Fullmetal Alchemist: The Serenity Alchemist
Chapter 9
Days upon days passed. Edward, Alphonse and I continued to study. The abuse with Tucker continued, since I was unable to do anything about it.
I was starting to question whether he had done anything to Nina or not. I would ask her later.
I grew more scared the more we stayed at that house. I had known that something wasn't right. I should've trusted my instincts.
One day, Edward, Alphonse, Nina and I were all outside.
Edward was under the shade of the house, shivering as he read a book.
It had grown to be winter around where we were and it was snowing, about five inches covering the ground.
"Look big brother, come over and look! We made snow angels!" Nina shouted to Edward, who looked up.
"Huh?"
I giggled. "Snow angels Edward. SNOOOW. ANGELLLS."
He growled and waved his fist at me. "Hey I'm not stupid!"
"Then stop acting like it and get over here!" I yelled, making a snowball and throwing it at him. It hit him straight in the face.
Nina was rolling on the ground, squealing with laughter.
Soon we all join in the laughter, even Edward. He hadn't laughed in forever. I smiled at him and we all laid down in the snow together.
Nina looked over at us. "I wish that you could stay after the exam... It gets lonely with just me and Daddy." She said, frowning for a second.
"We'll come visit," Alphonse promised. "Really? Do you promise?" Nina said, looking over at Al, her eyes shining.
"I promise." He said.
Nina hugged him. I smiled. She was so innocent.
I was a bit envious of her, yet I was glad too. She didn't need to grow up faster than she needed to.
Suddenly I felt Nina hug me. "I wuv you big sister."
I blinked and looked down at her. Tears slowly filled my eyes and I smiled. "I-I love you too, Nina." I hugged her back tightly.
We heard sniffles and we looked up to see a man with dark hair and glasses wiping his eyes.
"Hughes." Edward said, standing up.
"That was so beautiful!" Hughes said, walking over to us. "Th-thanks," I stuttered.
We had met Hughes a few days before when Mustang had come to check up on us.
"Is there something that you needed, Hughes?" Edward asked, crossing his arms.
"Oh, right, I just came here to pick you up. Can't have you two studying through your birthdays." Hughes said, helping Nina and I up onto our feet.
"Oh, I can't believe I forgot!" Alphonse said.
I had honestly forgotten myself; I had never really cared about my birthday.
"How did you know?" Edward asked him, looking a bit freaked out by the fact.
"Yeah, we never told anyone," I added.
Hughes smiled. "I'm in the investigation department. I wouldn't make much of a major if I couldn't manage that," He replied with a grin.
Nina frowned.
Hughes looked over at her. "Hey, hey, don't look sad. You're all coming."
Nina grinned a cute little grin at that.
"After all, I can't throw a birthday party for the twins without inviting any of their friends! Right?" Hughes said, patting Nina's head.
"Right!" She squealed.
Hughes took us to his house after clearing things with Tucker.
At the Hughes Residence, Hughes' wife, Gracia, greeted us. She was large with child and her skin glew like many pregnant mothers' tend to.
She smiled at us. "Oh hello, I've heard lots about you all."
Gracia then looked at Nina and knelt down. "Oh, but I don't know you. Who are you, little lady?"
"I'm Nina!" Nina said.
Gracia laughed slightly. "Well hello there Nina. I'm Gracia."
She stood up and smiled at all of us. "How about we come in? I've made dinner for all of us!"
"Great! Oh you'll love Gracia's cooking!" Hughes bragged as he led us into his home.
It was a nice place; it made me have a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart. This was truly a great place. It felt like our house used to feel.
We all sat down as Gracia served dinner and some tea. "Um Mrs. Hughes, not to be rude, but why does your belly look a bit..." Alphonse started but Edward interrupted. "Like a melon!"
I smacked Edward across the head. "That is so rude Edward! She's just having a baby!" I scolded him, a bit annoyed at his ignorance.
"Yeah, its nothing to be mad about though, Courtney. Boys are boys." Gracia said, sitting down next to me.
I smiled. "Yeah I suppose; but Edward is just a bit duller than most-"
Edward smacked me on the shoulder. "Ow!"
"Pass the butter please," Edward said, ignoring my death glare.
"It looks like it'll come any day now," I say, looking over at Gracia.
"Actually, yes, the baby is due soon. I'm so excited." Gracia said. I smiled.
I wonder if I'll have a baby one day... It seems so far away though. I can't see it.
"It's making such a fuss in here. I think it wants to come out and see the world already," Gracia said, laughing light-heartedly.
Edward looked at Gracia's stomach with a freaked out expression. I frowned and flicked his forehead. "It's not some type of alien!" I said, scowling.
Everyone laughed and Gracia got up to get the cake that she had made.
Hughes lit the candles on the cake and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Edward and I. I had a smile on my face.
We honestly hadn't celebrated any of our birthdays for a long time. We hadn't ever felt like it.
Gracia looked at us. "Do you wanna feel?"
"NO!" Both Edward and Alphonse shouted.
"Sure," I say, gently placing my hand on her stomach. She placed her hand over mine and guided it. I blinked when I felt a little thump. "It moved," I whispered. It was amazing.
Soon Nina was feeling Gracia's stomach as well and she was amazed.
After dinner, we all moved to the living room with our tea. Gracia headed to the kitchen to make some more when we suddenly hear her cry out.
Hughes shot up. "Gracia!"
"God, Maes! I think it's coming!" Gracia screamed.
"The tea?" Hughes asked. "The baby!" Gracia snapped.
"Oh God! But the doctor said that it was due next week!" Hughes said, sounding panicked.
"Well the baby says now! And I think she gets to decide, Maes!" Gracia snapped.
"O-okay honey, I'll get your bags," Hughes said, heading to their bedroom.
"But there's a blizzard outside!" Alphonse protested.
Hughes stopped. "Oh right. You all stay here; I'll go get the doctor!" He said, grabbing his coat. "You all, help her."
"How?" Edward asked.
Hughes left before he could answer.
I helped Gracia over to her bed. "Relax Gracia, everything will be fine," I reassure her.
When she was properly situated, I made Edward and Alphonse get the things we needed to help Gracia.
I had helped deliver a few babies before; it wasn't anything new.
"I've got the water!" Edward exclaimed as he ran into the room with it.
"Thanks Edward, set it on the floor," Gracia says, feeling calmer.
"Towels guys, towels," I said, shooing them off. Gracia screamed again, a contraction wracking her body.
I calmed her down.
When Edward came back, he sighed in relief. "Good, her pains have passed-"
Gracia screamed again. He paled. "Oh god what do we do?!" He, Alphonse and Nina panicked while I face-palmed.
"Idiots," I mumbled.
And now it is done. I know, I know. It sucks.
Review anyways though :D
~Silver
