A Token To Change

Bella had barely slept that night. When she woke the next morning, her phone was already buzzing with a message from Lydia.

                 Hey, I talked to my friend.     

                   She’s willing to meet you 

                     today if you’re free. 

                  No pressure, just to chat.

Bella stared at the message, her stomach knotting with nerves. It was happening. She had asked for this, hadn’t she? But now that it was real, she wasn’t sure she was ready.

She knew she needed the money, knew that this could solve all of her financial problems in one go, but the idea of carrying someone else’s baby still felt so foreign. 

It wasn’t like she had ever dreamed of being a mother. In fact, she had never thought that far ahead. Her life had been consumed by survival—day-to-day struggles, 

But maybe this could change that. Maybe surrogacy could be her way out.

 Okay. I’ll meet her.

__

The café Lydia had chosen for the meeting was quiet, tucked away in a corner of the city Bella didn’t visit often. 

It was the kind of place that catered to a wealthier crowd, with soft lighting and comfortable booths.

Bella felt out of place as soon as she walked in, her worn jeans and secondhand jacket a stark contrast to the expensive suits and designer handbags that filled the room.

 She swallowed her discomfort and scanned the room until she spotted Lydia sitting at a table near the back.

Next to her was a woman Bella didn’t recognize but immediately pegged as the friend Lydia had mentioned. 

She looked polished—like she belonged in this kind of place—her blonde hair styled into perfect waves and her clothes subtly expensive. But there was something about her demeanor that seemed approachable, even kind.

“Bella!” Lydia waved her over with a smile. “Glad you made it.”

Bella forced a smile and slid into the seat across from them. Her heart was racing, her palms sweaty, but she tried to act casual. 

She had faced worse than this—she could handle a conversation.

“Bella, this is Maria,” Lydia introduced, gesturing to the woman beside her. “Maria, this is my friend I told you about.”

Maria smiled warmly. “Nice to meet you, Bella. I hear you’re thinking about surrogacy?”

Bella nodded, feeling her throat tighten. “I… I’m considering it, yeah.”

Maria leaned forward, her expression understanding. “I get it. It’s a big decision. I’m not here to pressure you into anything, I just want to share my experience, answer any questions you might have. Surrogacy isn’t for everyone, but it changed my life. And if you’re at a crossroads, like I was, it might be the opportunity you need.”

Bella glanced at Lydia, who gave her an encouraging nod, then back at Maria. “So, you’ve done this before?”

“Twice,” Maria said, her smile widening. “The first time was five years ago, for a couple from out of state. They were lovely people, just couldn’t have kids on their own. It was… an emotional experience, but the financial benefits were life-changing.”

Bella’s hands fidgeted in her lap, her mind racing with questions. “Did you… I mean, was it hard? Carrying the baby and then giving it up?”

Maria’s expression softened. “It was hard, yes. I won’t lie to you, it’s an emotional process. But for me, it was also incredibly rewarding. You build a connection with the parents, and you know going into it that this baby is theirs, not yours. It’s about helping them start their family, and knowing that you’ve changed their lives.”

Bella nodded slowly, absorbing Maria’s words. It sounded… less daunting than she had imagined, but there was still a nagging doubt in the back of her mind.

“And the money?” Bella asked, feeling awkward for bringing it up, but she needed to know.

Maria didn’t seem offended. “The money is substantial. Especially if you work with the right agencies. I won’t throw numbers at you, but let’s just say that after my second surrogacy, I was able to buy a house and start my own business. You’re compensated not just for carrying the baby, but for the entire process—medical care, expenses, everything.”

Bella’s stomach twisted. The promise of financial freedom sounded like a dream, but could she really go through with it?

Maria seemed to sense her hesitation. “It’s not an easy decision, Bella. But if you’re serious, I can put you in touch with the agency I worked with. They’re reputable, they’ll walk you through every step, and you’re under no obligation to commit until you’re absolutely sure.”

Bella glanced down at her hands, her mind swirling with thoughts. It all sounded so… simple. But she knew it wasn’t. Carrying a child wasn’t like taking on a second job. It was a commitment. And once she started, there would be no going back.

“I uh- I want to think about it more” she said, her voice quieter than she intended.

Maria nodded, her smile gentle. “Of course. Take all the time you need. This is your decision, and no one can make it for you. But if you do decide to move forward, know that there’s a lot of support available. You wouldn’t be doing this alone.”

Bella exhaled, feeling some of the tension leave her shoulders. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

Maria stood, reaching into her purse and pulling out a business card. “Here’s the agency’s contact information. If you decide to reach out, just mention my name, and they’ll take care of the rest.”

Bella took the card, her fingers brushing the smooth, professional lettering. It felt heavy in her hand.

“Thank you,” she said again, pocketing the card.

Maria smiled one last time before leaving the table.

“You okay?” Lydia asked.

Bella nodded, though she wasn’t sure if it was true. “I don’t know. This is just… a lot.”

Lydia reached across the table, squeezing Bella’s hand. “No one’s rushing you, Bella. Just take your time. But… you know, this could be it. This could be the thing that gets you out of that hole you’ve been in.”

Bella squeezed Lydia’s hand back, grateful for her support, but the knot in her chest didn’t loosen. 

She knew Lydia was right. This could be her chance to finally get out, to break free from the cycle of poverty she had been stuck in all her life. But it didn’t make the decision any easier.

As they left the café and parted ways, Bella found herself walking back toward her apartment in a daze.

She pulled the business card out of her pocket, staring down at the agency’s name and contact information. 

It felt like her future was written on that small piece of paper, the key to everything she had ever wanted—freedom, stability, a way out.

But it also felt like a door she wasn’t sure she wanted to open.

As she walked up the steps to her apartment, Bella’s mind was still spinning. 

Could she really go through with this? Could she give up her body, her time, her life for nine months to carry someone else’s child?

She didn’t have an answer. Not yet. But she knew one thing for sure: the longer she stared at the card, the more she's sure she is going to make the call….