Love in Reverse/Scarred for Life: Two Unusual Love Stories

By Garland Ladd

Why do love relationships fail? A more appropriate question is why do many succeed? Finding answers to both questions is analogous to defining infinity impossible because the unknowns are infinite and this author will not go there. However, two aspects of lasting love loom extremely important, namely, the origin of love that indefinable spark of attraction that unites people and the admirable quality of ingenuity that is required for relationships to survive. Love In Reverse and Scarred For Life are fictional attempts to highlight those aspects of lasting love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 2, 2008
• ISBN: 9781462839759

Garland Ladd

Ladd became hooked on writing fiction after retiring from a successful career as a Professional Engineer. This is his seventeenth published novel and he finds the creative process highly intriguing — to wit, his hobby. Developing characters and plots, and describing human interplay satisfies his inner urge to build something from nothing. He typically writes before the rooster crows, and then it’s off to the golf course. Ladd is a veteran of WW 2 and has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, Class of ’51. With his wife, Sara, they live in Winston-Salem, NC. They have three children and three grandchildren.

Book preview

Love In Reverse

Garland Ladd

Chapter 1

Lynn Chapman paid the cabbie and stepped onto the entry apron to Old Dominion General Hospital. ODG, the acronym commonly used by Richmondites, impressively loomed ten stories above Lynn. Its front facade of pre-cast stone and tinted glass windows spanned nearly a city block—a dominant and impressive structure. More importantly, Lynn’s research suggested that ODG offered high quality medical services to patients coming from far and wide. She was convinced that within she would find the class of the field in the specialty that she intended to use. None of the rest even came close.

While walking the twenty yards to the main entrance, Lynn glimpsed her reflection in the plate glass window enclosing the lobby. She thought: My image is just right and it suggests that I am ripe, ready and extremely confident. This grey business suit highlights my nice figure and also implies business acumen. I have a high intelligence level and I’m borderline beautiful—a complete package. Yep, I am a liberated young woman and will have my way today or else ODG and VIVA will be in for a fight that they will not enjoy.

After entering, she asked a receptionist for directions to the Virginia In Vitro Associates’ office.

Ma’am, enter corridor B there to your left and walk all the way to the end. The last door on the left is VIVA’s office suite; it’s marked on the door. We call it VIVA for short, but usually add a second viva to invoke its long life.

During the long walk, Lynn reminded herself to remain a lady, smile and keep her composure even if her plan met resistance. Pausing at the door, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves before entering. A quick scan inside revealed a modest lobby, including six chairs, end tables and lamps, and assorted magazines. At the left, a thirty something receptionist looked up, smiled and greeted Lynn.

Good morning. Are you Mrs. Chapman?

Yes, I’m Lynn Chapman and I am a few minutes early for my appointment with Mr. Grant.

No problem. I’m Patti, and I’ll see if he’s ready to receive you. Back in a sec.

Lynn quickly scanned the remainder of the suite that she could see. Part of a conference table and chairs were visible though one door. Patti had gone to the corner office, obviously Mr. Grant’s. To the right, there was a corridor with doorways that appeared to open into smaller offices and exam rooms. On the whole, the suite appeared clean and neat, without ostentatious display.

Patti returned and said, Mr. Grant is ready—please go in, Mrs. Chapman.

Grant greeted Lynn at the door with an outstretched hand to shake. Cordially, he smiled and said, It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Chapman. Patti will happily serve you coffee or a coke if you like, even a pastry if you’re hungry.

No thanks, I’m fine, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Grant.

Grant motioned for Lynn to sit across the desk from him, leaned slightly back in his swivel chair and wore a PR smile typical for a selling demeanor. He inquired if she had a hassle free trip from Raleigh. Ice breaking and putting Lynn at ease continued several minutes and ended when Grant said, I assume that Mr. Chapman is parking the car, or perhaps is using a rest room. We’ll wait until he arrives before discussing serious matters.

Lynn thought: It’s too early for revealing that I’m single. She replied, I’m alone, Mr. Grant. No husband today for this exploratory talk.

That is a bit unusual but I suppose you can fill your husband in on the details when you return to your home. However, it’s extremely important for both spouses to have a clear understanding of in vitro fertilization. In fact, VIVA’s policies and procedures concerning patient selection are very demanding. Statistically, we accept only 60% of our applicants. The rejected 40% stem from a variety of reasons, with health issues and absence of mental maturity running one and two. Ma’am, did you and your husband thoroughly review the brochure that we sent to you by mail? Also, did you understand the fee range and the contractual agreement that applicant’s must sign before we can accept them?

Grinning widely, Lynn answered, I did, Mr. Grant, and I’m highly impressed with ODG’s reputation as a top notch medical facility. Also, VIVA seems to be the best of all the in vitro fertilization clinics that I investigated. That’s precisely why I’m here. I want to become a mother with the help of a state-of-art organization. Where do I sign?

Whoa there, Mrs. Chapman, not so fast, Grant replied, shaking his head with a distinct smirk on his face, and continued, VIVA is not a ‘baby-off-the rack’ store where anyone with a charge card can purchase one.

Lynn laughed and countered, Quite true, Mr. Grant. It’s more like a ‘designer baby’ store.

Mrs. Chapman, your humorous comment contains an element of truth. Please let me give a brief recap of the printed matter that we sent you. I do this to emphasize certain key points for your understanding and consideration. Do you mind?

Not at all, and undoubtedly I’ll have some questions to ask. Only joking, sir. I’m not truly ready to sign-up for your services.

VIVA is a privately owned corporation that must realize an adequate return of capital for its investors. We occupy quarters solely here in ODG and pay rent, which is no small sum. We also use the medical facilities here, including laboratories, specialized equipment and examinations by ODG’s staff doctors who are the best in their field. Certain clinical procedures required for in vitro fertilization are likewise done here by highly trained specialists. Hospitalization for extended periods is often required for our clients who experience difficulties. That’s only a few of the reasons why we use ODG. Our affiliation with them for many years has been highly successful—a marriage of sorts where both parties win. We pay handsomely for their expertise and ODG enjoys a steady income stream from VIVA. Therefore, ODG and VIVA are truly associates. Get the picture?"

I do, and it makes sense. I imagine that the logistics and human factors involved with baby production is not something a hospital can do well, or should even try, Lynn offered in deference to Grant’s obvious superiority complex.

How true, Mrs. Chapman. VIVA’s unequaled success rate has and will continue to come from the thoroughness of policies, procedures and practices that govern the planning and execution of our mission. Before accepting clients, we know their backgrounds, their medical histories and we conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ascertain them as suitable candidates for our services. I assume that you and your husband are willing to submit to a stringent investigation and evaluation. If not, perhaps you should contact one of the ‘off-the-rack baby stores’ that we joked about.

Grant paused and stared intently at Lynn, with his facial expression seemingly saying, It’s our way or the highway!

This required a statement of resolve from Lynn. Mr. Grant, I applaud VIVA’s mantra and will stand and salute it if required. Furthermore, I will not use any in vitro clinic that is less professional and thorough than you just ascribed to VIVA. Nor do I fear an investigation of me, including my morals, medical condition and otherwise.

That’s great, Mrs. Chapman. Does your ‘otherwise’ include the ability to pay for our services? You should understand up front that our thoroughness and extensive testing is very expensive.

Sir, the best of everything is always expensive. No problem! I want the best and can pay for it. Using your metaphor, I didn’t come here seeking a bargain basement rack baby. That brings up a serious question. Are your sperm donors subjected to the same scrutiny as would-be mothers?

Absolutely! You jokingly used the phrase, ‘designer babies’ a moment ago, which is not far from reality. Let’s steer away from such terms because they can be misused and misinterpreted. VIVA has a long list of sperm donors from whom a recipient can choose to complement their own genes. I hasten to add that there is nothing absolute and certain in this business. However, certain traits from both parents normally carry over to offsprings. Everything else being normal, a tall father and average height mother usually produce a child that is taller than the mother is. One highly creative parent oftentimes produces a child having creative tendencies. In a real sense, we offer a client couple the opportunity to select a sperm donor who offers the greatest chance of producing a child like they want to have. Some couples don’t want the characteristics of the husband, opting instead for improvement in their strand. However, many men are vain enough to want their children born through the in vitro method to be copies of themselves. It seldom happens though.

So, Mr. Grant, I could look for donor traits that I want repeated in my child, almost like shopping from a Sear’s catalogue. Right

No ma’am. We furnish our clients with bios of our donors, which state generic information covering vital statistics—age, health status, interests, race, demeanor and many others. We can also show you pictures of babies taken when they are less than four months old that were sired by each of our donors. In no case will a sperm donor’s identity ever be given to the receiving family. Likewise, the donor will never have access to the names of families whom he has helped this way. Additionally, each client is restricted to donors whose permanent residences are at least five hundred miles apart from the client’s home city. This is aimed at minimizing the possibility of children sired by the same sperm donor intermingling and marrying. Any problems thus far?

Great! I like what I’m hearing, Lynn replied, but thought: Grant’s self-assured and condescending manner may turn into rage when I drop the other shoe—make that shoes. His self-importance will be shattered if I have him pegged correctly. On the whole, he is nice enough and I must remember that he is a human being. Be nice, Lynn.

Chapter 2

Grant had an uneasy feeling about this interview. Most prospective couples arrived for the initial interview highly nervous about not being accepted, but with high hopes of having a child. That combination induces a sense of being awe struck. Fearful of giving the impression that they wouldn’t be acceptable parents made them reticent to interview VIVA while they were being interviewed. They knew in advance that the cost for in vitro was high, causing them at every opportunity to plead hard times hoping to get the lowest available rate. Still others made it clear that they were considering other clinics and would likely go with the lowest cost provider.

Grant watched for squirming in seats, shifting positions and quick glances at their spouse during initial interviews as indicators of stress. Such clues dictated to Grant when to change his demeanor in order to expedite the meeting. He also keyed on a number of behavior patterns that suggested a given prospect would not meet his high standards. When detected, he moved the discussion onto a fast track and dismissed the prospect as diplomatically as possible.

This Lynn Chapman was different than any prospect that he had interviewed in many years. She appeared alone—an automatic strike against her. Addressing a person with such self-assurance rattled Grant. Obviously, she was a rich person and wasted little time in lecturing him on the logic that the best of everything is always expensive. She had admonished him that she wouldn’t deal with any in vitro provider that had standards lower than VIVA had. Suspiciously, he wondered if Lynn was implying that VIVA had minimum standards. He also believed her positive comments about VIVA were aimed at gaining favor and possibly eliminating a large part of the intensive investigative process, which had been the hallmark of VIVA’s success.

Grant decided to use his fast track approach with this brassy woman, thinking: People lie to hide their character flaws. My philosophy is if they lie about themselves, the odds are against them being good parents. Furthermore, I’ve done this enough to know when they lie.

Mrs. Chapman, hopefully by now you have an overview of VIVA. Please give me an overview of yourself and your husband—who and what you are—and why you want to be considered for in vitro fertilization? Candor is vitally important because our policy is to never willingly assist a couple with parenthood who would jeopardize a child by imposing their own character flaws on that child—things like intemperance, being mean spirited, low morals or financial instability—any of which could poison a child for life. You’re on, and please keep in mind that you will be thoroughly checked to confirm everything you say about yourself and your husband.

Lynn’s savvy and courtroom training took control of her being as she thought: Grant is only doing his job by seeking exculpatory evidence to qualify me as a client. On the other hand, he will send me packing if I don’t meet VIVA’s standards, which I certainly do not. I need to break him down first to have a chance of being a client.

Mr. Grant, I assume that you are married, have children and know the joy of having loved ones in your life. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be qualified to make judgments about matters involved with family life. Is my assumption correct?

Grant felt affronted by Lynn’s temerity to question him, but acknowledged that she had made an astute observation. You assume correctly, he replied, not realizing that he had shifted position in his chair—a telltale sign of mental discomfort.

However, Lynn saw it and thought: First, I’ll give him a comforting placebo and then drop the first shoe.

Mr. Grant, I know all about spousal and paternal love but I learned it the hard way—from the absence thereof. I experienced reasonable parental TLC until my pre-teen years. My father was then and still is a workaholic, and quite wealthy. He also became a philanderer, which drove Mother to alcoholism. From my early teens until I finished college, family love didn’t exist in my home but money was never a problem. Exposure to wholesome families during my teens and college years revealed why I felt a deep void inside. Proper morals and ethics I learned from my friends and their families. Their loving attitudes spoke volumes about how I want my future to unfold. Is this boring, Mr. Grant?

Not at all! However, I’ll admit that desire to be in a loving family usually comes from positive family reinforcement—not from a negative experience. Please continue.

Briefly about the negatives, Dad hit it big in computer software. Mother sued for a divorce because of his unfaithful ways and received a healthy settlement about ten years ago. I inherited the bulk of her estate five years later when she died from alcoholism. She was a providing mother all the way but never a loving one. All of those negatives proved to me that a family devoid of true parental and spousal love is merely a collection of misfits without purpose, and unworthy of God’s gift of family love. My goal is to rear physically, mentally and morally well adjusted children who will love me back.

That’s a noble purpose and a lofty goal, Mrs. Chapman. Does your husband feel equally as strong? I also must point out that life seldom plays out as planed. Can you and your husband handle adversity, which every family faces at some point? Even with the best that science has to offer, in vitro can produce a mentally or physically handicapped child. What then? We’ve already established that your child wouldn’t be an ‘off-the-rack’ baby that you could return if it didn’t meet your expectations.

Grant’s grin had a gotcha quality that mildly irritated Lynn. She fired back, Mr. Grant, I doubt that you had a perfect marriage and perfect children. Did you cast off your imperfect wife and imperfect children? Probably not, and it’s insulting for you to assume that my love for a family would be less unconditional than yours has been for your family!

Point and counterpoint, a standoff Grant thought, but he couldn’t cave in to Lynn, and volleyed again. A seriously handicapped child requires the full attention of its parents, especially its mother. Furthermore, the cost of raising even a healthy child to maturity is astronomical. Please be specific. What assurances can you and your husband offer to reasonably prove that you could accommodate a worst case scenario?

Fair question, Mr. Grant. If I am successfully fertilized, I will continue practicing law through the second trimester. Regardless of the child’s health, I will essentially be a full-time mom until that child enrolls in kindergarten. Until it and any additional children that I might have finish high school, I will be in the home practically full time. However, I will dabble in the practice of law as time permits. That could involve legal research and case preparation, but never requiring me to be away from home more than an hour or two. I also visualize me doing some pro bono legal work for needy people on a selective, advisory basis. Summarized, I have the financial means for that regimen, including hired sitters, even without drawing a paycheck or charging fees to those whom I help.

Very interesting, and quit commendable. Mrs. Chapman, if you are accepted as an in vitro candidate, we will require a notarized financial statement from a certified CPA that confirms your financial stability. Understood?

Yes sir, and to ease your mind, my assets will more than cover VIVA’s fees and cost of raising a family. Do you want a deposit now?

It finally dawned on Grant that Lynn wasn’t a typical candidate for in vitro—intimidated by the application process and afraid of being rejected. He thought: She’s pushy, mentally sharp, and appears ready to fight. Keep probing! Usually there is a crack in the armor of warriors.

Mrs. Chapman, this interview has been quite revealing and your presentation thus far rates an A +. Unfortunately, it takes two to tango, and to properly raise children. I suggest that we schedule a session for your husband. It’s optional if you wish to return with him. If he stacks up as well as you have, and all of the application data checks out, I can almost guarantee that you will be accepted for in vitro fertilization here at VIVA. Okay?

Chapter 3

Lynn thought: The first shoe must drop; no point in delaying the inevitable.

Mr. Grant, thanks for that A +! However, an interview with my husband is impossible. I am not married and have no plans to marry in the foreseeable future. Therefore, please give me the application forms, which I’ll complete and return to you with full payment within the next few days.

Lynn intentionally kept a happy face to imply that she expected a positive response from Grant. As expected, his mouth gaped from consternation and his torso noticeably bounced back into his chair as if struck by a speeding bullet

Avoiding eye contact, with his flushed face tilted down, Grant spoke in a stern tone, Ms. Chapman, your application and payment would be a waste of your time, and mine. VIVA will not accept a single lady as a candidate for in vitro fertilization! Thanks for considering us but this interview is over. I suggest that you apply at one of the second tier fertilization clinics that will accept anyone who can pay their fee. Good day, ma’am!

Hellooooo! Lynn replied, literally singing and repeating the O vowel for effect. When used that way in today’s dialogue, it implies: You aren’t with it, or, Where’s your brain? or, Wake up to the real world!

In case Grant wasn’t familiar with modern day parlance, she added, Welcome to the Twenty-First Century, Mr. Grant! Women are now considered as an equal part of the human race and are afforded the same rights as men, mandated by the Equal Rights Amendment. Frankly, I’m disappointed in your chauvinistic attitude.

With his face now flushed with anger, Grant stood and barked, It’s time for you to leave. Meeting adjourned!

More chauvinism? Not today, mister. Please sit down and I’ll explain why it’s in VIVA’s best interest to hear me out. And yours too, I might add.

Okay, one more minute, and that’s it! Grant haughtily replied as he sat down and tilted back in his chair, implying that he had no interest in Lynn’s opinion about anything.

Mr. Grant, if your wife had died during the birth of your first child, would you have raised that child to the best of your ability? And more importantly, would you have loved that child with all your heart? Yes or no?

Yes, certainly!

"Why?

Because the child would have been my responsibility, Grant sneeringly uttered.

True, but there’s another reason. You consciously, or perhaps subconsciously, would want that child to love you in return. Procreation is innate in the human race, and in all the other animal species. It is also innate to love and protect those we create. Please answer this question. Is it just to preclude a single woman from exercising that innate quality given to her by God Almighty?

Perhaps not, but I remind you that God’s plan included both man and woman in His scheme of procreation and family life, Grant smugly replied. He thought: There’s no way she can deny that universal truth!

Okay, by that logic if your wife had died in childbirth, you should have given that child to a deserving and barren couple. Correct?

Grant looked away and didn’t answer. She had him cornered with his own words.

Lynn continued, Has it ever occurred to you that even single women are imbued with innate desires to give birth and nurture their children? Furthermore, millions of women have had to experience childbirth and nurturing alone because of spousal deaths or male abdication of responsibilities. Now with the advent of sperm donors and in vitro techniques, single women can conceive without the stigma of illicit fornication, i.e., a sinful act in God’s sight. Mary conceived without fornication and the world now considers that fact as divine. Furthermore, God, in His wisdom furnished Mary with a proper husband. Get the picture?

Yes, but and it’s absurd for you to compare yourself to the Virgin Mary and her immaculate conception!

The only comparison I made is to point out that Mary willingly and innately accepted her role as a mother. Mr. Grant, can you categorically prove that God will not furnish me with a Joseph type husband before or after my child’s birth? With or without a husband, I have already convinced you that I would be a totally committed mother to my child. I also have the financial means to support it. Moreover, I would love that child the same as you would have loved yours if your wife had died in childbirth. Do you remember that A + rating that you gave me a few minutes ago when you assumed that I was married? Sir, I earned that rating in your eyes based on how you viewed me as a person, separate and apart from my assumed husband. Not having a husband simply doesn’t change my qualities as a potential mother, wouldn’t you agree?

Ms. Chapman, why don’t you wait until you’re married before conceiving?

Because, I have a two year window for ideal conception. I have looked for a husband and none have appeared. Therefore, I conclude that shopping is the wrong approach. Finding the right mate for life involves serendipity—those natural, spontaneous and heartfelt emotions commonly referred to as true love. If it doesn’t happen, I’ll nonetheless be a perfect mother to my child conceived here at VIVA. And you, sir, acting on behalf of VIVA will assist me with that endeavor.

You’re wrong. I will not help you. VIVA has never performed in vitro on a single woman. Goodbye ma’am!

Mr. Grant, does VIVA’s charter and mission statement specifically state that it will only accept married women?

Not precisely, but intent and past practice makes it obvious.

Lynn’s facial expression changed to a somber stare as she sized up the situation. In a serious courtroom manner, she looked Grant square in the eyes and added, "Very well, Mr. Grant. Be advised that VIVA will soon be faced with a lawsuit for discrimination against women, with me as the plaintiff. Furthermore, I visualize the case developing into a class action suit when the news gets out. I’m sure that other single women will join me. Also, remember that there are many young widows who have an innate need to be a mother. I will contact all the women lib movements for moral and financial support against this miscarriage of justice.