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 Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:16 am
Keeta moaned slightly and rolled over in bed as her stomach gave a slight twinge. Blearily she opened her eyes and glanced at the digitial clock. The bright red numbers read 5:30 AM.
Not again. She groaned inwardly and stuffed a pillow over her head and tried to fall back asleep, hoping the nausea would pass. But inevitibly, as she had two other times that week, Keeta found herself racing to the adjoining bathroom.
Well at least the sun was providing a little light by 5:30 so she wasn't tripping over things en route. Despite the bed being king sized the two found themselves cuddling up to save space. It wasn't that either of them were 'plus' sized people... It was Rhine's tail. He knew every move Keeta made, and he was sure it was the same for her.
The couple times previous he shook off Keeta's sudden urge to run to the bathroom as eating something that didn't agree with her. But a third time in a week was a little hard to ignore.
He watched the clock and waited. At this moment he wouldn't go running in there to comfort her... But in another second he would. Even while in the bathroom, Keeta found herself feeling guilty for having woken Rhine again. She knew he would have noticed her getting up from the bed and it frustrated her, because she knew he had to get up early for the breakfast rush in the cafe most days as it was. Whatever this was, it needed to stop, and stop soon.
Feeling better after having emptied her stomach, Keeta flushed the toilet and rose to freshen up in the sink, hoping Rhine would take it as a cue that she was ok. She would hate for him to get out of bed early on her account, in addition to having been awakened early. There was no part of her that wanted to be fussed over either. Rhine had waited as long as possible before his 'sanity' got the better of him. With all the noise going on Keeta wouldn't know he had ever left the room.
He didn't take long and was back at their room in no time. He waited outside the door with a pack of crackers, a cup of water, and a fuzzy robe.
With a free hand he knocked on the door... He hoped it wouldn't tick her off that he was worrying about her again. He couldn't help but to worry. Keeta was the love of his life and their family together Keeta started slightly at the sound of the knock on the door before giving a small sigh of frustration. Not with Rhine, for caring for her, because it was wonderful knowing he loved her, but just with the whole situation. He should still be in bed, getting his last precious hour of sleep before he had to get up for work.
Trying to compose herself before she opened the door so he wouldn't be inclined to worry further, Keeta took a deep breath and hoped she would look better than she felt. Finally, she opened the door and offered a shaky smile to her fiancee.
"Hello, love," she said softly, before noticing the items he held.
"I'm sorry I made you feel like you needed to get up for me...." After helping Keeta into the robe and making the outside of her feel as best as possible he put his arms around Keeta's waist.
"There will be times where I'll be getting you up... And there be times where the kids will be getting us up. And, there will be times where my family will be getting us up. However odd the hour I don't mind at all." His eyes fell directly in line with hers- he had the most loving smile on his face.
"What matters most is making sure you are alright." He placed a soft kiss on her lips as he wrapped his tail around her ankle. "And, don't try and go and make this seem as if it is nothing... It is something. If you won't see a doctor at least see my mother or someone you trust." He caressed her face. Despite having 7 sisters he was still not one to know all about lady troubles or the like there of. "Hmm...." Keeta swirlled the water in the cup around thoughtfully before taking a sip. Apparently Rhine was more worried for her than she had thought. She didn't really want to go to the doctor for something that only seemed to be bothering her periodically. Although she couldn't deny that she'd had a lot less energy in the past few days. In a way she'd felt almost sapped. Her temperature had been normal when she'd checked it, however, so Keeta wasn't inclined to believe she had an infection. She smiled up at Rhine.
"Thank you. I suppose I should go get myself checked out. I'll bet they tell me it's nothing though, as I don't have a fever, and my appetite is fine." She shrugged, trying make him see in her expression that he didn't need to worry so much. There was a little prickling at the back of her neck though as she thought. She had had symptoms suspiciously similar to this when....
Well she wasn't going to bring it up now. It might only get his hopes up unnecessarily. Better to know one way or the other first. She took another sip of her water. "Growing up my mother made a fuss over us... So, it's no doubt that I'll make a fuss over you just as much as I do the children you have brought into my life." He smiled and kissed her gently on the lips.
"Since we're up and all how about I make your favorite for breakfast," Rhine suggested as he tangled his fingers in the ends of her blue hair. Smiling over the fact that she was letting the nature color continue to grow out- he liked it better when she was totally herself. "That would be lovely Rhine, thank you," she said, returning the kiss, before seating herself gingerly on the edge of the bed. True, she didn't feel nasueated anymore, but she was still so damn fatigued. She smiled up at him.
"Why don't you get started with that, and I'll work on getting dressed. Then I'll feel better suited to help you in the kitchen." Rhine was already in the motions of pulling on a pair of worn out jeans- from the looks of them you could tell without a doubt they were a favorite pair of his.
"Love, that's what tails are for," he joked in hopes of getting her to smile more. He wrapped his tail around her ankle and gave it a squeeze as if he was hugging her in a normal way. Keeta scooted closer, smirking and poked him lightly in the ribs.
"The tail is for helping me get dressed or for helping you fix breakfast?" she asked playfully, hoping her tone might make him worry about her less. She didn't want him to think too hard about her symptoms and come to the same conclusion she had. It would break his heart if he thought she was carrying his child and then discovered he was wrong. "Or, I could be totally late for work and..." He paused for dramatics as he 'snaked' his tail further up her leg. He got really close to her- almost to the point they could be counted as one body instead of two. "And use my tail for unwrapping you." The idea of getting dressed further was abandoned along with his worries. Keeta stood then and kissed him again, before reluctantly stepping back.
"We have responsibilities love. Finish getting dressed and get to work. I bet the kids will be up soon anyways...." She caressed his face gently.
"There's always tonight though..." Her words held a promise, but she wondered if they might be having an entirely different discussion tonight instead. Rhine withdrew his tail and wrapped it around his own leg. He gave her a pitiful look, but then smiled. He knew the world would want him and his breakfast, but first his wife-to-be wanted breakfast- he was sure the kids did to. "Okay," he was still reluctant to withdraw especially since now that he was freed up again his mind could wonder back to what was wrong with Keeta. He pulled on a shirt and headed out the door. "See you at the table, Love." Keeta nodded and watched him go, before closing the door behind him. She took a deep breath before going back into the bathroom and standing sideways, looking at herself in the mirror. If she looked hard enough, was it possible there was a miniscule bump there, or was she just imagining things? With a sigh, knowing she couldn't answer those questions right now, Keeta walked away and started to get dressed.
She would make good on her promise to see a doctor...today.
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Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:39 am
So...guess what? I think I may be pregnant again. I've been ill several mornings this week and I'm not having my monthly on time. Of course Rhine thinks I have a flu bug or something, and maybe I do, but this seems suspiciously familiar. This time, however, at least I know who the father is.
Anyways, I promised Rhine I would see a doctor about my symptoms, but he has no idea what I suspect. I'm afraid to suggest it, in case I'm wrong. He had never been confident that we could have children, despite the fact that he wants some. And I couldn't hurt him by raising his hopes and then discovering I'm wrong. Plud there's the fact that we haven't exactly gotten married yet.
Oh gods I'm nervous. I don't know why. I'm supposed to be seen at the GMFC at 3:00 and I don't know what I want the outcome to be. I mean, I will certainly be pleased to be carrying Rhine's child, but who knows how genetically compatible we are? Plus I'm not sure I'm ready to be a mother of three...wait four, if you include Natalia. It's challenging enough as it is, with Camille out of diapers for only a few months and Joel still working on it.
I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and thought if I looked hard enough I could detect a small bump, but maybe I'm just imagining things. I suppose there's no use woking myself up. I'll know one way or the other this afternoon. I'll let you know how things play out.
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:05 pm
The door squeaked and a rush of warm air entered the cool waiting area of the GMFC as Keeta entered the familiar room. With a hint of butterflies in her stomach, Keeta let the door close behind her and paused, noting the seats were almost all empty before she approached the receptionist. The woman glanced up with a sunny smile. It was quite clear she liked working here.
"Hello, I'm Keeta Harding, I'm here for my 3:00 appointment?" She had called as soon as the clinic had opened that morning at Rhine's insistance she see a doctor. What Keeta didn't let on was that she agreed with him. And that she had gone to see the doctors at the clinic instead of a general practitioner. She had a vauge suspision of what might be "wrong" with her. But she wouldn't let on to Rhine in the slightest until she was sure. It would be big news to take and would change a lot if her suspisions proved accurate. Tiegan wandered on in and took a seat. Stared at the wall. Looked to the toys, shrugged a bit, then looked at the wall. The trashy magazines didn't interest her and the toys didn't interest her. She only just realized that there was nothing for a teenager to do here.
She hadn't come to tell them. She kind of guessed it had been her fault and had dismissed it as just a bad night. Sort of. She wasn't dumb though and knew she needed pills now to stop whatever could result from it. Tiegan was overwhelmed just by the damn essay about Ethics in Politics without needing to add further complications.
No appointment meant that she'd be here a while.
She sat up and watched the newcomer. Didn't say anything. It wasn't like she could say 'So you've been knocked up?' or something.
Outside the door stood the animals that had trailed here after her, a horse-like creature trying to enter and getting spooked by the automatic doors, two dogs that lay down and stared at the doors waiting patiently, and a goose that was wandering around in circles in a puddle. They all seemed a bit spooked by the doors. Keeta turned at the sound of the door and noticed a young woman enter the room. Her pale green hair was unusual to say the least, but Keeta wasn't one to talk. After all, her own hair was a natural bright blue. She had just looked past the woman to the door, where she was surprised to see animals now lingering around the entrance. Raising an eyebrow, a question almost formed in her mind, when her thoughts were inturrupted by the receptionist handing her a clipboard with one of the standard medical forms on it.
"Just fill it out and bring it up when you're done. The doctor should be ready to see you shortly."
Well shortly for them at any rate, Keeta thought grimly, but offered a smile at the woman. It wasn't her fault Keeta was apprehensive about the outcome of today's examination.
"Thank you," she said plesantly, taking the clip board and heading for a seat almost directly across from the young woman.Tiegan watched her and then flushed. Privacy. She was NOT her mum who tried to see everything. She sat back and picked up one of the magazines. Pregnancy or something, Tiegan didn't really care honestly, and she dropped it. Celebrities. People she hadn't really heard of before apparently having affairs and babies with someone else she'd barely heard of.
The cat beneath her legs had given up pretending to be hidden, creeping out, climbing onto her foot as it tried to hunt her toes. Her foot! Her entire foot was the prey! And it was joined by something attached to it, something that had dangly bits! This was serious business.
Tiegan started to try and detatch the small cat from the pants legs and off her toes, attempting to do so without it being noticed by the receptionist. Keeta had started filling out the information sheet, ignoring most of the areas for "at risk" behaviors. Yes she worked in a bar, but she hardly ever had a drink, she never smoked and she kept herself in pretty good shape. She had gotten to the bit on her symptoms and why she was here, when the antics of the cat were noticed in her peripheral vision and she lowered the clipboard.
"I see you have a friend," she said softly, the corners of her mouth turning up in amusement. "Ow." Tiegan muttered as the claws came out and dug into her foot. She was getting a lot of little scars from this cat. It had just seen her and decided it liked her. She'd tried to find the owners but no one had come forward.
She glanced up and smiled somewhat, nodding, and reaching back down to detach the cat from her tendon. Ow. "Yeah. One with really sharp teeth and claws."
Picking up the cat, who suddely went floppy and snuggled into her chest, Tiegan sat back as she wrapped the jacket around it. Only the head stuck out. There seemed to be an air of smugness to the cat now, as if this position of honour had been its intended plan all this time.
"I did try to keep it out but it seems to have ideas of its own." "Well such is the nature of cats," Keeta said knowingly. She hadn't had any since she had move to Gaia, but they had kept cats in Evin to help keep the mice away. Most of them were feral, but some of them she had befriended and remembered very similar behaviors in them, especially when they were young. She smiled again, glancing at the cat, when a though occured to her and she glanced towards the door.
"Are those your friends there too?" she inquired, looking at the creatures who were still gathered near the entrance to the clinic. "Yeah. We were off to the vet. Just to check up..." Plus, Tiegan loved going to the vet. She loved to listen and read and watch and all the medical stuff that was involved. This time of the year when it was time to give them injections to protect them from stuff was great.
"But if they have to get medical checkups, so do I." She added while one finger played with the cat's soft head and neck. "I suppose...." Keeta said skeptically, trying to read the girl, but failing at it. She wasn't exactly the most perceptive person in the world, but if there was more to the girl's story, it wasn't her business anyways.
"Well I hope you get a clean bill of health," she said with a small smile before leaning back over her paperwork. Keeta gave a light sigh. Filling these things out was always a chore. "I will." Tiegan smiled, a bit tense as she was reminded of what she was there for exactly. She would. She just needed the pill thing and then all was good. As much as she knew she might have a baby one day she really wasn't ready to deal with all that stuff today. Or tomorrow. Or for the next nine months. Or for the next twenty years.
God, her head was hurting.
"I hate paperwork too. Doctors can find it all out when you get in there anyway." She muttered as she heard the sigh, shrugging, the cat suddenly leaving her jacket for ...well, she wasn't sure. Tiegan watched the kitty slink off towards the door and without any sigh of being phased by automatic doors, walk right through and off towards some random direction."Pretty much....I never find they look at it and they ask you the same questions in the examining room...." she trailed off watching the cat leave the room. Her eyes followed the animal until it disappeared out of sight.
"Where's she off to?" Keeta asked, amused at the creature's apparent independance. "Yeah and you wonder why you went through the embarrassing filling in details in the waiting room. The public waiting room." Tiegan shrugged. She shifted on her seat so that she was more comfortable and stretched a leg.
"Who knows? Cats go where they like, apparently." "Well I wouldn't call it embarassing....it's not like someone is looking over my shoulder to see what I wrote," she shrugged trying to show indifference, but her cheeks reddened slightly and she leaned over to finish filling out the paperwork. The pen scratched against the paper for a moment before she said anything more. Her thoughts were a bit of a mess as she tried to figure out what she wished the outcome of this visit to be. The waiting was truly the hardest.
"Maybe they have you fill it out so you have something seemingly productive to occupy yourself with while you wait," she said wryly, as she finished the last word and rose to return the paper to the counter."I guess with their other entertainment, it makes sense." Tiegan agreed and shifted back again. She stared up at the poster about skin cancers, about teeth, about sexually transmitted diseases... gah.
Tiegan lifted up the magazine again and tried to figure out what was so interesting about this celebrity that they had to put photos of her being 'fat' and possibly 'pregnant'. Keeta dropped off the clipboard with the receptionist, who told her it would be "only a few more minutes" before they called her for her appointment. She reluctantly returned to her chair to wait. The magazines didn't appeal to her any more than they seemed to appeal to the young woman, and Keeta wondered if she should have brought either Camille or Joel with her, for at least entertainment's sake. She had left them with Rhine and Cassara, thinking that would be better than trying to drag them to the doctor, when the visit didn't concern them. And again, Rhine was under the impression she was visiting a general practitioner...not a maternity clinic. Of course Keeta wasn't sure yet....which is why she was here. But her suspicions were greatly leaning in that direction.
Trying to disctract herself, Keeta started digging through her purse. Maybe there would be something to entertain herself with in there. Purses seemed to accumulate the strangest things. She been meaning to clean it out for a while. Digging through the brown bag, she started pulling out various things and laying them on the seat next to her, while she tried to discover what all was in there. Out came a pacifier, one of Joel's cars, a small stuffed bear Camille had dropped on their last visit to the park, a small package of baby wipes and a spare diaper, etc. etc. The mothers of small children could always be counted on to have some interesting things in their purses. She hoped she could find at least a forgotten novel in here somewhere....
Keeta cast a wary glance at her acquaintance across the aisle, blushing slightly at what she thought the display must look like to an outsider. If the young woman hadn't wondered if she had kids before, it would be glaringly obvious now! As she looked at the young lady, Keeta glanced at the article on the cover of the magazine she was reading.
"Anything interesting?" she asked, hoping conversation would cause the pile next to her to go relatively unnoticed. Tiegan glanced up as she saw baby items. Lots of them. She would have assume that they were for a future baby if it wasn't for their clear use already, scuff marks and stuff, so she must already have had a baby.
She shrugged at her magazine.
"It's the same old thing. They just take random photos and put them together to make up a story about that person. If people didn't take it so serious then it could be a joke magazine..." She tossed it aside. It was open now at 'Readers comments' and she'd given up after someone had been whining about how a celebrity's boyfriend wasn't right to call her fat in private, or something. Seemed stupid.
"All prepared?" "Hmm...indeed. I've never had much paitence or interest in those things. Back in Evin, where I come from originally, things like that don't exist...yet." While Keeta liked to believe that Evin would stay comparitively unsullied by the modern world, Keeta knew it would reach there eventually and people would start to care about these petty things among well-known people. It was unfortunate and Keeta hoepd she would not be around to see it happen.
At the question in regards to her level of preparation, Keeta gave a sheepish grin and tried sweeping some of the items back into the oversized purse. The hunt for a book to read had been unsuccessful.
"Oh...yeah," she said, blushing slightly.
"I have two small children at home. You can never be over prepared when you go out with them, so I just keep all kinds of things in my purse. And then things I never intended to go in there, end up in there anyways, when they get dropped or forgotten on the playground. If you ever become a mother, you'll understand." Keeta smiled, not knowing the impact that particular topic might have on the young woman across from her. "Mum reads them a lot. I think she believes them too." Tiegan smiled somewhat, a bit amused at her own mum, as she glanced down. "I decided to not take them seriously when I saw a teenage magazine quiz trying to tell me that I was overweight and could loose weight by a special diet..."
She glanced down at her body. Tiegan had seemed to inherit part of her mother's curves but she was fit and she didn't care if she was a bit wider there or here. It didn't get in the way of her life. She hadn't even thought about how people might see her body till she saw that magazine.
It was Tiegan's turn to go a bit pink at the subject of being a mother. "Ah...well, I hope that isn't for a long time." She said, managing to not have any sort of voice crack, and nodded awkwardly. "I'm too young."
Come to think of it, Tiegan was about the age her mum was when she was born... way too young. "Well to each her own," Keeta replied in response to the young woman's confession that her mother took them seriously. Of course Keeta hadn't known what to think the first time she had encountered a tabloid, but it hadn't taken long for her to figure out that they were nonsense. She nodded as Tiegan continued.
"Of course. And I would advise that you have someone committed to you before you decide on that course as well. I can speak to experience that having a child without someone there to support you....is rather difficult." Her voice grew more quiet and carried a hint of shame.
"I don't know who my son's biological father is. Rhine, my fiancee is his father now, but he wasn't around yet when I was pregnant and gave birth to Joel...Going through that was very hard for me. I hope you never have to deal with that." God, she hoped not too. That was what the pills were for. Tiegan nodded and wondered. Baby. Nappies. Names. God, she'd have to keep it in...what, her bedroom? And have to explain how it came about? No more wandering around in woods either. All because ...
She felt a chill of something that wasn't particually pleasent.
Baby would remind her of things that she didn't like to think about. Pills were a very good idea.
"It sounds very hard. I don't plan on going through it." Keeta eyed the girl carefully and frowned slightly. She seemed uncomfortable with the discussion all the sudden. Almost as if....hmmm...
"Are you ok?" Keeta asked gently. "I hope I haven't upset you in some way." "Yeah! I... just, you know, doctor stuff." Tiegan stiffened a bit. Was the jacket coming undone? She seemed to visably relax as her name was called first. Oh thank real gods or whoever was up there... "Thanks for the chat."
She hurried away. Keeta blinked, visibly confused. The girl had seemed a bit too relieved to have her name called.
"You're welcome, I guess...." Frowning, Keeta watched as Tiegan walked into the back. Well whatever that was, it was odd. And now she was stuck here in the waiting room with nothing to do but...wait, which meant mulling over the possible outcomes of this visit.
Keeta was saved from her internal wonderings a few moments later, when her own name was called and she was ushered into the back.
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:41 pm
Rhine stopped on the second flight of stairs to rub the back of his neck. Being Friday it was a particularly long evening as far as closing was concerned. He was double checking in his mind to make sure everything had been done... After all he had, had a lot rolling around in his head that day with the morning starting that Keeta had been ill again. Sure as anything that everything was done he headed up the next flight of stairs
The moment he opened the door he was busing removing his apron and pulling his shirt out of his pants. He was trying to get as comfortable as possible. "Love," he called out unsure if she was home yet. Hoping she would be considering the hour... Joel was the one who responded to the greeting, however. He had been sitting in front of the TV watching an educational children's show when his soon-to-be-step-dad came in the door. He rushed towards Rhine on his little feet and wrapped himself around one of Rhine's legs.
"Whine!" he said, happily grinning up at him from his place near the floor. He was getting used to Rhine being around all the time now and was finding he enjoyed it. It was nice having a different grown up than his mom to hang on once in a while. Keeta peeked out from the kitchen and smiled at what she saw. It was good to see Joel bonding with her fiancee. She hadn't been home too long herself. Joel and Camille had been at Jiao'lan's for the afternoon, and she had had to pick them up after her appointment. Normally she would have left them at Ceres', but she didn't want her friend and future mother-in-law, to pick up on her suspicions before she had a chance to discuss them with Rhine. Sometimes Ceres saw a little too much.
"Hello love. I just popped a frozen lasagna in the oven. I know it's not as good as you would make it, but I knew you would be tired, and I didn't have enough time to make something better myself."Rhine chuckled and ruffled Joel's hair. "Evening," he said with a grin in his voice. He then picked the toddler up and swung him around playfully before resting the small boy on his hips.
His grin grew even wider as he saw his wife to be. "Evening, Love," he said as he maneuvered about the living room to get to the kitchen. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek... Keeping it clean for the younger eyes. "That does sound delicious. You know I really wish you would just let me cook and freeze... It would make it easier on you." Keeta smiled and returned the kiss, before giving Joel a loving tap on the nose. Her gaze returned to Rhine when she spoke, leaning against the kitchen counter.
"It's not harder on me. It means I get a chance to practice my domestic skills," she said with a chuckle.
"No I didn't "cook" tonight, but if you don't cook all the time, it at least gives me the opportunity to do it if I wish from time to time." Joel wiggled in Rhine's arms to be let down. The commercial was over and the show had come back on. He wanted to see what happened. Instinctively Rhine sat the toddler down while keeping his focus on Keeta. Out of the corner of his eye he watched him run back over to the TV. He was sure that the little girl was in her room, but still he wondered.
"If that is what you want is to work on your domestic skills then who am I to stop you." He laughed and kissed her again. "Just what ever you do... Don't stop sexy." He ran his finger down the front of her neck. He continued through the crease of the breast and down to her stomach. He growled playfully remembering her promise this morning- at least one of them. Keeta wanted to respond, but stepped away, trying to keep her feet and her hormones firmly on the ground. Her small son was just feet away in the living room and Camille had been in her bedroom, probably playing with her dolls, but would no doubt come out soon after the smell of cooking lasanga made it's way down the hall. Plus, she wasn't exactly in the mood. She had other, more important things on her mind.
"Not right now Rhine," she said, hoping he wouldn't be upset with her for sidestepping him at the moment. She was still trying to figure out the best way to tell him, without the kids overhearing. Keeta hoped that the two of them could share the news together, once Rhine knew it of course. "But, but," Rhine playfully began but didn't finish. He knew very well that the kids were still very much awake, and that there were still other opportunities once they were tucked safely in their bedroom. He just had hoped that she could have gone along with it even if just for a moment.
He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Alright then," he said as he looked back at Joel. He watched him watch TV. "I'm going to go and take a shower before sitting down to the table... Unless of course you need held with that frozen meal." He grinned. "I think I'll manage," Keeta said, distractedly returning the kiss before opening the frige to get out the lettuce for the salad she had planned on serving with the meal. She felt like she was going to burst with her news, but she wanted to wait until the kids weren't likely to overhear.
"Dinner should be ready by the time you're done with your shower," she said offering a smile.
"Would you mind peeking in on Camille on your way down the hall? And let her know she should start cleaning up for dinner?" A giggle could be heard from the other room, when a cartoon character did something to amuse Joel. "Keeta," Rhine said her name seriously for the first time in a long time. He couldn't shrug off her attitude this evening. He wanted to know what was wrong- it not now then very soon. He didn't like how things were going... He felt she was acting very distant and very unusual.
He finally sighed and nodded his head. "Yeah, I'll tell her to wash up. And, I'll grab Joel and get him washed up before washing up myself." He smiled and kissed her before turning to leave the kitchen. Keeta felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up at the way he said her name. She wasn't fooling anyone. But for now she was grateful for the excuse the children provided to delay her being cornered. She didn't turn from the fridge, but used the excuse of rummaging for something to keep from looking at him. Keeta didn't think she could handle his expression at the moment, whatever it was.
"Thank you." His hair still a bit on the wet side as well as his skin he left their bed room. He first gathered Camile from her room which almost proved impossible as she was immersed in her dolls at the time. Joel was no easier as he was glued to the TV... But, finally there they were the three of them.
Rhine pulled out the chair for Camile with his tail while he got Joel situated into the high chair. Afterwords he seated himself.
He then pulled out the chair for Keeta before settling down himself. He sighed in contentment. He had had time to calm down in the shower and was nearly back to is usual chipper (horny but contained) self. Keeta had calmed some also, when she wasn't being pressed so hard to hide her newfound knowledge. She served everyone a piece of lasagna and settled down to eat, letting the chatter of the children wash over her. Joel was giving a toddler's play-by-play of the nature show he had just been watching, featuring different kinds of snakes and Camille tried to get a word in when she could.
"It was a willy biiig snake!" he said, spreading his arms wide, to emphasize his statement. "It fit a egg in is mouff!" "Did it now," Rhine said encouraging Joel as much as possible. He was delighted in the boys interest in nature. Playfully and snake like as possible he used his tail to wrap it around Joel's chair. He tried to hide his grin.
He knew he would get looks later, but now- now as the time. He was living in the moment. Joel shrieked in surprise as he felt the "snake" brush his leg. And he looked down, trying to figure out what it was. Keeta felt compelled to look under the table to figure out the source of Joel's fright. She looked at Rhine with an expression halfway between a laugh and a frown before continuing to pick at her meal. Camille followed suit and grinned, laughing a little.
"Joel it's just Rhine's tail," she said in her quiet little voice. Camille looked across the table at Rhine, showing him that at least she thought it was funny. Joel pouted a little. Maybe he liked seeing snakes on TV, but one surprising him, even if it wasn' real, was an entirely different matter in his head.
"You scare me," he said in a scolding tone. He grinned as he caught Camille's grin.
"All in good fun," he said as he retracted his tail. "How about 5 more minutes of TV time after dinner and before bed to make up for it..." he stuffed a bite of food in his mouth.
He tried not to pay attention to Keeta and her picking. One of them had to set an example of cleaning off their plates. He would question her later since he knew she wouldn't say a word around the kids. Joel seemed to decide that this was acceptable and went back to eating his meal, while Camille took up a discussion of the trouble her dolls had gotten themselves into that day. Then she started talking about the real baby she had gotten to see today. Mi'ako, who belonged to Keeta's friend Jiao'lan. Keeta's face went red slightly at this topic. But she didn't try and dissuade Camille from talking about it. It would only draw further attention to the matter that Keeta hadn't brought the kids to Ceres' today, but to her friend's, while she was at the doctor. She hoped Rhine wouldn't connect the dots. "She was really cute! She's gotten bigger since the birthday party. Her feathers are all fluffy and soft!. Jiao'lan even let me hold her for a minute!" Camille beamed proudly at being allowed this "big girl" priviledge. Rhine tried not to look hurt- matter of fact he tried to look as if nothing was wrong at all. But he had this sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't eat another bite if he had to. He stood up with an abruptness but did not leave the table before giving each kid a kiss good night.
He just looked at Keeta. He didn't know how an illness could come down to this... He didn't consider that he was jumping to conclusions. All he knew was that all he couldn't believe this was happening again... Or, so he thought.
He didn't have any affection to give Keeta or even a word to give her. He just left the room... He was unsure what to do with himself. Camille stared after him as he left the room, before turning to Keeta.
"Mommy...why did Rhine leave?" she asked, confused, and perhaps a little hurt. She hadn't finished telling him about the cute things Mi'ako had done while they were there. "I expect he was tired honey. He had a long day," said said, trying to reassure her daughter.
"You can finish your story tomorrow. I think he'll be in a better mood then." Camille was disappointed, but resigned herself to the fact that she would have to wait. Keeta nervously glanced towards the dark hallway towards the bedroom. She knew he would wonder why she had left the kids at Jiao'lan's but she hadn't expected him to react like that...Her stomach twisted and much linke Rhine, she found she had lost what little appetite she had.
She stood and began clearing the table while she waited for the kids to finish. Within half an hour she had the kids cleaned up, in their pajamas and in bed. Only then did she apporach the closed door to the master bedroom. Taking a deep breath, she knocked softly and let herself into the room. Rhine didn't know what he felt like doing. He almost felt like disappearing through the mirror... But that really would be a cowards way of things. But, was confrontation much better especially when one was angered?
He instead stepped inside the over sized walked in closet. Heading towards the back. He'd decided just hiding out for a while wouldn't be that bad. He flopped down onto a pile of shiny objects and in the process made a huge bit of noise- he hoped it wouldn't be heard downstairs.
He tried not to think of where he went wrong or what was wrong... But, it wasn't possible. His mind drifted off into the worst possible possibilities. Keeta entered the room and was surprised to find it empty. The bathroom as well. She frowned, wondering where he could have left to....Perhaps he had left through the mirror, but she didn't think he would do that, would he? Just when she was starting to feel abandoned, she heard a noise from within the closet. Cautiously, she went to investigate.
"Rhine?" she called tentatively, sliding the door open and peeking her head inside. What would he be doing in the closet? Rhine had really 'let himself go'. He was something between human and dragon. But, due to shape and size... and closet limitations he was closer to human than dragon. He looked like a teenager again with his green and yellow skin instead of his usual tanned skin with colored freckles. His tail did seem a good big longer, larger. As some sort of comfort to a nervousness he tail continuously was racking over the silver he was sitting on. He had done just about removed every piece of clothing he was wearing.
He was brought from the darker parts of his thoughts when Keeta had called his name. He just looked at her... After all what was he to say? "Rhine...?" she said again uncertainly. Keeta had never seen him look this way before. Of course she had seen him full dragon, but that wasn't quite as unnerving as seeing him halfway between. She was also quite taken aback by the pile he was sitting on, but now wasn't the time to ask him about that.
She hugged her arms to herself, not sure what to say. And simply looked down at her feet. She felt guilty for causing him to be upset, but she couldn't figure out why he was this upset. What had she done to cause him to do this? "You just played sick to advert me from the truth didn't you... But the truth is you just don't like it here and you're leaving... Taking the kids too..." Rhine had never successfully managed to have children and these children were like his own. He never thought of them in any other way.
"You didn't take them to my mothers because she'd get one look and know so instead..." He sucked in a breath, and with it a few tears that had fallen down his cheek.
"How could I be so stupid..." he moaned. "...to think things were so perfect. That, that you would want me..." He continued to ramble. The more he rambled the faster his tail moved. He'd wear a hole in his silver at this rate. Keeta's mouth fell open and the words came out before she could stop them, his accusation was so rediculious.
"WHAT!? What in the names of the spirits are you thinking Rhine? You think I would fake being ill just to garner sympathy from you? You think I am leaving? Why in the hell would I leave the man I love and the man who is being a father to my children?" Her voice was harsh and broken as her outrage showed. Keeta's face flushed and her mouth was set in a thin line. How could he even imagine such a thing? She had gone from guilt to anger in a few brief seconds. Rhine looked at Keeta. It took every bit of him to control himself and the anger that was building up inside of him as he was being yelled at. He knew just what would happen when he got angry... And, it was never a good thing because he often said things he didn't mean.
"How should I know why you would want to leave me?" Surprisingly his voice was calm. "What else would you expect a person to think after the days events... You've turned down every gesture I've made sexual or other... You damn near stuffed yourself in the fridge to avoid me," he had to breath to keep his voice in check. "And, then to find out you took the kids to a friends instead of my mothers... Damn I know failing health and all but s**t... Keeta... Come on..."
With a suddenness his tail rose and fell making a large crash. Several pieces of silver cracked- some clear down the middle. He didn't know what to feel... "I have no intention of going anywhere," she nearly growled.
"I would have expected you to ask or wait for an explanation instead of jumping to conclusions and making yourself look foolish," her voice wobbled as emotion started to overtake her. She spoke more quietly now. "I cannot help it the fear of someone leaving me consumes me so easily... Would you expect any less when not only did a friendship fail but a marriage as well. You and those children are everything to me Keeta."
His tail thrashing around in broken silver was not helping maters any... If anything it was making them worse. Slowly they cut into his flesh and the more he thrashed about the more blood that got smeared about. But with them being so shallow he hardly realized what was going on.
"So, if you're not going anywhere... Then what in the world is wrong with you... Why is it that you are avoiding me... Not wanting to talk to me? Why do you get all closed up as if we are just starting back at the beginning?" "Rhine...you're injuring yourself. Calm down," she quietly, but matter-of-factly. She sighed and looked at the ceiling as if hoping to find some answers there, but none were forthcoming.
"I hoped to tell you in a nicer way than this but....I'm pregnant and I didn't know how to tell you and I didn't want your mother to know yet. There you are. Happy?" She shook slightly in anger, frustration and nervousness at having revealed her secret that she'd been carrying around all day. Rhine about asked the dumb question of who the father was... But managed to contain that one as he trusted Keeta. Instead he opened his mouth to other more dumbness. "I'm pregnant?" He'd stopped moving all together... He didn't even have a clue of what he'd just asked. He was still trying to fathom the concept. "Yes, you. Me. Us," was all she could manage to whisper, before she sunk to the floor, curling up in a ball. He was about to ask how but then realized how silly that question was... because after all he did know how and where babies come from. Hell if he didn't know how to by now he should be shot. Forgetting about himself all together he crawled over to Keeta and wrapped his arms around her. He didn't say anything because he really didn't know what to say. It still all had to sink in.
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:43 pm
Diary- tracking my progress use to be a regular thing. However, once I matured enough (in my own mind) I chucked you aside. I set out on my own. Some of the last things I wrote down were about my drunken stupidity and having a bit too much fun with Renor. There were tales of my daring adventures around the island where I grew up. There were mentions of my troubles with the violin, the trails with my sister, and how I wanted to make it on my own. There was growing flowers and impressing my now X Wife. I cannot say that I am proud of everything I did. But what I did made me who I am. You are probably wondering why I have decided to dust you off and scribble in you again… I’m pregnant. Wait… My wife to be is pregnant. I guess that makes us both pregnant. You know I just reached my thirties a couple years ago and I just never figured that this would be possible. Don’t get me wrong I love kids. Hell I grew up around a bunch of girls (I don’t know how that is relevant). In any case our family of four is about to get bigger. One, two… I don’t know. How many kids do my kind have- I know humans or the like have one maybe more if they use treatments. Oh God! I hope Keeta didn’t do treatments behind my back as something to surprise me and make me happy. I don’t think I could handle an entire litter of kids. I am making myself crazy just thinking about it. Always room for one more… I am turning into my mother. Not that that is a bad thing… I mean after all I have a big heart just like her among other things. Whatever the case may be I am going to welcome this challenge… Wait, this new chapter in my life. I’ve got to go now my pasta’s boiling over and the sauce is bubbling. Being a cook takes a lot of multi tasking skills and a lot of time… I barely had time to get this jotted down. ---- Rhine had forgotten to put the diary up in a more personal space… He had left it open on the kitchen table. There were a few smudged words where sauce had gotten onto the page and he had tried to wipe it off. Over all, despite the fact of looking well worn the diary was a valued item.
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:52 pm
Diary,
Things did not go off as well as planned. I did go to the doctor and yes I'm pregnant, but I'm afraid I'm not as happy about it as I thought I would be, because the situation, or at least the way I handled it, caused Rhine and I to get into a fight. I had been trying to figure out how to tell him, and I didn't want to tell him in front of the kids, because I thought we should tell them together. I guess my preoccupation must have caused him to start playing the "what if" game and he came to the conclusion that I was cheating on him and feeling guilty about it.
I wanted to tell him gently, to make it special and exciting, but I ended up blurting it out in self-defense. And now I have insecurities about the fact that he believes I'm capable of cheating on and/or leaving him. I wish I had thought of a better way to bring it up, but what's done is done. I imagine I'll feel better about it in a little while. This is just the first big fight we'd had and it has it's impact, particularly when the thing you're fighting about should be a happy subject.
Rhine seems happy enough about the pregnancy, now that he knows what's going on. He was in shock for a while there and I think it's still sinking in. I've been treading carefully around him, trying to recover from the emotional blow I took. I hope things go back to normal soon. I want to be able to tell Joel and Camille, but Rhine and I have to be on the same page before that happens.
I figure we have a few months before we have to tell the kids. I'm only 7 weeks along, but I don't know how quickly this pregnancy might progress. After all...the child will be half dragon. I suppose we'll have to wait and see. I made another doctor's appointment for my 12th week. I'm hoping Rhine will come with me so we can get any questions answered. And then we have to think about how we are going to tell Ceres....and then of course the wedding. We're going to have to kick things into gear if I hope to still fit in my dress by the time we walk down the aisle. I assume we're still doing that at any rate.... I think Rhine and I need to sit down and talk before I drive myself crazy.
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Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:22 pm
Just For YouBrief Synopsis: Rhine asks Keeta on a secretive date to help repair the speed bump in their relationship, and spoils her all night. He eventually reveals that if she is willing, he has made the arrangements for them to marry that night, instead of waiting for the original date, with their new circumstances. She agrees, and Rhine and Keeta finally tie the knot on a beach under the stars.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:04 am
Synopsis: Rhine disappears a few days after the wedding, leaving only a vauge note. He doesn't return or make contact for four days. Keeta finally gets tired of waiting and goes to look for him, only to discover that disaster has happened on the island and that her arrival only adds to the chaos. Keeta's goddaughter/ sister-in-law, Natalia, has been turned into a Pegasus by the Island, and doesn't remember herself or her family. Disaster is finally averted, but things are left unresolved. Keeta and Rhine reveal to Ceres that they are expecting.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:08 am
Diary,
So guess what? I'm married! Rhine surprised me by taking me out and making arrangements to have the ceremony early, with our new circumstances. I guess that part was something I shouldn't have been worried about. It's after the wedding bells I should have been consiering. It's been kind of a rocky beginning.
Who would have thought my marriage would start out so tumultuously? Barely a week into it and we've already had more drama than I would have expected in a year. A few days into the honeymoon, Rhine disappeared, leaving me nothing but a note. After four days he didn't return and I went looking for him. When I found him, I could hardly believe it. He was in his full dragon form, fighting his little sister, who had been transformed into an equine by the sentient forces of the island his family resides on. Certainly not what I expected! There's a lot more to it than that, but I don't want to get into the nitty gritty details. What matters is that Rhine returned home safely.
That's not to say he didn't receive a verbal beating from me. I don't want to be that kind of a person that has shouting matches with their spouse, but I really needed to get some things off my chest. When he disappeared like that right after we got married, with me carrying his child, and didn't even try to let me know what was going on, or that he was ok, I felt abandoned and scared. Joel and Camille kept asking for him and I had to keep making up excuses as to why he was gone. When push comes to shove, he had a valid reason for needing to go quickly, but he could have at least tried to let me know that he was alive and safe. I think he won't ever do it again, after he saw how it hurt me and the kids. At least I can always hope.
There's another thing too. I'm worried about Ceres. The physical manifestaion of the Island spirit attacked her during this situation with the equine Natalia. She appeared to mend ok, but lately she's been saying things that make me uncomfortable and I can't even explain why. Like when we made the anncouncemnt about the pregnancy, she had to be slightly shamed into being excited about it, and then she kept insisting that we have the baby shower soon. I mean, I certainly don't mind having a shower, but it's hightly unusual to have it so early in the pregnancy, and we don't even know if the baby is a boy or girl yet! All told, this has been a stressful and confusing week. I just hope all the excitement, both good and bad, hasn't affected the baby.
Until next time diary,
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:36 am
Rhine was more than thankful that his mother had put enough thought into his diary way back when he was just a little kid. He was pretty careless with the beloved possession. Feeling pretty miserable from the weather he was sitting the bathtub with it. Rhine Wrote I don't think life could get anymore ******** up right now... And, that's saying something considering I'm from the family who understands ******** up. The problem is where does one begin because there really is no honest beginning. I guess I'll start with my sister Natalia. Something about a car crash. No one was injured and past that nothing much else is said. However, that's when everything started to change. Natalia started to trust the Island... Which has gone and landed her in a world of mess. Yes, world of mess and then some. The Island's gone and taken our sweet, precious, hope for the Island's future and knocked her up and turned her into a Pegasus. Oh, there's more... Didn't think it could get any better but it does. She thinks she's always been a Pegasus. Great huh. Just ******** fantastic. Guess I should mention that she hates her entire family... Trust issues. How nice of the Island. That entire fiasco nearly cost me my marriage. I don't think Keeta would come out and say it... Maybe it isn't true. But, it is how I feel. Yeah, I probably should of dropped her a second line instead of just disappearing. (Yes, I have ways of ******** my own fairy tale life up... I won't deny that.) But, when you are trying to capture and convince an angry self centered Pegasus how are you to do so. Not to mention I was rather worried for my wife an unborn child's safety. I know she wants to be included in everything, but... I just worry so much about her. You want more. I could on. Like how me and the rest of my siblings just know that the end is near for our mother. We all refuse to discuss it amongst ourselves. As if that isn't enough to feel bad over Cassara has gone and created her own stupid plan. She's taken her marriage to the extreme. She isn't going to let death part her and her wife. She's going to let her wife turn her into a Vampire. Right down ******** stupid if you ask me. She knows there are consequences. She just refuses. She's probably in the motions of doing so right now. Didn't even talk with our mother... It isn't my place to. Heaven's knows our mother has enough on her plate. Can't s**t stay normal until I get my marriage one hundred percent straight again. I didn't think that was too much to ask. Because once it is straight I can deal with s**t going all to pieces again... And, ******** yes I am being self centered. ******** this s**t. I hate it. I hate that everything is falling apart. I just want everything to be good again. Rhine let the book and pen fall out of his hands and onto the bathroom floor as he slipped himself under water. He could only hope that when he resurfaced that it had all been a bad dream. They would be back to when the honeymoon was just about up but life was still good. It was a fairy tale that he felt his family deserved.
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:37 am
It was about a week after Rhine had returned home after his disappearance. Keeta still hadn't entirely forgiven him, but things were almost back to normal. It was a Friday morning, one she had off and, she was glad of the downtime. She was looking forward to spending some time with the kids and relaxing a little. Things had just been too crazy lately and she wasn't entirely over her morning sickness episodes.
Ceres had wanted to have the baby shower that weekend, but Keeta didn't think she could handle it just yet. She was grateful when she managed to talk her mother-in-law into reluctantly having it the following weekend. At least then she could have some breathing room, but Keeta still wished she understood why Ceres was so earger to have the shower as soon as possible. Deciding that there was no use furthur pondering something she has already spent hours trying to figure out, Keeta tried to let her mind go blank as she sipped her cup of hot tea. Rhine had already been up for a good while. He was down in the Cafe taking care of the opening procedures. After that though he had the rest of the day to himself.
It was around seven when he tossed his apron into the dirty bin. He grabbed three to go boxes and shoved in some pancakes, eggs, bacon and such.
He patted his co manager on the back and then headed up the stairs.
He knew things were still not completely back to normal but normal enough. "Was hoping to be back before you were up," he said surprised his wife was already up. "Everything's okay?" He asked concerned for both her and the baby. "I couldn't sleep," she remarked shrugging.
"My stomach's still got its ups and downs...and frankly I'm worried about your mother...but yes, I'm fine." Keeta smiled to reassure him, before taking another sip of her tea. "Maybe putting something on your stomach will help you get back to sleep... It is still fairly early." Rhine smiled as he sat the to go boxes down on the table. "And your in luck I brought breakfast and I'm off for the rest of the day."
"My mother," Rhine sighed. "She's planning something. I don't know what. But I fear it will be one of the last things she does." "Well I hope we can figure it out soon, because whatever it is, is making me nervous and we still have to sort out this thing with Natalia," Keeta shook her head.
"Anyways....I don't want to go back to sleep. Since we both have the day off, maybe we could plan on doing something together, with the kids. We haven't really had a chance since the honeymoon was cut short and all..." She eyed the take out boxes.
"What all have you got in there anyways? I'll have to think about whether Rhine Jr. can handle it or if he wants something simpler." Rhine really wanted to avoid talking about his mother. It was too nice of a day for it to be ruined. He smiled and opened the box. "That sounds like a great idea. A day with you, and the kids."
"Sausage, bacon, pancakes, eggs, and hash browns." He hoped that there would be something in there that Keeta could eat that wouldn't unsettle her stomach. He had tried to think of everything. "Mmmm...I think I'll go for the eggs and pancakes. I'll avoid the other things that have grease in them," she said after a moment of consideration. She smiled at Rhine.
"Thank you....What do you think we should do with our day? Lately I feel like we're going to be having fewer days available to us like this. What with the baby coming, and I think Camille will start school in the fall...It's crazy how quickly they grow up." "I'm glad that there is something there that you can eat. Though, if there wasn't just say so and be honest. I don't mind cooking something special for you." He gave Keeta a quick kiss. He knew it would be long till everyone else was up.
"You didn't want to home school?" Rhine was a bit puzzled. He was home schooled himself along with the rest of his siblings. "We can do it together." Keeta returned the kiss. It felt a little better every time. She was glad that whole episode was behind them...for now at any rate. As far as she could tell, the Island wasn't finished with his plans for Natalia. He would be back. She just hoped next time the others would see fit to include her in the fight.
"This will be fine Rhine. I think the grease is mainly what sounds unappealing right now. So long as I don't put too much syrup or butter on those pancakes, I think I'll keep it all down." She got up from the table to grab a few plates and utensils.
"I guess I hadn't really considered that...seeing as the society norm here is to send the children to public school. I figured they'd get to interact more with other children that way. Seems to me sometimes that they don't get to play with other children very often...I mean it's not like Camille has any friends she sees on a regular basis except Natalia, and she can't even play with Natalia right now..." "If you change your mind let me know," Rhine rubbed Keeta's hand and then moved to help set the table. "Even if it is a whim or something totally just prego... I want to know."
"I suppose you do have a point. The kids could really use more interaction with others. You know we could home school them and then take them to an after school program." He hadn't ever been to a public school and was actually a little intimidated by it.
"Natalia will come around eventually..." "Prego..." Keeta chuckled and shook her head. "I can't believe you just said that," she said, poking him playfully, before sighing and considering his suggestion.
"I suppose. I just feel that I should at least give her the chance to do that. I don't want her to grow up feeling isolated. Or Joel for that matter. I suppose Camille will be a bit of a guinea pig as far as the public school thing goes. And yes....eventually....but when is eventually Rhine?" She frowned and leaned over, her palms resting on the table.
"I mean she's a horse, for pete's sake! I'm not wanting to be callous, because I know you know I really care about her, but I can't make Camille wait for Natalia to turn back to herself, when we have no idea how long that might take." Keeta sighed and flopped into a chair, hating that circumstances made it so those words needed to be said. Natalia should never have ended up like she was... Rhine reached his arms around Keeta and hugged her gently before tickling her. He grinned playfully. "Well you are. And, I love it."
"That's why I said an after school program," Rhine sighed. "It's just that I'm scared for them. I grew up isolated and I grew up just fine..." 'Well almost just fine,' he thought.
"She's not a Horse she's a Pegasus," he huffed. "And, she will come around. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday and soon!" "I understand you're afraid, I didn't go to a public school either. But that doesn't mean that we can't let them try....and I know Natalia is a Pegasus...you're splitting hairs here Rhine. The point is that she isn't in a position to spend meaningful time with Camille or Joel right now and I don't want them to grow up without having interactions outside the family. Even when Natalia is better, that doesn't mean Camille and Joel shouldn't have other friends too...." "If it is interaction you want then lets get them into a Private school. I'll pay for it." He was trying to meet his wife half way. "And, we can still find some after school activities for them to participate in."
"Frankly I don't know if Natalia will ever be herself again... Or, if my mother is even going to make it past tomorrow... It is a one day at a time thing," he sighed. "I just feel like we are excluding her..." "That's fine, and we don't have to make any decisious now...I just didn't want us to just say we were for sure going to homeschool and nothing else..." Keeta sighed and hung her head.
"I've done it again. Turned something that should have been a simple conversation into something that is causing us to border on an argument. And I'm sorry about your mother and Natalia...I really am. I wish there was something I could do....." She wrung her hands and stared off into the livingroom.
"Although I'm not certain which one you feel we are excluding. Natalia, or your mother?" "We both do it," Rhine said as he slid his head under his wife's chin and kissed her gently. "Mountains out of mole hills," he chuckled.
"Natalia. It is unintentional... It's just that... I don't know." Rhine sighed. "It is all a mess." Keeta kissed him back, but she still felt ashamed.
"I know she doesn't know what she's doing, but that doesn't change the fact that she would rather not have our company at the present time. We can't change her mind. She's as subborn in equine form as she was as a child..." Keeta sighed and hung her head again.
"And here I thought we were going to have a pleasant morning." Rhine grinned and pushed the pancakes in front of his wife. He went and grabbed some fruits and whip cream from the fridge. He then made a face out of the stuff. "It's happy to see you!" He cooed. He decided to drop the previous parts of this morning and recover the rest. Keeta raised an eyebow at her husband, before reaching for the pancakes, an amused half smile tilting upwards.
"I see...." Shaking her head, she respected his wishes and dropped the discussion, instead focusing on eating the pancakes. Rhine Jr. seemed to be ok with that for the moment. A moment later, little feet could be heard coming down the hallways into the kitchen. Camille appeared still in her nightgown, rubbing her eyes and clutching her teddybear. She let out a yawn and smiled at Rhine and her mommy."Good morning Camille," he smiled and pulled the chair out for her with his tail. "Pancakes, bacon, and eggs?" he asked. He knew that being a child meant that every week you had a new like. Camille climbed into the chair and sat up on her knees so she could see the offerings. She wasn't particularly picky, so it all looked good to her. Keeta smiled at her from across the table. "Morning sweetheart," she said, before taking a bite of her pancakes and fruit. "Hello mommy," she said, rubbing her eyes again and setting the bear on the table, before looking at Rhine.
"Yes please, Daddy," Camille said, grinning up at him, and Keeta chuckled quietly. The daddy thing was new. She had started it right before the wedding. Keeta suspected that Natalia had had a hand in suggesting that the little girl call Rhine that, but she had no way to confirm that. She raised her eyes to gauge Rhine's expression. "But first," he pulled a napkin from its holder and unfolded it. "Bear needs a bib." He wrapped it around the bear.
After that he proceeded to put pancakes, bacon, and eggs on a plate for Camille. "There you go darling. A feast for two." He kissed Camille's forehead as he sat down a fork and spoon. "Juice or milk?" Camille giggled as Rhine put the bib on her bear.
"Thank you Daddy. Juice please!" Camille instantly responded. Keeta knew that answer without asking. Camille would drink milk, but if given the choice between something that came from a plant, or something that came from an animal, she would always choose the plant-based item. Keeta supposed that was the water-lily nature of her green-skinned daughter. She watched the little girl closely, as if seeing her again for the first time. Camille was growing quickly and Keeta suspected that there was a lot more to her daughter than met the eye, but only time would tell what that would be.
If only that painting shop were still open.... Keeta had tried going back to the store, but found its doors closed, and the front room empty of paintings. So now Camille was a mystery that would have to be unraveled on her own. Shaking her head, she tried to bring herself back to the present. Her mind had wandered and now she smiled to see Camille "feeding" her bear. Keeta took one more bite of her own pancake, before deciding the baby had had enough, her stomach lurching slightly.
It was then she heard Joel whining in the other room, as he started to wake up. She was glad of the excuse to walk away from the rest of her breakfast without worrying Rhine.
"I'll get him. I bet he needs to be changed anyways....." Keeta had considered starting to potty train him, but decided it could probably wait a little bit. Maybe when she was done with this morning sickness stuff. She made a mental note to discuss it with Rhine soon. "Here you go little lady," Rhine poured Camille a glass of juice. He patted her on the shoulder before moving on to fix Joel and himself a plate.
He tried not to show that he felt bad about Keeta not feeling well. He wouldn't say it, but he felt he was partly to blame for it. He wished there was something more he could do for her... But, he knew that pregnancy just had to take its course.
"So, you have any plans today?" He asked Camille. "Mmmmm...." Camille chewed for a minute while she thought about it.
"I want to play with my horses and my dolls today. Do you want to play with me? Or maybe Joel or Mommy could play with me." She looked over at Keeta's plate.
"I guess mommy wasn't very hungry?" She looked at Rhine, a little bit of worry on her face.
"Mommy isn't feeling good?" "I don't see why we couldn't all play together." Rhine grinned. It was rare that he allowed himself to have a day off. But, now that he had a family- one that was growing he knew it would be important to spend as much time with family as with work.
"Just a bit under the weather," he said as he glanced at Keeta's place and then back to Camille. "You ever thought about what it would be like to have another brother or sister?" Camille tilted her head at the expression. It wasn't one she was familar with yet. Little kids tend to take things a little too literally.
"Under the weather?" she asked, confused, before picking at her breakfast again, considering her daddy's question.
"Would I have to share my bear with them?" she asked, looking at Rhine seriously. Joel was a boy and didn't want to play with her bear, but maybe a new brother or sister would? She didn't know what it was like to not have a brother or sister.
"Why would I get a new brother or sister anyways?" Rhine easily picked up on Camille's confusion via her expression and tone of voice. He had forgotten how kids took sayings literally. "Under the weather means not feeling good," he smiled.
Rhine tried to look to silly when she went serious over sharing her bear. He knew that the bear was very special to her. "There are toys you will have to share at some point... But you won't have to share bear." He hoped that was a satisfying enough answer.
Now Rhine was stumped. Camille was certainly too young for the birds and bees talk... And he didn't really believe in storks. "Why don't we leave that one to your mommy," he said when he had no acceptable answer coming to mind. He was sure Keeta would have a better answer. "Oh, I hope mommy feels better...." Camille said seriously, a frown crossing her face. "Do we need to take her to the doctor?" She hugged her bear tightly as Rhine finished his thought about having to share. Her frown intensified into one of deep thought, as she tried to understand everything. He said that he would have to share, but was he just asking her to pretend or was this for real?
"So I am going to have a new brother or sister?" she said looking up at him again. Her daddy was being very confusing this morning. "Why do I have to be left with the difficult questions?" Keeta asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow as she walked in on the tail end of the conversation. Joel was sitting at her hip, rubbing the sleep out of one eye."Because moms are so much better at answering them," Rhine grinned. It was true. Mom's had more experience, even first timers... Not to mention they were just generally better at these types of things.
"Good morning Joel would you like some pancakes?" "I don't know about that..." Keeta said with uncertainty as she set Joel down in his booster seat. He grinned up at Rhine and threw his hands in the air excitedly.
"Pancakes!" "I think we're equally qualified to share this kind of information," Keeta said as she put her hand on her hip where Joel had been and gave Rhine a very clear 'you are going to help me explain this, after all it's your baby too' look. Camille, confused looked back and forth between Rhine and Keeta. She know that adults could 'talk' without talking, she just wished she knew what they were saying.
"Is something wrong mommy?" she asked, feeling uncomfortable. Rhine fixed Joel pancakes just the way he liked them. He even cut them up for him before putting them in front of him. "There you go," he said as he kissed Joel's forehead.
He looked over at Keeta and grinned. "I tried. I honestly did," he said guiltily when he saw her expression. He looked like a kid caught with a cookie and having no way to explain how it go there. Camille was still glancing between the two of them, looking perplexed. Mommy and Daddy were certainly being confusing. Keeta looked down and saw her daughter's frustration and sighed. Well she supposed there would be no better time. She sat down and gently took Camille's hands.
"Camille, I think what your Daddy was trying to tell you earlier is that you are going to have a new brother or sister soon. When the baby comes, it's going to be very small and need someone to take care of it all the time. It won't be able to feed itself or get its own clothes on." Keeta smiled at her daughter reassuringly, glancing only briefly over at Joel. He was occupied with his pancakes, and Keeta didn't really believe he would understand yet anyways. "Oh...." Camille frowned slightly and looked down as she thought about this. "But I was able to do all those things when I was 'born.'" "Some babies just need a little more help than others," Rhine smiled. "And, that is where brother's and sister's come in as well as mommy and daddy." He hoped that was appropriate enough response. "And, don't worry you won't be left out," he hugged Camille and smiled. Joel seemed content enough with the pancakes that he didn't need reassuring. "And Camille, you weren't born the same way this baby will be. You came from a beautiful painting, remember? The new baby is going to come out of mommy's tummy. It's going to grow in there for a while until it is ready to come out. It's going to make mommy look really big for a while." She smiled softly.
"If you look really careful, you can see the bump where the baby is growing," Keeta pulled her shirt tight and arched her back slightly to make her slight roundness more noticible. Camille's eyes grew wide as she tried to absorb all this.
"There's a baby in there?" She frowned again. "Is the baby making mommy sick?" "Mommy has to adjust to caring for two and then she'll be just fine," Rhine hoped that would make Camille feel a bit better about all of this.
He hugged Keeta from behind and whispered "I love you".
"In a couple of month's your new brother or sister will be kicking and you'll be able to feel it," he was trying to give Camille something to look forward to. "I love you too, honey," Keeta replied to Rhine, with a smile, covering his hands with her own. She arched an eyebrow at him and shrugged as if asking how he thought this was going. Camille looked uncertain. "But I don't like that the baby is making mommy feel sick. And it's going to kick mommy? Won't that hurt? I don't like it when Joel tries to kick me." She hugged her bear tightly. "I'll be fine honey," Keeta said gently, moving one of her hands to rest on Camille's shoulder.
"Joel was born like this baby. Out of my tummy, and I was ok, right?" At the mention of his name, Joel turned more towards the conversation. "Baby?" "Camille, honey, leave all the worrying and planning up to us," he said as he kissed her on the forehead. "Yep, just fine... Without complication," he grinned. He wouldn't let on how hopeful he prayed they were that this pregnancy went without complication. Camille sighed, clearly still not happy, but she seemed to accept things for the moment. At least it hadn't occured to her to ask the dreaded 'how did the baby get in mommy's tummy?' question. But a different thought did occur to her, and she looked up again, her expression a bit brighter...as well as determined.
"I'm going to help take care of mommy so that when the baby is making her feel bad she doesn't have to do things, 'cause I'm a big girl." "I know mommy will appreciate all the help you give," Rhine grinned. He could already see the insanity that could occur...
"Alright then, if we are done eating let's get the kitchen cleaned up. Then we can go to Wally J. Weasels," what better place for a family of four to go than an indoor eatery and play place. Sure it would be noisy, but he knew the kids would love it. Camille's face lit up, as did Joel's.
"Yay!" she bounced out of her chair and started jumping up and down with excitement.
"Wally J. Weasels! Wally J. Weasels! Thank you Daddy thank you!" she squealed. "Ok Camille. Go get yourself dressed, like the big girl you are, while your Daddy and I get your brother ready, " Keeta said with a chuckle, glad to see this help improve her daughter's mood. She also saw Joel reaching to be let out. "We go play!" Joel said wriggling, determined not to be left out of the fun. The kids being this happy made him that much more happier. He chuckled as he helped Joel from the high chair. With him on one side- he used the opposite side and his tail to collect the remains of breakfast and get things cleaned up.
"Alright, time for you to get that syrup of your nose," he grinned. "And get into some play clothes." Joel wrinkled his nose as Keeta approached him with a damp kitchen towel. He turned his head from side to side, trying to avoid having his face wiped. "Oh come on, little man, we have to get you cleaned up before you can play," she said, gently scolding, before getting a grasp on his chin and wiping the stickyness off his face. She smiled at Rhine, before stepping back.
"Thanks for holding him. Would you mind getting him dressed? I'll go get myself ready and then check on Camille." Camille had bounded down the hallway and was now digging through her clothes. Much like the artist of the painting she had come from, she loved color, and was now adorning herself appropriately. She still preferred dresses and skirts to pants, but that didn't stop her creativity. She put on a bright pink skort (shorts/skirt combo), a bright blue shirt with yellow flowers all over it, and green and blue stripy knee-high stockings. Camille put on her own velcro tennis shoes and as a final touch, pulled her leafy hair back in a headband. She grinned at herself in the mirror. The resulting appearance was a little dissheveled by adult standards, but she was proud of herself. She was definitely getiing better at this getting dressed thing. "I've got this covered," Rhine said as he kissed Keeta on the cheek. He then carried Joel out of the room.
He sat Joel down on the floor and then began to go through the clothes. Shirts were always the hardest. Shorts were easy. He knew that proper fitted clothes would be best because loosing your britches atop the play tower was never a good thing.
""Stripes or solids?" He held up two shirts. Joel frankly didn't care about the patterns or color of his clothing. He just wanted to get dressed so that they could go play. He frowned at being asked to decide, before smiling as though he'd figured something out.
"Daddy pick!" he said gleefully. "We go pway?" In the meantime, Keeta started digging through her closet to find some clothes that fit her. Despite the pregnancy being very early on, she was already finding most of her clothes to be fitting tightly. She finally found a pair of jeans that had been kind of loose on her prior to the pregnancy that didn't seem too uncomfortable. Normally she would have selected a skirt, but knowing that she might have to be climbing on the equipment after Joel and/or Camille, she decided trousers were more appropriate. Sighing, she glanced in the mirror, rubbing the small bump and making a mental note to get out her maternity clothes soon.Rhine, who didn't have much fashion sense himself, picked at random. It at least matched. Within minutes- thanks to Joel being cooperative, he was dressed and ready to go.
"Up we go," he said as he picked up the tot and carried him out of the room. "Let's go find mommy and sissy so we can get going." Keeta and Camille were parked on the couch in front of the TV watching cartoons. When Keeta heard her husband's footfalls, she looked up and smiled. Seeing Joel dressed, she knew they were ready to go and turned off the TV,
"Com'on Camille. Daddy and Joel are ready now." Grabbing her purse and the 'kid's bag,' she headed for the front door.
"Let's go have some fun!"
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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:54 am
The Cafe had remained pretty much in its usual state with the exceptions of bright ribbons and baby decorations. The stage that Cassara and Kaida and other performed on normally was transformed into a place to hold gifts. The cake was not yet present. "Thank you Rhine for letting us use the Cafe," Ceres smiled toward her son. "Though, you know I'm going to have to ask you to leave... This being a girls only type of thing," she chuckled. "Not a problem," Rhine grinned. He hoped that this type of day would be just what Keeta needed. "Just don't spoil her to much," he teased, "that's my job." "She's our family too, and we have full rights to spoil her when we see fit," Tinker laughed and nudged her brother. "Yeah, yeah, yeah..." Rhine pushed his sister back playfully. "I've made sure that your catering staff is entirely female. Have a nice time" With that he headed out the door of the Cafe. "Keeta should be down any moment with Cassara and Kaida," Ceres announced. She didn't need a watch to know the time, she just knew these things after so many years of existing. Keeta had been finishing getting ready upstairs, and was also being guarded by Cassara and Kaida. Ceres hadn't wanted her to come down before the cafe was sufficently decorated and everything was ready. Not that she had needed to worry, Keeta was taking pleanty of time.
She had been trying on many things, only to find that that either didn't fit, or were uncomfortable now due to her continuing pregnancy. It was kind of frustrating, as she had remembered being able to fit into her regular clothes for much longer than this with Joel. It seemed she had barely announced her pregnancy, and yet there was a small, yet distinct bump already appearing, even apparent to those who didn't know to look. She would have to get into the clinic soon. She finally found a loose-fitting top and a skirt with an elastic waistline that worked well together and slipped them on before stepping out into the hallway.
"Is is safe for me to go down yet?" she asked of her sisters. "Yeah," Cassara said when she heard her mother down stairs. That was their cue. She wasn't exactly one for these types of things. But for her wife and family... "You look lovely, she smiled and gave Kaida a look. Ceres with a smile met Keeta half way. "I'd though your husband would never leave," she chuckled. She was more than a little excited about this even despite what was to come afterwords. "Everyone's waiting downstairs." "Thanks," Keeta said, trying to accept the compliment with the appropriate enthusiasm, but it was difficult. Despite knowing that people on average think pregnant woman look beautiful, there was something disheartening about having to try on almost every piece of clothing one owned, in order to find something that fits. She offered Cassara and Kaida a smile before walking down to meet Ceres. She offered her older friend a hug, before responding to the comment.
"Well it is his place, after all," she said with a chuckle, before indicating that Ceres should lead the way. Ceres took Keeta's hand and lead her slowly down the stairs. "It really isn't much," she was being modest. "Just a little something we threw together." "Keeta!" Ayisha smiled. "All better I see..." She was still remember the last time they were all together. It had been a very difficult time. Sadly it happened not to long ago. Perian stomped her hoof down as a warning for Ayisha not to dredge those things out. She grinned as she snorted. Cassara just rolled her eyes and pulled her wife close. "Well I'm sure whatever you've done is wonderful, Ceres. It always is. You know you didn't have to, anyways, right? Especially since I'm not too far along as it is...or I don't think I am at any rate." Keeta frowned slightly and massaged the small bump. Looking up at Ayisha, however, her smile returned, wavering only slightly at the allusion to recent events. Ayisha smiled before heading back to her wifes side. She hadn't meant to stir anything up. Things were so easily complicated these days. "Really, it is just something simple," Ceres said as they stepped into the cafe. She wanted to say that this was also her way of saying farewell but she didn't want to dampen the spirits. Aurora Dawn hugged Keeta. And, then she handed Keeta a glass of sparkling white grape juice. "Don't worry we planned ahead. And, like mom said just something simple." "It's beatiful! You did a very nice job with the decorations," Keeta said, smiling as she accepted the grape juice. "I think I prefer simple anyways, as chaotic as our lives have been of late. By the way, how did you talk the boys into taking the kids?" Keeta asked with a chuckle.
"I think Rhine's feeling at least mildly awkward around Camille right now, because we had to explain to her about the pregnancy a little bit ago. I don't think Joel understood enough to ask questions, but Camille did." She laughed again. It felt good to be smiling in the presence of her extended family. That hadn't happened nearly enough lately. "Simple, I told them that if they didn't take the kid's for the day that I'd string them by their toes on a laundry line," Ceres chuckled. "Only joking of course... Sky loves kids. Raised a good number himself. And, Rhine's just a natural." "I bet that conversation was awkward... And, that is putting it mildly." Aurora said with a giggle. "We were all of age to understand... So it made it easy for our mom." "You just recently grew into your own..." Aurora Dawn nudged her sister with a laugh. "Anyways, raise your glasses!" She and her siblings held their glasses up. "I'd like to make a toast." Keeta laughed along with them. It was nice just being able to talk and giggle. It had been so long...She smiled and raised her glass at Aurora Dawn's prompting, wondering what she was going to say. In addition she blushed slightly, because if she wasn't the center of attention before, she was certainly going to be now. "To the lady who mended my brother's heart and again showed him that there is a life worth living for. Not to mention in you he found everything he wanted and more," Aurora Dawn winked. "Here's to that," Ceres grinned. "To Keeta. The woman he gives so much and keeps on giving without second thought... Who understands the man no one else can," she laughed. "That's the truth," Cassara said with grin. "Keep him happy- Just try and not make to much noise... You are on the floor above us after all." "Kid's laughter of course is welcome," Aurora said with a small blush. She still wasn't as open as others. "And, I'm sure you'll do just fine to making a house a home." "I think she's got that covered," Perian said as she cleared her throat. "After all the bun is in the oven," she chuckled. "Just remember you're good at what you do so keep on doing it," Ayisha said after a bit of thought. Everyone had just about covered it all. "In the end, just remember we are all here for you," Tinker said finishing things up. "I'm proud to have you as a sister." "Here, here... We all are." They all cheered together and raised their glasses twice as high. As Keeta listened to their words, she found herself tearing up. They had so many beautiful things to say. She struggled to croak out the words, "thank you," without starting the waterworks going, but she managed it. She joined them in raising her glass and smiled shakily. "How about we grab a bite to eat before opening gifts," Ceres suggested. "I apologize but I didn't plan any games... Just food, gifts, cake, and time to relax," she smiled. "Oh we took care of that for you mom," Aurora Dawn snickered as she winked to her sisters that were across the table from her. "Don't give it away," Ayisha said with a giggle as she nudged Aurora Dawn in the side. "After all we want her to be surprised!" "I'm sure she'll be surprised all right," Cassara snorted. "Especially when.. Ouch! s**t! Damn!" There were a few more swear words to follow. She glared at Perian. "Watch those hooves of yours," she hissed. Perian grinned innocently. Keeta was about to agree to the food idea when the younger girls started speaking up and cutting each other off. She raised a curious eyebrow, wondering what the sisters were up to. Knowing them it could be anything, but it would probably end up being something at least mildly embarassing. Most of them couldn't resist the opportunity to incorperate something suggestive. Glancing at Ceres, she shrugged, as if to say 'might as well play along.'
"So....what are we doing first. Eating, or playing your games?" Keeta asked of the girls.
"I'm leaving the agenda to you, as I have no idea what you have planned." "We'll let you eat," Perian said as she looked around the table at her sisters. "Seriously, we cannot have you eating your arm off... You're going to need it." Everyone, but Ceres was snickering. Ceres looked just as dumbfounded as Keeta probably felt. She sighed as she raised her hand. She knew that the servers were just waiting for a signal. Keeta shrugged again, and simpley seated herself at the table, watching the girls and wishing she knew what their private joke was.
"If you say so ladies. I think your mother and I are both eager to know what you've come up with though." Keeta turned her attention to the servers, waiting to see what they would bring out. She hoped Rhine had been in charge of the menu to a degree (after all, it was his resturant), because he knew what things Keeta could and couldn't handle eating at the moment. They came in set's of two. The first two servers brought out napkins, silverware, and plates. The next two brought out four pitchers of fresh squeezed fruit juice. The last two brought out two trays of finger foods. One tray containing meat, cheese, and crackers. The other try containing fresh fruits, vegetables, and dip. It wasn't fancy food- but Rhine sure made it look like it was. "Thank you," Ceres smiled as she helped organize the pitchers and trays. "He certainly made sure we weren't lacking for anything..." she chuckled. "You know he's a show off," Aurora Dawn snickered. "After all he's good at something we aren't..." "It makes up for the crappy violin skills of his," Cassara snorted. She was only teasing and it showed on her face. Everyone knew that Cassara aside from Natalia was the best of the family. "And he was certainly thinking of me," she breathed gratefully, seeing the spread was mostly things she could tolerate. She silently thanked the powers-that-be for having such a thoughtful husband. She helped herself to some of the fruit, light meats and crackers, while listening to the banter going on around her. She make a slight face at Cassara, at her comment, but then smiled to show she was only joking in return.
Mostly she stayed silent, smiling and laughing when she should, but letting the others make most of the small talk. She wanted to make conversation, but being the center of attention was a bit uncomfortable and...let's face it, her mind was elsewhere much of the time these days with the various goings on. But that wouldn't make appropriate table conversation. Ceres stuck to eating fruits and vegetables. Meat really wasn't her thing. At this moment she kept silent for the most part- her children were doing a good enough job at making 'noise'. Her mind was here, but also everywhere else. She smiled though and tried her best to show no concern or worry.
She was however brought from that private place of thought when she heard a very loud 'HEY!' coming from across the table. She glanced over at Aurora Dawn as she tried to figure out what was going on- if only she'd been paying attention. "HEY! That last weenie was suppose to be mine!" Cassara said brandishing her fork at Perian. "That's what you get for trying to spoil the day," Perian snickered and purposely chewed with an open mouth- all the while grinning proudly. Yes, they could still be very childish at times- especially around one another. "Seriously," Ayisha laughed the moment she saw the grape fly across the table. It was Cassara's attempt at getting back at Perian. "Better get on the rain gear... Cause here it comes," Aurora said with a giggle... Keeta glanced over at Ceres periodically, noting that she was as silent as herself. She didn't have to guess to know what kinds of things were probably occupying the Island Maiden's thoughts. She knew they would be very similar to her own, if not even more complicated. She startled at the same time Ceres did, with the outburst of displeasure from Cassara.
"Well this is a 'shower'," Keeta said with a chuckle, trying to make a play on words from Aurora's comment.
"Is a good ol' fashioned food fight one of the games you had planned?" she continued, teasing Cassara slightly, trying to lighten her own mood a little. "Well no," Cassara snorted. "But, it can be..." she said as she ate a piece of cheese. "And you know our brother with a stick up his rear will have a total cow..." Aurora Dawn said with a roll of her eyes. He was a romantic not a comedian and it showed. "We are not hear to bash," Ayisha said in a now now manor. It was getting out of hand. Ceres just smiled. Any other day she'd have put a stop to it. But today she let them squabble. "Well then if we cannot have a food fight then how the ******** are we going to have..." Cassara was again stopped by another nudge. "******** can I not say anything." Perian grinned from across the table. "You just did." "How are we going to have what?" Keeta asked, a touch of wariness in her voice as her mind raced around the possibilities. If the girls were thinking it would get them in trouble with Rhine, what kind of game could they be thinking of? She glanced over at Ceres, wondering if she had any better idea about what was going on. "Come on. We'll show you," Aurora Dawn said as she stood up and approached Keeta. She pulled her to a standing position and then towards the stage area. "Before anything else?" Cassara snorted. "Aren't you jumping the gun?" "I don't guess it matters if things are a little out of order." Perian whickered. "She'll get messy one way or another," she chuckled. "Just be easy with her..." Ceres said as she stood up. "You'll need this," Ayisha said as she handed Keeta a bat and blind fold. "I just hope you have a decent swing." A pinata?she thought to herself, looking at the bat and blindfold. That was the only thing she could associate with the two items that would also result in something messy. Keeta raised an eyebrow, but shrugged and pulled the piece of fabric around her eyes.
"Will someone help me with this?" she asked, having difficulty tying the knot with the bat in her hands."I got it," Perian said as she helped Keeta tie the bandanna around her eyes. She couldn't help but to giggle. She knew that Keeta had no idea what was up. Everyone else joined in with Perian's giggles. "Alright," Ayisha finally said catching her breath and taking Keeta's hand. She led her about four steps forward. "Swing like this," as she spoke she made Keeta swing up and down not left and right. "By the way we painted them green and yellow," Aurora grinned as she let it slip. "Just thought you'd like to know in case you want to relieve stress." "Hush!" Aurora Dawn hissed. "Don't give it away." Keeta raised an eyebrow. That was definitely not the standard way to swing for a pinata. And....green and yellow? How would that allow her to relieve stress? She was sorely tempted to peek, as she had a feeling whatever she would be swinging at would be destroyed, and she wanted to see what it looked like before it no longer resembled it's original form.
She took a deep breath and took another step forward. Despite her curiosity, she wouldn't spoil her sisters' well planned fun. Raising the bat above her head, she gave it a good swing downwards, hoping it would come in contact with whatever she was aiming for. "Wow, she's pretty good at this." Ayisha giggled. Cassara laughed. It was a contagious thing. "Must be angrier at our brother than we realized." "Good thing we double wrapped and stuffed them so they stay safe," Aurora Dawn said as she leaned on Ayisha. "Other wise that..." she stopped when she Perian stamped her hoove. "Give her another second or so... The papers almost completely off," Aurora said as she pointed to the flying mess that was starting to litter the stage. Keeta paused in her swings, as she heard the comments coming from the other women. She turned to face the direction from which she heard most of their voices.
"Am I supposed to be letting someone else take a turn?" She asked, looking slightly guilty. And from some of their comments, she had a sneaking suspicion that when she took off the blindfold, she would see pieces of something resembling Rhine littering the floor. Keeta wasn't entirely sure how she felt about beating on a representation of her husband like this, but she knew the girls had just planned it in fun. "no-no-no-no- all you," Aurora Dawn snickered. Perian caught a hold of her sister in laws arms so that Aysiha could undo the blind fold. All that remained were the unwrapped beaten up boxes. The 'Rhine' colored paper was scattered all over the floor. "The rest you can do the normal way..." Aurora giggled. "Don't worry you haven't broken anything we.."
And she stopped when she was elbowed by Cassara."I swear you two are going to have a collection of bruises by the end of the day if you keep this up," Keeta said with a chuckle, bending down to pick up one of the wrapped items, brushing aside some of the debris from "Rhine."
"So is there a particular reason you guys wanted me to beat up Rhine?" she asked, raising an eyebrow."We'll wear them with pride," Aurora Dawn grinned. "We figured you were pretty pissed after the other day and could use some stress relief..." Cassara said with a motion of her hand. "Didn't think you'd willing do it with open eyes," Perian said with a chuckle. "Open carefully or else the dia..." Aurora stopped when she was elbowed. The elbowing was becoming a regular thing every time someone tried to reveal a little to much. Ayisha shook her head as she laughed. None of them including herself was apparently good at keeping secrets. "I guess you would," Keeta said with a chuckle and shook her head. Her new sisters could definitely dish it out, but they could also take it just as well.
"I think you're right about me not doing this with open eyes, but I guess it does feel good in a way. Just don't tell Rhine." She reached down to pick up the package, but turned with quetioning eyes towards Aurora. Raising an eyebrow, she turned back and gently grabbed the package before standing up with it.
"Or else what?" She asked, gently pulling at the paper wrapped around the object in her hand. "The stuffing will explode," Aurora blurted out before she could be stopped. She hadn't revealed to much as she hadn't said that the stuffing was diapers.No they couldn't be typical and give a package of diapers that was nicely wrapped they had to use them as stuffing to protect what was inside. "Don't worry we won't say a thing," scary part was they said it together. And, followed it up with a giggle and a wink. "Stuffing huh?" Keeta said, confused, pulling off the paper to find the wad of diapers. She had yet to realize that there was something more wrapped inside.
"Ah yes, the baby staple," she said with a wink. Examining one that had the back facing out, she nodded with approval.
"I see you've also planned ahead and invested in the kind with a slot for the tail. Probably a good idea considering Rhine has one." With Gaia's diverse population they made diapers and clothing to suit every kind of body shape.
"This'll definitely give us a good start. Thank you," she said with a smile. "Of course we think ahead," Perian said with a chuckle. She wasn't about to admit that some of that were actually left overs. There were a good few of them with tails. "Silly there is more to it than just diapers," Aurora said as she burst into a fit of giggles. No one smacked or elbowed her because it was apparent that Keeta needed a bit of help. "Well I never want to assume," Keeta said turning a bit pink from embarassment.
"And I am grateful for the diapers." She began untangling the mass of stuffing."Oh we know we know," Aurora Dawn laughed and flicked her hand like a snob would. "With this family you HAVE to assume," Perian snorted.
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 10:26 am
Keeta's hands shook as she wrote the words, her normally neat script scrawling across the page, barely legible. She had begged off taking care of the children for a while longer, feigning exhaustion, in order to have some time to collect herself. Now she sat in the closet, choking back sobs as she wrote. The occasional tear fell, blurring the print where it touched, but Keeta made sure her grieving was silent. If Rhine heard her, or suspected, it would ruin everything. Keeta Harding I should be overjoyed at this point in my life. Thrilled that I am carrying my husband's child and that I got to celebrate that with his family today, but all of that seems insignificant right now, in light of what Ceres shared with me today.
She plans to kill herself. Sky too. To save Natalia. They are going to sacrifice themselves and I am the only one burdened with the knowlege before it happens. I can't stop it. I won't even try. She's a mother trying to save her child. I get that, but....WHY ME?
I'm feeling loss, fear, resentment, guilt and shame all at the same time. I'm losing my friend and mother-in-law, who helped me through my first pregnancy, through my hard times with Joel. She has been my confidant and advisor. My rock when I could not share things, even with Rhine.
Rhine. Oh gods. What will he do when he find out I knew beforehand, and didn't try and stop her? That I let his mother kill herself. That I didn't tell him. Will our union survive such a blow? Will he ever trust me again? I want to tell him so desperately....but what would that mean for Natalia? Would she ever recover? And Ceres...damn it all. Why does it have to be this way? Does she even know for sure it wil work?
She wants me to take care of Natalia. I'm afraid of what will happen. Will she return to normal? Will I be able to be a good mother to her? Ceres says Natalia will not even remember her. I already have two of my own, and one more on the way to care for. I love Natalia, but why am I to be shouldered with this responsibility? I know nothing about raising an island maiden.
If Natalia had just stayed away from the Island to start with, we wouldn't be in this mess. They wouldn't have to sacrifice themselves. We could enjoy what time they have left. Instead I am forced to wait knowing the time and outcome, while everyone else lives in blissful ignorance! Why couldn't she have just found a way to leave me in the dark until the end like the others! I don't want to know! I don't want to be responsible for this! I hate what she has done to me! There is no way out of this for me. She has trapped me and there is no way out!
I don't want to keep something this important from my husband. I shouldn't have to. We've already had such a rocky beginning...and now this. In a way I envy them. When theyr'e gone, it will be over and done for them. They will not have to clean up the mess they left behind. That's for all of us to do. And we cannot depart so easily. She knows I would not compromise my unborn child to take the "easy" way out, but in a way I wish I could. It would save me all this heartache and pain. It would save me from having to face Rhine. I hope Ceres has not overestimated what I can handle....
But what would I do to Rhine, Joel, Camille, and everyone else if I joined Ceres? I would break them even more. I am not going to be the only one in pain when this is all over. In fact, I'm sure my anguish will be nothing compared to that of Rhine and his sisters. I feel terrible for being so angry, but I don't know what else to do. My world is crumbling around me and it seems like the only thing holding me together right now is this little life inside me.
Stay inside as long as you can little one. The world out here is full of pain, anger and loss. You are safe where you are. Ignorant of it all. I hope you never experience what your mother is going through. You're the only one I can share my secret with. Keep me strong until it is time for all things to be revealed. I know you're not even born, but I need you now more than you can even imagine..... Shivering as she tried to calm herself, Keeta wrapped her arms around her belly, hugging herself and her unborn child. It was all she could do to get up off the floor and climb into bed, tucking her journal under the mattress. If Rhine found it....She shook her head and buried it in the pillow, stifling the sobs as she cried herself to sleep.
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 10:27 am
Keeta left the house well before Ceres had told her to. She was grateful that Rhine was pulling an evening shift. It meant he would not be at home during the fateful moment and she would not have to explain why she was going out. Ceres had told her what would happen to the mirrors when she....Well she knew that Rhine would know immediately, so if she was to get this done, she had to be gone before it was time.
Before leaving, she purposely left her mirror and cell phone on the counter. She did not want to know the exact moment. She knew she would not be able to handle that on top of everything else.
Keeta left the kids with Jiao'lan, barely getting away. Her friend was far too perceptive and could sense that something was off. Jiao'lan didn't like it, but she finally allowed Keeta to leave when she promised that she would share everything later.
She had gone to the library, trying to kill some time by looking at books, but she finally gave up after reading the same page over and over, but still having no idea what she was reading. Eventually she ended up wandering the streets, slowly working her way towards the address she had been left, as sunset approached. She felt the keys Ceres had given her jingle in her pocket with every step, a constant reminder of the mission she was on.
Her chest tightened as the sky grew more colorful and the sun started to head for the horizon. Had it happened? Were they gone? She swallowed hard, wanting to cry, but finding that there were no more tears left to be cried. At least not by herself. When she found Rhine grieving later she knew she would cry again, this time for him, and also with relief of no longer having to hide it. It had only been a few days, but it felt like an eternity.
As the sun kissed the waves, Keeta stepped up to the property and inserted the first key into the gate. Inside, stood a quaint house with an adjoining stable. Keeta used a second key to get inside, where Ceres had told her a message would be waiting, with further instructions. Ceres Keeta - I apologize for putting such a burden in your hands and not allowing you to share it with anyone until what's done is done. I know this has got to be one of the lowest parts we've shared if not also the hardest. I appreciate you. I love you. I hope you never forget that. Rhine has his own private letter- his is more detailed than his siblings. I wanted to make sure that you and your family would be taken care of. No hard feelings on anyone's behalf. My son is a very understanding man. I hope you know that... Without a doubt. All information pertaining to this property and buildings on it is below this letter. You can decide what you want to do with it... I only bought it for this moment. To the right of this letter is some clothes for Natalia. Take them with you and step out onto the porch and look to your left. You'll notice out in the distance is a stable. Go there. You have the key. Those three ponies are in the stables. Natalia is in the stall with Lir. Do not let anything happen to Lir... Only he knows where Natalia's mirror is. It is the only working mirror left. If something happens to that mirror then I fear all hope is lost. So, I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping Lir safe. Natalia will know who you are. Furthermore she will call you mother. For now that is good enough. In time when all things have fallen into place she will remember everything, even all things forgotten. I expect that the child she carries will not be able to thrive here on Gaia... meaning she will miscarry. Please, be there for her. I know it will be one of her most confusing and toughest moments she has yet to face. We'll know it is a blessing even if she does not. Once she falls through the mirror there will be another letter waiting. I'm sure she'll share it with you and that you'll help her understand it. Until then I reveal nothing more. I consider you a sister. Please keep that with you. You will never know how much I appreciate and love you. Again, I am very sorry to put this heavy a burden on you. Love, Ceres
The letter did not elicit tears, but her heart started pounding, wondering what exactly would happen once she got up and started taking action on Ceres' instructions. She wondered what Rhine's letter said that Ceres believed would cause him to forgive, and whether or not she would be allowed to read it. Would it work? Would his mother's words preclude any resentment he might develop?
Shaking her head and putting those thoughts aside, she briefly flipped through the property information. It was a sizable chunk of land. Perfectly capable of housing a medium to large sized family, and was paid in full. It had waterfront access and of course...the stables.
Keeta feared what she would find there. Would Natalia still be an equine? Would she be a little girl once more? Would she have to witness her changing from one to the other?
Will she fight me away like she did the others? Why would Natalia call me mother? Ceres is her mother. I fell like I will be dishonoring her sacrifice and memory, and yet....if she had wanted it to be different she would have set it up that way. Keeta swallowed and massaged the bump at her waistline that got bigger every day. She would have four now that would call her mother. What would Rhine say? Would he be Father? Camille would wonder why her aunt/ cousin would suddenly start calling Keeta mom. This was not going to be easy no matter now it was sliced.
And then....Natalia's child. Ceres believed it would die. But if it came to term then...another one. And they would be carrying the children at the same time. And if it didn't....would she be able to help Natalia through the trauma? Would Lir and the other ponies stay here, or would Rhine make them a place around the cafe? There was so much to consider.
She leaned her head back against the wall and closed her eyes, continuing to massage her belly. She knew she was stalling, but she was uncertain of what she would find in the stables. After a moment or so she made herself get to her feet and start heading over, however. It was starting to get dark, she was unsure of the logistics that would be required in getting Natalia home, and she couldn't wait too long. Her husband would be needing her about now. Scooping up the clothes and the letter, Keeta started to make her way to the stables.Even the best made plans had the ability to have something to go wrong with them. However, for the most part, luck seemed to be on their side.
There was no magical uplifting and blinding transformation like so many fairy tails told when one thing became another. Nor was the transformation as gentle as what the island had previously done. Ceres' talents in this field could be considered raw at best even with the backing of all the maidens that came before her.
As one set of bodies became stone another body changed from Pegasus to previous form. Painful screams echoed from the islands towers and the stables. Two 'realms' one pain.
Thankfully as part of the 'enchantment' Natalia wouldn't remember this or anything else previous for the time being. She felt no form of pain from being reshaped.
The only sign that anything had happened at all was her bloody form and the bloody hay that she lay on top of. Which, Lir had done his best to cover up the hay and wipe her off.
Natalia slept as deeply as a helpless newborn child- unaware of it all. In her arms she snuggled up to an old friend, Kiwi. Her naked form hidden from the world by her blue hair.
As Lir kept a watchful eye over her he laid his head next to hers. Ear's perked. He'd give his life for her- then, now, and forever. It wasn't a promise he made because Ceres' was a maiden but because he cared for Natalia. They were bonded- no mater what form either had at any moment in time. Keeta reached the stable door and slowly swung it open. The hinges were in need of grease and the groaned as they turned on their pins. That of course did nothing to help Keeta feel any better about this. Taking a deep breath, she nervously stepped into the stables, her head turning this way and that. From the doorway she couldn't immediately see anything, so she took a few small steps inside, quietly calling out.
"Lir? Natalia?" The stable was growing darker by the minute from the setting sun and Keeta didn't immediately find a light source. She hugged herself with her free hand, mentally kicking herself for allowing herself to start feeling scared, but like it or not, that's how she was feeling. Glancing at the open stable door she wished she could go back and pretend this was all a bad dream, because if she dounf Natalia here...particularly if she found Natalia human she would no longer be able to pretend that this was not happening. Keeta was soon jostled by her thoughts, however, when a familiar face appeared over a stall door and "whuffed" her sweet breath at Keeta.
"Daisy!" Keeta said, putting a hand over her heart and trying to calm herself after the start the pony had given her. The little equine's ears perked up at the sound of her name and her eyes brightened. Keeta felt a little guilty looking at Daisy's face. It had been ages since she had taken Joel and Camille to visit their four-footed companions. She figured with the new turn of events, however, that they would be seeing a lot more of Daisy and Brownie. Sighing, she gently rubbed the pony's nose.
"I wish I could stay and visit with you girl, but I'm on a mission. Have you seen Lir and Natalia?" Daisy looked a little disappointed, but Keeta could see in the pony's intelligent eyes that she understood the question. She tossed her head, and pointed her nose further down into the stable.
"Figures..." she said, before turning back to Daisy with a sad smile.
"Sorry I have to go girl, but I promise I'll see you again soon, and I'll bring Joel and Camille." With a final pat, Keeta started once more in the direction the pony had indicated. She stopped in front of a stall when she though she heard some small movement. Something was rustling the hay slightly. Peeking into the space, she saw Lir....and the naked form of a girl on the hay.
"Natalia!" Keeta exclaimed, hurriedly opening the stall door and going to the side of the blue-haired figure. Lir's first response was to bare his teeth at Keeta- he had yet to realize who she was. Protecting Natalia was his main priority. Once the light hit her face and he recognized her smell and he knew who she was he whickered. He nuzzled Natalia.
Natalia giggled when she felt Lir's whiskers, they tickled. "Five more minutes," she groaned. She really wasn't ready to get up. She balled up tighter and held her Kiwi closer.
Then she heard it. A woman calling her name. It was a familiar voice but she still thought she was dreaming. Just to make sure she sat up slowly and brushed her hair from her face. "It isn't dinner time yet," she said when she saw her blue haired mom.
... she had yet to realize that she was unclothed or out of sorts or place in the world. "Lir....it's me. Keeta," she said, trying to reassure him. She smiled when he leaned over and nuzzled the girl. Keeta smoothed Natalia's hair, trying to be gentle and not startle her. It was her that was startled, however, when Natalia began to speak. Dinner time?
"I know Natalia, but I need you to get up," she said, trying to keep her tone from revealing the chaos going on inside her head.
"We need to get you dressed and get you home, so we can have dinner at all." Dinner was certainly the last thing on Keeta's mind, but if that was what it took to get Natalia up and going, then dinner it would be. The last thing she wanted was to be caught here in the pitch dark, with a naked girl and a grieving husband at home.
Keeta noticed the little toy for the first time since comig upon Natalia. It was strange to remember her in the context of Kiwi. It seemed so long ago that Natalia was little and clutching the little bird against her. Now here she was, no longer so little and yet the stuffed toy was still there in her hands. Keeta gently reached out to touch the worn, fuzzy toy. For a moment Natalia's face went through a phase of different emotions. She was trying to comprehend why her mom was acting as if she hadn't seen her in forever and also as to why she was naked. It felt strange to not remember anything previous to waking up.
She smiled when Keeta reached out for Kiwi. Though reluctant she handed it to her with ease. It seemed they both needed a moment of comfort. She scooted closer and hugged her.
Lir was careful and gentle as he stood up. The stable though nice sized was cramped with a horse and two humans. He pushed his muzzle under Natalia and forced her to stand up. Hoping that in the process Keeta would follow. After all he had the sense to know that they couldn't hang around here all night even if he wanted them to. "Oh...thank you Natalia," Keeta said, accepting the stuffed toy. It had not been her intention to take Kiwi away; she had simply wanted to touch it as a nostalgic thing. Either way, she gave the bird a small squeeze, finding herself comforted somewhat. She also hugged Natalia in return. It was akward, when the girl was naked, but she would not deny her the chance to gain some comfort.
Keeta helped Lir get Natalia to her feet. The girl was taller than Keeta remembered. She looked to be "blooming" and was apparently moving well down the road known as puberty. She blushed slightly seeing Natalia so revealed and averted her eyes, reaching down to pick up the clothing where she had left it.
"Here Natalia, put these on so we can get you home," she handed her the clothing, hoping Ceres would have made a good guess as to the size Natalia would require. She absent-mindedly massaged her smallish baby bump as she turned away, waiting for Natalia to clothe herself. Natalia was still more than a little confused by all of this. Her mom was acting as if she had never seen her before much less changed her diapers. She was half tempted to ask but decided it was best to just take the clothes and do as asked.
Lir not understanding modesty did not look away from Natalia.
Natalia dropped the clothes into the hay so that she could sort through it. When she knelt down to figure it all out she noticed the reddish tent to the hay. She reached out to touch it and realized it was shaped like she had been laying. She was more than a little baffled by all of this. She didn't feel any pain. And why couldn't she remember anything past waking up.
Lir whickered and nuzzled her to comfort her. He wished that she was able to understand him... He figured if not right off the bat in time. He was patient and could wait.
Natalia ran the back of her hand across her face to stop the tears. Her mom was already worried enough that she didn't need anything else on her place. She pulled on the old pair of jeans and pastel rainbow colored shirt.
She reached into her pocket to find hair ties and a worn old piece of paper. To her disappointment there was nothing on the paper. What ever had been was faded as if the paper had been washed.
"Help me with my hair please," she smiled and held out the hair ties. She wasn't exactly ready to try and tackle the mess that was her hair. It was sticky and filled with hay... all the more reason to make her question today.
Keeta offered Natalia a small smile. She tried to keep her sadness out of it, but she was only mildly successful. Natalia's confusion was obvious and there was nothing Keeta could say or do to help alieviate it. With how Ceres had left things, whatever she said would only make things worse.
"Of course, Natalia," Keeta responded, reaching for the hair tie. "Although I think we'll be more successful at home when we have a brush to help us." Keeta started to loosely braid Natalia's hair into a single plait, just to get it out of the way until something better could be done with it. She eyed the piece of paper Natalia had pulled from her pocket.
"What's that?" she asked, nodding towards the girl's hands. "A bath and some conditioner would probably help more than just a brush," Natalia grinned. With her free hand she reached out and touched Lir's muzzle. She couldn't explain it but he had the ability to easily comfort her.
When Keeta asked her about the paper she looked down at it again. "Garbage I suppose," she said with a shrug of her shoulders as she handed it to her mom. "You still have Kiwi?" Not that she had said it but she wanted to exchange paper for toy. "This is true," Keeta said, still trying to act as though things were perfectly fine. She took the paper, gladly exchanging it for the small stuffed bird. Carefully, she placed it in her pocket, so she could examine it later. It could be nothing, but Ceres had planned this so well, it seemed odd to Keeta that Ceres would leave a pair of jeans that had an old scrap of paper in the pocket for no reason. She felt that somehow the paper was sigificant.
"So let's get you home and cleaned up, shall we? I know Rhine, Camille and Joel will be glad to see you." She tried to smile in a way that would make Natalia feel at ease. Keeta was also curious as to how Natalia would respond to the mention of her brother and cousins. How had Ceres programed her to think about them? Natalia brought Kiwi to her chest and hugged it tight. She was acting as if she had been away from it for hours. Out of no where she giggled. She had that 'my Kiwi' look.
At the mention of the other members of the family her eyes got large. For a moment her face held an expression of what are you talking about. "Have I really been gone that long?" To her it only felt like a couple of hours. And, the way her mom spoke she'd been gone for days. Keeta mentlly backpeddaled, realizing that Natalia didn't think she'd been gone long. She quickly tried to come up with something that would explain her words.
"Well when you went to see Lir this morning, we had expected you back at the house sooner, so everyone started to get a little worried. That's why I came here to find you. I guess you must have had so much fun riding that you wore yourself out and fell asleep in the hay." She gave the girl a sidelong glance, hoping that the explanation would satisfy her.
"I just like it here," she said as she looked at Lir and again reached out to touch him. "It's more like home than home," she sighed as she looked back towards her mom. She tried to look as remorseful as possible because she knew that a comment like that had to hurt when it came from your daughter.
"I'll try not to stay gone so long next time." She tried her best to smile but it was hard.
"I understand Natalia, really I do. Sometimes I really miss the place I was born and Gaia doesn't seem like home. But then I remember that home is whereever I can be with the people that love me, and that I love." She put a gentle hand on Natalia's shoulder. Even if she was only a proxy parent, she would try to do her best. She wished she could explain everything to Natalia to take away the internal confusion the girl must be facing, but she knew that would be disasterous. Keeta kept her hand there a moment, before gently pulling Natalia into a hug.
"Come on. Let's get back." "Okay," Natalia said as she returned the hug. With a wry smile Keeta led Natalia off of the property and started leading her towards their home. She was scared to see what they would encounter when they arrived there, but it would happen one way or another.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Keeta went up the stairs to the apartment above the cafe, making sure Natalaia was still trailing behind. Part of her wondered whether this place seemed foreign to the girl because she could not recall Natalia having ever been to the apartment before the incident. Most of her focus, however, was on trying to determine what kind of scene would be waiting for her when she opened the door.
Though the place seemed familiar it was oddly strange to her. Every couple of steps she stopped to listen, hoping to hear violin music or the chatter of folks, but strangely the cafe was silent, still and lifeless.
Natalia ran her hand along the banister as she let out a sigh. She could comprehend why the place was solemn. She half wondered if someone had died... she didn't express this thought in any manor, not even facial expressions.
She pulled Kiwi into a hug as she again started climbing the stairs. This time she didn't stop. However, her travel up the stairs was still a slow progress. It was almost as if she was learning how to re-walk. Trying to control her wings, her tail, her everything. Everything about her movement was awkward.
Though Natalia wanted to call out to her mom and tell her to wait up she didn't. Keeta didn't offer any reassuring words. She couldn't have spoken now if she wanted to. Noticing that Natalia had lagged behind, Keeta waited for her at the door. She was afraid to enter the apartment by herself.
As soon as Natalia reached the landing, Keeta took a deep breath and turned the door handle, her stomach tightening at the thought of what she was going to find. "Why are you acting that way mom?" Natalia asked as she came to a stop. She couldn't help but notice that Keeta did not want to open the door.
Before anything else could be said the door opened. Natalia looked the man over and finally smiled. "Daddy," she giggled. At least he didn't look half as solemn as mom. "Finally," he said as he forced himself to give the best possible smile. "Joel and Camille already ate, had a bath, and are in bed- didn't know how long you'd be. Lady things and all," he gave Keeta a look that said he knew more than he was letting onto. "I'll go reheat our part of dinner up..." He didn't move away from the door as if he was hiding half himself more specifically his arm and hand. "Oh...I guess I'm just tired and I was worried I'd have a pair of starving young children on my hands, but it appears they've been well taken care of," Keeta said to Natalia.
"Let me get a bath started for you, and your dinner will be all ready when you come out ok? I'm sure you'll feel much better after being cleaned up." As Keeta passed Rhine, she returned his glance, letting him know that she understood that there was a lot to be discussed when Natalia was out of earshot. She wondered how much he hated her for keeping this from him. Her expression changed to a quizzical one, when she noticed his stance, however. Frowning, she made sure with a glance, that Rhine knew that she had noticed his odd posture, and that she would be asking about it as soon as she got back.
Keeta led Natalia to the bathroom and got her all situated for a bubble bath that she hoped would give Rhine and herself at least 30 minutes. More if they were lucky. Nervously, she made her way back up to the front room.Natalia gave Keeta one last look as she left the bathroom. There was something about her expression that she didn't understand but still she didn't desire to question. The sooner this day was over the better. She turned around and glanced at the tub. Within seconds she had the door closed, was undressed, and in the tub
---- Rhine pulled out a chair at the dinning table when he saw Keeta coming down the hall. At the moment he could hardly find reason to smile. His world was upside down, inside out, and a** backwards. He sighed as he wrapped his tail loosely around his leg. Hand and arm still mostly kept from view."Rhine....." Keeta said, placing a hand on the one of his that was restng on the table, not knowing where to begin. There was so much to be said, but no good place to start. As she thought, her eyes noticed his odd posture once more.
"Rhine, what is wrong with your arm?" She stood, and moved, trying to get a better view of it, even if he was going to be reluctant to share. He was definitely hiding something. "Keeta," he said in regards to his own name. It was to 'cold' a day to use a lighthearted pet name. He tried his best not to narrow his eyes, growl, or do anything that could make things worse.
It wasn't Keeta's fault and he knew it. It was just hard to wrap ones mind around all of this and all at once.
"Lashing out in anger is a b***h. The fridge lost... I'll pick up a new one tomorrow," he replied to the question of his arm/hand. Had he not had a family he cared about he probably would have tried a number of other activities to calm his behavior, or end it. But, more than that he wished he could hide in the closet, lay on his metal, and cry his eyes out... but, he felt he had to be stronger than that.
It was unexplainable why but he was taking this the hardest. Perhaps it was because he was the more emotional one of the siblings. Keeta could feel the barely contained hostility and pain in Rhine's tone, so she hesitated where she was, before taking a step backwards. She didn't want to accidentally end up like the fridge if Rhine had a moment where he couldn't control himself.
"I see..." she said nervously, looking down at the floor, partly in shame, partly in confusion and partly out of lacking things to say.
"What can I do for you right now. Ask me anything and if it is within my power, I'll do it. Although I don't know what could help right now...I mean, I want you to know I love you and care for you, and I'm sorry and Rhine, I wish I could make it all go away....." she rambled from emotion and nerves. Shaking, and trying to hold back the tears that she knew would come after seeing Rhine, she dropped to her knees, and placed her hands over her belly, as if the baby gave her strength.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry....I'm sorry...." she continued repeating those two words until they were hardly a whisper. Rhine swung he tail forward and wrapped it around his leg, tighter than the normal. She watched Keeta as she sunk to her knees. "Do you really think I'd harm you or our baby... children. I am better than that and not just because my momma taught me to be that way," he took a step back.
"I thought we were past the trust issues," he snorted as he rolled his eyes. Not that they had really ever had any but it was just easier to put it that way. Often times it was just a miss communication of some sort.
After a moment or two of looking as if he was just snap again he held out his hand to help her up. "Unless your hiding something else there is no reason to be apologizing. My mother did what she had to do... felt she had to do. You are in no way accountable for her actions. Just a tool for a goal and a product of the after math." Keeta wept a moment longer before she looked back at him, her voice quiet, but emotional.
"I don't believe you'd ever want to hurt me Rhine, but I had no idea what to expect when I walked in this door. I've been imagining all sorts of horrible things for days while I had to keep this to myself. And when you told me what happened to the fridge and I could feel how upset you are....forgive me for having a moment of doubt." Shaking slightly, she stood and faced him, her hands back on her belly.
"I am not hiding anything else and know that I never wanted to keep this from you, bt your mother assured me it was the only way. I hope you can forgive me that. I don't know if you want to read what she wrote to me but....if you do..." She put her hand in her pocket, reaching for the letter Ceres had left on the counter. Her fingers found it, but they also found the scrap that had come from Natalia's pocket. Even now she felt that paper was more than just garbage, but she would wait until later to ponder it further.
She pulled folded letter from her pocket and set it on the table beside Rhine, leaving him the decision to pick it up. Keeta didn't know if Ceres ever intended for Rhine to see this letter, but Keeta was done keeping things from him. Every time, it had only caused heartache for one, or both of them. Keeta had kept the secret Ceres had asked, now she was done with that in every way, except in regards to Natalia.
She wondered what Ceres had written to Rhine. What she had told him about their new life, where his sister was now his daughter, but Keeta would never ask for it. It was his to share if he wanted Rhine glanced at the letter she had pulled out her pocket and snorted. He could really care less what was on that letter, he had one of his own- he was fairly sure they were a lot more similar than Keeta thought them to be. "Right now I've got other fish to fry besides this mess," he growled more so out of frustration than anything else. "Both Cas' and Kaida are MIA and something tells me they are..." he paused and suddenly moved onto another thought, "and, I don't think they'll make it back.
As he finished his thought he moved towards the kitchen. If Keeta's day had been as long as he had guessed it had been he knew she would be hungry. "We can discuss this after dinner." With a bit of work he pried open the fridge. After he grabbed the left overs he slammed it shut. Keeta was surprised at how well Rhine seemed to be taking this whole thing. Sure, he was angry and frustrated, but she had expected to find a crying nervous wreck of husband when she came home. Not this seemingly cold, purposeful man. She sat down quietly at the table, deciding she would respect his wishes and wait to discuss anything else until after they ate. The only problem was, she couldn't really think of anything else to talk about at the moment. Everything else seemed insignificant in comparison.
She hummed tunelessly as she tried to get a hold of herself before Natalia came out of the bathroom, and inwardly pondered the day's events. This was going to take quiet a while to straighten out. Off-hand she wondered where Natalia would be sleeping tonight, but didn't voice her thoughts, continuing to respect Rhine's wishes.He sat down the reheated spaghetti, fresh salad, garlic bread, and fruit down on the table. "It probably tasted better several hours ago... I wasn't expecting you this late."
The fruit was sat on the place mat in front of where Natalia would be sitting. He knew that her preferences for a meatless diet wouldn't change.
"She's not a fish. You might want to check on her..." he said as he glanced down the hall. "I'll finish setting up the table." "It's ok Rhine. I'm sure it's fine....Thank you," she added as an after thought, trying to make the words as sincere as she could, despite how things were and the fact that courtesy was not at the top of her current to-do list. She was about to pick up her fork, when Rhine spoke again and she followed his gaze down the hall. She raised an eyebrow, but got up and did as he asked, walking towards the bathroom door.
She's not a fish?. She thought, internally expressing her building frustration with the day. Keeta was quickly reaching the level of what she could tolerate.
I know she's not a fish, but does that mean, she can't handle a bath without supervision? She's not as little a girl as she used to be. Sighing, Keeta knocked on the door, trying to be gentle so as not to express her mood to Natalia. She didn't need to know the turmoil going on inside her "mother."
"Natalia, are you ok in there?"Natalia who had just gotten out of the tub looked towards the door when she heard the knock. "I think I'm fine," she said as she looked down at her hands. She wasn't exactly sure what she'd done but somehow she'd managed to dry and style her hair with just her hands. "I just forgot my night clothes," she said not really wanting to say what was bothering her. "Do you want me to get them for you?" Keeta asked, at the same time her mind was racing trying to determine where on earth she would have night clothes for Natalia. Then she had an idea.
"You know. I think I put them in the wash today and I didn't finish it. Do you mind borrowing some of mine for the night?" Keeta thought her own would work ok in size. It might be a little akward, but it would be better than "nothing," which is what Keeta figured she had to work with otherwise. Natalia didn't think twice about the laundry thing because she was sure that after a day like today she must go through a lot of laundry. Still a lot of things just didn't fit. "That works," she said. "I'll be here..." honestly where else was she going to go when she was butt naked? "I'll be right back..." Shaking her head, she walked to her bedroom and got out a clean set of night clothes that she thought would fit Natalia.
Clothes, sleeping arrangements, friends, school, her whole life. How can we fashion that out of nothing to make it seem as though it has always existed? It seems impossible....She's going to figure out something is wrong and then what? As much as Ceres thought this through...it still is not enough...
When she made it back to the door, she knocked again and opened the door a crack, passing the clothes through the opening.
"Here Natalia. I hope they fit.""Thank you," Natalia said as she took the clothes. It only took her a couple of seconds to slip into the night shirt. She looked herself over in the mirror and after hanging up the towel opened the door.
"I'm sorry I'm so much trouble..." however odd it was she felt out of place. She twisted her fingers into the hair at the end of her french braid. She had pretty much piled it up into her hands.
"Is dinner ready?" She asked before things could get awkward. "You're not causing trouble Natalia. Please don't think that. I'm just overwhelmed right now with other things." Keeta put her hand to her head, pushing her bangs aside and letting out a sigh. Despite what she just said, she very much felt Natalia's presence to be trouble at the moment. How much more could they take as a family? Taking a deep breath, Keeta dropped her hand, forced a smile and looked at Natalia again.
"Yes, dinner is ready. Come on, we'll eat and then you can get to bed." Natalia nodded her head and as she did her hair slowly left her hands and formed a neat bun. Having this happen just moments ago she didn't think twice about it.
"One day I'll remember what I've forgotten," she whispered as she took a couple of steps forward, "then things won't be so hard on us."
A sudden stillness overtook her as she stopped and looked over her shoulder. She smiled as she waited for Keeta to lead the way.
Keeta watched in surprise as Natalia's hair rearranged itself. She had seen Ceres do this many times of course, but it was the first time she had ever seen Natalia use magic. She hoped Natalia hadn't noticed her surprise, and tried to pass it off as something she had seen the girl do before.
She was further surprised at what Natalia had to say, about having forgotten something. Was this something she had come up with on her own, or had Ceres purposly left her daughter questioning and seeking, so that one day she would find the answers? Why, oh why did she not know the answers to these questions.
When Natalia paused to let her pass, Keeta tried to act as though she hadn't heard the comment, hoping to discuss it with Rhine, before she had to deal with it, with Natalia. Her feet let her towards the kitchen, and she waved for Natalia to follow.
"Come on, let's eat."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rhine pulled back the comforter and bed sheets. He sat on the edge of the bed, his tail hanging over like it most often did. He was currently focusing on the wall and nothing else. That was until he felt the shift of the bed when his wife was climbing in.
"Everything has a way of working itself out," he said in hopes of comforting his wife. Not to mention smooth things over... after all he knew that he had been an a**. He probably should have apologized but he wasn't exactly there yet. "I know...I just, can't see the silver lining on the clouds right now Rhine..." She sat with her back against the headboard and covered her legs with the sheets.
"I mean we need to get everything for her. Create a whole life for her, that she already thought she had. I mean, she doesn't even have extra underwear for pete's sake! It's fortunate I was able to move Joel back to the crib, and Camille into Joel's new bed, so she could sleep in Camille's, or I don't know where we would have put her for the night. Everything is just so...complicated. Why can't life ever be easy for us?" She sighed and closed her eyes a moment, trying to gather her thoughts.
"She already suspects or knows that she is missing some information about herself and her past. I'm not sure if your mother planned it that way, or if she just figured it out, but earlier, when she frist came out of the bathroom, she said something like 'someday I'll remember what I have forgotten.' What are we supposed to do with that, Rhine?" "You know they say when it rains it pours," though Keeta couldn't see it Rhine was grinning. He was trying to keep things lighter than where they were heading.
"Those that knew Natalia besides us can fit on one hand... Just one. And, those few probably aren't going to care what she remembers and what she doesn't."
He stopped to think for a moment as Keeta described the current sleeping arrangements. They did have that one empty room but it was without a bed and without those things his wife mentioned... but it was doable.
"We'll manage I'm sure," he finally said. "While you are out shopping for new clothes tomorrow I'll hire a crew. Painters, designers, and so on. They'll have it done by the time you all get home." He rubbed the back of his neck and the stretched. "And, so everyone else doesn't feel left out and it doesn't seem out of place shop for everyone, not just her. I am sure you need new clothes... or will need so don't forget yourself."
"As for an education she has always been home schooled. Between me and Cas' we'll manage that. After all we were schooled in much the same way." His voice had changed slightly at the mention of Cas. It was more obvious that something was wrong by the way he suddenly gripped the bed.
"I honestly don't know if that was planned or not," he sighed as he finally finished climbing into bed. "She was weak and something could have gone wrong. But, I kinda doubt it because if everything was completely perfect then Natalia would never go looking for what she had lost... I'll try and catch up with Surion sometime soon..." Keeta sighed again, listening to Rhine share his plan and opened her eyes, raising her eyebrows in surprise when she found a smile on her husband's face. His expression and posture quickly changed when he mentioned his sister, however, and this worried her. If he wasn't reacting that way to Ceres' passing, what must have happened with Cassara? Frowning, she wanted to ask about it, but decided to finish her thoughts about their new circumstances first.
"I suppose that works. Perhaps we can repaint Camille's room to suit Natalia, so she doesn't think she's changing rooms. And we can paint the spare bedroom up for Camille. We can buy an extra bed while we're out, saying it's for Joel, etc....I just hope we can keep all our stories straight. I don't know what the kids are going to think about all this. They instictively want to tell things as they are. I don't think they will understand why we are telling Natalia different things than they know to be true...." she stopped, still analyzing Rhine's posture.
"Hon, is there something you want to tell me about your sister. You seem....agitated....and I don't sense that it's from what happened with your mother today." She reached out a hand and gently covered one of his.Rhine looked over at his wife and sighed. He hadn't meant to be so obvious about his sister but he supposed it was hard to hide that type of thing. "She's missing and I cannot feel her. It's like our connection has been severed. The last time that happened..." he looked away and didn't say anything.
That day, that memory still haunted him. He growled and clenched his fist. No longer comfortable or able to sit still he got out of bed. He was trying not to pace or lash out but it was getting harder to do by the minutes.
"Kaida isn't around either..." he snorted. "The last time that happened was the day Cass became like she is?" Keeta guessed, trying to finish the sentence. Ceres and Rhine had both at times alluded to a trauma in Cassara's past that led to her becoming Vlad.
"Perhaps they're together? Do....you think they're on the Island?" "Neither of us ended that day anything like we previously were," Rhine snorted and again plopped down on the edge of the bed. "Regardless of where she is I've always been connected to her..." he ran his fingers through his hair. "Why does everything always happen all it once?" and, he was up again and this time heading towards the closet. He'd just about had his fill of everything at the moment that he could handle. Keeta bit her lip as she watched him become more and more agitated. This was what she had expected to find when she came home, but he had suppressed it until now. When she saw him heading for the closet, she suspected that he was heading to shift and rest on his treasure hoarde. She frowned because the last time he was that agitated was when he had suspected keeta of cheating on him, and he had physically injured himself. Keeta doubted she could handle him sustaining bodily harm as part of his grieving process.
"Because that's the way it happens sometimes," Keeta said, as he walked away, her voice calmer than she felt.
"But we'll make it through. We always have and we have to more than ever. And knowing Cassara, wherever she is, she'll be alright. You know better than anyone else that she has a fighter's spirit." At the words 'fighters spirit' Rhine turned around so fast that he didn't have time to catch his tail from smacking into the wall. "That is what I fear the most..." he growled out of both anger and pain.
"Before she disappeared she had plans on letting Kaida turn her. What if the ******** worst thing possible happened and she's just ******** gone because of her stupidity. Mom isn't around to fix it... Won't ever be. So what's done is ******** done," the more he spoke the more his hands flailed around.
"I just know they picked the island mists because it makes you face your fears... I just know they would do it that way because neither of them would want Cas to end up like Kaida... all her years of absence. But I'll never ******** know now... now will I?"
"Mom and dad are ******** dead... and probably so is my sister. And, even if she survives what she is trying to accomplish she'll still be ******** dead. D.E.A.D. DEAD! I ******** failed her. I couldn't protect her!" He dropped to his knees and started to cry. "Everything is just so ******** up."
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