Chapter 2
Nesia and Ahiga woke the next morning with Tina resting at their feet. Ahiga's arm was draped over her waist, and she turned around to face him. Ahiga's eyes were still closed, but she could tell he was starting to wake up. Nesia moved her left hand so it was going through his sweaty hair causing the coolness from her ring to brush against his scalp.
Ahiga gently opened his eyes and smiled. "Morning."
"Morning," Nesia said. She glanced at the ring on her finger. "I was wondering if last night was a dream."
"Nope, it was all real babe," Ahiga said.
Nesia smiled at him and glanced at the ring. "The ring is really beautiful."
"I thought you might have liked it," Ahiga said. "We should go tell Mom and your family, so we can get a moon ceremony."
Nesia and Ahiga got out of bed and showered together before making their way to Haseya's. Haseya was elated to find out she would be having her first grandchild soon, and they were getting married. Nesia and Ahiga made their way to Natalie's house where JJ, Salem and Blu Jae along with their families were visiting.
"Morning you two. What brings you by this morning?" Natalie asked, with a knowing smile.
Nesia smiled at Ahiga and intertwined her fingers between his. "We actually came by because we need JJ to come with us to Uncle Kyle's."
Natalie, Yvonne, and Desarae all squealed with delight as Natalie walked over to Nesia and Ahiga pulling them both into a hug. "I'm so happy for the two of you," Natalie said. "and fair warning Alice already is planning a baby shower for you."
"Of course, she is," Nesia said.
JJ walked over from where he stood to Nesia and lifted up her left hand to look at the ring. "Not bad of a ring kid," JJ said. "You know this doesn't replace a bracelet."
"I'll have a bracelet for her soon," Ahiga said. "I intended to give her the ring once I had a bracelet, but that plan changed."
"As long as you remember to give her one," JJ said.
"JJ!" Nesia said.
"Oh relax," JJ said. "Let's go see if Uncle Kyle's awake."
JJ, Nesia, Ahiga and Natalie all walked over to Kyle's house. Kyle didn't like being interrupted from his alone time with Evalina, but brought them to the room where he would perform the moon ceremony after getting everything set up.
"Alright, JJ, do you give your permission for Ahiga to wed Nesia?" Kyle asked.
"If I must," JJ said. Natalie smacked him in the back of the head causing him to laugh. "Yes, I give my permission."
Kyle directed them to hold their hands over the fire as they did, and Kyle smiled. "You two will marry on Wednesday."
"Good then you won't have to get married looking like a beached whale," JJ said. Nesia moved closer to JJ and smack him on the shoulder causing him to laugh. Embry and Heather also went to the Kyle to get married so Anna would be able to see her wedding before she fully forgot about her granddaughter and Kyle determined from their moon ceremony they would get married two days after Nesia and Ahiga. Ahiga had some vacation time and was able to get three days off for the wedding and their three days alone. Oliver, Oscar and Travis flew into the tribe for the wedding. Ahiga got ready at JJ's house.
While the tribe was preparing for the bonfire, Nesia was sitting on her mom's porch with Natalie, Eun Mi, Suerro and the twins. When she was getting fitted for her rabbit fur's dress, glancing at the fireplace where all the pictures were started to make her sad. Particularly the one's of her dad, and even though she missed her father everyday it made her sadder knowing her father wasn't there on her wedding day. Her dream was for Jae to escort her to the pyre.
"Nesia?" Natalie asked.
"I was thinking about daddy," Nesia said. "Mom, do you think you could hold a picture of daddy during the ceremony. Just so that it feels like he's there for me."
"Of course," Natalie said, kissing her cheek. Nesia glanced at all the pictures and picked the one she wanted for her wedding. It was right before Jae deployed when she was four, and the last memory she had of her father. Once it became nightfall, Nesia exited out of her mom and Suerro's house and was about to walk to the pyre when she heard wings flapping. She glanced to the side and Blu sitting on the railing.
"You'll be there for the whole ceremony right Blu?" Nesia asked. Blu tweeted and flew into her hand as she opened it for him. Blu made himself right into her palm and stayed there for a few minutes until JJ got close to the house, and Blu flew toward a tree by the pyre.
"Ready?" JJ asked.
"I've been ready," Nesia smiled.
JJ was in the lead escorting her to the unlit pyre, and when she finally made it to the crowd, Ahiga was sitting before the wood waiting for her. Boss and Freddie were even among the guest, and she was more than delighted to have them there. After everything they had done for Ahiga they were like family to her. She saw Natalie holding Jae's picture just as Nesia had requested and saw Blu flying near Natalie. It was almost as if Jae was standing right there next to Natalie, and it brought tears to her eyes. Nesia sat next to Ahiga, and they smiled at one another.
"I love you," Ahiga whispered.
"I love you too," Nesia replied.
The ceremony was with Jacob and Kyle telling the story of their ancestors with wolves becoming human, and Nesia and Ahiga's reunion would help keep the line of the wolves to protect the tribe. Women with their infant sons danced around the fire for fertility followed by Ahiga and Nesia lighting the pyre signifying their union. Blu flew away to avoid being lit by the flames and then they along with their guest danced around the pyre. Later Nesia and Ahiga signed their marriage license, and she would legalize it after going to town for the proper documentation, but she would be from now on known as Nesia Washington. They remained amongst their guests a little longer but waited until the crowd started to die down before retreating to their home to be alone.
"How do you like being a married man?" Nesia asked. once they'd stepped inside the house and closed the door behind them.
"It feels fucking amazing," Ahiga said, and leaned down a bit to pick her up and carry her over the threshold causing her to giggle. Once inside, he placed her down, so she could close the door, and he leaned forward, and pressed her against the door kissing her neck. She turned around wrapped her arms around his neck with one hand going to his hair. Ahiga lifted up the hem of her dress so he could lift her up and wrap her legs around his waist. "I love you so much, Nessia," Ahiga said between kisses.
"I love you too, Ahiga," Nesia said, moaning while his tongue reached her pulse on her neck. His rose his tongue higher until he was able to reach a sensitive flesh. "I've wanted this for so long."
"I know," Ahiga said. "Thank you for everything. You stood by me when no one ever would of."
"Of course, I would have," Nesia said. "I love you, no matter what."
Ahiga then got down to his knees and placed Nesia gently on the fur rug on the floor. "Shouldn't we go upstairs?" Nesia asked.
"We'll get up there eventually," Ahiga said, causing her to giggle. His hands went back to the hem of her dress and pulled it up so it went past her hips until he was able to bring it to the point where her breasts were revealed. Nesia leaned up a bit so he could fully remove the dress. He tossed it to the side and started kissing her neck again and started trailing down to her chest until he reached her stomach. He stopped briefly which caused alarm.
"Why did you stop?" Nesia asked breathlessly.
"I'm sorry it's just is it safe?" Ahiga asked. Nesia finally understood what he meant and nodded.
"Kyle said it would be fine, nothing's going to happen to the baby," Nesia said. "It's not like you have to worry about me getting pregnant."
Ahiga laughed a bit, before returning back to his trail of kisses before he reached her core. He then trailed more kisses going in reverse until he reached her neck again. Nesia reached down pulling the traditional shirt up, and he leaned back just to take if off and toss it to the side. He pulled his pants down enough so his erection sprang free before continuing his previous intent. He placed gentle kisses on her breast while touching her entrance and waited until the right moment before slipping inside of her and started to thrust, pressing her down into the rug over and over again.
Nesia moaned and held onto him while he was moving, the faster he moved she could feel her release coming closer. Nesia placed her fingers between them so she could help move things along faster, until she climaxed. When they both reached their peek, Ahiga stayed as he was and made out with her for several minutes.
Ahiga finally pulled out of Nesia, and picked her up from the floor carrying her upstairs to their room. Ahiga went straight for the bed, and placed Nesia down. He bent down to continue where they left off downstairs, when Tina suddenly decided to jump onto the bed with them, started making her spot known in Nesia's hair.
"Darn cat," Ahiga muttered. Tina purred and opened her eyes looking at Ahiga curiously before meowing and closing her eyes.
"Hold on," Nesia said, pushing on his chest to get him off her. She picked up Tina causing her to growl a little bit and carried her out the room. Tina jumped out of Nesia's arms and ran downstairs. Nesia then walked back to the bed, and kissed Ahiga. "Now, where were we?"
Ahiga chuckled before running his hand through her hair and kissing her before laying her back in the bed. He got he covers from underneath them and covered them with it before they snuggled together. "I love you."
"I love you too," Nesia said. They feel asleep together, and the next morning after breakfast Ahiga was being particularly affectionate and make the feeling of being a newlywed couple even better.
After their three days, Nesia had to go visit Kyle for her doctor's appointment for the baby's first sonogram. Ahiga naturally came with her and was a bit nervous.
"Are you okay?" Nesia asked after she had changed into the gown and sat on the examination table. "You seem a bit on edge."
"Yes," Ahiga said. "Don't worry about me."
Ahiga started glancing around at the room, and saw a small plastic model sitting on the counter. He picked it up, and started looking at it from different angles when the door opened and Kyle walked through the door.
"Ahiga, you can stop playing with the model uterus I'm here now," Kyle said. Ahiga jumped a little bit before hastily tossing the model back onto the counter, and stepped away from it moving closer to Nesia. Nesia tried her hardest not to laugh as Kyle got the machine set up. "Alright Nesia, how have you been feeling?"
"I've been doing really well Uncle Kyle," Nesia said.
"And you're staying away from the coffee?" Kyle asked.
"Yes, I've been staying away from the coffee," Nesia said.
"Good," Kyle said. "And you're taking the vitamins and tea I gave you."
"Yes, I've been taking them, but I don't have as much morning sickness like I used to," Nesia said.
"Excellent," Kyle said. Kyle lifted up a portion of her gown. Nesia reached over and grabbed Ahiga's hand giving it a gentle squeeze as Kyle put a blue gel on her stomach. "This is going to be cool when I start moving the monitor around."
On the screen it started showing a little black blob. It started moving slightly and it caused tears to come to Nesia's eyes. "That's our baby, Ahiga," Nesia whispered.
"Everything is right on track," Kyle said. "Do you want to hear the heartbeat." Nesia and Ahiga nodded, and Kyle turned a knob on the machine as the room filled with a very loud thumping heartbeat.
"It's so," Ahiga started, but stopped. "It's so real."
Nesia continued staring at the screen and felt chocked up as more tears filled her eyes. "That's our baby, Ahiga," she said. "That's really our baby."
Ahiga gave her hand a gentle squeeze and continued looking at the monitor. In that moment it was hard for him to believe that a human was growing inside of Nesia. Kyle examined her for a few more minutes before printing off two copies of the ultrasound and handing it to her. Kyle left the room to tend to other patients as Nesia changed.
"Isn't the sonogram perfect?" Nesia asked.
"Yeah," Ahiga said, glancing down at it. "It's something."
Once Nesia was dressed, she walked over to where Ahiga stood staring into the picture. Nesia wrapped an arm around his waist while another was holding his finger. "Isn't it amazing?" she asked.
"Yeah," Ahiga said "It's really something."
Nesia smiled before giving him a kiss as they made their way home. As Nesia started getting further along in her pregnancy the reality of it started to really sink in for Ahiga. He was going to be a father in a few months and it wasn't something he was sure he would be good at. Ahiga would soon be going to Sacramento for a match against another middleweight champion, and after discussing it with Kyle he confirmed she was not too far along to where traveling would be an issue for her but did say she needed to make sure she ate well and drank plenty of water to stay hydrated. After getting on a flight together, Ahiga had won the match with a prize of $1000 and another trophy. That night in the hotel, after celebrating there was something lingering on Nesia for a while that she really wanted to talk to him about.
Nesia's head rested on Ahiga's chest. "Ahiga, there's something I wanted to talk to you about the baby."
"What about the baby?" Ahiga asked. "Is something wrong?"
"No, I'm fine," Nesia said. "I was just wondering about names for the baby."
"You sure you don't want to wait until we know what we're having?" Ahiga said.
"I mostly just wanted us to different names ready," Nesia said. "What if we had a boy?"
"I don't know," Ahiga said. "Would you want to name him after your dad like everyone in your family has?
"In a way yes, but there are a lot of Jae's right now and it gets confusing," Nesia giggled. "I would like for him to have as a middle name."
"Jae Washington," Ahiga said. "Not bad."
"It's just the first name we would need," Nesia said.
"Not after my father," Ahiga said.
"Of course not," Nesia said quickly. They laid in silence for a bit until something occurred to her. "What about Dauer?"
Ahgia turned his head to look at her. "If it's a boy you want to give him your maiden name?"
Nesia nodded. "I think Dauer Jae Washington sounds perfect for him."
Ahiga smiled a bit before running a finger over her cheek. "I think so too," he said. "Now what about if it's a girl?"
"I don't know I never thought that far," Nesia said.
"Our daughter would be like you," Ahiga said. "We should name her after you."
That alone got Nesia's attention. "If it's a girl you want to name her after me?"
"Or something like it," Ahiga said. "I like the idea your dad had with your name naming you after your grandmothers, I would like something like that for her."
"So, after our mothers," Nesia said. "Haslie or Naseya?"
Ahiga cringed. "Okay that doesn't sound great."
"I would like for Haseya to be in her name," Nesia said. "There was one relative that passed away after my dad did and she was loved by everyone in the tribe. To this day it still amazes me no one in our family thought to name their child after her."
"Who was it?" Ahiga asked.
"My great-grandmother Sarah," Nesia said. "She was the kindest woman in the tribe, and everyone loved and respected her."
"She sounds lovely," Ahiga said.
"She was. She passed away from old age not long after daddy died," Nesia said. "I would like to use her name for our baby."
"So, if it's a girl Sarah Haseya Washington?" Ahiga asked.
Hearing Ahiga say the name like that made him gave her a sudden spark. "That's it!"
"What's it?" Ahiga asked confused.
"We'll name the baby Saraya," Nesia said. "Combining Sarah and Haseya."
"Saraya Washington," Ahiga said. "I love it." He leaned forward to kiss her on the head. "Now we just need a middle name."
"We can come up with one later," Nesia said, snuggling into him.
He never really gave kids much thought and now that it was happening faster than he wanted it was a scary thought for him. When Nesia was eighteen weeks, one afternoon JJ, came by and was helping him with the nursery. Nesia insisted on wanting to do it, but JJ told her to stay away from the paint fumes.
After finishing up the painting Ahiga was in deep thoughts. The only thing that was working through his mind was the fact that now with the nursery completed it begun to make it feel all the more real about the baby. So much fear struck him that he wasn't sure he would be able to tell Nesia the truth.
"Ahiga?" JJ asked.
Ahiga pulled himself out of his thoughts. "Sorry, JJ. I was just thinking about things."
"I can tell," JJ said. "You've seemed this way for the past couple of weeks."
Ahiga took a second to determine if whether not he should say what's on his mind. "Nothing, I'm really happy about everything."
JJ raised an eyebrow. "You don't look like someone who seems to be happy about everything," he said. "What's on your mind?"
"Just about everything," Ahiga said.
"What do you mean?" JJ asked.
"I always wanted to marry, Nesia," Ahiga said. "I had planned on doing it for the longest time, but then when she told she was pregnant it felt like everything had to be rushed."
"So, what? Are you saying you regret getting married?" JJ asked defensively.
"No, I don't regret marrying her," Ahiga said. "I finally made something of myself become a champion. If it weren't for Nesia sticking by me the whole time I don't think I would've ever became champion. Now that the baby is on the way it feels like I won't be able to get more out of boxing like I wanted too before thinking about kids and marriage."
JJ was just flabbergasted when he heard that. "And you think a baby will get in the way of your boxing career?"
Ahiga took a second to think about it. "I think the baby is just something I never planned on is just getting in the way of what I wanted to accomplish," he said. Ahiga looked up and felt instant regret telling this to JJ. Hearing the words coming out of his mouth just made everything sound so much worse.
"You should have been more open with Nesia about it," JJ said irritable.
"It wasn't just the boxing, JJ," Ahiga said. "I don't want to be like my father with my children."
"You have to want to be better than your father," JJ said.
"I felt like I was being selfish to Nesia never asking her to marry me in the years we were together, but I was dealing with all that stuff with my father," Ahiga said. "When I wanted to be with Nesia I didn't want to feel worthless anymore. Now that that baby is coming I felt selfish for putting off marrying her for so long, especially after everything she had done for me."
"You're damn right you were being selfish," JJ scolded. "Nesia did everything for you. She was even there for you when no one else in your tribe could have ever bothered having anything to do with you. But when the tables turn you just cower away."
Ahiga knew JJ was right about everything he had been saying, but just hearing it from him rubbed salt into the wounds. "I'm trying, JJ."
"Try harder," JJ said. "Remember what I told you before you married my sister, Ahiga." JJ ended up leaving he room leaving Ahiga in deep thought. He didn't want to admit it but JJ was right. He shouldn't have these thoughts about the baby, but the more he thought about it the more it was sinking in. he was so deep in thought he didn't hear Nesia coming in behind him. Nesia walked slowly and barely touched his shoulder causing him to flinch slightly.
"Sorry," Nesia said. "I shouldn't have snuck up so quietly behind you."
"It's not your fault I was in deep thought that's all."
Nesia nodded her head. "I saw JJ leave. I heard about what you and JJ were talking about," she said. Hearing that she heard him just made his insides twist. "I know it's a little late for us to change what happened but-." Nesia finally let the tears flow that she had been holding back since she heard them talking, and sniffled.
Ahiga looked at her feeling like the biggest dick in the world. "Nesia, I," he started but became a loss for words. "I'm sorry I didn't mean for you to hear that."
"You told JJ the baby was just getting in the way of what you wanted to accomplish," Nesia cried. She ran her fingers under her eyes to wipe away the tears as Ahiga moved closer to her pulling her into a hug as she buried her face into his neck, and felt even worse than when he had told all this to JJ.
"Nesia, I'm sorry babe, please don't cry," Ahiga said, he had felt bad when he said this to JJ, but seeing Nesia crying like this just stabbed at his heart. "It's just being a father is scary for me. What if I become the worst father in the world? What if I end up being like my father?"
"Ahiga, you're nothing like your father I've told you that before," Nesia whimpered.
"I know, and I want to believe that Nesia, I really do," Ahiga said. Nesia cried a bit more soaking his shirt with her tears.
"I feel like you're so distant with me," Nesia said. "You hardly ask about the baby, and you seem so distant when I mention the baby to you."
"I'm sorry Nesia," Ahiga said. "I really am trying."
Nesia's crying had calmed down a bit, and once Ahiga had gotten her to relax a bit he picked her up and carried her over to the bed. Neither bothered changing, and went to sleep. The next morning, Nesia and Ahiga woke up, and stared at each other.
"Morning," Nesia said.
"Morning," Ahiga said. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Nesia said.
"I didn't mean to upset you," Ahiga said. "You know that."
"I know," Nesia leaned forward, and gave him a light kiss, her and going down to her stomach. She didn't look as far along as she should by now, but cause of her height she didn't even look pregnant, more like she only gained a little bit of weight. Nesia suddenly felt something in her stomach. Realizing what it was she pulled away from Ahiga until she was flat on her back.
"What's wrong?" Ahiga asked alarmed.
"The baby," Nesia said softly.
"I'll call Kyle," Ahiga said about to get up, but Nesia stopped him.
"No, don't," Nesia said. She looked down at her stomach rubbing it tenderly. "The baby's moving."
"What?" Ahiga said.
Nesia took his right hand and placed it over her lower stomach. At first, he didn't feel anything, but then he felt the gentlest movement, and it was the weirdest feeling for him to be experiencing that. Yet knowing that something that was part of him and Nesia was real there was nothing like feeling your own child moving. "That's the baby.
After feeling the baby move, Ahiga slowly started to put aside his feeling they continued going to Jacob and Renesmee's on Sunday as had become tradition with the family, but the baby's kicking proved to be less gentle. Everyone was gathered one Sunday at Renesmee's home when Nesia closed her eyes and started to rub her belly uncomfortably.
"Nesia, are you okay?" Ahiga asked.
Nesia nodded and tried adjusting in the seat. "Yes, the baby just can't seem to get comfortable position."
Haseya placed her hand over Nesia's stomach and slightly smiled feeling her grandchild moving, but then it slightly slipped when she could feel what Nesia was talking about. "I'm surprised the baby kicks this much," she said. "Even Ahiga wasn't this much of a kicker."
"Well this baby is," Nesia said. She continued trying to adjust in the seat until the baby stopped kicking so much, but the kicking started back up again.
"Maybe the baby will end up being a boxer like Ahiga," Salem snickered. Nesia threw Salem a look before rubbing her stomach again.
"Kyle said everything is on track, right?" JJ asked.
"Yes, he did," Nesia said. "We should be finding out the gender soon."
"I hope it's a girl," Natalie said. "I would love to have more granddaughters."
"We won't know until next week, Mom," Nesia said.
"I hope you gave us a girl, Ahiga," Natalie said, while Suerro was chucked quietly.
"I do what I can Natalie," Ahiga laughed.
"If you have a boy, you can always name the baby after his favorite uncle," JJ said.
"Who said you're the favorite uncle, JJ?" Salem said. "Nesia should name him after me."
"You two are ridiculous," Blu Jae.
"It's not ridiculous to want my first nephew named after me," JJ said.
"Oh, stop it you two," Natalie said. "It's going to be a girl."
Ahiga was starting to get better idea of the baby, and was working on. Whenever the baby was particularly active and giving Nesia strong kicks, he would feel them and start to feel a happiness he hadn't felt in a long time. As it got closer to them finding out the sex of the baby, Ahiga continued training at the gym in hopes that another big competition would be coming close to him.
Ahiga was training with Hank while Freddie was talking to boss. Normally Freddie would train him, but he was with Boss. After a couple of rounds the door to Boss' office opened, and Boss stepped out.
"Ahiga!" Boss said. "Come into the office."
Ahiga and Hank stopped, and Ahiga made his way from the training ring to Boss' office. Freddie was also in the room, and the expressions they wore made him nervous. Boss looked excited while Freddie looked glum.
"What's going on?" Ahiga asked.
"Take a seat, Ahiga," Boss said. Ahiga did as he said and took a seat in front of Boss' desk. "I got a call from a gym in New York. After your win against Vieria your name has gotten really popular. I just got a call from a gym in the Bronx, their top fighter Chris 'Cus' D'Amato also a Middleweight champion from the Northeast wants to fight you. The fight would be in Seattle, as he's always wanted to visit outside the East coast and it's for big money."
Ahiga was shocked, he never thought his name would go against other big names in areas. "Really?"
"Yeah, the prize for the fight is $50,000," Boss said.
Ahiga was sure if his jaw was able to it would go all the way down to the floor. "Are you fucking serious?!"
Boss smiled. "Nope. That's one hell of a wad of cash from a fight. It'll be on all the major news networks."
"Then what the hell are you waiting for?" Ahiga asked. "Sign me up!"
Boss looked over at Freddie, and Ahiga glanced over at the Freddie. Ahiga couldn't remember a time Freddie looked like this in the whole time he's met him. "You see the thing is, Ahiga," Freddie said, nervously and a little apprehensive. "The fight is on July 31."
Ahiga finally understood why both of them looked this way. That was when Nesia was due, and if he took the fight there was a high possibility that he wouldn't be there for the birth of the baby, when Nesia would really need him. "Can't they move the fight to another day?"
Boss shook his head. "I'm afraid not kid." He said. "That's why we wanted to bring it up to you, and see if you'd be willing to still take it."
Ahiga sat back in chair filled with happiness and sadness. He would finally get a big fighting opportunity for a big money prize, but it would be at the expense of Nesia. "Let me talk to Nesia about it first before we do anything."
Boss nodded with understanding. He knew that Ahiga wanted to take the fight, but he also knew that Ahiga wouldn't want to miss the baby's birth. "Go ahead and cut your training short for today and go talk to that wife of yours."
Ahiga nodded and left the office. He went to the changing room and left his gear and put on a shirt before getting to his car and driving home. When he made it to the house and walked inside, Nesia wasn't home so she must have been at Natalie's house. He sat down at the sofa and began to think. He wanted to take this fight, but he didn't want to abandon Nesia. The baby could be early, and he wouldn't be there for her. That is what stung the most, Nesia had been by his side the whole time during his boxing, and now he wouldn't be there for her. Tina hopped on and cuddled up next to him.
"What do I do, Tina?" Ahiga asked. Tina purred before curling up next to him and rubbing her head against his leg. "I'm at a real loss here." Tina snuggled up to Ahiga before the front door opened, and Nesia walked in rubbing her growing belly.
"Hey!" Nesia said. She walked over to Ahiga and leaned down as much as she could to give him a kiss. "You're back early from training."
"Yeah," Ahiga said. He stood from the sofa. "There's something we have to talk about."
"What's wrong is everything okay?" Nesia asked.
"Yes, and no," Ahiga said, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Boss got me into another fight with a guy from the Bronx, he's a Middleweight and it's for a prize of $50,000."
"Really? Oh Ahiga, I'm so happy for you," Nesia said, as she wrapped her arms around his neck to kiss. "You've earned this."
"That's not all babe," Ahiga said.
Nesia noticed his forlorn expression, and was a bit surprised herself. "Ahiga?" she asked. "What's wrong why aren't you happy about this?"
"The thing is the fight is going to be in Seattle," Ahiga said, taking a deep breath before continuing. "On July 31."
"What?" Nesia asked. Her hands dropped from his neck as she took a step back. "They can't change the date?"
Ahiga shook his head. "No."
The look on Nesia's face was all that had to him how she was feeling. Nesia's eyes started to fill with water as she took a few more steps back and her hand went back to her belly. "You might miss the baby," she whispered.
The tears that were building up in her eyes started to fall, and she seemed like she was hyperventilating. Ahiga took Nesia and gently sat her down on the sofa and hugged her in an effort to calm her down. "Nesia, Nesia, please don't cry. You know it upsets me to see you cry."
"How could I not?" she cried, burying her face into his neck.
"I didn't accept the fight yet, I told Boss I wanted to talk to you first," Ahiga said. "Nesia, I won't take the fight if you don't want me to." Nesia continued crying as Ahiga was swaying her back and forth. She kept crying until she couldn't anymore and fell asleep. Ahiga lifted her up, and carried her up the stairs and laid her down as gently as he could. He changed out of his clothes and climbed into bed with her falling asleep next to her. He never imagined she would be this upset over this.
The next morning Nesia got up before Ahiga and changed as quietly as she could from her clothes she wore the previous day. She wondered why she was asleep in those clothes when she remembered last night. Ahiga could very possibly be doing a big championship around the time the baby was due. She went downstairs and made herself a cup of tea with a blend that Kyle gave her to help relax her. He had given her that mix because she nearly had a small mental breakdown when she thought about Jae not being there for at a time she would really need her father. But knowing that he wouldn't get to see her having kids or be around to play with his grandchildren really struck her. Ahiga ended up asking Kyle if he could possibly give her something to help her to help her relax. She sat at the table drinking her tea. Nesia knew she should be eating something, but she just didn't have an appetite to right now. She heard footsteps at the top of the stairs and looked up just as Ahiga was coming downstairs.
"Hey," Ahiga said, coming closer to her. "I didn't hear you wake up."
"I tried to stay as quiet as possible I didn't want to wake you," Nesia said, sipping her tea.
Ahiga took a seat next to her. He could tell she was still upset over yesterday. "Do you want me to make you something?"
Nesia shook her head. "No, I'm fine."
"I'll still make you something anyway," Ahiga said. He went into the kitchen and make for her some pancakes with extra syrup. He placed the plate in front of her that she just stared at. "You should eat."
"Sure, you don't want some?" Nesia asked.
"Can't, babe, I'm in training," Ahiga said.
The mention of training saddened Nesia just a bit. "Right." She ate only about half of it before deciding she was too upset to eat.
"Nesia, please talk to me," Ahiga said, his voice practically dripping with desperation.
"What do you want me to say?" Nesia said. "You're going to take the fight and win, just like you always do."
"Nesia, I haven't taken the fight yet, I wanted to talk to you about it first," Ahiga said, getting a little frustrated.
"Just call Boss and take it," Nesia said. "If you don't take it you'll end up resenting me."
"Nesia, how could you think that?" Ahiga asked.
"Because ever since we found out about the baby you were so distant, and after hearing what you said to JJ about how you felt it would get in the way of boxing you made your feelings pretty clear," Nesia said.
"Nesia, I don't feel like that anymore," Ahiga said.
"Yes, you do," she said. Nesia stood up from the table and walked over to get her jacket. "I'm going to Forks for a bit, I'll be back later." She walked over to grab her keys, and left the house getting into the car before driving off.
Ahiga frustrated ran a hand over his face. He needed advice from someone and needed it soon. Right now, Oscar and Travis would be still asleep, so he decided of the lesser of the two. Ahiga walked over until he reached JJ's house where luckily Salem, Yvonne and Mae were there.
Ahiga knocked on the door when Eun Mi answered. "Ahiga, it's good to see you," she said. "Is Nesia not with you?"
"No, I was wondering if I could get some advice from JJ," Ahiga said.
"Come in, he's in the living room with Salem," Eun Mi said.
"Thanks," Ahiga said. Ahiga followed Eun Mi to the living where Salem was with JJ while Yvonne and the twins were playing on the floor with Mae.
Hey JJ, Salem, Yvonne," Ahiga said.
"Hello Ahiga," Yvonne said.
"Ahiga, what brings you here?" Salem asked.
"I need to talk to JJ about Nesia," Ahiga said.
JJ groaned. "What did you do to my sister now?" he asked. "Do I need to have a grave ready for you?"
"No, no," Ahiga said. "I promise it's nothing like that I just need some older brotherly advice. I'd call Oscar but right now him and Travis are enjoying their alone time."
"Take a seat," JJ said, gesturing toward the couch on the opposite side of the living room. "What's troubling you?"
"Nesia's mad at me because I got an offer for a big fight with a Middle weight from the Bronx, only the problem is the fight is during the week that she's due," Ahiga said. "I haven't accepted yet because I told Boss I wanted to talk to Nesia about it first, but she's pretty upset with me."
"I'll bet," JJ said.
"Exactly how much is this fight worth that you would risk not being there for your kid being born?" Salem asked.
"$50,000 worth that's how much," Ahiga said. Salem and JJ's jaws opened a bit shocked at the amount.
"$50,000?" Salem asked. "Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Fuck," Mae said.
"Salem!" Yvonne scolded, gesturing toward Mae.
"Sorry, Yvonne," Salem said.
"$50,000? $50,000?" JJ said. "Fuck, throw me and Salem in the ring for a couple rounds for that kind of cash."
"See there lies the problem it's a good match but it's at the expense of my kid," Ahiga said.
"I'll bet. Look Ahiga when Eun Mi and I were first expecting Jae Sun it was a surprise, but due to tribe traditions I had to send her here while I was in Korea," JJ said. "To this day I regret not being there for every moment of when she was pregnant with JaeSun. Thankfully, I was able to arrive before she went into labor."
"You were in the army, those are completely different circumstances," Ahiga said.
"True, but in this case, you need to decide if whether or not this match is more important than seeing your kid come into the world," JJ said. "You said you talked to Nesia about it?"
"Barely," Ahiga said. "She's too upset with me right now. She went to Forks no doubt to talk to Edward."
"Just don't do anything yet until you've fully talked to her," JJ said.
Ahiga nodded and stayed at JJ's a bit. Nesia meanwhile went to the Cullen's. Edward heard her thoughts miles away and came outside. When Nesia pulled into the driveway and turned off her car, Edward opened the door, and climbed into the passenger's seat.
"Nesia," Edward said.
"You heard?" Nesia asked. Edward nodded confirming. Nesia couldn't hold back the tears she had been holding and just placed her face into her hands, crying so hard her body shook. Edward gently took her into his stone-cold arms and held her.
"Everything's okay Nesia," Edward said.
"I don't know what to do grandpa," Nesia whimpered. "Tell me what to do?"
Edward gently shook his head. "Nesia, I can't tell you what to do. You have to decide this for yourself."
Nesia nodded and wiped away some of the tears that ran down her face. "That doesn't really help me grandpa."
"I know it doesn't, but this has to be something you and Ahiga decide together," Edward said. "You can ask everyone you know for advice, but only you can decide."
Nesia sniffled and held Edward tighter. "Thanks, Grandpa."
"Of course, Nesia," Edward said.
After several minutes of sitting with Edward in the driveway, and finally getting herself together, Edward read her thoughts and exited out of the car before walking back into the Cullen House. She took several deep breaths before going back to the tribe. She saw the lights on in the house, and walked into the house. Ahiga was there sitting on the couch.
"Nesia, please," Ahiga begged. "We need to talk."
"I won't tell you what to do," Nesia said. "Just know that whatever you decide I'm here for you."
Hearing Nesia say that was enough to make him feel like he had been stabbed through the gut. She was laying this decision entirely on him. "Nesia, I don't want you mad at me about this for whichever I choose," he said.
"I told you, I'm being supportive of whichever you choose," Nesia said. "I'm not really hungry right now so I'm going to shower and go to bed."
Nesia left Ahiga to his thoughts, while she went upstairs to do exactly what she intended to do. Ahiga covered his face with his hands and ran them down his face. This has to have been the hardest decision he has ever had to make. He finally made it back upstairs and saw Nesia already out of the shower and laid down in bed. Ahiga laid down next to her and rested his hand on hers. She didn't even move when he brought her closer to him. They both just feel asleep.
The next morning when Nesia woke up Ahiga was already gone, and Nesia knew he was already training at the gym. Nesia got dressed and went downstairs to the kitchen and saw a note on the counter. Ahiga had already fed the cats and left some food for her while he was at the gym. She had a cup of tea and ate what Ahiga left. Today was the big appointment but she knew he probably forgot and might end up finding out today by herself. Nesia walked over to the tribe hospital and waited for Kyle to let her come back to the examination room. Once Nesia was changed into a gown and laying on the table Kyle came into the room.
"Nesia," Kyle said while putting on a pair of gloves. "It's nice to see you again. How are things going?"
"You mean with the boxing championships?" Nesia asked.
"I meant more for your pregnancy, but that too," Kyle said, while putting the blood pressure monitor on her right arm.
"The pack already knows what's happening with boxing," Nesia said. "But the baby's fine I just haven't had much appetite recently."
"I know this might seem stressful, but you really need to make sure you're eating properly alright," Kyle said, taking off the blood pressure monitor. "Alright your blood pressure is a little high but not nothing I would be concerned about. I know things are a little stressful but try not to dwell on it, Nesia."
"Yes, Kyle," Nesia said.
Kyle got the ultrasound machine and brought it closer to the bed. "Is Ahiga not coming?"
"He's training, and I think it might have slipped his mind," Nesia sighed.
"Alright, I can fill him in on it later," Kyle said. Kyle got the ultrasound ready and poured some blue gel on her stomach. "Okay, let's see how the baby is doing." Kyle got the probe and ran it over her stomach and messed with a few knobs as the sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the room. It was faster and stronger than before. "Okay baby's looking good, and everything is developing well." Kyle looked at the screen again and ran the probe over a few more times before looking at Nesia. "Do you want to find out the gender now, or wait until next time when Ahiga comes with you?"
Nesia thought about it for a second. She knew that Ahiga should be here with her when she is finding out something this important about the baby, but she wondered if when she told him about this that it might make him change his view on the baby, and for his career. "I want to know," Nesia nodded with a smile. Kyle ran the probe over her stomach more until he found what he was looking for an gave Nesia the biggest smile she'd ever seen.
Ahiga trained at the gym while Nesia was at the hospital. After making sure things were in order for the house he left for the gym. When he got to the gym, he got into his gear, and started training in the ring with Freddie. He was being more aggressive than before, and Freddie was able to tell based on the way he was hitting the cushions.
"Ahiga, what's gotten into you?" Freddie asked as he blocked another punch.
"Things have been complicated at home right now," Ahiga said.
"Is this about the upcoming match?" Boss asked. Ahiga stopped punching for a bit and nodded. "How did she take it?"
"Not well, she then tells me later that she wouldn't be mad at me for going but I know her better than that," Ahiga said.
"She's just really hormonal and emotional right now," Boss said. "Just give her time to cool down."
"I don't know Boss, it's a chance that I'm not sure I'm willing to take. So either I go and compete and risk missing the birth, or I don't go and she thinks I hate her for missing out on an opportunity like this," Ahiga said.
"Has she said what she thinks?" Freddie asked.
"She told me last night if I wanted to take the fight she would be fine with it but right now I'm not so sure," Ahiga said. "Just my luck."
"I say give her a few days to cool down from the shock from it and ask her about it again," Freddie said.
"I don't know what good a few days will do, Freddie," Ahiga said. "In the time we've been together I've never seen her that upset before."
"Just give her some space," Freddie said.
"I guess you're right," Ahiga said.
"Of course, I'm right," Freddie said. "I was right about you working hard to become a champion, wasn't I?"
That made Ahiga smile. "Yeah, that is something you else for your career a psychic." Freddie laughed.
"With all your wins you're going to make that baby proud Ahiga," Boss said.
At the mention of the baby Ahiga felt his insides go stiff and the heat rushing to his face. "Fuck! I forgot Nesia has a doctor's appointment today."
"You forgot her appointment?" Freddie asked.
"It just slipped my mind," Ahiga said. "I'll see you guys tomorrow I need to get back to the tribe before she kills me."
Ahiga took off his gear and ran to the locker room to get his things and rushed out of the gym to his car. He drove as fast as he could, he wasn't a Cullen and couldn't get away with driving really fast and got to the reservation in record time. He swerved as he got near the house to park and rushed in. When he saw she wasn't in the house he ran out until he reached the hospital. Ahiga checked at the desk and they told him she was still in the exam room. He walked down the hall to the room and opened the door. Ahiga saw Nesia leaning against the exam table with a picture in her hand.
"Hey," Ahiga said, causing Nesia to look at him. "I'm really sorry it slipped my mind."
"It's okay," Nesia said, with a small smile.
"You weren't at home, so I thought you were still here," Ahiga said. He got closer to Nesia and wrapped his arms around her. "Is everything okay?"
Nesia nodded. "Yes, the baby's fine." She leaned in closer to the hug, and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Nesia, I'm so sorry about the past couple of days," Ahiga said.
"Don't worry about it it's fine," Nesia said.
"No, it's not," Ahiga said.
Ahiga smiled and kissed her head. "I'm glad. I'm really sorry I missed the appointment, but I wanted to talk to you about the championship in Seattle."
"I wanted to talk to you about that too," Nesia said.
"I'm going to decline the match," Ahiga said, but to his surprise Nesia was shaking her head.
"No," Nesia said. "I want you to do the match."
Ahiga shook his head. "Nesia," Ahiga said. "I know you think I'll resent you for making me not take the match, but I won't. I love you, and JJ was right you were there for me at a time when no one else was and now it's my turn to do the same for you. I don't want to leave you alone when you'll be close to having the baby."
"Seattle's not far and I can have Haseya stay with me, or my mom and brothers keep me company. There's an endless list of my relatives to take care of me," Nesia said, into his shoulder. "I want you to do the fight."
"Nesia," Ahiga began but Nesia shook her head.
"Ahiga, listen to me please, and accept the fight. I want you to go to Seattle, fight your hardest, and win another title not just for me," Nesia said, with a slight sniffle pulling her head off his shoulder and looked into his face. "But because one day you're going to have to tell your boxing stories to your daughter."
Ahiga looked down until he was staring directly into Nesia's eyes that were already filling with tears as she let out a slight chuckle. "It's a girl, Ahiga," she whispered. "In five months, you'll see your daughter."
Ahiga was stunned for a moment, trying to comprehend what Nesia had just told him before reaching his hand down, and rested it against her stomach. "It's a girl," he whispered. Nesia nodded with a slight laugh as more tears filled her eyes. "Saraya," Ahiga said.
Nesia started crying more. "Saraya." Ahiga leaned forward to give her a deep kiss not even caring about the tears that ran down her face.
The next day, Ahiga made sure Freddie and Boss knew he would be taking the fight happening in Seattle in July. Boss and Freddie made sure to get right to work with getting Ahiga ready for the fight. Nesia told the family she was expecting a girl, and there was joy all around, especially from Natalie and Haseya who cried. With the joy of knowing that Saraya would be arriving soon, Nesia made sure to tell Kyle no one in the family knew what she was planning on naming the baby no matter how much they pestered for information. Kyle agreed he would try to avoid patrolling as much as possible and with the exception of Edward no one knew the names they picked out. As Nesia grew further and further along with her pregnancy, she still continued to teach at the tribal school, and her students would rub her belly hoping to feel Saraya kick, and lucky for her, her due date would be when the Tistilal were back home for the summer. When it finally came toward July when Ahiga would be leaving, Haseya and JJ would be frequent visitors to keep an eye on Nesia and Haseya would stay the night if she needed to. Natalie would stay when Nesia started to deliver but due to the cats she wouldn't be able to stay long, and JJ suggested (a part from throwing them out the window) to leave the cats at his place so Natalie would be able to be with Nesia when the baby was born which Nesia agreed to.
"Are you really sure you're going to be alright while I'm gone?" Ahiga asked.
"I'll be fine," Nesia said. She had to slid to the end of the bed in order to get off the edge. "JJ is going to watch over me, and we'll be watching the fight from here. Don't worry."
"I can't help but worry," Ahiga said.
"Don't, you need to focus on getting another title," Nesia said, standing up on her toes to give him a gently kiss. "You need to focus on winning alright."
"Okay, but if anything happens I want you to call or send one of the Cullens to let me know," Ahiga said.
"I will," Nesia nodded.
Ahiga gave Nesia one final kiss before he had to leave the house and head toward Seattle. Once he was gone, Nesia opened the window to her house, and sat down at the table. As much as she wanted a baby she didn't realize how much the swollen ankles would be bothersome. As she was drinking water she heard singing and saw Blu fly into the window and sat down at the front of the table.
"Hi Blu," Nesia said. She got one of her hands and started rubbing her stomach. "Any day now you'll have another granddaughter."
Blu chirped and danced a little before leaving the house. Even though Blu was there to visit, seeing him just reminded Nesia that Jae wasn't there for her. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear JJ come into the house.
"Nesia?" JJ asked.
"JJ," Nesia said. "When did you get here?"
"Just now," JJ said. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, Blu stopped by and it reminded me of Daddy, that's all," Nesia said.
"I know Nesia," JJ said. "I miss him too. When Eun Mi told me about JaeSun, I was so happy at first, and then it saddened me that he would never know his grandchildren from all of us, and we wouldn't see Dad running around outside and playing with his grandchildren."
Nesia gave JJ a sad smile. "You know Salem joked that while Daddy didn't get the twelve kids he wanted with Mom, he's probably going to have a total of twelve grandchildren from all of us."
"I wouldn't doubt that," JJ laughed. "I had six. Salem I'm not sure how many he and Yvonne plan on having but I think they might have three, and now you."
"I think Ahiga might only want her to be an only child, but I'm not sure," Nesia said. "I think Yvonne mentioned she wanted to see about having another one in a few years."
"Well it's not like we have to worry about getting old," JJ shrugged. "On the baby names, did you decide to name the squirt after her favorite uncle?"
"JJ," Nesia laughed. "You won't be her only uncle."
"No, but I'll still be her favorite," JJ said causing Nesia to laugh.
Nesia was fine throughout the day and had different relatives visiting her. Only her worst fear came alive when the next day, the day of the match she started feeling a cramping sensation, but they weren't constant, it was just every 12 hours, so it wasn't horrible and she hoped the baby would hold on until Ahiga came back. When JJ came back to visit her in the morning she figured she might as well tell him.
"JJ," Nesia said. "Do you know how I know if I'm going into labor?"
"I just know it's painful why?" JJ said.
"If I knew military secrets I'd talk," Nesia said.
"Okay I'm going to let Kyle know," JJ said.
"No, no, it's still early," Nesia said. "Besides I want to see the fight."
"Nesia, you're having a baby," JJ said.
"Yes, at home so it won't matter if I'm watching the match or not," Nesia said.
"Okay fine, but I'm still letting Kyle know you're in the early stages of labor," JJ said.
JJ went over to the kitchen to call Kyle and let him know that Nesia was in labor, and also called Natalie and Haseya. When Kyle got to the house he took Nesia to a different to see how far along she was, and she was only one centimeter, so it wasn't too close like he thought. So Nesia would be able to watch the fight while in labor, JJ brought the TV upstairs to Nesia's room and had Kyle drop the cats off at his place, so Natalie would be able to stay at the house.
Once Natalie got to the room JJ was relieved. "Great Mom, you're here, I'm going to take off," JJ said, getting off the bed.
"JJ," Nesia gripped his wrist. "Please don't leave me."
"Nesia, I don't think you realize what you're asking me to watch," JJ said.
"Please," Nesia said. "I need you."
JJ didn't want to witness seeing his sister bring another human into the world, but right now his little sister needed him. "Okay, I'll stay."
Nesia was so appreciative as JJ sat behind her, and kept her upright while they watched the fight, and Kyle continued checking on her.
It was six when the fight started and Nesia was able to see the announcer announced the entrance of Chris 'Cus' D'Amato, Middleweight champion from the Bronx and then announced Ahiga Washington Middleweightt champion from Port Angeles, Washington. Nesia watched as Boss gave Ahiga some advice before sending him to the middle of the ring. When the fight began D'Amato started off strong coming down on Ahiga hard, and Ahiga missed the shot.
"Ugh!" Nesia shouted.
"What was that another contraction?" Kyle asked.
"No, that was a bad block," Nesia groaned.
As the match went on Nesia started to feel her contractions come steadily on one another while watching the rounds. Every time she had a hard contraction she would squeeze the life out of Natalie and JJ's hands. She was so grateful she wasn't squeezing Haseya's hand otherwise it would be broken. After five rounds, Kyle checked Nesia.
"Alright Nesia, you are at four centimeters," Kyle said.
"Kyle," Nesia said, after coming down from a high contraction. "Can you call grandpa Edward and tell him to go meet Ahiga at the stadium and get him back here as fast as he could once the match is done."
"Sure," Kyle said and called over to the Cullen house. Edward being the fastest ended up running all the way to Seattle to the area to make sure he could get Ahiga back as fast as he could.
"Oh god, this hurts," Nesia said, squeezing JJ's hander than before.
"Any harder Nesia and I think you would have dislocated it," JJ said.
"Sorry JJ," Nesia whimpered, releasing some of the pressure from his hand. "How did grandma do this twelve times?"
"You know, Salem and I ask ourselves that all the time and we can never come to the right answer," JJ said.
Natalie and Nesia laughed as Nesia got another contraction and cried with pain. Once that contraction calmed down she started to pay closer attention to the fight.
After the contraction, JJ went downstairs to inform the ones who were there what was going on. "Hey guys," JJ said. Salem, Yvonne, Mae, Suerro, Blu Jae and Desarae were downstairs.
"How's Nesia doing?" Salem asked.
"She's doing fine," JJ said. "But I'm hoping Ahiga is back before she delivers."
"What if he doesn't?" Suerro asked.
"Then I'm going to have to watch my little sister give birth that's what'll happen," JJ shuddered.
"Childbirth is a natural thing," Desarae said.
"Natural yes, but watching my kids being born is one thing," JJ said. "I helped my baby sister learn to walk, talk and how to drive. I will not watch her bring another human into this world." The thought of the image caused JJ to shudder again before going upstairs. Suerro and Salem couldn't help laughing quietly at JJ's expense.
As the fight continue between three rounds Ahiga went back to his corner of the ring to get more words of encouragement from Boss when she saw Edward on TV the only benefit was the arena was dark from the lighting and no one would be able to see the sparkling of his skin. She could tell Edward was waiting until the right moment to tell Ahiga. When it came to the final rounds, Ahiga and D'Amato pushed each other hard. Ahiga got a couple of knocks in D'Amato until he was able to send D'Amato flying into the ropes.
"Come on, Ahiga," Nesia whimpered, as another contraction hit.
Ahiga continued fighting his best until the final round. D'Amato was up and ready to get the fight finished they both had to be tied about now and wanted to see who would be able to get the other down. Ahiga shuffled trying to show he wasn't exhausted while with D'Amato his exhaustion was showing in his moves. Ahiga was able to get a round cut and uppercut to the jaw. D'Amato got one more shot at Ahiga, and Ahiga was able to get two more shots into him before the referee stepped in calling the match.
The referee brought both to the center and grabbed each of their hands and when he raised Ahiga's hand announcing him the winner, Nesia started to cry from both the contractions and happiness. Nesia felt another hard contraction in which she gripped JJ and Natalie's hand before falling back hard against JJ's chest.
Meanwhile in Seattle, after the referee had announced Ahiga the winner, and answered the questions reporters were asking him, Freddie and Boss. Once he was awarded a medal with his $50,000 check, he along with Boss and Freddie were exiting the arena, and that's when he saw Edward and froze. The worst thoughts coming to mind.
"Ahiga," Freddie said, after noticing the way Ahiga was staring at the man. "Do you know that man?"
Ahiga nodded. "Yeah he's Nesia's uncle." He didn't want to really explain who Edward really was. "Edward what's wrong?"
"Ahiga, congratulations on your win," Edward said. "You must be Freddie and Boss?"
"Yes," Boss said. "So sad Nesia couldn't come to the fight."
"Well it wasn't right for her to travel right now," Edward said. "I'm sorry to have to cut the celebration short, but I need to get you back to La Push Nesia went into labor."
"What?" Ahiga said. "I have to get back."
"Go, Ahiga," Boss said. "We'll see you in a few days."
Ahiga thanks them again before following Edward to his car, and handing Edward the keys. They got in, and Edward drove at vampire speed back to Forks. With anyone else they would have gotten a ticket, but not with the Cullens. They drove as fast as they could until they finally reached the tribe and parked outside his house.
"Did she have the baby yet?" Ahiga asked.
"No, but from JJ's thoughts she close," Edward said. "Go."
Ahiga got out of the car, and rushed into the house completely ignoring the others as he rushed to the bedroom. Nesia was sitting upright at the edge of the bed with JJ sitting behind to support her while Natalie and Haseya were on either side of her.
"Ahiga," Nesia said, breathlessly. "You made it."
"Well, the way Edward drives, I'm surprised I'm still alive," Ahiga said.
"Great since your back, you can take your position here," JJ said, getting out from behind Nesia so Ahiga could get into position. JJ patted him on the shoulder before going downstairs to join the others, but JJ was more than happy he wouldn't have to witness that.
"You made it by the skin of your teeth, Ahiga," Kyle said. "Alright Nesia, you're at eight centimeters so I'm going to have to break your water for you."
"Okay," Nesia whimpered. Ahiga had never seen women give birth but hearing Kyle that sounded slightly disturbing. "Ahiga, talk to me."
"About what?" Ahiga asked.
"Tell me about the fight, Seatlle, anything so I don't think about what Kyle's doing," Nesia said.
"Oh right," Ahiga said, as Kyle got the sterilized tools and into position. Nesia gripped his and Natalie's hand tighter. "It was usual in Seattle, but I missed seeing you and Mom in the audience cheering me on. It gives me the courage I need before a fight when I see you in front of the ring."
"Hopefully soon your daughter and I will be cheering you ON!" Nesia shouted the last word as she felt the rush of fluids release. "Uncle Kyle?"
"Don't worry this isn't the first time I've had to do this," Kyle said. "Breaking your water helped you only need one more centimeter to dilate."
"Great," Nesia said, still whimpering from the pain.
It was another hour before Nesia was fully dilated, and Kyle instructed her to start pushing. No matter how hard she pushed the baby just didn't want to come out. After an hour of pushing Nesia felt the rush of release and Kyle held a crying baby.
"It's a girl," Kyle said. They already knew it was a girl but seeing her made them feel something else. "Ahiga, do you want to cut the cord."
Ahiga nodded silently as Kyle brought her closer and gave Ahiga the clamps to cut the umbilical cord as Kyle handed her to Nesia to hold. Haseya's eyes started filling with tears. "She looks just like you," Ahiga whispered, and kissed her cheek.
"A little," Nesia said. "She has your eyes though."
"Just a bit in the shape," Ahiga said. Kyle took her away to clean her up and brought her back to Nesia and Ahiga.
"Oh, Nesia, she looks just like you did when you were born," Natalie said. Ahiga looked over at Natalie and Haseya who was crying. Kyle took the baby away to clean her up and swaddle her, and brought her back to Nesia.
"Why are you crying?" Ahiga asked Haseya.
"This is my first grandchild," Haseya said, running her finger of the baby's cheek. "What is her name?"
"Saraya," Nesia said.
"Saraya?" Natalie asked.
Nesia nodded. "Ahiga liked how Daddy came up with my name, and I wanted to include someone the family loved. So, she's named after Grandma Sarah and Haseya more or less."
Natalie sniffled. "I think that was a beautiful idea sweetheart," Natalie said and hugged them. Natalie took Saraya from them to hold while she and Haseya gushed over the baby and Kyle helped Nesia deliver the placenta and cleaned up a bit before bringing the paperwork for the baby.
Nesia signed her name and handed it over to Ahiga to sign. "We didn't come up with a middle name for her."
Ahiga looked down at the birth certificate before a name popped into his head, and it seemed like it would perfect for her, but mostly the name would have meaning for him. "I thought of one," he said. "Olivia." Haseya looked over at Ahiga shocked but not surprised.
"You want her middle name to be after Oliver?" Nesia asked.
"Yeah, unless you had a different name in mind," Ahiga said, but Nesia shook her head.
"No, I like it, and Oliver will be touched," Nesia said. "so Saraya Olivia Washington."
Ahiga nodded and made Saraya's name official when he signed all the documents and from that day forward she would be officially known as Saraya Oliva Washington.
As Kyle got all the paperwork together Natalie made sure Saraya was swaddled tighly before taking her downstairs. "Let me take her to meet the rest of the family." Natalie took Saraya downstairs while Haseya stayed upstairs with Nesia and Ahiga.
"Make sure to let your brothers know they'll have to visit their niece soon," Haseya said.
"I will," Ahiga said. Ahiga looked in the room and saw the TV upstairs. "You brought the TV upstairs?"
"I wanted to watch while I was going into labor," Nesia laughed.
Downstairs, Natalie had brought Saraya downstairs, and the living room was filled with family members all taking their turn holding her. Yvonne and Desarae teared up when it was their turn. Desarae felt a slight twinge of jealousy seeing Saraya and hoped she would be able to have more. When JJ held Saraya, it was a moment of nostalgia for him.
"You know," JJ said as he cradled her. "She really does look just like Nesia when she was born."
"She really does," Salem agreed. Saraya started getting fussy and agitated causing Salem to laugh. "Looks like she might have Ahiga's temper."
"You know I wasn't kidding about naming the baby after it's favorite uncle," JJ said. "Why didn't they give her parts of our name."
"There was a sentimental reason for it, JJ," Edward said. "After Ahiga was thrown from the pedestal and first changed to a bird, when Barka thought his life was worth sparing and brought him to the tribe, Oscar was still at war and Oliver was there. As opposed to beating Ahiga as was the relationship Barka instilled Oscar to do to Oliver, Oliver went out of his way to shield and protect Ahiga as best he could from Barka's wrath. When Oscar returned he was greeted with a new brother that Oliver went out of his way to protect. The poisonous relationship the two had was melted away by Ahiga."
"Oh, well that makes sense," JJ shrugged after handing Saraya to Jacob. Jacob got a little teary eyed when he heard who Saraya was named after, but he wouldn't let them see him cry.
"Sarah was your mother's name, right Jacob?" Suerro asked.
"Yes," Jacob smiled. "I'm touched Saraya is named after her, the whole tribe loved her. When she passed it was like a piece of the tribe left with her." Jacob cradled Saraya a bit longer before Renesmee took her from Jacob and cooed her.
"Like mother like daughter. Aren't you little Saraya," Renesmee cooed and kissed her head. Saraya started getting agitated, and Natalie brought her back upstairs so Nesia could feed her. Saraya latched on with no issues, and had her filling before falling asleep. The crowd downstairs started to slowly dwindle with Natalie and Suerro staying behind incase Nesia needed some help. Nesia and Ahiga went to sleep later in the evening, both were extremely exhausted from their day. Nesia thought about Jae that evening when she drifted off to sleep.
Nesia heard a tapping on the window, and opened her eyes. She lifted her head off Ahiga's shoulder to make sure she wasn't imagining things. "Blu," she whispered. Nesia got out of bed, and walked over to the window, and lifted it up allowing Blu to fly into the room.
Blu went straight to Saraya's crib and rested on edge while Saraya slept. "Her name is Saraya," Nesia said. Blu hoped into the crib to get closer to Saraya as she started wiggling. Saraya opened her eyes and saw Blu. Blu began chirping as she continued to wiggle waiving her arms in the air as she let out a high-pitched squeal waking up Ahiga.
Ahiga started getting out of bed, he had to stop a second from his soreness, but still sat up. "Is she okay?"
"She's fine," Nesia said. "Blu stopped by."
Ahiga's eyes widened. "Really? Blu?"
Ahiga approached the crib and saw Blu in the crib with Saraya causing her to squeal and continuing to wiggle around. "I see he's enjoying having another granddaughter," he laughed.
"Last one was Mae," Nesia said. Saraya continued to wiggle around causing Nesia to laugh. "I'm sorry, Blu. She's just a wiggler, ever since I felt her first kick."
Blu stayed visiting them for a while until Saraya started crying. Blu flew away as Nesia picked up Saraya and fed her. She fell asleep that night with Saraya between her and Ahiga. Nesia felt a warming sensation in the room, that caused a chill to go down her spine as she opened her eyes. Only she wasn't in her room. She was on the porch with Saraya in her arms. She smelled a familiar warm woodsy scent and turned around. "Daddy."
There bright as day was Jae. Standing in front of her with his regular clothes she remembered he used to wear when he would go to work with Hailey every morning. "Hello, Nesia."
Nesia felt tears well up in her eyes as she moved closer to Jae, and hugged him Saraya between them, and caused Saraya to stir a little bit. "I was wondering if I would ever get to see you."
"I'm always here, Nesia," Jae smiled. "I've always been here you know that. I watched you grow up just like I will watch my granddaughter grow." The mention of Saraya growing without her Jae around caused Nesia's eyes to start to water. "Don't cry, Nesia. My grandchildren will know me."
"But they won't know you the way we did, daddy," Nesia said, tearfully. "JJ was talking to me about it the other day, and we always thought if you hadn't died all your grandchildren would've adored you."
"Then I will have to make sure I visit all my grandchildren often in any way I can," Jae smiled. Jae glanced down at Saraya and gently ran his finger over her cheek. Saraya grabbed his finger and opened her eyes causing Jae's smile to brighten more. "She looks just like you when you were born."
"That's what Mom and JJ said," Nesia said, smiling as she gazed back down at Saraya.
"What's her name?" Jae asked.
"Saraya, Saraya Olivia Washtington" Nesia said. "Ahiga liked how you came up with my name and I thought to name her after someone the family loved, great-grandma Sarah. So, we took Sarah with Haseya and came up with Saraya."
"It's a beautiful name, Nesia," Jae said. Jae continued to gaze at Saraya but something was off about the way he was gazing at Saraya.
"Daddy?" Nesia asked.
"I'm sorry I was just thinking about what lies ahead for Saraya," Jae said.
That alone caused Nesia to stiffen a bit. "What do you mean? It's nothing bad is it?"
"No, no, nothing horrible, Nesia. Saraya will face some challenges in her teen years," Jae said. "But she will achieve great things."
"What will she accomplish?" Nesia asked.
"Do not worry, Nesia," Jae said. "Through all the obstacles Saraya will rise above them and make you proud."
"You'll watch over her, right?" Nesia asked. "Just like how you watched over us?"
"Yes, I will, I promise, Nesia," Jae said.
"I don't want you to go," Nesia said.
"I'll always be here, Nesia, you know that," Jae said. Jae leaned forward and gave her a kiss on the cheek before giving Saraya a kiss on the head.
Nesia suddenly woke up, and saw she was in her bed with Saraya in between her and Ahiga. She sat up and looked toward the window, and saw Blu perched on the railing causing her to smile a bit. Saraya was still sound asleep, but moved gently causing Ahiga to wake up.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Nesia said. "Daddy came to me in a dream. He said Saraya will make us proud."
"I expect nothing less," Ahiga said.