Chapter 3: Rebirth

Nine months later, on February 14th, a baby girl was born in the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, England. She had jet black hair, golden green eyes, and skin as pale as snow.

One of the nurses in the room opened the door and called out to Jay Bright, the father of the newborn, "Sir! Your child has been born! It's a girl!"

The man immediately stopped pacing and turned to lock eyes with the woman. He rushed up to her and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Really?!" His voice was full of excitement like a child receiving a gift on Christmas day.

"Y-Yes," the nurse answered, startled.

"This is fantastic!" he exclaimed, letting go of her. Jay ran into the room and shut the door. After quickly composing himself, he calmly walked towards his wife.

"How are you feeling?" Jay asked, wiping the sweat off her brow.

"I'm fine," Clare replied, grinning up at him.

Jay smiled back. "I'm a father," he said dreamily. "This is the most precious gift you could've ever given me, love." He gently brushed his knuckles against her cheek.

Clare grabbed the hand and lovingly placed a soft kiss on his palm. "Hey, I'm curious," she said, moving his hand to rest on her cheek. "Are you going to be one of those overprotective dads who'll try and castrate any guy who comes near their daughter and won't let them date 'till they're in college?"

"Gosh! I hope not!" Jay regarded her with horror. "I remember your dad was like that. It was horrible," he shuddered. "I still think he tried to kill me that time," he said, convinced of his father-in- law's guilt.

"Oh, hush. He only offered you some food."

"That was poisoned!"

"It wasn't poisoned," Clare frowned.

"Yeah it was! I put some in my mouth and then went outside to spit it out," Jay argued, pointing to his mouth. "Then, a huge bird swooped down," he said, waving his arms around to emphasize his point, "and swallowed it up. It choked and died after that."

"Well, then he probably tried to feed you my mom's cooking," Clare replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"See! Your dad is out to –"

"Would you like to hold her?" the nurse interrupted, carrying a small bundle in her arms.

"Would I?!" Jay exclaimed excitedly, bouncing up and down.

"Would you?" she asked, eyeing him strangely.

"Would I?!" he repeated.

"Would you?" the nurse inquired, getting annoyed.

"Would –"

"Jay," Clare cut him off, rolling her eyes at her husband's childishness, "just hold her."

"Okay," Jay agreed, holding his arms out expectantly.

The nurse passed the small pink bundle to him. "Make sure you support the head," she ordered.

"Alright," he said. Jay gently pulled away the blanket that partially covered her face to see more clearly. "Aww," he cooed, peering down at the little girl. "She's adorable…"

"Really? Let me see," Clare demanded, reaching out for the baby.

"Aww…" Jay whined. "But –"

"Come on."

"Fine," Jay surrendered the girl over to his wife.

Clare gingerly took the girl into her arms and held her securely, staring down at her while gently tapping the baby's nose. The little girl giggled, and grabbed onto the offending finger. Clare smiled and carefully pried the girl's hand off the digit.

"I know what to name you, little one," Clare cooed. She held the small bundle tightly and rubbed her nose affectionately against the baby's, kissing the girl's forehead. "From now on, your name is Reina. Reina Bright." Jay grinned down at her and promptly planted a kiss on their cheeks.

Fourteen months after Reina's birth, on April 30th, another baby girl was born to the same set of parents. The girl had strawberry blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and fair skin.

Reina Bright quickly ran into the room, excited to see her new sibling. She motioned impatiently for her father to pick her up, and he quickly set her down next to her mother. Reina sat there, watching the baby with wide curious eyes for a few moments before gently taking the girl's hand.

"Ana!" she exclaimed, patting the baby's cheek affectionately with her other hand. "Anastasia!"

Clare smiled down at the little girl. "That's a good name Rei! I really like it," she praised the girl.

Reina beamed at her mother, happy to be complimented. She giggled and placed several kisses on her mother's cheek. Clare patted her head affectionately before swiftly turning to face her husband.

"What do you think?" she inquired.

"I think that's a good name," Jay replied.

"Okay," Clare spoke, turning towards the newborn. "Your name is Anastasia Bright," she declared.