Chapter 18

Since Hex's death, and Darkstar's arrest; things seemed to have quieted down and returned to normalcy. Or at least our version of it. Turns out the month I spent looking for Hope compared to the months she spent in the Ledgerdomain; added up to her being about 7 months pregnant. She decided to cut her hair as well. It's now a beautiful shoulder length cut. She keeps it in a cute little ponytail that I simply can't get enough of. Gwen's planning a baby shower for her. Hope told me that while she was captured Hex nor Darkstar touched her specifically, and she's 100% certain the child is mine. I told her I wasn't worried. She wants to talk to me tonight about the gender of our baby, she wanted to surprise me so I couldn't go with her to the doctor to find out. I'm certainly looking forward too it.

Later, Mom made home-made pizza. Mom and Dad are ecstatic about being grandparents. I thought they wouldn't be too happy at first, but I secretly think they're hoping that if I'm busy with a baby I can't get hurt saving the world. Hope and I talked about that too. We're not sure if we'll be able to continue our hero work. We're just so focused on Baby T that we haven't thought of much else. Hope and I finished dinner and went out for smoothies. It was cold, we're expecting snow. I parked the car and started to get out when she grabbed my arm.

"Wait Ben."

"What is it?"

"I want to go in and order for us."

"Okay..."

She gave a smile and staggered inside. I turned the heat up in the car. It didn't take long before Hope came back to the car laughing. She was extremely giddy.

"What's up with you?" I asked.

"Oh nothing...but I just thought of a way to tell you the gender of our baby!"

"How so?" I took my smoothie from her.

"The flavor of course...you're one of the only people I know that can tell the exact flavor of a Mr. Smoothy's smoothie.

"So...you want me to take a sip and tell you the flavor and you'll tell me the gender?"

"I think the flavor will tell you."

I nodded and looked at my cup. She handed me a straw. I watched as she sat smiling drinking her own smoothie. I smiled back and poked my straw into my cup.

"Well...here goes."

I took a sip. The moment the creamy fruity taste touched my lips, she was right; I knew. I looked back at her. She smiled shyly. I sipped a little more. It was sweet like candy. I could feel lumps of fruit clogging my straw. Right away I realized it was strawberry. Though there was another taste to it. Possibly a bit of yogurt and carrot juice. The flavor alone wasn't enough so I gently eased the top off. I turned on the lights above the steering wheel, and there as vibrant as ever; a shade of hot pink. I turned to Hope.

"A girl?"

Hope nodded slowly.

"A girl..." I stiffled again. Hope nodded a little faster and grabbed my hand. After pecking my lips she stroked my bangs. I have never not finished a smoothie until that night. I've never cried into one either, but I can't say I didn't. I got teary-eyed each time I thought about my little princess. Our Christmas, was basically get all you can for the baby type of Christmas.

Mom and Dad helped out a lot. Mom at one point was concerned that Hope and I never had time to be kids with hero work and all, but I explained I haven't been a kid since I was 10 years old. Dad reassured her that as much responsibility I've endured by saving the world, a new baby would fail in comparison. It wouldn't be a problem.

I'm very fortunate to have such kind, considerate, and trusting parents. Both promised to be there for Hope and I every step of the way.

We had a New Year's Party and a Baby Shower all in one. It seemed to be the easiest way to do things. Life seemed to carry on without missing a beat.

It was late January. A snowstorm had found its way to town and there were power surges every which way. Several stores had run out of milk and bread. The wind was chilling and brutle. When we suddenly lost power, we spent the evening in; drinking hot cocoa and just enjoying each other's company. It was nice actually. Dad stood up and looked out the window, the driveway was covered in snow.

"Looks like I won't be getting to work tomorrow." Dad told us and sipped from his mug.

"I don't think anyone will honey." Mom replied to him.

Hope stood from the couch and rubbed her back.

"What's wrong Angel?"

"I've been sitting too long..."

"Well walk around a bit, girl." Dad said jokingly.

Hope laughed slightly.

"I think I'll go to the restroom." She exclaimed and used her powers to create an orb of pink light.

"Careful on the stairs." I told her as she brushed past me.

"Ben..." I heard Mom call.

"Yeah Mom." I answered.

"Come here please."

I stood and entered the kitchen.

"Can you get that box of flashlights and lanterns down for me, please."

"Yes mam."

I was a few months shy of my 19th birthday and I had gotten taller than mom. I pulled the box down for her.

"Thank you sweetie."

"Mm hm." I mumbled. She kissed my cheek.

"Gosh it's really coming down!" Mom and I heard Dad announce. Mom smiled as she pulled out a box of batteries. I paused and listened. No noise. It was quiet. Too quiet.

"Ben, what's wrong hon, what is it dear?"

I turned back to Mom when I heard her voice break the silence.

"I don't hear my Angel."