Day turned to night, and night turned to day for a repetition of two
months. Life seemed to have taken a turn for the better, for once in
Tifa's life. At least, it was looking better with one exception.
She knelt over the toilet bowl, feeling the nauseating turning in her stomach start up again. She clenched her stomach with an arm as she curled up in almost a fetal position on the floor. The pain was getting hard to bare, but she would not say anything about it. Luck was on her side though, for this time the pain ceased on its own instead of having to use the acids of her stomach. She really didn't enjoy vomiting, but for some reason she couldn't help it at the time.
Feeling that the pain had subsided, she stood up and walked over to the mirror that was above the pearled sink in the bathroom. She looked at her features and she could see how they weren't as lively as they once were, but rather she was looking a sickly color. She stuck out her tongue to see if there might be some infection in her mouth, but she didn't see anything that could be the problem.
Her attention was caught when she heard a soft knock at the door. She jumped in surprise but quickly regained her composure. "Who is it?" Although the question seemed rather pointless because there was only one of two people that could be possibly knocking on the bathroom door.
"It's me," Cloud answered, listening intently on the door for any signs of life. "Are you all right in there?"
"I'm fine," she replied and knew that he wouldn't be satisfied unless he saw her. So she put the best fake smile on her face she could and she unlocked to door and let it slowly fall open.
"Just making sure," Cloud explained. "You've been in there for quite a while."
"It's nothing really. I just have an upset stomach."
Cloud looked at her with a concerned face. "Tifa, you've complained of an upset stomach for the past week. I think it's time to take you to a doctor."
"Cloud, they're just going to tell me to take some lousy medicine that never works," she protested and started to walk down the hallway, out of the conversation.
"Tifa, you're not all right," Cloud insisted and followed her. It was true, and she knew it. The worst part about it was that she was pretty sure she knew the reason behind it too. She had skipped her last menstrual cycle, and at first she ignored it as just a freak of nature that happens every once and awhile, but now she was almost certain she knew the answer. That one-night two months ago also fit in perfectly with the dates, and the more she thought about it, the more she was beginning to stress over the fact.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," she finally assured him once they reached the kitchen. Cloud crossed his arms over his chest as he looked down at her sternly. The other presence in the room noticed the sudden silence and he had to break it up.
"Mama, I'm done," Zell broke the silence and raised his spoon out of his bowl of milk that still had a few pieces of floating cereal in it. Tifa took one more second to look at Cloud before making her way over to her son whom was demanding her attention.
"No, you're not done. Finish up the last few bites," she told him in a natural mother tone. Cloud saw how she preoccupied herself, and he knew that there was only one way to get this solved.
"Do I have to drag you to the doctor myself?" Cloud asked, knowing that the word "doctor" would immediately grab her son's attention.
"Mama's sick?" Zell asked, concern wrapped across his face.
"No Sweety, Mama's not sick. Cloud's just being concerned," Tifa explained, giving a death look back towards him. Cloud felt her anger through her eyes, and he had to try and clear things up. He took a few easy steps towards her as she went further into the kitchen, out of sight of her son.
"Tifa," Cloud obtained her attention as he followed her into the kitchen. He quieted his voice down to a whisper, "Please Tifa. You need to see a doctor, and if not for me, for your son."
She couldn't fight his soft toned voice any longer. Guilt already was puncturing her from not even telling him her suspicions of he sudden illness. Slowly, she began to nod her head in agreement as she placed her hands on the kitchen sink about to do dishes. Cloud smiled and placed his mouth next to her ear where he whispered a very soft "thank you." His words sent a shiver up her spine as she felt his warm breath against her ear. She loved his touch and his voice; they were both so soft and convincing as they could control her every move. But now paranoia controlled her body, a paranoia that kept her from giving herself fully to him.
Together they made an agreement. Tifa made her appointment in two days, and that would give her long enough to find the answer for herself first. She knew that there would be no way that Cloud would let her go on her own, only because he still feared for her life from Johnny, and the fact that he wasn't sure if she would go if she was on her own.
Everything was going according to plan, and Tifa offered to make a trip to the grocery store for some "groceries". She was the only one who knew her true purpose of going, and that's how she wanted it. She didn't want to ruin Cloud's life, again, and tie him down with yet another burden. The truth was, Zell was Cloud's son, and she knew it even if she was only going to deny it, and then having to tell him that he was to have another child, she just didn't want to think about it.
She gave a sigh as she walked down the street heading towards the little grocer. It didn't take her long to find what she was looking for, and she was just as quickly out as she was in.
Her walk home was nerve racking as the truth of the situation pummeled into her. There was only one true outcome, and she already knew what it was. She'd just hoped that Cloud would forgive her for being so foolish once again, and ruining his life.
The time from the grocer to home to the bathroom seemed to pass in an instant, but the time she spent in the bathroom waiting for the answer seemed to take an eternity. She placed the pregnancy test gently down on the side of the bathroom sink, and she stepped away closing her eyes. Taking in a deep breath, she leaned back against the opposite wall as she waited for the truth.
'Cloud, I'm so sorry. What have you done to me to make me do this to you? Just pray that it's negative,' she thought and pleaded to herself. She raised her chin up, making her head point up to the sky but still relax against the wall. Time felt like an eternity at the moment and she felt a tear escape the corner of her eyes. She usually wasn't one known for crying, but ever since that day she broke down outside of the Highwind, she really didn't care anymore.
But that was the least of her worries. She had waited her time on the wall, waiting for her execution. She looked forward at the sink and the small device that would change her life. Slowly but surely, she stepped forward, purposely not looking at the little window that showed the sign saying she was either positive or negative. She had to though, and when she glanced down at the window her fears all became a reality.
Positive.
She gritted her teeth together in more of a rage than in sorrow. Now she sat, accusing herself for her problems.
'Damn it Tifa! Why were you so stupid? How could you let him do this to you? How could you do this to him?' the accusations ran through her head, making the situation worst. Now was when she had the flashbacks of Johnny, and the day when she spoke the news of her pregnancy to him.
At first he had accepted the fact, for there was one night that could have seemed possible that he could have conceived the baby. Of course, Tifa was the only one who knew the truth, along with a trusting doctor that she trusted her life and secrets with.
After the realization of her pregnancy sunk into them both, that was when the continuous beating began. The sexual abuse and mental abuse all began there because Johnny knew that he couldn't get her pregnant again. At least, not while she was currently pregnant.
Tifa prayed that it would have only lasted until the baby was born, but she soon found out that it had become a habit for him. Every night it was a routine of him getting drunk, coming home, and then his dirty work.
She was scared now. For the past two months she had locked away her memories into a tight corner of her brain, only letting them escape when they grew too strong to with hold. But now they were engulfing her brain, replaying every terrifying moment on her, again and again. The pain was unbearable, and she fell back against the wall, sliding down it until she was sitting on her behind with her knees facing up. Tears swelled in her eyes and the immediately broke through as endless sobs wracked her tiny body. Without knowing of anything to do, she simply sat there, wrapped her arms around the tops of her knees and placed her face within them, allowing her sobs to be nothing but muffled cries of help.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tifa remained to herself for the next two days, only showing herself when she was needed. Her behavior was peculiar, and Cloud was picking up on her strange vibes, although he never said anything, for he didn't want to get caught up in her business.
The day of her appointment arrived, and a soft knocking came at the door. Zell was the only one to hear the knock, so he decided that he would be the one to answer it, considering Cloud was hunched at the door to the bathroom trying to convince Tifa to make an appearance.
Ever so cautiously, Zell tiptoed to the front door. He had never answered a door before, so the experience was new and enthralling. He reached up with his little hand and reached for the doorknob with all his might. Stretching and using all his muscle, he managed to turn the handle and the door slowly creaked open. He peeked through the crack that was forming, and to his surprise he saw a large burly man with a torn shirt and a gun in his arm.
His eyes shrunk and his mouth gaped open as he saw the extremely large man stand at his doorway. Shock had control of his child body and mind and he couldn't fight the fear. Of course, there was only one thing to do in a situation like that. Cry.
And cry he did as the tears flowed endlessly down his cheeks along with his blood-curdling scream. The wailing continued on, echoing through the house.
"Woah! Calm down kid," Barret quickly realized what was happening when he finally saw the frightened child. Cloud was the first to jump at the situation and his footsteps were heard through the house as he ran quickly towards the source of the cry. His socked feet could be heard making their way to the hallway where they were standing. The problem with having socked feet, naturally, was the fact that the floor was polished wood, meaning when Cloud made it to the bend in the hallway (he was moving at lightning speed, mind you) he didn't stop where he had planned. Instead, when he planted his feet, he continued to slide, smacking straight into the wall that was before him.
Tifa heard the thump and immediately swung the bathroom door open. She looked to her right and then to her left to see a horrifying sight. Cloud was on his rear end, but he managed to regain himself and he continued for his destination. Tifa now became worried, for she heard her baby's calling and she too found herself rushing to the scene.
Cloud made it there first and hunched over, out of breath. He gasped for air as he proceeded to stand next to Zell, and he took one glance at the screaming child and then looked up at Barret.
"Your baby-sitter's here," Barret smiled, trying to lighten up the situation, although all he got was a hard glare from the blonde man.
"What's going on?" Tifa asked, worry written all over her face.
Cloud took a breath and then straightened himself up. "Everything's fine. Are you ready to go?"
Tifa nodded as she saw Barret, knowing that he would be able to take very good care of Zell, whom was now finally calming down after he also heard the loud thud from a body hitting a wooden wall. Cloud finally completely regained himself and walked over to where his boots were. He easily slipped them on and then he proceeded to put on a black over coat.
Barret was silent as he watched Cloud exit the house, and he also felt awkward when Tifa followed directly behind him, not saying a word. His mind was confused, but he figured it was best to stay out of it for the moment, considering he really hadn't a clue as to what was happening between the two.
Tifa crossed her arms across her chest, as the time that she had feared was coming near. She followed Cloud towards the little vehicle that was parked outside of his home. They each entered their specific side of the vehicle, Cloud on the driver's side, Tifa on the passenger's side.
They both sat silent for the first few minutes until they were out on the open road, heading towards the destination. Tifa wanted to break the silence, and she wanted to know how he would react to the results of her tests, but at the same time not telling him exactly what she feared.
Tifa finally fumbled enough courage to speak. "Cloud, what do you think could be wrong with me?"
Cloud stayed silent for a minute, concentrating on the road and a good answer. "I don't know Teef. You might have managed to get food poisoning or something."
"Yeah, maybe," she agreed, but only to further on the conversation. "Do you think.that I might be pregnant?"
Cloud was shocked at her question and the silence of her voice as she spoke. It almost sounded like she would be ashamed to have his child, but then he really wasn't worried about that at the moment. The possibility of her being pregnant almost seemed like the most logical answer, as he did remember that one night when they were on the beach.
He gave her a glance, and he saw the worry in her eye. "It could be. I think we need to leave every possibility open." Tifa nodded, looking down at her feet.
"C'mon Teef," Cloud tried to brighten her up. He placed one of his hands on her shoulder, trying to be comforting. "Let's just worry about it when we get there."
Already she felt relieved of his optimistic attitude. Usually it was she having to look at the upsides of the situation, and having to reassure everybody. But it was different right then, and his words comforted her, knowing that he at least was acting like he cared.
It wasn't long before they pulled up into the parking lot of the large hospital that was rebuilt in the town of Coral. Since the old town was once a coalmine, Shinra had decided that it would probably be one of the best places for a new hospital, for the inhabitants and for the fact that The Golden Saucer was built right above it.
Tifa and Cloud both stepped out of the vehicle almost in perfect sync, and the doors closed at almost the same time. They walked together towards the door, Cloud placing his arm around her huddled body, trying to offer his comfort.
They found themselves waiting in the waiting room for a half-hour before they had the chance to be helped by the doctor. The seats that they sat in were worn and old, moth holes eating the pale fabric. Another person sat in the room, a woman only a little younger than Tifa's age. Her abdomen was swollen, showing the obvious signs of late pregnancy.
Seeing that made Tifa think of the experience that she had during her pregnancy. She remembered going to the doctor alone, hiding her cuts and bruises within long sleeved shirts and long skirts that drug on the ground. Back then the doctor's office was a release from her normal household, and then she longed for long waiting periods, knowing that it would be her time of freedom. But now she feared sitting here -- feared the fact that she may have to replay her past, but with the man she truly loves.
Her heart sank and she closed her eyes trying to swallow the tears that choked up in her throat. The only sound that anybody could hear though was a short cough as she choked on the lump that grew in the depths of her neck. But the cough became stronger, as it wasn't just by the tears that wanted to spill, but actually by a sore feeling that she suddenly felt in her throat.
"Tifa, are you okay?" Cloud asked, concerned of his friend's condition.
Tifa tried to control her coughing, which succeeded in time. "I'm fine," she finally managed to utter.
"Miss Tifa Lockheart?" a voice called from a door that was before them. Tifa's attention was caught and she rose her hand and stood up to motion that it was her.
"Do you want me to stay here?" Cloud asked, figuring that it would be best for her to decide.
Tifa nodded and whispered, "Yeah." She walked over to the young nurse that had called her name and she followed her into the back room, leaving Cloud to sit in the waiting room, not knowing of what was to come.
Author's Note: Woah, I finally managed to finish...Chapter 5. I'm impressed with myself. Anyway, I hope you kiddies enjoyed this chapter. I haven't been receiving many reviews, but that's all right! This is for my own satisfaction, right? Except, I think the only the reviews really do is help me try to complete if faster instead of sitting here and doing it whenever I feel like it. So, if you want to see more sooner, tell me! Yell at me if you have to.doesn't matter. Just show some interest! Anyway.onto the questions.
Vincent Valentine: I'm working on writing more! Um...Yeah, I've got a few more chapters ready, but I like to update once a week.
Disclaimers: Oh yes, I am the great grand niece's best friend's sister's cousin twice removed of the grand creator of Final Fantasy characters. That is why I have somehow contained custody over the people. Yeah right, get a life. THEY AREN'T MINE! Deal with it...
She knelt over the toilet bowl, feeling the nauseating turning in her stomach start up again. She clenched her stomach with an arm as she curled up in almost a fetal position on the floor. The pain was getting hard to bare, but she would not say anything about it. Luck was on her side though, for this time the pain ceased on its own instead of having to use the acids of her stomach. She really didn't enjoy vomiting, but for some reason she couldn't help it at the time.
Feeling that the pain had subsided, she stood up and walked over to the mirror that was above the pearled sink in the bathroom. She looked at her features and she could see how they weren't as lively as they once were, but rather she was looking a sickly color. She stuck out her tongue to see if there might be some infection in her mouth, but she didn't see anything that could be the problem.
Her attention was caught when she heard a soft knock at the door. She jumped in surprise but quickly regained her composure. "Who is it?" Although the question seemed rather pointless because there was only one of two people that could be possibly knocking on the bathroom door.
"It's me," Cloud answered, listening intently on the door for any signs of life. "Are you all right in there?"
"I'm fine," she replied and knew that he wouldn't be satisfied unless he saw her. So she put the best fake smile on her face she could and she unlocked to door and let it slowly fall open.
"Just making sure," Cloud explained. "You've been in there for quite a while."
"It's nothing really. I just have an upset stomach."
Cloud looked at her with a concerned face. "Tifa, you've complained of an upset stomach for the past week. I think it's time to take you to a doctor."
"Cloud, they're just going to tell me to take some lousy medicine that never works," she protested and started to walk down the hallway, out of the conversation.
"Tifa, you're not all right," Cloud insisted and followed her. It was true, and she knew it. The worst part about it was that she was pretty sure she knew the reason behind it too. She had skipped her last menstrual cycle, and at first she ignored it as just a freak of nature that happens every once and awhile, but now she was almost certain she knew the answer. That one-night two months ago also fit in perfectly with the dates, and the more she thought about it, the more she was beginning to stress over the fact.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," she finally assured him once they reached the kitchen. Cloud crossed his arms over his chest as he looked down at her sternly. The other presence in the room noticed the sudden silence and he had to break it up.
"Mama, I'm done," Zell broke the silence and raised his spoon out of his bowl of milk that still had a few pieces of floating cereal in it. Tifa took one more second to look at Cloud before making her way over to her son whom was demanding her attention.
"No, you're not done. Finish up the last few bites," she told him in a natural mother tone. Cloud saw how she preoccupied herself, and he knew that there was only one way to get this solved.
"Do I have to drag you to the doctor myself?" Cloud asked, knowing that the word "doctor" would immediately grab her son's attention.
"Mama's sick?" Zell asked, concern wrapped across his face.
"No Sweety, Mama's not sick. Cloud's just being concerned," Tifa explained, giving a death look back towards him. Cloud felt her anger through her eyes, and he had to try and clear things up. He took a few easy steps towards her as she went further into the kitchen, out of sight of her son.
"Tifa," Cloud obtained her attention as he followed her into the kitchen. He quieted his voice down to a whisper, "Please Tifa. You need to see a doctor, and if not for me, for your son."
She couldn't fight his soft toned voice any longer. Guilt already was puncturing her from not even telling him her suspicions of he sudden illness. Slowly, she began to nod her head in agreement as she placed her hands on the kitchen sink about to do dishes. Cloud smiled and placed his mouth next to her ear where he whispered a very soft "thank you." His words sent a shiver up her spine as she felt his warm breath against her ear. She loved his touch and his voice; they were both so soft and convincing as they could control her every move. But now paranoia controlled her body, a paranoia that kept her from giving herself fully to him.
Together they made an agreement. Tifa made her appointment in two days, and that would give her long enough to find the answer for herself first. She knew that there would be no way that Cloud would let her go on her own, only because he still feared for her life from Johnny, and the fact that he wasn't sure if she would go if she was on her own.
Everything was going according to plan, and Tifa offered to make a trip to the grocery store for some "groceries". She was the only one who knew her true purpose of going, and that's how she wanted it. She didn't want to ruin Cloud's life, again, and tie him down with yet another burden. The truth was, Zell was Cloud's son, and she knew it even if she was only going to deny it, and then having to tell him that he was to have another child, she just didn't want to think about it.
She gave a sigh as she walked down the street heading towards the little grocer. It didn't take her long to find what she was looking for, and she was just as quickly out as she was in.
Her walk home was nerve racking as the truth of the situation pummeled into her. There was only one true outcome, and she already knew what it was. She'd just hoped that Cloud would forgive her for being so foolish once again, and ruining his life.
The time from the grocer to home to the bathroom seemed to pass in an instant, but the time she spent in the bathroom waiting for the answer seemed to take an eternity. She placed the pregnancy test gently down on the side of the bathroom sink, and she stepped away closing her eyes. Taking in a deep breath, she leaned back against the opposite wall as she waited for the truth.
'Cloud, I'm so sorry. What have you done to me to make me do this to you? Just pray that it's negative,' she thought and pleaded to herself. She raised her chin up, making her head point up to the sky but still relax against the wall. Time felt like an eternity at the moment and she felt a tear escape the corner of her eyes. She usually wasn't one known for crying, but ever since that day she broke down outside of the Highwind, she really didn't care anymore.
But that was the least of her worries. She had waited her time on the wall, waiting for her execution. She looked forward at the sink and the small device that would change her life. Slowly but surely, she stepped forward, purposely not looking at the little window that showed the sign saying she was either positive or negative. She had to though, and when she glanced down at the window her fears all became a reality.
Positive.
She gritted her teeth together in more of a rage than in sorrow. Now she sat, accusing herself for her problems.
'Damn it Tifa! Why were you so stupid? How could you let him do this to you? How could you do this to him?' the accusations ran through her head, making the situation worst. Now was when she had the flashbacks of Johnny, and the day when she spoke the news of her pregnancy to him.
At first he had accepted the fact, for there was one night that could have seemed possible that he could have conceived the baby. Of course, Tifa was the only one who knew the truth, along with a trusting doctor that she trusted her life and secrets with.
After the realization of her pregnancy sunk into them both, that was when the continuous beating began. The sexual abuse and mental abuse all began there because Johnny knew that he couldn't get her pregnant again. At least, not while she was currently pregnant.
Tifa prayed that it would have only lasted until the baby was born, but she soon found out that it had become a habit for him. Every night it was a routine of him getting drunk, coming home, and then his dirty work.
She was scared now. For the past two months she had locked away her memories into a tight corner of her brain, only letting them escape when they grew too strong to with hold. But now they were engulfing her brain, replaying every terrifying moment on her, again and again. The pain was unbearable, and she fell back against the wall, sliding down it until she was sitting on her behind with her knees facing up. Tears swelled in her eyes and the immediately broke through as endless sobs wracked her tiny body. Without knowing of anything to do, she simply sat there, wrapped her arms around the tops of her knees and placed her face within them, allowing her sobs to be nothing but muffled cries of help.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tifa remained to herself for the next two days, only showing herself when she was needed. Her behavior was peculiar, and Cloud was picking up on her strange vibes, although he never said anything, for he didn't want to get caught up in her business.
The day of her appointment arrived, and a soft knocking came at the door. Zell was the only one to hear the knock, so he decided that he would be the one to answer it, considering Cloud was hunched at the door to the bathroom trying to convince Tifa to make an appearance.
Ever so cautiously, Zell tiptoed to the front door. He had never answered a door before, so the experience was new and enthralling. He reached up with his little hand and reached for the doorknob with all his might. Stretching and using all his muscle, he managed to turn the handle and the door slowly creaked open. He peeked through the crack that was forming, and to his surprise he saw a large burly man with a torn shirt and a gun in his arm.
His eyes shrunk and his mouth gaped open as he saw the extremely large man stand at his doorway. Shock had control of his child body and mind and he couldn't fight the fear. Of course, there was only one thing to do in a situation like that. Cry.
And cry he did as the tears flowed endlessly down his cheeks along with his blood-curdling scream. The wailing continued on, echoing through the house.
"Woah! Calm down kid," Barret quickly realized what was happening when he finally saw the frightened child. Cloud was the first to jump at the situation and his footsteps were heard through the house as he ran quickly towards the source of the cry. His socked feet could be heard making their way to the hallway where they were standing. The problem with having socked feet, naturally, was the fact that the floor was polished wood, meaning when Cloud made it to the bend in the hallway (he was moving at lightning speed, mind you) he didn't stop where he had planned. Instead, when he planted his feet, he continued to slide, smacking straight into the wall that was before him.
Tifa heard the thump and immediately swung the bathroom door open. She looked to her right and then to her left to see a horrifying sight. Cloud was on his rear end, but he managed to regain himself and he continued for his destination. Tifa now became worried, for she heard her baby's calling and she too found herself rushing to the scene.
Cloud made it there first and hunched over, out of breath. He gasped for air as he proceeded to stand next to Zell, and he took one glance at the screaming child and then looked up at Barret.
"Your baby-sitter's here," Barret smiled, trying to lighten up the situation, although all he got was a hard glare from the blonde man.
"What's going on?" Tifa asked, worry written all over her face.
Cloud took a breath and then straightened himself up. "Everything's fine. Are you ready to go?"
Tifa nodded as she saw Barret, knowing that he would be able to take very good care of Zell, whom was now finally calming down after he also heard the loud thud from a body hitting a wooden wall. Cloud finally completely regained himself and walked over to where his boots were. He easily slipped them on and then he proceeded to put on a black over coat.
Barret was silent as he watched Cloud exit the house, and he also felt awkward when Tifa followed directly behind him, not saying a word. His mind was confused, but he figured it was best to stay out of it for the moment, considering he really hadn't a clue as to what was happening between the two.
Tifa crossed her arms across her chest, as the time that she had feared was coming near. She followed Cloud towards the little vehicle that was parked outside of his home. They each entered their specific side of the vehicle, Cloud on the driver's side, Tifa on the passenger's side.
They both sat silent for the first few minutes until they were out on the open road, heading towards the destination. Tifa wanted to break the silence, and she wanted to know how he would react to the results of her tests, but at the same time not telling him exactly what she feared.
Tifa finally fumbled enough courage to speak. "Cloud, what do you think could be wrong with me?"
Cloud stayed silent for a minute, concentrating on the road and a good answer. "I don't know Teef. You might have managed to get food poisoning or something."
"Yeah, maybe," she agreed, but only to further on the conversation. "Do you think.that I might be pregnant?"
Cloud was shocked at her question and the silence of her voice as she spoke. It almost sounded like she would be ashamed to have his child, but then he really wasn't worried about that at the moment. The possibility of her being pregnant almost seemed like the most logical answer, as he did remember that one night when they were on the beach.
He gave her a glance, and he saw the worry in her eye. "It could be. I think we need to leave every possibility open." Tifa nodded, looking down at her feet.
"C'mon Teef," Cloud tried to brighten her up. He placed one of his hands on her shoulder, trying to be comforting. "Let's just worry about it when we get there."
Already she felt relieved of his optimistic attitude. Usually it was she having to look at the upsides of the situation, and having to reassure everybody. But it was different right then, and his words comforted her, knowing that he at least was acting like he cared.
It wasn't long before they pulled up into the parking lot of the large hospital that was rebuilt in the town of Coral. Since the old town was once a coalmine, Shinra had decided that it would probably be one of the best places for a new hospital, for the inhabitants and for the fact that The Golden Saucer was built right above it.
Tifa and Cloud both stepped out of the vehicle almost in perfect sync, and the doors closed at almost the same time. They walked together towards the door, Cloud placing his arm around her huddled body, trying to offer his comfort.
They found themselves waiting in the waiting room for a half-hour before they had the chance to be helped by the doctor. The seats that they sat in were worn and old, moth holes eating the pale fabric. Another person sat in the room, a woman only a little younger than Tifa's age. Her abdomen was swollen, showing the obvious signs of late pregnancy.
Seeing that made Tifa think of the experience that she had during her pregnancy. She remembered going to the doctor alone, hiding her cuts and bruises within long sleeved shirts and long skirts that drug on the ground. Back then the doctor's office was a release from her normal household, and then she longed for long waiting periods, knowing that it would be her time of freedom. But now she feared sitting here -- feared the fact that she may have to replay her past, but with the man she truly loves.
Her heart sank and she closed her eyes trying to swallow the tears that choked up in her throat. The only sound that anybody could hear though was a short cough as she choked on the lump that grew in the depths of her neck. But the cough became stronger, as it wasn't just by the tears that wanted to spill, but actually by a sore feeling that she suddenly felt in her throat.
"Tifa, are you okay?" Cloud asked, concerned of his friend's condition.
Tifa tried to control her coughing, which succeeded in time. "I'm fine," she finally managed to utter.
"Miss Tifa Lockheart?" a voice called from a door that was before them. Tifa's attention was caught and she rose her hand and stood up to motion that it was her.
"Do you want me to stay here?" Cloud asked, figuring that it would be best for her to decide.
Tifa nodded and whispered, "Yeah." She walked over to the young nurse that had called her name and she followed her into the back room, leaving Cloud to sit in the waiting room, not knowing of what was to come.
Author's Note: Woah, I finally managed to finish...Chapter 5. I'm impressed with myself. Anyway, I hope you kiddies enjoyed this chapter. I haven't been receiving many reviews, but that's all right! This is for my own satisfaction, right? Except, I think the only the reviews really do is help me try to complete if faster instead of sitting here and doing it whenever I feel like it. So, if you want to see more sooner, tell me! Yell at me if you have to.doesn't matter. Just show some interest! Anyway.onto the questions.
Vincent Valentine: I'm working on writing more! Um...Yeah, I've got a few more chapters ready, but I like to update once a week.
Disclaimers: Oh yes, I am the great grand niece's best friend's sister's cousin twice removed of the grand creator of Final Fantasy characters. That is why I have somehow contained custody over the people. Yeah right, get a life. THEY AREN'T MINE! Deal with it...