The sun has yet to meet the horizon one evening when Hecate is summoned to Ada's office. Ada is sifting through a stack of paperwork as Hecate materializes in front of her desk. She stifles a yawn as she awaits explanation. Ada sighs, and then meets Hecate's glance. Her hand motions towards the chair.
"Have a seat," Miss Cackle suggest.
Hecate furrows her brow. Her pulse kicks up a notch as she suddenly feels as if she's being called to the carpet. "Is something amiss?"
"I have been reviewing some invoices this afternoon prior to filing them away for the end of the calendar year."
"I am happy to offer my assistance," she offers breathing a temporary sigh of relief.
Ada holds up an invoice, "You will find pertinent contact information for the plumber on this invoice."
"Do we require further services? I was under the impression that the plumber had remedied our plumbing mishap."
"We do not require further services. I point out the contact information for you to utilize at your discretion."
She once again furrows her brow, "The plumber was here months ago. I find omission in reasons I may require his contact information."
"Have you been feeling under the weather as of late?"
"I do not see a correlation," she attempts to hide her look of disgust.
"I think if you give me some leeway you will quickly join the page I am on."
"Perhaps a bit tired."
"You seem a bit out of character as of late. You nearly fell asleep in your porridge last week. It is something I expect from Miss Bat, but not from you. I am not attempting to pry in your personal life. What you do on your own time is absolutely none of my business."
"Where are you going with this?"
Ada exhales, and closely examines the deputy headmistress's non-verbal communication. The micro-expressions suggest to the headmistress that her inferior is wholly unaware of the situation at hand.
"I believe it may be prudent for you to utilize some of your personal time."
"I am thoroughly confused by the direction of this conversation."
"I would suggest you schedule an appointment with a physician."
"In regards to slight fatigue?"
"Because I believe you will soon confirm yourself to be in a state of symbiosis."
"What?!"
"I think you should consider the possibility that you may be in the family way."
A quick gulp ushers a cone of silence around the deputy headmistress. Hecate begins rubbing the back of her hand. Ada's words echo in her head. Ada watches as her colleague concerts a conscious effort to regulate her breathing, and thus her heart rate, and blood pressure.
"Based on your response it occurs to me that this is not an idea you have had the chance to entertain as of yet."
"Surely, you can't be serious!"
With the wave of her hand a paper bag materializes on the desk between them. Ada scoots it in Hecate's direction.
"It seems like an easy enough question to answer. Take the bag, and its contents along with the copy of the invoice to your quarters. I require no further discussion on the subject at the current time. You are dismissed."
Hecate's cheeks burn with anger, and embarrassment as she rises from her seat, and collects the items Ada has offered her.
Ten minutes later she is in the safety, and privacy of her own bathroom. She's finally convinced herself to rise from her seat on the floor. A flimsy plastic stick on the surface of her bathroom counter offers her a quick, and concise answer. In an instant it feels as if she's had the wind knocked out of her.
Dave furrows his brow, and offers his own look of confusion. He shakes his head in disbelief.
"You didn't know? I find that difficult to believe. I've always known you to be super-naturally self-aware."
"You've forgotten how adeptly I can envelope myself in a state of denial."
He shrugs, "By the time you told me obviously your feelings on the matter had changed. Your level of self-assurance in the matter may have been the only thing that kept me from fleeing in the other direction in complete and utter fear."
"I had every intention of being in a state of utter disdain, or at least ambivalence during pregnancy."
"How did it work out for you?"
"A beating heart, and tiny feet dancing in my womb quickly changed my mind."
Dave meets Hecate at the bus bench where the path to Cackle's meets the main road. When he arrives she is already seated. Her black ensemble makes her just as terrifying, and appealing to him as their last encounter. He clears his throat, and offers an awkward smile.
"I was surprised that you rang. Your message wasn't very clear about the purpose of our meeting. I have my tools in my truck in case you require further plumbing service. I am certain that plenty can arise in six months' time."
"I haven't asked you here about the plumbing."
"Oh?"
"Perhaps you will recall our brief encounter during your visit here?"
"Yes," he confirms, "I didn't peg you for the romantic type."
"That is an accurate characterization."
"Why am I here?"
"I feel an obligation to you, and…" she trails off as she briefly breaks eye contact.
"And?"
She clenches her teeth before offering a response, "Our future daughter to reveal to you that I find myself with child."
His eyes widen as her stoic facial expression remains unchanged. "You're pregnant?"
"I have just confirmed this."
"And I am the other party responsible for such a development?"
"That is accurate."
"That was six months ago. You don't even look pregnant."
Hecate rises from her seat, and gently unclasps her belt corset. Even with the removal of her belt corset the bump is hardly visible beneath the stiff black fabric.
"Are you sure?"
Hecate removes a sonogram picture from the pocket of her ensemble. He studies the image, and sinks into a seat on the bench. He stares at the profile of their unborn child. His heart melts in a single instant.
"Sign me up."
Hecate furrows her brow, "Come again?"
He locks eyes with her, "Sign me up for whatever task is required in the matter. I haven't a clue how to care for an infant, but I assure you I will immerse myself on the subject until her arrival."
She grimaces, "That is not the reaction I had expected."
"You assumed I would run the other way?"