Enzo
After weeks of research, phone calls, and conversations, Betina and I finally chose the clinic. It was modern, received excellent reviews, and, most importantly, was discreet. We scheduled our first appointment to initiate the artificial insemination process. I barely slept the nights before. The anxiety hit me as if the future was right there, within reach.
On the way to the clinic, Betina was, as always, being... Betina.
"Are you anxious, Be?" I asked, eyes on the GPS and the traffic.
She huffed and crossed her arms, theatrical as ever.
"Anxious? No. I'm just hungry. Why didn't you let me eat?"
I laughed at her sulky face and replied in the most clinical tone possible:
"They’ll probably ask for blood tests. Fasting is essential to ensure the results. Afterward, you can eat a whole pizza, I promise."
"Okay, doctor. Future annoying dad" she said, mocking, but with a smile on her lips.
I chuckled and commented:
"Soon enough..."
That phrase lingered in the air. Soon enough. Soon enough everything would change.
We arrived at the clinic, filled out the paperwork at the reception, and sat in the waiting area. The environment was cozy, with light colors, soft music, and a faint lavender scent in the air. While we waited for the doctor to call us, my eyes wandered around the place, half distracted, until they stopped... on her.
A woman sitting alone, with a serene yet strong presence. She was short but possessed an immense aura. Her long, dark hair cascaded down to her waist. Her gaze was striking, profound, the kind that seemed to pierce through the soul. She wasn't smiling, but there was a sweetness to her, a quiet firmness.
For a second, I felt my heart skip a beat. And then, as if the universe wanted to play a trick on me, she looked in my direction. A quick glance, but intense. It was enough to throw me off balance.
"Enzo!" Betina's voice pulled me out of my trance. "Let’s sit over there, look, there are two seats."
I nodded and followed her, but I confess: the image of that woman lingered in my mind.
Luiza
The waiting room was beautiful, modern, but that didn’t stop me from sweating cold. My hands trembled, and my leg bounced compulsively. My heart raced so fast that I could barely breathe properly. It was my first appointment. The beginning of it all.
My grandmother wished me good luck with teary eyes and a kiss on the forehead. “Go on, my daughter. Your courage fills me with pride,” she said, and I took that phrase as my shield.
I looked around, trying to distract myself, when I saw him.
A tall man — very tall, he must have been nearly 1.95 — with dark brown hair, tousled in a natural way, eyes that seemed to change color in the light, between honey and amber. Tanned skin, a body of someone who took care of themselves. He looked like he stepped out of a perfume ad.
I stared for a few seconds until I noticed a beautiful woman calling him, pulling him by the arm. I quickly averted my gaze, mentally scolding myself. “Focus, Luiza! You're here for another reason.” I straightened my posture and fixed my eyes on the door.
That was when it opened.
"Mrs. Luiza Moretti?" called a friendly nurse.
I hurriedly stood up and was taken to a bright room where a doctor in a white coat awaited me. The name embroidered said: Dr. Maurizio Fabbri.
He smiled gently and invited me to sit.
"So, Luiza, let’s talk a bit. You intend to undergo artificial insemination, correct?"
I nodded and replied:
"Yes, doctor. It’s something I’ve been planning for a long time. I recently had blood tests; I have everything here..."
I handed him the folder with my tests. He reviewed it, made some notes, and after explaining the entire process to me, he requested updated tests. Ultrasound, hormonal tests, and evaluation of uterine health. All of this was necessary to ensure that my body was ready to create a life.
"We’ll do an ultrasound now to check the endometrium and ovaries, okay?"
"Sure" I responded, trying to contain my nerves.
I was led to an adjoining room. The examination was quick, painless. The doctor explained each image, showed me my ovaries, my uterus, and smiled with satisfaction.
"Your uterus is healthy, Luiza. Everything indicates that you are an excellent candidate for insemination."
I felt my eyes well up with tears. My heart exploded with joy.
"Thank you, doctor. This... this means the world to me."
He smiled kindly.
"We will support you with care. Soon, you’ll be nurturing your dream."
Back with Enzo and Betina
Minutes later, Betina was called. We entered the office together, where another doctor was waiting for us — Dr. Pietro Mancini, a specialist in assisted reproduction.
He greeted us with a firm handshake and a warm smile.
"So, couple... or rather, brave duo. Shall we begin the journey?"
Betina laughed loudly and replied:
"We’re not a couple, doctor. We’re long-time friends. I’m lending my uterus, he’s lending the genetic material. Simple as that."
Dr. Pietro chuckled and took our file.
"Very well. Enzo, I’ve seen your spermogram results; everything looks great. Betina, we need to assess your gynecological health, hormonal levels, blood pressure, family history. We’ll conduct a series of tests in the coming days."
She nodded, and soon we were taken to the examination room. Betina had her blood drawn, underwent a clinical examination, and was scheduled for a transvaginal ultrasound.
"Your body will be monitored through cycles, and as soon as your endometrium is optimal, we’ll proceed with the insemination" explained the doctor.
We left the clinic with a folder full of papers, prescriptions, guidelines, and our hearts brimming with anticipation.
"So, future dad doctor?" "said Betina, with that teasing spark in her eyes."
"I’m nervous, I confess" I responded. "But I believe it will work out."
As we exited the clinic, I couldn’t help but search for that woman from before with my eyes. She was no longer there. Only the memory of the gaze that pierced through me like a lightning bolt remained.
Little did I know that fate was just beginning to play with our lives.
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