Ch 22 Choice

Almost five months later, Rolf had thought up an elaborate scheme to keep the truth hidden from my friends. He had bought a vacant building downtown, and remodeled it to include a lobby and a birthing suite. My friends thought it was a state-of-the-art private birth center, but little did they know that behind most of the locked doors were empty rooms filled with dust.

Dr. Christianson made the trip to deliver our baby boy by Caesarean section. Very fitting since Caesar had actually been turned into a vampire when history had recorded his death.

My four close friends; Alice, Natalie, Jennifer, and Linda; visited me a few hours after the baby was born. They were overjoyed, and all of them hugged Rolf as I lay in the bed holding the baby.

"What's his name?" Jennifer asked.

"Alexander Jas," I told them. They all smiled, as did Rolf. "We'll call him Alex."

"He's beautiful," Alice cooed. "You are so lucky." I couldn't have agreed with her more. I felt like the luckiest person in the world. After months of thinking I might lose him, I had my baby boy. I also had so many supportive people in my life.

My parents had come from Oklahoma and were now at my brother's house in town to get some rest. My best friends would always be there for me, I knew. And Rolf loved me. I felt blessed to have all of them in my life together.

When the girls left, we were alone – just our family. We sat in silence for a few moments, both Rolf and I just watching Alex. Finally, Rolf looked up to me with chagrin in his eyes.

"You may have to make a choice," Rolf informed me. I looked at him questioningly, but didn't say anything. "Between us," he motioned to indicate himself and Alex, "and your friends." Rolf nodded toward the door in reference to my friends.

My eyes widened as I continued to stare at Rolf. I could never in my life have imagined that he would ask me to make this choice.

"Well, more specifically your friend Linda. There's something about her you need to know."

The End!