Chapter Five

ALEXANDER’S POV

The magnificently carved doors swing open at the gentle push on its handle. The lightning from the room makes the gloom in my eyes fade off.

Gold. The new theme for the dining room. It looks like royalty, seeing the heavy gold curtains slightly spread apart, revealing the darkening sky and misty floating clouds; the chandelier hanging beautifully atop, the scented candles on every candle stand and the chairs emitting sparkles at the reflection of the light.

The huge table in the middle of the room seems smaller with all kinds of dishes and desserts laid on it. It has always been this way for as long as I can remember except for the change of colors every forth-night: purple, gold, silver, green, white and rarely, black. They seem like a pattern of circle, going round and changing with the use of servants and helps.

The sound of busy cutleries, delightful conversations and laughters fill my ears. I feel no bubble as I use to because nothing has been exciting for me this few days.

I try not to meet the gaze of my grandparents and my sisters as I walk boldly into the exquisitely furnished dining room,to my usual seat, opposite Grandfather's.

"Good evening, everyone." I nod my head to all before taking my seat.

"How are you, son?" Grandfather raises his head.

"Very well."

I return the smiles coming from Grandmother and my sisters with a curt grin. I have lost the appetite to see their faces after the meeting with my grandparents.

One of the kitchen help steps forward to serve my meal.

"What would you like, sir?" She inquires, her white shiny apron against her flowery dress.

I stare at her absentmindedly,

"Four drumsticks and sausages, first." I eat much until lately.

"That is quite a portion." Grandmother clears her throat, "Eat healthy, honey."

I nod my head, not giving any further instruction to the kitchen help.

Her look screams a polite 'Do I add more?'

"That's all." She places the plate before me, filling the glass with water.

Annabel breaks the short silence,

"Gran, I would like to take your car tomorrow."

"What is happening tomorrow?" Grandmother asks.

"A friend's anniversary. The SUV would suit my outfit." She winks.

"Why would you want to take Grandfather’s car? For show off?" Georgia narrows her eyes.

"Really? You're such a nosy ass!"

"You should consider taking Grandmother's sapphire ring too." She gives a sarcastic throw.

Annabel hiss in disgust.

"I would give you on one condition." Grandfather speaks after swallowing.

She is tearfully excited, waiting for the next words.

"You would not bash it. Not a blotch. Not a scratch."

"She can never!" Georgia exclaims.

"Oh! Shut your mouth," She turns to Grandfather, "I promise."

"Good." He says in between mouthful.

I eat at a slow pace, thinking about the children that will be at the table with us in less than a year. How cute yet, sickening.

A bunch of thoughts run through my head and I barely notice when my sisters exit the dining room.

"Alexander," Grandfather clinked his glass with a fork. I turn to him slowly, "You seem lost in thoughts."

"I'm alright." I pick at the end of the sausage.

"Talk to us, if there is anything at all." He clears his throat.

"Hmm…" I smile, chewing on the sausage.

"Honey, I have news for you." Grandmother voice lowers, "Good news, regardless."

"Okay?" I look at her.

She signals the stationed helps, "You may leave."

They bow and walk out, their feet hardly making a sound against the floor.

After the sound of the shut doors, she proceeds:

"I'm sure you must have been worried about the surrogacy. There is no need to be. The surrogate is doing just fine. The fetus is growing well. She has undergone her check-up for the week."

Grandfather added happily, "There is progress."

"And the nurses are doing a great job." Her lips widen with a smile.

She continues, "The first installment has been paid. I made sure she is comfortable. She was taken to the mall to get everything she needed for herself and her family. This is the inception and I'm happy about it already."

I can not help but let out a chuckle and a sigh until I laugh out loud like a maniac.

"What's the matter?" Grandmother's countenance switches.

More chuckles, more sighs. Both of them stare at me in surprise. I can not hide my bemusement.

"Whatever this is, must be a joke, right?" I ask, waving my fork in the air.

"I am beginning to understand that the surrogacy is for your own interest and not mine! You pull the stunt, you pay for it, you do what you do. I do not even know the female who has my sperm in her."

"Be calm at once!" Grandmother's brows crease, "This decision is for your good. And we are incognito in this case and so she is. You don't have to know her, she doesn't have to know us. I am handling it just fine."

"If you are in my position, you would know how bad this is." I dab the edge of my mouth and dump the napkin on the table.

I shake my head wondering if this will come to an end.

"Have a nice evening." I gently stand up, shifting the chair backwards to make a screeching sound.

Grandmother gave a tired sigh, “Alexander. Do not leave.”

“And that is an order, young man.” Grandfather adds, his eyes peering into mine.

I stop in my tracks and stare at the both of them in unbelief.

“It was enough that you went on without my consent to get my sperm and to get me a surrogate. Making me a father against my own will. I am not in the space to jubilate with you for anything. It is your wish not mine so, enjoy the process. Except, perhaps, you would want to show me this woman.” I swallow hard and walk out of the dining hall, half hoping the anger I feel doesn’t follow me to my room.