Toil and Trouble

Fire burn

“I must apologise, but we do not allow couples in your… situation to adopt children. We accept only the highest standard for families. Considering how many people have attempted to ride the coat tails of these children to fame and glory and caused several nervous breakdowns. Sub-par families ruined the futures of many potential masters.” Sam and Alex were trying to become parents, but to no avail. They were having trouble with everything ever since they got married. Alex’s parents loved Sam but they also wanted grandchildren, which they sadly could not do on their own. Sam held onto Alex’s hand and squeezed tightly. “Mr Woodstock, I was here once myself, I’m just trying to give another child the same opportunities that I had.” Alex pleaded.

“I am truly sorry Alex, but you and Sam do not qualify for this adoption. You simply have too much debt on your name, not to mention your home is not satisfactory.” Mr Woodstock stared at the nervous couple with a light grimace. Sam kicked away the chair, standing up, “This has nothing to do with that! You’re just being biased towards us!” Sam spoke with fire and brimstone, Alex quickly stood up “We are sorry Mr Woodstock. We’ll get out of your hair, we’re sorry we did not meet your requirements.” The two would-be parents left, Sam spitting venom all the way out the doora. Mr Woodstock wiped his brow, “Honestly, what is the world coming to?” he said shaking his head at the leaving car with the seething couple inside.

“I can’t believe we got rejected. Who rejects a perfectly capable couple from adopting a child? Your parents were allowed to adopt you and they were exactly like us. It’s all because of that Woodstock twit.” Sam had not calmed down, Alex remained quiet. Allowing Sam to vent was the best idea for now. “It’s going to be alright, Sam. I know I had my heart set on someone from the same orphanage, but it’s not the end, we’re bound to find somewhere that we can adopt from.” Alex said reassuringly, but they both knew that Woodstock had been right, the debt was a problem. Ironically it was for a house, so that their children would have space to run around and have their own rooms. They were keeping up with the payments admirably, but Sam was going to resign in order to look after the children they had hoped to adopt. If that happened then Alex would be forced to pay off the house alone, which was not exactly a good idea. Alex was working on becoming a sister at the hospital and until that was done there would not be enough money to make each payment.

The two had met at the hospital where Alex was doing a practical study. Sam had managed to get injured somehow and needed attention and Alex was the only nurse available. It wasn't until three dates later that Alex learned the whole thing had been a ploy to help the shy Sam ask out that nurse that was more attractive than TV doctors.

Alex was flattered by the statement, but denied the compliments vehemently in an attempt to stay humble. Alex maintained that Sam was the most attractive of the two, claiming the first date would not have happened otherwise. Alex's parents were always accepting of their child, and of Sam, given that they had the same kind of relationship. Sam's parents were supportive, as most of the people from their culture were, but deep down they had hoped it was just a phase. Sam tried to stay positive between the two of them but Alex never made it easy.