I got the idea for this during a discussion with someone on if only there was a way to find out how many scientists, mathematicians, artists, etc. humanity may have lost in the form of kids killed during wars and famines. I deliberated and decided to keep the story in SciFi section, although it could have gone to Non-Erotic section as well. All persons mentioned are imaginary.
English is not my first language, so expect mistakes.
Edited in MS Word.
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I put some silver ingots across the window and asked, "How much for these?"
The shady guy looked carefully at me and said, "We don't buy stolen goods."
"I am not with law. I am not in trouble with law. I just need some money. If I were not desperate, I would not be coming to a shitty place like yours."
He took no offence but picked up the ingots. "You melted something to get this?"
"Yep," I replied coolly.
"What?"
"Why does it matter?"
"I could have given you more for actual stuff."
"Actual stuff is gone anyway. How much for these?"
We agreed at a price that was pretty low, and we both knew. I didn't care. I had tons of things hiding, and I could steal if I needed.
No one will be able to keep me in prison here anyway.
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The woman was crying in a deserted bus stop shed. She was plump, short, ruddy-faced, medium-length hair, and not attractive in general terms. She was shivering--clearly not dressed for the winter. Snowing season was yet to arrive, but temperatures were low and the winds were chilly. Her hair and face showed lack of bath, sleep, and food. But she was alert when she heard my footsteps. I could have crept in easily, but I didn't want her to panic.
She turned and, with fierce eyes, said, "What do you want? I have nothing. Leave me alone."
I asked her calmly, "Are you Sadie Malito?"
Now her guard went up many notches. "Who are you?"
"I am a friend, Sadie. I am here to help you. I kept my words soft.
"I have got no friends. How do you know me? Are you stalking me?" She was extremely suspicious. I didn't blame her. I heard there was prejudice against blacks, and I could see that now.
"My name is Matt Berry. I will help you, but you have to accept my help. Please don't create problems for me, as I am new to this place too. But trust me, I am the only way you can save your baby."
She was alarmed now. "How do you know about my baby?" Her hand protectively went to her belly.
I raised my hands and simply said, "Let me help you, Sadie."
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Sadie sipped hot coffee and wolfed down pie, soup, and breads simultaneously.
"Slow down," I said. "There is no rush. I will keep you fed till your baby is there."
She slowed. After munching for some time, she spoke, "I was afraid I would have to sell my body eventually, but I thought I would avoid it somehow. Not anymore, it seems." her dirty face had a sad smile.
I said a bit loudly, "I don't want your body." Some people raised their necks. I lowered my voice. "I don't want anything from you. I just want your baby to be safe. I told you many times I am your friend."
She didn't trust me and I don't blame her. I was a stranger with weird clothing who knew her name and the fact she was pregnant even when it was not showing and I was offering to take care of that baby.
I was a pretty suspicious stranger.
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"That room is yours. It locks. There are clothes on the bed; they should be your size. Mattresses should be comfortable--it is not new. Most items here are used. You can adjust the heating level. If you need something, we will go tomorrow and buy. There is food and other stuff in kitchen area. Take bath, comb your hair and sleep well." I said pointing things out.
"Who are you? I don't know any Matt or Berry. We can't be related--you are black and I am white. Your accent is weird and your clothes too. Are you alien?" she attempted a lame joke.
"In a way, yes. There are vitamins in that drawer. Tomorrow we can visit a doctor."
"You want my baby for some reason?" she asked suddenly.
"No, Sadie, I am just trying to help you birth a healthy boy."
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Sadie came out of the doctor's room. I didn't go with her to give her privacy.
"Hospital delivery is going to be expensive?" she asked when she reached me.
"I have got money. Sit here and wait for me." I left to sort bills. The accountant seemed puzzled when I paid in cash but didn't ask any questions.
Sadie was waiting for me. "How did you know it was a boy?"
"Huh what?"
"You said last night you want me to birth a healthy boy. I came to know it was a boy only today when doctor told me."
"I just assumed. I would prefer a boy," I lied.
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She brought me dinner and noticed me counting some bank notes.
"You don't have to cook for me. Just take care of yourself."
"I can do at least this much for you. I like cooking anyway. I wanted to have a husband and nice homely life but the man I was..."
"You don't have to tell me anything." I cut her sentence.
She didn't like that but was quiet.
"How much money do we have? Is it enough?" she had noticed the wad was not much.
"I have more. I will bring when we need it. You don't worry about it."
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"I have thought of a name for my son." She seemed in a good mood today. She served a chicken dish for me.
"I know. Liam is a lovely name."
Her hands suddenly stopped. "How did you know what I was going to name him?"
"Doesn't matter. I had to know some things about you before I could help you."
"Other things you could have known. But how did you know what was in my mind?" She had caught me.
I sighed--I will have to come clean. "Sit down. Let me tell you everything."
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"I come from the future," I started.
She stared at me foolishly.
"Everything I am going to say is true, and there is no way I can prove it. You can decide after I have completed if you still need my help or not. But I will rather you let me keep helping even if you think I am a total nutjob."
