Already going wrong...Birth of a nation...

     Bailey lay shaking, wondering why this one act of life had not changed. Women still gave birth in the way of old. They tried many advanced methods, but something always went wrong with the child. They were out there, those children of botched experiments in childbirth. The side effects were too extreme. In the end, they could no longer afford it. The experiments had stopped, leaving women to accept the old way of giving birth as the only way.

     Dexter, her husband, sat next to her, looking down at the twins. This was a problem. One was a girl. The look on his face worked her from within. They had known it. That she was a girl. That in truth was not the issue, it was the timing. It was the pledge. Her husband’s eyes met hers. Back when they found out, she had let him convince her, to follow his lead. She gave her word. She thought she could do it. However, carrying them in her body, going through things she had not felt or could foresee, she was in a battle. She had given her word. Now that she held her, her precious daughter, oh so beautiful - Bailey had to go through with it. Tears pricked her eyes thinking about what was to come next. He kept repeating, this was best. She swore she would do it his way. But now that she held her in her arms, how could she?  

“Nooo,” She moaned, already feeling the pains of what she must do.

The “couple” walked in. They were eager, excited. An older couple. Dexter reached forward, gently taking hold of their daughter. 

“Pleeease,” Bailey whimpered.

He made no reply. He didn’t want to ignore her plea, but it had to be done. He would comfort her later. Taking a longing regretful look at his daughter, he kissed her brow and passed her to her new parents. 

“We will love her as if our own.” The new father stated. 

“Yes, we love her already – anticipating this day.” The new mother added.

Bailey lay softly sobbing, holding her son close to her breasts. Dexter drew in a deep breath, nodding, “She will lack for nothing. The two of you will lack for nothing. We will make sure to meet all your needs generously. Dexter promised them. He meant every word, his eyes going to his newborn infant daughter once again.

     The couple nodded. They already knew that. Their attention was on the baby they held. Finally, after all they’d done to have one of their own, which failed. They held this gorgeous beauty. James and Myra Dorne turned and left.

Dexter watched the door close. His heart hammering in his chest. He trusted them. Turning he faced his wife lying in bed. Face blotchy red from crying. 

“It’s for the best. We can’t, give them the upper hand.”

Bailey’s eyes flashed fiery, “And nothing’s changed! We’re still the same.” She accused hotly. “We lost!” She spoke the words he would not accept.

“We will never lose!” He retorted hotly.

“We already have!” She snapped back, “I let you take my daughter from me! We – have – lost! We have learned nothing.” She repeated. "God help us all."

     Dexter said nothing more. He acknowledged that what had been done was done. It was nowhere near the way it had been long ago. At least he was willing to allow them to mix to keep the peace. His conscience was clear; this was best. He turned and left their birthing room.

Back to Episode One - To be continued in Episode three