Her Beta's Heart

Alisa's stomach growled and her hands gripped her stomach, her mouth turned up at the corners.She had been at college all day, and was now walking home alone so she would get ready for her evening shift at the grocery store she worked.It was already evening, and the setting sun was pouring its orange glow on everything, the autumn leaves falling from maple trees on either side of the lonely path Alisa trod on. The path cut through the woods and was the only place that lacked green in Palm Springs City, carrying more brown in it than anywhere else.Her mind was on a secret apple tree she had found years back, and she wondered if she would find apples to eat there, and maybe even pick some for her younger brother, John and her friend, Stacy, the two most important people in her life since her parents death in a tragic accident some years before.She cut from the path and went deeper into the woods, a compass in her head guiding her towards the apple tree, the woods getting thicker and

The bright sun shone that Friday morning as the private jet’s wheels touched down slowly on the runway and then came to a stop. Almost immediately, a black Lamborghini Sian Roadster pulled up next to it and waited. The door of the jet opened, and a young man came out of it, an impassive look on his face and his eyes shielded from the glare of the hot sun by a pair of sunglasses. His jet black hair shone in the sunlight, shiny strands of it falling across his face and confidence radiating from every part of him. He had a plain white dress shirt on with the sleeves rolled up lazily, exposing his gold Rolex watch. The first three buttons were undone, leaving his ripped chest exposed to beat the heat. His shirt was tucked in his black pants, which hung from his trim waist and matched the Italian shoes that covered his feet. The long fingers of his right hand held up a phone to his ear, while his left hand stayed hidden away in his pocket. A man in his fifties whom the young man easily

When Stacy had suggested the idea of being a surrogate, or a baby’s mother to Alisa, she had expected Alisa to reject it.And that had almost happened. But Alisa seemed to think it was her only hope. Carry a baby and make a family, or an individual happy while making enough money to save her brother through it— At least thinking of it that way made it feel honourable and good enough for Alisa to want to do.They got a form from Doctor Felix King, and Alisa applied. Part of her was pessimistic about it because for all she knew there were several other women with more desirable qualities going for the same thing. It was a legal thing in Palm Springs City, and it got women rich overnight, but elder members of the society frowned upon it and respectable people refused to partake in it, deeming it a thing for harlots.Alisa did it anyway. Her brother’s life was her stake.She had tried her best to remain calm during the period she spent waiting for a reply, in case she was chosen, and when

Elliott Hansen. The same Elliott that had spoken to her at the parking lot in the afternoon. The one that was in love with her. He had pulled her to him and held her tightly to himself, and it made her feel very uncomfortable. “What the hell—” Alisa started. “I want to say the same too, but you should be thanking me for saving your life, Alisa.” “Saved me?” “You were about to drown.” “The girl is a fine swimmer, Elliott. You just wasted your time.” The duo turned in surprise and saw Jayden watching them, one of his slight smiles adorning his face, his arms folded across his chest, and the woman who had brought Alisa to the pool standing behind him. Alisa suddenly remembered that Elliott had her in his arms, which could seem compromising to anyone watching, and she pushed herself from him. Elliott let her go, but more because his attention was on Jayden. “She looked like she was going to drown.” He defended himself. “Well she isn’t drowning now, is she?” Jayden asked, lookin

“Hello?” “Oh, God. Alisa. Where the hell were you? I’ve been trying to call you since.” “I’m sorry, Stacy. I kind of—” Alisa stopped. “What?” “I’m on the verge of signing the contract.” “Oh my God, Alisa. You didn’t even tell me that you had gotten it.” “I’m sorry, but it all happened so fast. I was called and offered a ride from the college’s park and then—” Alisa stopped, thinking of what to say. “Then what?” Stacy asked. Alisa could detect excitement in her voice. “A lot happened, but I’m almost through. We have agreed on terms.” “How much will you get paid?” Stacy asked. It was as though she was getting more excited with each passing second. “I asked him for $500,000.” “You are joking, right?” Stacy asked, her excitement level going down by half. “There will be nothing left if we do John’s damn transplant.” “I will come to see you and we will talk about it, okay?” Alisa promised. “Get your ass to the hospital first. Johnny’s condition went a bit high yesterday, but he’