Serah guessed Light would need some time to think it over but what she hadn't expected was a full minute of silence. The only sound in the room was the abnormally loud ticking of the clock mounted on the wall above where Lightning sat. She found herself glancing up at it more than once, unable to look into her sister's eyes.
The tension in the room wasn't able to be cut with the thickest blade and it only made Serah feel more uneasy. The tears on her cheeks were beginning to dry as her nearly hysterical crying had calmed down, but she felt another onslaught building up inside her as the seconds ticked by.
"Please say something" Sarah's voice was slightly hoarse and she absentmindedly wiped her nose on the back of her hand, personal hygiene not being her main concern at this point. "Claire" She added, her tone timid and gentle.
Lightnings brain seemed to be working like gears grinding in an endless circle of confusion. She didn't feel she was able to voice her thoughts in a logical manner, however composure was something she found easy to grasp. Deciding she wasn't going to shout or take the news with any hint of violence was a mental promise she made to herself, knowing that it would in no way help the situation. Searching for the right words however, she was at a loss.
Another minute passed and Serah felt her lower lip began to tremble. It seemed like all she did these days was cry. But then again, what else could she do? Her hormones would be all out of whack for the next eight months or so, enough time for the cluster of cells in her tummy to grow into a fully developed baby. Another way to put it, she had the nine month bug.
"You couldn't wait till after the wedding could you?" Lightning's head snapped up. Her voice held no hostility, only confusion. She sought out the answers to many questions and deciding to start here seemed for the best.
"Claire…." Serah felt her voice crack as the urge to cry started making its self very present. She held it down, knowing it wouldn't help. "It's not like I planned it to be like this"
"I told you a million times Serah. If you have sexual intercourse, no matter what precautions you take, there is a chance of becoming pregnant" Lightning stated bluntly.
Serah held back the urge to giggle. It was funny how her mood could so suddenly change. The way her sister phrased it made her sound like an absolute prude. Then again, Serah never knew Lightning to take things lightly. Even if it made for a funny pun.
"I know. I mean I understand. I messed up Claire. But…" Since Lightning was having a hard time voicing her opinion about all this she decided to go on with hers first. "Even if it was a mistake I still love this baby and nothing is going to change how I feel about that. This thing inside me is a product of myself and Snow and when you think about it, that's pretty amazing. A life the two of us made. Just think about it, she's going to have a personality of her own- she or he that is." Her hands immediately went to her stomach, which seemed flat as ever, showing no sign of said baby just yet.
"I understand, Serah" Light gave a small nod, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly at her sisters miniature speech. It sent a wave of unfamiliar emotion through her and although foreign it wasn't exactly unpleasant. Ever since the crystallization of Cocoon Light finally felt at peace with everything. Though she was having a hard time adjusting to a life on Gran Pulse. She was a Lieutenant working for the slowly budding government, one with a decent leader this time. Mostly stationed at different civilizations for extended periods of time she was home on leave, the reason being her sisters urgent page.
"There is one more thing I want to ask you though" Serah started, her expression more peaceful after seeing Lightning wasn't reaction in a hostile way. Yet. Lightning still had yet to see Snow.
"There's not more than one in there is there?" Light raised an eyebrow at her sisters abdomen.
"Etro no!" Serah's eyes widened. "At least I don't think. The doctor said one and I'm trusting her on that" She wasn't used to Light joking around so openly, it was as if all the tension was gone. "I was wondering if Snow and I could possibly move in with you" She gulped and continued. "Mostly because where we are now- The NORA house, it's not the best place for a baby and you know that.
"But Serah, you know I get stationed in a variety of different locations, why don't you and Snow just purchase a house of your own? Or have one built?" Light was baffled at her request.
"I want to be a family again Claire. You, me, Snow and the baby. Ever since mom and dad…. I've always wanted a close family and I can tell deep down you do as well" Serah insisted, looking into her sisters lapis eyes.
"You want me to request to be stationed here? In New Bodhum, don't you?" She was beginning to understand what her younger sister wanted, and at this point she wasn't sure how to feel. All this was being dumped on her at once and she felt herself beginning to retract backwards into herself. Feelings were getting harder to understand.
"I understand it's a lot to ask. I wouldn't be upset if you said no" Serah had to keep her emotions in check at this point or it would only be worse.
"I'd have to think about it" Light broke eye contact with her and focused on a spot in the wall behind Serah. She wanted some time to process all this.
"Alright" Serah knew she couldn't push it any further at this point. She turned to leave when Light spoke again.
"Tell Snow I need to have a talk with him. A very long talk" Light's voice broke composure and she nearly snarled when she said his name. Maybe Serah was free from her anger but Snow surely wasn't.