but she had to tell him.
"Kabelo, Ke tlhoka go bua le wena," she started, trying to keep her voice calm.(I need to talk to you)
He didn't even bother looking up from the screen. "Yeah, what's up?"
"I found a job. Well, it's not a regular job... but e duela sentle tota." She paused, then took a deep breath. "I'm going to be a surrogate. I'll be paid to carry a baby for a couple who can't have children."(it pays really well)
The words were barely out of her mouth when Kabello switched off the TV and shot her a furious look. Eng? You're going to carry some other man's baby? You must be out of your mind."(what?)
"Kabelo, it's not like that," Mmabatho tried to explain. "It's just a job. It's money we needâmoney that could change our lives."
But Kabello wasn't having it. He got up, pacing the room, his anger growing by the second. "I don't care about the money. You think I'm going to let my girlfriend embarrass me like this? Walking around pregnant with someone else's child? No way!"
Mmabatho's heart sank. She had expected some pushback, but not this level of anger. She had to make a choice, and it was becoming clear that Kabelo wasn't going to support her decision.