Hand of Thorns Read Online Free

soft.
    "Did you hear about Kelly?" Mine asks in a hushed tone.
    "Yes, that she decided to become a surrogate?" The other whispers.
    "Yeah, whatever would cross her mind to do that?"
    "Money."
    "But seriously, being pregnant for nine months, destroying your body, and not even being able to keep the child after? I have a feeling she'll regret it in the long run."
    "She gets over four thousand dollars every month until after baby is born, plus medical costs, a retreat, and all this other stuff. Hell, if I didn't have four kids at home, it is something I'd definitely consider. I have to work two jobs and I hardly even make that a month."
    I listen with a little more clarity after that statement, but unfortunately I don't get much more information.
    "Still," the first nail technician states. "She has no idea what she is getting herself into. The hormones alone are going to wreck her."
    "She is strong willed and determined, and putting herself through law school. I say good for her."
    Their conversation dies down and I can feel the tension between them.
    Peeking over, I think Sumner is pretty well focused on the relaxation part of the whole thing, rather than listening to their conversation such as me. I'm curious what she would think about that. About being a surrogate. In less than a year I could pay off the next three years of college and still have money remaining- well, so long as my Financial Aid still stands.
    I try to think of the pros and cons of the situation in my head, but all I see are dollar signs. In an attempt to shake the thoughts from my head, my mind automatically jumps to the idea of being able to give someone a child, while in return making a future for myself- and any future family I may have.
    The amount of times I tell myself I'm being ridiculous is close to the amount of times I also wonder if it's the solution to many of the problems that fell into my lap. Maybe I can even save Mom from losing our family home, because Lord knows that she'll probably do nothing except ingest away any money we receive from Dad's life insurance.
    By the time our pedicures are done, I've decided that the least I can do is a bit of research. Starting with Sumner's nail technician.
    "I need to use the restroom," Sumner states once she's paid.
    I use the time as a perfect opportunity. Sneaking around the counter, I cozy up next to the lady who is washing her hands. "Hey," I loudly whisper.
    She startles a little, giving me a sideways glance. "Can I help you, Miss?"
    "I think so. Does Kelly work here?"
    She looks around for a second before nodding her head. "Part time. May I ask why?"
    "I wanted to ask her a few questions about surrogacy."
    Her face completely contours. She looks concerned now rather than distraught. Wiping her hands on the towel, she gives me a straight look, being quiet with her words. "She'll be here on Monday at ten until closing. I shouldn't have said anything in front of you, but I will give her a heads up you'll be in for questions." She glances me over for a second, biting on her lips nervously. "It's a special gift you can give someone, but keep it noted that in the long run, it can do a lot of damage to you."
    "Well the good thing about being young means I can join the gym and get back to normal in no time."
    "Bless your heart, but I don't mean ruin your body. Postpartum is a nocuous bitch."
    I add that to the cons list mentally. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
    "Good luck," she states boldly as I walk away. Sumner walks out of the restroom completely clueless about anything going through my mind right now.
    "Ready?"
    "I am," I answer. "Where to now?"
    "I'm thinking about getting my hair done. What do you think? Want your hair dyed?"
    "No, but I do have some homework to do, so while you're getting yours done, I can do that."
    She grins, pleased by my acceptance to still hang out with her. "Then let's go grab your laptop before we go."
     
     
    Sitting in the salon, I stay in the back corner, close