Reckless

Chapter 8

We all sit in the conference room. Sheridan and Filmore staring at Lenny and myself. Axel, sitting at the end of the table, one arm on the table and the other behind his head. Jeremy sits behind near the door waiting for his opportunity to come in. They don't bother to look at him, because it's clear they are too infuriated with Lenny.

            "I don't understand why you are here, Ms. Parks. The contract is binding and legal and there is no way you can fight it." Sheridan said.

"I understand that, Mr. Sheridan, however I am not here to fight it, I am here to make a proposition for you both on behalf of my client." I tell them. Sheridan narrows his eyes and Filmore looks at Lenny with saddened eyes. "I have read your contract, sirs, and you are very right —the contract is binding and legal and changing it would only set things back. Though I noticed in article 3.1 you have failed to mention anything other than the fact that a child has to be conceived and born before the first wedding anniversary. Let me just state this, gentlemen, a woman's reproductive system is very fragile, not to mention complex. The delicacy of pregnancy alone harbors many possibilities that one tends to not consider or think about. Add in the years of contraceptives, and well a female is basically a hormonal mess."

"What are you trying to get at, Ms. Parks?" Filmore asked.

"What I'm getting at, is that this contract fails to acknowledge the stress the female body undergoes once it is off birth control and trying to house a human life." I look at Sheridan. "No doubt that was on purpose." He starts to say something but I hold my hand up. "I'm not finished." I tell him and give him a glare. "Let me start with my proposition. In addition to the third article, I would like to add two clauses. The first- Axel and Lenny are to be given at least two months to conceive a child. That still leaves ten months out of the year. Should a child not be conceived, they are to be medically compensated and given the time to make sure their parts are still working."

"So, what you're saying is that if they fail that they should be checked to make sure they aren't sterile?" Filmore asks. I nod. "That's crazy. They are young what on earth could possibly make either of them be sterile?"

            "A number of things, Mr. Filmore. For instance, time lapse between when Lenny started birth control up until she stops it. Based on which contraceptive, that could have caused a hormonal problem causing her ovaries to stop producing eggs once she's off. There's risk of PCOS, HPV if she hasn't been vaccinated. There are many factors. Which is why I am suggesting this clause."

            Sheridan sighs. "And the second clause?"

            I smile. "In the event a child should be conceived —but due to natural causes is lost- it is to be determined by the wedded how they wish to proceed with the marriage. Bearing a child is one pain, gentlemen, losing a child is different." I tell them.

            Both men sigh and then look at each other as if speaking with each other silently. Sheridan narrows his eyes and looks at Lenny. It's obvious he didn't expect Lenny to pull me into this. Jeremy clears his throat and approaches the table.

            "If I may gentlemen, I might be able to add something that you might want to consider." He tells them.

            "And who are you, sir?" Filmore asks, annoyance lacing his tone.

            Jeremy smiles and extends. "My apologies. Jeremy Mason, VP of Mason Enterprises Headquarters and CEO of Mason and Mason, the latest expansion."

            Both men shoot up from their chairs and hurried shake Jeremy's hands. Lenny nudges me and smiles then nods towards Axel. The look on his face is priceless as he stares up at Jeremy. He looks at me and I simply smile then turn my attention to Jeremy.