Seven



She was in his dreams. His feverish dreams. He reached for her, but she grew farther away. He called for her.

"Ari!" Thade yelled, sitting up in his bed. He immediately regretted doing that, because his wound protested against it.

Ari was asleep at his side, her fingers entwined into his. She opened her eyes and sat up.

"Ssssh! I'm here," she whispered, checking his forehead. He had a bad fever, ever since his wound had contracted an infection.

"I thought I lost you," he said, tears beginning to pool in his eyes. "I thought you were gone, and I'd never see you again."

"I've been here all week with you. You've been very sick."

"It's been a week?" Thade asked, surprised. Ari nodded.

"You missed Usis' funeral, but I put a blossom on his coffin for you." Ari gave him the news gently. For days, Daleya had been grieving. She wouldn't come out of her house, and she was barely seen at all anyways. Ari was still glad she had Thade, but she had to realize he may not be there in a few days.

"Loving you has kept me alive," Thade told her, touching her face with his fingertips. She put her hand against his and their scars matched up evenly.

"Ari," Thade started. Ari looked up at him and gazed into his intense, unusually green eyes.

"Yes Thade?" she answered.

"Will you marry me?"

Ari didn't answer, but just nodded happily, and wrapped her arms around Thade. She just hoped there would be an actual wedding.

Thade turned his face to her's and kissed her. She let him lay her on her back and stare down at her.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked, wondering if his wound would be alright.

"Of course," he said, kissing her again. Ari thought about their future, and then nothing at all.









THREE WEEKS LATER

"You two are going to be so happy," Leeta sighed, gazing dreamily at Ari's gown. Ari looked up from her book and smiled at Leeta.

"I hope so, but we need to get married soon."

"Why?" Leeta asked, confusion in her eyes. A few days before, Ari said she wanted to wait a while before, just because Thade was still recovering.

Ari took a deep breath. Since she had just received the news the day before, she had told nobody. This news had brought deep happiness, joy and pride to her heart. She couldn't wait to tell everybody.

"Come on, Ari!" cried Leeta, "you're making me nervous!"

"Well, Leeta," Ari began. "I'm pregnant."

Leeta face lit up with surprise and happiness for her friend. She hugged Ari.

"You haven't told Thade yet?" Leeta asked. "How far are you?"

"Three weeks," Ari said, excitedly. She couldn't wait to have her baby. She tried to tell herself that she didn't care what it was, but she longed for a daughter. One she could put into her own old dresses from when she was young, and one she could cuddle and love.

"And you haven't told your father?" Leeta asked, again.

Ari shook her head. "You're the only one who knows, but not for long!"



Thade walked along the streets of the city, alone. He had just been able to get out of bed a few days before, and wanted to go for a walk, and get some fresh air.

He was so happy. Ari was going to marry him. Finally he was able to be with her. Thade was so caught up in his happiness, he didn't see her come up behind him.

"Hello," she greeted, smiling up at him. There was something different in her appearance. Her skin seemed to gleam with the pride of something special.

"Hi," he said, leaning down to kiss her. "You look different today."

Ari nodded, and smiled. "Thade, we need to talk," she said, giving him no explanation. He swallowed hard, hoping nothing was wrong.

"Okay, let's sit down." Thade lead Ari to a small bench. He sat down beside her, and looked at her with concern.

Ari laughed. "Thade, don't look so scared!' Thade immediately felt relieved. He shook his head.

"I just wanted everything is going to be alright, Thade. I just want you to know that I love you." Ari reached for Thade's hand and Thade raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to continue.

"Thade, I'm pregnant," Ari stated, her voice just above a whisper. Thade pulled his head back, as if he'd been slapped. He wasn't sure to make of news.

Ari's smile faded. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Thade looked at her with dismay. "No, no this is too fast! You can't be pregnant! We're not even married yet!"

"Thade, I thought you'd be happy about this! I don't understand?" Ari became panicked. What if he left her to raise this child alone? Then what would she do?

"I don't know, Ari. I don't know how I feel." Thade stood up and walked away briskly. Ari decided not to call after him. He needed some time to think.