Hey, guys! I know, I know it's been over a month since I updated. First, I was on vacation, then I had a horrible cold, the school year started and life has been incredibly busy. And lastly, this chapter wasn't the easiest to write. I hope guys understand. As always, I want to thank each and everyone one of my readers! You guys rock! I want to thank my beta Mrs. Thor Odinson. Go check out her stories, one of my favorites is The Little Canary.
Panda love 99: Hello! So happy to see your review! I love hearing your options. Of course, and you are so welcome! I'm delighted that you love how this story is shaping. Yeah, well thank you, because as you can tell life got in the way once more. You will get to figure out if Renee had a boy or a girl in this chapter! Here you go! Let me know what you think in the comments.
I luv Milarion 1201: Thank you so much for your review! I wanted to have her to interact with more people and have her figure out 'our' world a bit more. That's exactly what I was thinking! Aw! I'm glad you like Sameer being in love! It's honestly the cutest to write! No worries, the long wait is finally over ? Let me know what you think in the comments.
lareinaSelena: And as always you leave great reviews ? Overjoyed that you were so excited for it! Yeah, I just couldn't stop thinking of Sameer having a love interest. Happy that people are enjoying it so far! Okay this time I'll take some cookies with m&ms candies in them lol ? Here is the next chapter. I hope you like it. Let me know in the comments.
Marionette: Thank you for your review! Yeah, well I wanted to just jump into Diana's life closer to her having the baby. Renee is the young lady Diana meet when she was at the doctor's office in chapter 3. I will mention how they came to be roommates in this chapter!
Renee: Thank you so much for your continuing support of this story! Yeah, that is funny huh? I had just come up with her name like the day before you started reviewing this story lol ? Well, you will get to know in this chapter if she had a boy or girl!
demon19027: Thank you for reviewing! I'm so happy that you found my story and find it interesting so far! I look forward to sharing the chapter of when Diana has her baby. Here you go, the next chapter. Let me know what you thought in a review.
Morgan Winkler: Thank you for reviewing! Aw, thank you! I love hearing that my readers love my story! Well, you might get to find out soon ? Let me know what you think of this chapter in a review!
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WW fan: Welcome back! We missed you! I completely understand life has been crazy for me too. Too many ideas, too many fanfictions to read, hardly any time to. Thank you! Well, it took a while but here you go another chapter! Yeah, I wanted to leave everyone hanging ? (I know, trouble pun) X)
Mills87: Thank you so much for the review! Yes, that is exactly what fanfiction is for. This popped into my head like maybe three days after seeing it for the first time. Well, it took more than a month but here you go!
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A Piece of Him
Chapter 6
June 10, 1919
It was a warm afternoon, the sun was shining through the window as Diana sat comfortably on the couch, cuddling a small bundle in her arms. With a wide smile on her face, she cooed at the beautiful tiny baby girl. Baby Odette had wide eyes that were bright and fine brown hair that was soft to the touch. Diana let out a sigh of contentment as she cuddled her closer. It seemed like only yesterday when Odette had been born and yet that was two weeks ago. Life had been crazy for the roommates but mostly for the new mother. Renee seemed to always be having to do one thing or another for the baby, feeding her, changing her, and the baby didn't seem to ever sleep long enough for her to do much else. So, Diana had offered to watch Odette while Renee took a bath. From the look of gratitude on her friend's face, Diana thought that she might have made the best suggestion yet.
In all honesty, Diana was happy to spend some time with the newborn. She felt in some ways, it made her own baby's arrival seem more real. After all, she was due in only a month. It made her wonder what her baby would look like? What color hair would he/she have? Would the baby have Steve's blue eyes or her own dark ones? And then she would wonder what kind of mother would she be?
It seemed like fate that she had to meet Renee in the doctor's office the day she found out that her life was going to change forever. Diana had followed Chief's suggestion of putting out an article in the newspaper for sharing the rent for her apartment. There were a few women who had shown up, none of them seemed very reliable and then Renee showed up. They remembered the other at the doctor's and they just seemed to have clicked. And then she had moved in the following weekend.
A throat being cleared was what broke Diana from her thoughts, to see Renee with wet hair, a new outfit on and holding out her arms to take the baby. Diana smiled and handed over little Odette.
"Thank you so much for watching her. I finally don't feel so gross," Renee praised.
"You're welcome. She is a happy baby."
"When she has been feed," Renee corrected.
Diana chuckled at this and then got up to make them both supper. Knowing full well that Renee only had so much time to eat before she has feed Odette once more. Renee rocked the infant until she falls asleep. Getting up, Renee managed to place her in her cradle without her waking up. This might seem like a small victory but Diana knew how few of them the young mother got.
Later, Renee's family would be coming to visit. So, Diana and Renee had spent most of the morning cleaning the small apartment. Luckily, neither of them were naturally messy. However, it was surprising though how much things could pile up when you have a newborn keeping you up at crazy hours. Even Diana's normally restful sleep would be disturbed by the infant. When will she finally be able to sleep a whole night through?
As the months went on for her living in the world of men Diana noticed that she liked trying new recipes, she was going to try one that she had gotten from Renee's mother. A traditional French soup called Garbure. Renee's mother had been a real help right after Renee had the baby. She had taught Diana some new recipes, had looked over the baby some and taught Diana how to change a diaper. Diana had taken in everything little thing she had said. So, much so that Renee and she had gotten into an argument because Renee liked doing something different than how her mother suggested it. Diana could not remember a time when her friend had seemed more frazzled. She had decided it was best to drop the subject at the time, though Renee had mumbled under her breath several moments afterward.
Once the lunch was ready Diana dished them both up and serving and placed them at their respected places. Renee sat in her seat and let out a loud sigh of contentment, did a quick Sign of the Cross and started to eat. Diana held in her laughter as the young mother ate the food as if she hadn't eaten in the last two days. Never get in between that woman and her food, Diana noted with a smile on her face. She got her first spoonful ready when Odette started to cry from the crib. Renee let out a groan and made to get up but Diana gestured for her to continue sitting. "I'm going to see if I can calm her so you can finish," she explained.
Renee looked at her with gratitude and turned back to her food. Diana made her way to the crib and picked up the crying infant.
"It's okay," she cooed. "It's okay."
She bounced her up and down which seemed to calm her a bit. Pacing the room repeatedly she realized she couldn't keep up her pace. However, when she stopped Odette's screams returned. So, she sat down in the comfortable rocking chair and rocked back and forth. Odette seemed to like this best because after only a few minutes of rocking the infant had gone completely quiet and was just looking up at her with teary eyes.
"Aw, it's okay. I've got you," Diana said in a calming voice.
She continued to rock and got so caught up at how tiny Odette that she hadn't heard Renee get up from the table ahead towards her.
"You are so good with her," Renee commented, breaking her from her thoughts.
"Well, she does seem to like me."
Diana handed her off to Renee. She cuddled Odette in her arms and sat on the couch to nurse her. "You go eat your supper. I've got her," Renee urged her.
Diana smiled and went over towards the table. Upon her first bite, she discovered that this was another recipe well done and added it to another thing she could make.
It seemed strange that she had only been living in the world of men for a little while, she had been so unaware of the norms and the traditions. Now she was living, working and having a whole life surrounded by people from all kinds of cultures. It was incredible and oddly humbling. No longer was her goal to save the entire world, well not for right now anyway. Instead, it was doing big and trivial things for her roommate, getting to know her new friends and being there for them. Renee also wasn't aware of the fact that she was an Amazon warrior, that she was the daughter of the god Zeus. Diana had wanted to tell but Chief hadn't thought that she should, had told that she should wait for an appropriate time to tell her roommate. It was strange not telling her and yet she did wonder if the French woman would believe her if she told her. So, for the time being, she would keep that part of her somewhat of a secret.
#
It was three in the afternoon when they heard the knock on the door. Renee was just getting Odette after her nap and Diana was reading a history book. Diana stirred in her seat when she heard the door but Renee was already halfway there and gestured for her to remain sitting. So, Renee positioned Odette in such a way she had a firm grip on her and able to up the door. Upon opening the door, the first she saw was the large cheerful face of her father's, he went straight into a hug and cupped the back of Odette's head. "Hello father," Renee greeted as she hugged him as tight as she could in their position.
"Hello, my beautiful daughter. Oh, how much this little one has grown since last I saw you," he exclaimed.
Next came her mother who plucked Odette from her arms and cuddled her tight to her chest. Renee pretended to be upset by the fact that her mother seemed happier to see her grandchild instead of her own daughter, however, she was only able to get halfway through her speech before breaking into laughter. She went in for a hug to her mother but instead was nearly knocked over by a force around her middle, looking down stood her ten-year-old brother Pierre who had a giant smile on his face and hugging her tight. "Oh, hello Pierre!"
Her father beside her laughed heartily, "He has been begging us to leave early so that he could see you."
Renee chuckled and hugged him tighter to her.
"It wasn't Renee he wanted to see, it's Diana," mumbled a voice.
She looked up at the source she saw her fifteen-year-old brother Nathan would tower over herself, her mother and even Adriene. His face was pensive and he didn't move in for a hug. Renee tried not to let this affect her and instead replied to him, "Well it's good to know that he finds Diana likable."
"More like he thinks she is pretty," Nathan explained.
Renee smiled and shook her head. Nathan often pointed out things these days or looked deep in thought. He had always been shy, even when he was young but he used to smile a lot more and get animated about things that no longer held his interest. Renee knew she would just have to work on forming a different kind of relationship than the one they had when he was little and she still lived at home.
Two figures still stood in the hallway and Renee looked up in surprise as Sameer walked in and gave her a large bouquet of daisies. "Sameer!" Renee declared. "I didn't know you were coming." She gave him a quick tight hug.
"Yes, well," Sameer started. "I was visiting Adriene when she told me that the whole family was planning on visiting you. So, I figured I could come, see the new baby and say hello to Diana."
"Well come in, come in," Renee urged. He did and in the background, Renee heard Diana and him greeting each other.
Lastly, walked in Adriene with a smile and Renee spared no time in hugging her. The two sisters hugged each other tightly, whispering so that no one else could hear her, Renee commented, "We sure have been seeing you coming with Sameer a lot for the past few weeks."
Instead of answering her sister simply blushed, which caused Renee to chuckle and she gestured for her to come into the room and make herself comfortable. Her mother was sitting in the rocking chair holding Odette, her father was sitting at the table with Nathan, Pierre was sitting on the couch, chatting with Diana and flashing her with his bright green eyes. Renee shook her head at her youngest brother who seemed to be enjoying getting the full attention of her roommate for the time being.
"You're expecting in a month, correct?" her mother asked Diana.
"Yes, I am. The doctor says probably the end of the month."
"That must be exciting!"
"Yes! I am very excited! I keep wondering if it's a boy or a girl?"
"Have you thought of names?"
"Yes, but I want it to be a surprise."
Renee's mother shook her head in understanding, "That's what we did for our children. I remember when I was with Renee my mother-in-law kept wanting to know what names I had picked. I was so proud of myself for not giving out the names that I had narrowed down to."
Diana laughed at this. Looking over she saw that Sameer was standing very close to Adriene and he was causing her to laugh about something. She wondered if she should get in on the conversation or let the young couple alone, she decided that she'd talk to them later in the visit.
#
Renee's parents decided that the small apartment was getting too crowded, so they went home for dinner with their two youngest. They had let Adriene stay with Sameer because she seemed to be enjoying her time with her sister, niece, friend, suitor and because they knew that Renee would keep an eye on them.
All the young people were sitting at the table eating a Moroccan dish that Sameer wanted to make them all. More like trying to impress Adriene, Diana thought. Sameer had just asked what Adriene would be doing for the next couple of days.
"Well tomorrow is the flower festival," Adriene pointed out, trying not to seem to hope.
Sameer's face winced, "Unfortunately, I have work all of tomorrow."
Adriene's face noticeable fell, "No it's alright."
"But we can do something on Sunday," Sameer offered.
"I have Mass on Sunday morning though."
"I could join you, I mean if you would like?"
"You'd want to?"
"Of course."
"Well, then, I would like that very much."
"It's a plan then," Sameer declared with a grin.
"Oh, Sammy," Diana started. "Have you recently heard from Charlie?"
The Scot hadn't written her recently but she had had a letter from Etta. I wonder if the others know yet?
"Oh yes. I received one just yesterday," Sameer replied, searching his pockets. "Here it is."
He looked it over and slightly looked up, "I'm not sure I should read it out loud. Charlie, well you know, he likes his swear words."
"You don't need to read it out loud," Diana reassured him. "I was just wondering if he had any news to share?"
"None, complaining about how hot it has been lately. That man never did enjoy the sun," he directed towards Adriene. "Why do you ask?"
Diana was half torn in telling him or waiting till Charlie told him himself. "Diana?" Sameer inquired. "What aren't you telling me?"
"What…? I… I didn't say anything," Diana defended herself.
"But I can feel your wheels turning all the same. What is it?"
Diana knew she was either going to have to lie or just tell him, she still wasn't very good at the lying yet. "Charlie asked Etta to marry him."
"What?!" Sameer exclaimed a disbelieving smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "How do you know this?"
"I just received a letter from Etta a few days ago about it. I had figured Charlie would have written to you about it."
"That old dog!" Sameer declared in glee. "I can't believe that old bachelor is going to get married."
Sameer and Diana talked about the middle-aged couple. Each recalled when they had first suspected that the two liked each other and other such things. Adriene held unto every word Sameer said and Diana silently enjoying watching him telling her different stories from the war and their misadventures. She could see that both Sameer and Adriene really cared for each other and she didn't think it would be for much longer until she heard news of another engagement.
Diana was happy for them, of course, she was. However, as she noticed Sameer hold Adriene's hand or the two seemed lost in whatever they were talking about she would feel her heart tighten. Steve, it would always bring up thoughts about Steve and all those long months ago. She'd find herself looking to her side and still being disappointed that he didn't stand beside her, that he was gone. She knew nothing could change that, and that he would be here if he could but it couldn't change that it hurt, just so very much. At times she would look at Renee and she knew that the widow was thinking similar things. That she was missing her own husbands just as much as Diana. They were both going through a challenging time right now.
"Diana, are you okay?" Sameer asked in concern, breaking her from her thoughts.
She forced a bittersweet smile. "I was just thinking about Steve," she admitted.
Sameer shook his head in understanding, "Yeah, it… It seems strange not having him here."
"It is," Diana choked out. "But you know… I am so very happy that I am able to carry this piece of him inside me," she explained as she placed a gentle hand on her wide stomach. "And soon I will get the chance to meet him or her." She wiped the few tears that rolled down her cheek. It still wasn't easy but it made it better. Having this baby was her way of keeping a piece of him.
"Which we are all looking forward to," Sameer reassured. He placed a hand on hers and gently squeezed it. Adriene looked at her with a sad smile and shook her head in agreement, Renee placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Tears, happy ones, clouded Diana's vision. It felt amazing that she wouldn't have to go through this all alone.
I'm not going to give any spoilers, but the next chapter is going to have some very important stuff happening ? What, you might ask? Is for me to know and you all to find out ? mu ha-ha! Lol
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