Chapter Nine, Twenty One and Nineteen:
"Hey, take that Bobby!" a young kid screamed, pelting his
friend with the water from his large squirt gun. The other boy
laughed and turned around spraying water all over the first boy
with his spinning squirt gun.
"What are you looking at?" Wesley asked, coming up behind
her. Serenity turned around, smiling.
"I can join them now."
"You want to join those kids? I do not know how that
would be looked at by their parents. Some strange woman they do
not know squirting their kids with a fake gun."
Serenity nodded. "I know. I did not exactly mean literally.
I just meant you and I are part of their world. We could go out
and get squirt guns and do the same thing if we wanted."
"Is this some kind of a hint for what you would like to do
today Serenity dear?"
Serenity shook her head. "No. I was just thinking back to a
time when I looked out of my palace balcony at the children
enjoying themselves, painfully aware that I did not belong in their
world."
"Oh Serenity," Wesley hugged her.
"I am so glad we are here," Serenity said, smiling.
"Finally I belong with all the real people."
Wesley smiled. "You like that as much as you like this?" he
asked, taking out a small gift wrapped in shiny silver gift paper.
Serenity smiled, ripping into the gift paper. "Oh, you spoil
me darling!" she exclaimed, unwrapping the locket.
"Only the best for my darling's 18th birthday," Wesley
promised.
Serenity sighed in contentment. "It is beautiful."
It was only a little over a month later when they celebrated
their first year anniversary. They spent their anniversary swimming
together and eating out at a fancy restaurant.
Serenity spent the next month contemplating what gift to get
for Wesley's 21st birthday. She finally settled upon a new set of
books she knew he had been interested in reading.
That day they spent lounging around, and they enjoyed a meal
Serenity made for Wesley. It was lasagna, Wesley's favorite. The
dessertwas strawberry cheesecake, one of Wesley's favorite desserts.
That night as they were lying down in bed, Serenity rolled
over and looked into Wesley's eyes. "Wesley, do you want to," she
blushed, looking down.
Wesley looked in Serenity's eyes. "You mean, our first
time...tonight?"
"I really feel ready Wesley."
Wesley nodded. "I am ready too. I would like that."
"Serenity, it is time to get ready," Wesley said the next
morning, shaking her to wake her up. "You are going to be late for
work."
"MMM..." she mumbled. "What time is it?" she grumbled.
"8:45"
"Oh my gosh, I only have 15 minutes; it takes me that long to
get there. She jumped up, grabbed some clothes, put them on quickly,
gave him a peck on the cheek, and rushed out the door."
"Serenity!" Wesley yelled. "I loved last night."
Serenity stopped for a second and turned around, her eyes
shining. "Me too love; it was wonderful." She skipped the rest of the
way to the bookstore.
Serenity put up the money in the cash register a few evenings
later and began to walk home. On the way home she stopped at the
health club to see if Wesley had left yet. She saw him at the desk,
putting away some files in a manila folder.
"Wesley," she said.
He turned around. "Serenity! It has been awhile since you came
to visit me when you got off from work. I am so glad to see you."
"As am I," Serenity said happily. "I should visit you more
often," she said on the walk home. "It is enjoyable walking home
with you."
"Ah, I agree dearest. It is very enjoyable, but I know how you
enjoy your walks in solitude."
Serenity nodded. "That is true, but perhaps a few days a week
we could walk home together. It has its own appeal," she smiled.
Wesley smiled. "Yes, it does darling."
Serenity embraced him, and then they held hands walking the
rest of the way home.
That night Serenity had a hard time sleeping. Her back was
aching, and she was feeling so nauseous.
She kept getting up to throw up in the toilet. The next
morning she called in to work sick.
"You all right dearest?" Wesley asked, concerned.
"Yes dear, must have just caught a virus or a bug or something."
"Awww poor darling. Being sick is no fun."
Serenity smiled as he gave her a quick kiss on the lips and
headed out the door for work. "I will bring home some nice hot chicken
noodle soup tonight all right darling."
"Thank you," she yelled after him.
Serenity enjoyed the day off, watching a few comedy movies.
She was laughing when Wesley came home with her favorite kind of soup.
"Thank you Wesley dearest. You know how much I like this soup when I
am sick," she smiled, slurping up a big spoonful of the hot noodles.
"Yuck!" she exclaimed. Wesley looked at her in surprise. "This tastes
so gross," Serenity said, pushing the bowl away. "Can I have something
else?" she whined.
"Serenity, what is wrong?"
"I do not know," she whined. "Can I have ice cream?" she asked.
"We do not have any ice cream," Wesley said. "How about some
leftover lasagna?"
"Wesleyyy," she whined. "Please, I really want ice cream."
"Awww Serenity, all right," he sighed. "I will go get some."
"Thank you dearest," Serenity smiled happily.
When he returned with the ice cream, they lounged watching
another comedy and laughing while enjoying their ice cream.
That night Serenity could not sleep again, and she rolled over
and woke Wesley up. "Wesley," she said.
"Ooh geez, what is it Serenity?" Wesley mumbled, slowly opening
his tired eyes.
"I cannot sleep again. I am still nauseous, and my back hurts,
but I am so tired. I really wanna sleep," she whined.
Wesley rolled over and put his arm around her. "I am sorry
dearest." He ran his fingers through her hair and hummed a tune to her
while she smiled and closed her eyes in contentment. She eventually fell
asleep for a bit, and Wesley sighed in relief, rolling over to sleep for
awhile before work the next day. Serenity took the next day off again.
She admitted to not feeling the way she usually felt when she was sick,
but she felt so sore and her back so ached and she was throwing up still,
so she decided to take the day off again. She was so tired; she just lay
in bed resting the whole day, listening to some music.
Wesley returned home that night with two big cartons of ice
cream. She sat up slowly in bed, wincing from the soreness. Wesley sat
the cartons down and sat down next to her. "Yum," Serenity said. "Thank
you for bringing more ice cream," she said thankfully.
Wesley nodded. "Not a problem dearest. I need to talk to you
about something though."
"What is it?" Serenity asked.
"I was talking to one of my colleagues at work, and he mentioned
that you might be pregnant. The thought had not occurred to me," he
admitted.
Serenity's eyes opened wide. "Pregnant?" she said in astonishment.
"Yes," Wesley said hesitantly.
"Oh Wesley, that would be wonderful. To have a child of our own,
would it not?"
Wesley nodded. "I am excited too, but we must be careful. We are
not sure yet. Do not get too hopeful dearest." Serenity nodded. "We will
look up some information tomorrow. How does that sound?" Serenity nodded
again.
They did look up the information and found that indeed her
symptoms were possibly those of pregnancy. So they set up a doctor's
appointment for the next week, and Serenity forced herself to go to work
the next five days.
Tests were done, and it was determined that Serenity was indeed
pregnant. The doctor warned her that miscarriages are not uncommon in the
first trimester for one's first pregnancy. So they both tried not to get
too attached to the idea of having a baby this time, but with each passing
day they found themselves getting more and more excited and hopeful.
"Do you have the candy?" Serenity asked Wesley as he returned home
that evening.
"Yes darling."
Serenity smiled. "I cannot wait to pass out candy with you
dearest," she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
He held her hand in his and smiled. "So now you are willing to get
up?" he teased.
"Hey," Serenity said. "I am pregnant mister. I get to rest as much
as I need. The doctor said so," she retorted.
Wesley chuckled. "All right," he said. "All right."
"Awww come on. I have not been that bad have I?"
"No dearest. I am just joking." She smiled and hugged him close.
He rubbed her tummy gently. "So there is someone in there?" he asked. The
doorbell rang, and Serenity handed out candy to a kid in a witch costume
and a kid with a sheet with holes in it around the eyes and mouth. *Cute
ghost,* she thought.
She turned to Wesley as their door closed. "Yes there is our baby
in there, and I guess it is the baby's first Halloween," she smiled.
"Halloween in a uterus? Interesting," Wesley said, chuckling.
"Hey!" Serenity said, playfully whapping him on the back of the
head.
"Hey, just joking. Just joking," Wesley said, quickly making
amends. He put his hand on her face, gazing into her eyes. "You are
my sunshine; you know that dearest," he said sincerely.
A smile of contentment came onto Serenity's face. "You are my
shining star Wesley dearest," she said sincerely as the doorbell rang.
"Aww darn, dang kids," Serenity joked as Wesley laughed, opening the
door.
Over two months into her pregnancy, the two celebrated
Thanksgiving. Wesley was making sure that Serenity went swimming and got
enough exercise as she was often unmotivated and not wanting to do so.
"Awww do we have to go to the gym on Thanksgiving?"
"All right. All right. No gym, just a walk through the park. You
need to stay healthy for you and the baby," Wesley said honestly.
Serenity sighed. "I hate it when you guilt me into this by
bringing the baby into it."
"I am just being honest," Wesley said carefully.
Serenity nodded. "I know. You are right. I need a breath of fresh
air anyway. Let us go." The walk was refreshing, but left Serenity cranky.
Wesley appeased her with lots of ice cream and going out to get any movie
she wanted. She snuggled with Wesley on the couch, dipping into her ice
cream contentedly. "I love you dearest," she said happily.
Wesley smiled. "I love you too dearest."
It was in late December that Serenity began to gain some weight.
Wesley began to get even more excited than she was. "Oh you look so
adorable with your little belly sticking out," Wesley said.
Serenity smiled in amusement. "Sometimes I wonder about you Wesley.
Should I be more worried about you during this pregnancy dear?"
"Hey, I resent that comment," Wesley joked.
"Oh you do, do you?" Serenity smiled and hugged him close. She took
a deep breath, enjoying his scent and warm, safe hold. Wesley smiled in
fulfillment, enjoying her soft yet strong touch, her charming smile, and
her alluring scent.
Christmas Eve marked an end to Serenity's morning sickness and
backaches, and thus lessened her fatigue greatly. Christmas marked the
end of her first trimester of pregnancy and the beginning of her fourth
month. They enjoyed the holiday much more due to Serenity feeling in a
better mood, and both of them having gotten their first full night of
sleep in a long time.
Serenity loved this time of year. She enjoyed looking at the
lights, getting and sitting around the Christmas tree, sipping hot
chocolate with the small fluffy white marshmallows near the crackling,
hot fire. She enjoyed the anticipation of unwrapping all the shiny,
creatively wrapped presents. It was probably Wesley's favorite time of
year too he admitted, though he confessed to really enjoying
Thanksgiving as well.
New Year's Eve was fun as they partied all night, drank their
sparkling cider, and danced in the nearby club later. They kissed
passionately of course when the New Year rang in. In fact, their
entire holiday season, with their time off from work and Serenity
feeling better was very joyful and enjoyable.
Serenity was able to get through work much more easily and
even began to enjoy her time at the bookstore again. She enjoyed the
attention she got from people, customers and co-workers, from being
pregnant. It was not the same attention she got at those supposedly
"superior" celebrations at the Moon Palace. It was attention from
women who understood the miracle of what was happening inside her body
and sympathized with the mood changes and difficulties she was going
through as well. It was a bond they shared as women, and she enjoyed
experiencing that closeness for once to some of her co-workers and
finally making some friends on this planet besides Leslie and Roger
of course.
At the end of January, Serenity went to the doctor to get her
ultrasound. They were told the baby was doing well and appeared
healthy as well as asked if they wanted to know the gender of their
baby. Wesley and Serenity looked at each other, and the doctor raised
her eyebrows. "Should I leave you two alone?" she asked.
"Yes please," Serenity requested. When she left, Serenity
burst out, "I cannot believe we never discussed this."
"Me neither. I mean I have thought about the gender, but I
did not think about finding out about it at the ultrasound. Well, it
is your decision dearest," he said.
"Oh Wesley, this baby is both of ours. I appreciate your
kindness, but I want us to come to an agreement together as we will
hopefully be able to do with everything concerning our child."
Wesley nodded. "Well, to be honest, I would be all right
either way. I mean I prefer one option, but I do not mind the other
one either. Is there one you are leaning towards?"
"I guess I was hoping to know," Serenity said hesitantly.
"Oh me too," Wesley said. "I do not mind waiting if it is
really important to you to wait though."
Serenity shook her head. "No, I want to know," she said
definitely. They waited for the doctor to return.
"Have you decided?" the doctor asked upon her return.
"Yes, we want to know the baby's gender please," Serenity
requested.
The doctor nodded. "It is a girl."
Wesley and Serenity looked at each other in happiness. "A
baby girl," Serenity said softly.
"Our daughter," Wesley said, his eyes shining with pride and
happiness.
Serenity smiled happily, and they went home that night happy
because they were in the second trimester, so a miscarriage seemed
much less likely. They were also happy knowing they were having a
baby girl together.
Serenity had gotten a few pregnancy and childbirth books from
the bookstore she worked at for free, and both of them had read them.
Wesley came home one evening and mentioned that it was about time to
sign up for Lamaze classes. "It takes a few months to get in after
registering," he reminded Serenity. "And we should start around May."
Serenity nodded. "I know, but I have to be honest Wesley."
"What is it dearest?" he asked, sitting next to her.
"I do not really want to be in a group of strange women I do
not know, talking about something so personal, and having to pretend I
am having contractions in front of them. Honestly, I would feel so
embarrassed," Serenity said.
Wesley held her. "All right. Let us find another way to
prepare then. I think we can buy Lamaze class videos actually. Want me
to buy some of those soon?"
Serenity nodded. "Thank you for understanding darling."
"Always dearest, always," Wesley promised.
"Oh!" Serenity exclaimed.
"What is it Serenity?" Wesley asked.
"I felt something. I think...I think the baby was moving. Oh!
There it is again. Quick! Put your hand on my stomach," Serenity said
in amazement and excitement.
Wesley put his hand on her stomach and felt a small movement
underneath his hand. "Oh Serenity, it is beautiful," he said, looking
into her purple eyes. She smiled, pulling back her red hair with a
clip and embracing him.
Valentine's Day was enjoyable as they both had a picnic in
front of a warm fire and snuggled together on the couch while
enjoying a few good games and eating chocolate together.
When March came around, Serenity was excited enough to drag
Wesley to the mall on their day off together to buy baby clothes.
Wesley had already bought a gorgeous baby crib for Valentine's Day,
and Serenity had already gotten a nice baby seat for Valentine's Day
as well. They had already agreed to get Valentine's Day gifts for
the baby, but they each still got to unwrap the other's gift. Wesley
did not have the patience Serenity did. Although he did go into the
first few baby clothes stores with excitement and marveled
alongside Serenity at the small, adorable little outfits, he found
himself quickly becoming bored. By the time they had arrived at the
10th store, he was begging to go home. "Just pick out a few outfits
and let us go. Please Serenity," Wesley begged.
Serenity sighed. "All right. I will get a few here. I liked
the one with the little feet at store 7, but should we go back for
the rest of the outfits at store 3 or 8? They were both the cutest I
thought," Serenity said in excitement.
Wesley sighed. "I do not even remember what was in those
stores or what stores they were. Let us just go back to the closest
one Serenity."
"Do you not want our child to have the cutest clothes?"
Serenity inquired, offended.
"Serenity, I want our child happy, but I do not think our
daughter is going to care that much what she is wearing as long as
it is comfortable. I want to get something cute, but they are all
cute. So let us just get some and go please."
"Geez, and you tell me I need to be more patient."
"All right, you are right. I will not get onto you about
your patience anymore if we could just get out of this damn mall. I
am so tired."
"Okay darling. Let us just go back to store 8 then, and we
will leave," she promised. She kissed him on the lips as she picked
up the bag of purchases from this store.
It was in the middle of March that the subject of a name
came up. Serenity informed Wesley that traditionally in the Moon
family the daughters were named some form of Serenity. She wanted
personally to keep that tradition. Wesley agreed. So the baby's name
was officially Serenity, but so as not to confuse Serenity with her
daughter, their daughter's name would be shortened to Serena. A good
Earth name they both felt, thus it reflected both the traditional
royal Moon qualities as well as the qualities of their new home
planet, Earth.
The third trimester began at the end of March, and Serenity
found herself getting very cranky again and picky about her food by
the beginning of April. Wesley was getting frustrated with her
constant cravings and changes in appetite and mood, but he tried to
stay patient. He knew how hard this whole process was for her,
especially with how heavy she was getting. He could tell getting
around and getting dressed were becoming hard for her, so he helped
her with her socks and shoes most of the time.
At the end of April, she had her baby shower and invited
all her new friends from work and a few other friends she had met
at the swimming pool, in the gym, or on a walk through the park.
She got a baby bottle, a pacifier, a few toys, a mobile to
go above the crib, and a few soft stuffed animals. The day was full
of happiness, and Serenity went to bed that night with Wesley
glowing with joy.
Wesley smiled and held his dearest through the night.
At the beginning of May, the Lamaze videos they had ordered
were delivered as requested, and they began to watch the videos
together and practice the breathing techniques together.
"Breathe in Serenity," Wesley said anxiously. Wesley felt
anxious about these practice breathing exercises. He wanted
Serenity to learn how to do it just right so that she and the baby
would be all right, and she could feel prepared. Well, if he was
perfectly honest, he would realize it was more for his own peace of
mind and need to feel prepared for the big day.
"Stop being so uptight Wesley," Serenity screamed. "I do
NOT want to do these exercises with you anymore. Leave."
"Serenity..." Wesley started.
"I am serious Wesley. Leave. Leave NOW!!!" Serenity
screamed in frustration.
Wesley sighed and left the room. He came back a few minutes
later with one of the baby's stuffed animals, a small soft white
kitten. Serenity smiled and held it close. "I am sorry Wesley, but
I am heavy. I am moody; I am tired from lack of sleep; and I am
anxious too about this day and the breathing exercises. So your
anxiety and orders are not helping at all."
Wesley nodded. "I will have to work on that. I cannot help
feeling anxiety, but I will try to be more understanding and
patient."
"Wesley, I promise the world is not over if I breathe 2/3
of a second too late or something."
"How can you be sure?" he asked.
"Wesley dearest, you are paranoid."
Wesley looked at her and raised his eyebrows. "Excuse me?"
Serenity giggled at the way he looked and at what she had
said. "I called you paranoid," she said, chuckling.
Wesley looked annoyed for a few seconds then he burst out
laughing too. "Oh Serenity, maybe I am."
"Oh Wesley, I understand. I want this to go just right too,
but you are more likely to harm me and the baby with your constant
pressure, stress, and demands than I am by being a millisecond off
in the breathing."
Wesley nodded. "All right, you are right. I am done," he
promised, embracing her. Serenity smiled and snuggled in his warm,
protecting arms.Upon entering the month of June, Serenity was
relieved to get off from work and not have to return again until
the end of October. She lay around the house, putting her feet up
on the comfy pillows they had bought in preparation for her time off.
Wesley came home with ice cream, candy, or chicken every night.
Whatever her strange body happened to be craving that night. It
became a constant joke in the apartment. Wesley would always say
something like. "What does her highness feel in the mood for
tonight?"
Serenity would giggle and then say seriously though in a
joking way, "I desire some spaghetti tonight darling." He would nod,
and when he returned home that night with the warm take out
spaghetti, she would smile. "You pamper me darling," she would say.
He would laugh and rub her back or her feet then sit next to her
exhausted and feel her run her fingers through his hair as he leaned
his head on her shoulder. They would both sigh and smile in
contentment, relishing each glorious moment together.
It was also in June that they decorated the other room
across the hall for the baby with her new crib.
As June 25th approached, they watched intently for signs of
labor. However the day came and passed without event, and Serenity
began to feel very anxious. Wesley was surprisingly becoming calmer
as the actual date approached, so he would calm Serenity and run his
fingers through her longer red hair and hold her close. She would
close her eyes and snuggle closer to him, relishing the feel of his
fingers going gently through her hair and becoming calmer. Wesley did
ask what she wanted to do for her 19th birthday that night, and she
said she would just like to lounge around the apartment and be
pampered. He smiled and agreed.
The night before her birthday Serenity woke up to a strange
feeling inside her. *It is the baby,* she immediately thought,
becoming alarmed. She began having a contraction again, and she
sighed in relief. *Just another contraction.* Ten minutes later she
had another contraction, and ten minutes later she had another one
that was much more intense. She woke Wesley up. The doctor had told
her that contractions that progressed, were regular, and increased in
intensity nearly always meant you were in labor or about to be in
labor. Wesley mumbled, "hi dear. What is it?"
"I think...I think I am in labor," she grunted through the
contraction.
Wesley shot up. "Oh my gosh. All right, I will go and get the
car. He pulled on a sweatshirt and jeans. "You get dressed all right?"
She struggled to get dressed, and he ended up rushing back to help her
with it and helped her to the car. She lay out in the backseat as he
speeded to the nearby hospital. *Thank goodness the hospital is close,*
Serenity thought in relief.
Although it had not been her original intention, Serenity did
take pain pills for the birth after spending the whole night and
then some of the next morning in intense labor. "What a wonderful 19th
birthday present," she said to Wesley sarcastically as he held her
hand beside the hospital bed. "I get to spend the next several hours in
intense pain to have some huge creature push and force its way out
of me. Oh yeah just GREAT," Serenity screamed and squeezed his hand
hard. Wesley winced.
"You are hurting me some darling," he said hesitantly.
"I am hurting you some? I am hurting YOU some? What the HELL do
you think I am going through?? A PLEASANT experience???" she
screamed.
"All right darling. All right. I am sorry," Wesley said,
conciliatory. "I am right here. Squeeze as hard as you need to."
"Darn right I am going to squeeze as hard as I need to," she
said angrily.
It was not until that evening, nearly 24 hours later, that the
childbirth process was over, and their baby girl was born.
Wesley left to allow Serenity to get some rest, but the next
morning he entered with a big, sparkly purple gift. Serenity unwrapped
it eagerly as he embraced her gently. "You look beautiful Serenity."
"Oh Wesley, thank you. You know our baby girl is actually the
best birthday present I could ever receive."
Wesley chuckled. "That certainly is not what you were screaming
about last night."
"Hey mister, I could still beat you up," she joked. "I am sorry
about that," she said sheepishly.
"Hey, no worries. Now, why not unwrap your gift? This is exciting
having our beautiful baby girl and my beautiful wife born on the same day.
It must be the day of angels, eh?" Wesley said.
"Aww Wesley stop that flattery; it will not get you anywhe..."
she stopped. "Oh my gosh. Wesley, this is a...this is a..."
"Yes," he said, smiling at her.
"Oh Wesley!" she said happily, wrapping her arms around him.
"You do like it then?"
"Of course, I am just so surprised. Where did you ever get the
idea?"
"I saw you looking at the dresses in the Ritz Shop, but you know I
just did not have the money to get those dresses there. So I thought you
and I could try to make some of our own like those or even better," he said.
"It is wonderful Wesley. My own dress making kit with materials from
you and designed by me." She smiled happily. "It is so creative and original.
Look at all these fabrics, sequins, sashes, sparkles. Wow, you put so much
thought into this. Thank you darling," she said happily.
He smiled. "I am so glad dearest."
To Be Continued...
Author's Notes-This chapter was a really tough one for me to write since
two of the most major events in this story i have never experienced.
i appreciate any comments to better my writing.
"Hey, take that Bobby!" a young kid screamed, pelting his
friend with the water from his large squirt gun. The other boy
laughed and turned around spraying water all over the first boy
with his spinning squirt gun.
"What are you looking at?" Wesley asked, coming up behind
her. Serenity turned around, smiling.
"I can join them now."
"You want to join those kids? I do not know how that
would be looked at by their parents. Some strange woman they do
not know squirting their kids with a fake gun."
Serenity nodded. "I know. I did not exactly mean literally.
I just meant you and I are part of their world. We could go out
and get squirt guns and do the same thing if we wanted."
"Is this some kind of a hint for what you would like to do
today Serenity dear?"
Serenity shook her head. "No. I was just thinking back to a
time when I looked out of my palace balcony at the children
enjoying themselves, painfully aware that I did not belong in their
world."
"Oh Serenity," Wesley hugged her.
"I am so glad we are here," Serenity said, smiling.
"Finally I belong with all the real people."
Wesley smiled. "You like that as much as you like this?" he
asked, taking out a small gift wrapped in shiny silver gift paper.
Serenity smiled, ripping into the gift paper. "Oh, you spoil
me darling!" she exclaimed, unwrapping the locket.
"Only the best for my darling's 18th birthday," Wesley
promised.
Serenity sighed in contentment. "It is beautiful."
It was only a little over a month later when they celebrated
their first year anniversary. They spent their anniversary swimming
together and eating out at a fancy restaurant.
Serenity spent the next month contemplating what gift to get
for Wesley's 21st birthday. She finally settled upon a new set of
books she knew he had been interested in reading.
That day they spent lounging around, and they enjoyed a meal
Serenity made for Wesley. It was lasagna, Wesley's favorite. The
dessertwas strawberry cheesecake, one of Wesley's favorite desserts.
That night as they were lying down in bed, Serenity rolled
over and looked into Wesley's eyes. "Wesley, do you want to," she
blushed, looking down.
Wesley looked in Serenity's eyes. "You mean, our first
time...tonight?"
"I really feel ready Wesley."
Wesley nodded. "I am ready too. I would like that."
"Serenity, it is time to get ready," Wesley said the next
morning, shaking her to wake her up. "You are going to be late for
work."
"MMM..." she mumbled. "What time is it?" she grumbled.
"8:45"
"Oh my gosh, I only have 15 minutes; it takes me that long to
get there. She jumped up, grabbed some clothes, put them on quickly,
gave him a peck on the cheek, and rushed out the door."
"Serenity!" Wesley yelled. "I loved last night."
Serenity stopped for a second and turned around, her eyes
shining. "Me too love; it was wonderful." She skipped the rest of the
way to the bookstore.
Serenity put up the money in the cash register a few evenings
later and began to walk home. On the way home she stopped at the
health club to see if Wesley had left yet. She saw him at the desk,
putting away some files in a manila folder.
"Wesley," she said.
He turned around. "Serenity! It has been awhile since you came
to visit me when you got off from work. I am so glad to see you."
"As am I," Serenity said happily. "I should visit you more
often," she said on the walk home. "It is enjoyable walking home
with you."
"Ah, I agree dearest. It is very enjoyable, but I know how you
enjoy your walks in solitude."
Serenity nodded. "That is true, but perhaps a few days a week
we could walk home together. It has its own appeal," she smiled.
Wesley smiled. "Yes, it does darling."
Serenity embraced him, and then they held hands walking the
rest of the way home.
That night Serenity had a hard time sleeping. Her back was
aching, and she was feeling so nauseous.
She kept getting up to throw up in the toilet. The next
morning she called in to work sick.
"You all right dearest?" Wesley asked, concerned.
"Yes dear, must have just caught a virus or a bug or something."
"Awww poor darling. Being sick is no fun."
Serenity smiled as he gave her a quick kiss on the lips and
headed out the door for work. "I will bring home some nice hot chicken
noodle soup tonight all right darling."
"Thank you," she yelled after him.
Serenity enjoyed the day off, watching a few comedy movies.
She was laughing when Wesley came home with her favorite kind of soup.
"Thank you Wesley dearest. You know how much I like this soup when I
am sick," she smiled, slurping up a big spoonful of the hot noodles.
"Yuck!" she exclaimed. Wesley looked at her in surprise. "This tastes
so gross," Serenity said, pushing the bowl away. "Can I have something
else?" she whined.
"Serenity, what is wrong?"
"I do not know," she whined. "Can I have ice cream?" she asked.
"We do not have any ice cream," Wesley said. "How about some
leftover lasagna?"
"Wesleyyy," she whined. "Please, I really want ice cream."
"Awww Serenity, all right," he sighed. "I will go get some."
"Thank you dearest," Serenity smiled happily.
When he returned with the ice cream, they lounged watching
another comedy and laughing while enjoying their ice cream.
That night Serenity could not sleep again, and she rolled over
and woke Wesley up. "Wesley," she said.
"Ooh geez, what is it Serenity?" Wesley mumbled, slowly opening
his tired eyes.
"I cannot sleep again. I am still nauseous, and my back hurts,
but I am so tired. I really wanna sleep," she whined.
Wesley rolled over and put his arm around her. "I am sorry
dearest." He ran his fingers through her hair and hummed a tune to her
while she smiled and closed her eyes in contentment. She eventually fell
asleep for a bit, and Wesley sighed in relief, rolling over to sleep for
awhile before work the next day. Serenity took the next day off again.
She admitted to not feeling the way she usually felt when she was sick,
but she felt so sore and her back so ached and she was throwing up still,
so she decided to take the day off again. She was so tired; she just lay
in bed resting the whole day, listening to some music.
Wesley returned home that night with two big cartons of ice
cream. She sat up slowly in bed, wincing from the soreness. Wesley sat
the cartons down and sat down next to her. "Yum," Serenity said. "Thank
you for bringing more ice cream," she said thankfully.
Wesley nodded. "Not a problem dearest. I need to talk to you
about something though."
"What is it?" Serenity asked.
"I was talking to one of my colleagues at work, and he mentioned
that you might be pregnant. The thought had not occurred to me," he
admitted.
Serenity's eyes opened wide. "Pregnant?" she said in astonishment.
"Yes," Wesley said hesitantly.
"Oh Wesley, that would be wonderful. To have a child of our own,
would it not?"
Wesley nodded. "I am excited too, but we must be careful. We are
not sure yet. Do not get too hopeful dearest." Serenity nodded. "We will
look up some information tomorrow. How does that sound?" Serenity nodded
again.
They did look up the information and found that indeed her
symptoms were possibly those of pregnancy. So they set up a doctor's
appointment for the next week, and Serenity forced herself to go to work
the next five days.
Tests were done, and it was determined that Serenity was indeed
pregnant. The doctor warned her that miscarriages are not uncommon in the
first trimester for one's first pregnancy. So they both tried not to get
too attached to the idea of having a baby this time, but with each passing
day they found themselves getting more and more excited and hopeful.
"Do you have the candy?" Serenity asked Wesley as he returned home
that evening.
"Yes darling."
Serenity smiled. "I cannot wait to pass out candy with you
dearest," she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
He held her hand in his and smiled. "So now you are willing to get
up?" he teased.
"Hey," Serenity said. "I am pregnant mister. I get to rest as much
as I need. The doctor said so," she retorted.
Wesley chuckled. "All right," he said. "All right."
"Awww come on. I have not been that bad have I?"
"No dearest. I am just joking." She smiled and hugged him close.
He rubbed her tummy gently. "So there is someone in there?" he asked. The
doorbell rang, and Serenity handed out candy to a kid in a witch costume
and a kid with a sheet with holes in it around the eyes and mouth. *Cute
ghost,* she thought.
She turned to Wesley as their door closed. "Yes there is our baby
in there, and I guess it is the baby's first Halloween," she smiled.
"Halloween in a uterus? Interesting," Wesley said, chuckling.
"Hey!" Serenity said, playfully whapping him on the back of the
head.
"Hey, just joking. Just joking," Wesley said, quickly making
amends. He put his hand on her face, gazing into her eyes. "You are
my sunshine; you know that dearest," he said sincerely.
A smile of contentment came onto Serenity's face. "You are my
shining star Wesley dearest," she said sincerely as the doorbell rang.
"Aww darn, dang kids," Serenity joked as Wesley laughed, opening the
door.
Over two months into her pregnancy, the two celebrated
Thanksgiving. Wesley was making sure that Serenity went swimming and got
enough exercise as she was often unmotivated and not wanting to do so.
"Awww do we have to go to the gym on Thanksgiving?"
"All right. All right. No gym, just a walk through the park. You
need to stay healthy for you and the baby," Wesley said honestly.
Serenity sighed. "I hate it when you guilt me into this by
bringing the baby into it."
"I am just being honest," Wesley said carefully.
Serenity nodded. "I know. You are right. I need a breath of fresh
air anyway. Let us go." The walk was refreshing, but left Serenity cranky.
Wesley appeased her with lots of ice cream and going out to get any movie
she wanted. She snuggled with Wesley on the couch, dipping into her ice
cream contentedly. "I love you dearest," she said happily.
Wesley smiled. "I love you too dearest."
It was in late December that Serenity began to gain some weight.
Wesley began to get even more excited than she was. "Oh you look so
adorable with your little belly sticking out," Wesley said.
Serenity smiled in amusement. "Sometimes I wonder about you Wesley.
Should I be more worried about you during this pregnancy dear?"
"Hey, I resent that comment," Wesley joked.
"Oh you do, do you?" Serenity smiled and hugged him close. She took
a deep breath, enjoying his scent and warm, safe hold. Wesley smiled in
fulfillment, enjoying her soft yet strong touch, her charming smile, and
her alluring scent.
Christmas Eve marked an end to Serenity's morning sickness and
backaches, and thus lessened her fatigue greatly. Christmas marked the
end of her first trimester of pregnancy and the beginning of her fourth
month. They enjoyed the holiday much more due to Serenity feeling in a
better mood, and both of them having gotten their first full night of
sleep in a long time.
Serenity loved this time of year. She enjoyed looking at the
lights, getting and sitting around the Christmas tree, sipping hot
chocolate with the small fluffy white marshmallows near the crackling,
hot fire. She enjoyed the anticipation of unwrapping all the shiny,
creatively wrapped presents. It was probably Wesley's favorite time of
year too he admitted, though he confessed to really enjoying
Thanksgiving as well.
New Year's Eve was fun as they partied all night, drank their
sparkling cider, and danced in the nearby club later. They kissed
passionately of course when the New Year rang in. In fact, their
entire holiday season, with their time off from work and Serenity
feeling better was very joyful and enjoyable.
Serenity was able to get through work much more easily and
even began to enjoy her time at the bookstore again. She enjoyed the
attention she got from people, customers and co-workers, from being
pregnant. It was not the same attention she got at those supposedly
"superior" celebrations at the Moon Palace. It was attention from
women who understood the miracle of what was happening inside her body
and sympathized with the mood changes and difficulties she was going
through as well. It was a bond they shared as women, and she enjoyed
experiencing that closeness for once to some of her co-workers and
finally making some friends on this planet besides Leslie and Roger
of course.
At the end of January, Serenity went to the doctor to get her
ultrasound. They were told the baby was doing well and appeared
healthy as well as asked if they wanted to know the gender of their
baby. Wesley and Serenity looked at each other, and the doctor raised
her eyebrows. "Should I leave you two alone?" she asked.
"Yes please," Serenity requested. When she left, Serenity
burst out, "I cannot believe we never discussed this."
"Me neither. I mean I have thought about the gender, but I
did not think about finding out about it at the ultrasound. Well, it
is your decision dearest," he said.
"Oh Wesley, this baby is both of ours. I appreciate your
kindness, but I want us to come to an agreement together as we will
hopefully be able to do with everything concerning our child."
Wesley nodded. "Well, to be honest, I would be all right
either way. I mean I prefer one option, but I do not mind the other
one either. Is there one you are leaning towards?"
"I guess I was hoping to know," Serenity said hesitantly.
"Oh me too," Wesley said. "I do not mind waiting if it is
really important to you to wait though."
Serenity shook her head. "No, I want to know," she said
definitely. They waited for the doctor to return.
"Have you decided?" the doctor asked upon her return.
"Yes, we want to know the baby's gender please," Serenity
requested.
The doctor nodded. "It is a girl."
Wesley and Serenity looked at each other in happiness. "A
baby girl," Serenity said softly.
"Our daughter," Wesley said, his eyes shining with pride and
happiness.
Serenity smiled happily, and they went home that night happy
because they were in the second trimester, so a miscarriage seemed
much less likely. They were also happy knowing they were having a
baby girl together.
Serenity had gotten a few pregnancy and childbirth books from
the bookstore she worked at for free, and both of them had read them.
Wesley came home one evening and mentioned that it was about time to
sign up for Lamaze classes. "It takes a few months to get in after
registering," he reminded Serenity. "And we should start around May."
Serenity nodded. "I know, but I have to be honest Wesley."
"What is it dearest?" he asked, sitting next to her.
"I do not really want to be in a group of strange women I do
not know, talking about something so personal, and having to pretend I
am having contractions in front of them. Honestly, I would feel so
embarrassed," Serenity said.
Wesley held her. "All right. Let us find another way to
prepare then. I think we can buy Lamaze class videos actually. Want me
to buy some of those soon?"
Serenity nodded. "Thank you for understanding darling."
"Always dearest, always," Wesley promised.
"Oh!" Serenity exclaimed.
"What is it Serenity?" Wesley asked.
"I felt something. I think...I think the baby was moving. Oh!
There it is again. Quick! Put your hand on my stomach," Serenity said
in amazement and excitement.
Wesley put his hand on her stomach and felt a small movement
underneath his hand. "Oh Serenity, it is beautiful," he said, looking
into her purple eyes. She smiled, pulling back her red hair with a
clip and embracing him.
Valentine's Day was enjoyable as they both had a picnic in
front of a warm fire and snuggled together on the couch while
enjoying a few good games and eating chocolate together.
When March came around, Serenity was excited enough to drag
Wesley to the mall on their day off together to buy baby clothes.
Wesley had already bought a gorgeous baby crib for Valentine's Day,
and Serenity had already gotten a nice baby seat for Valentine's Day
as well. They had already agreed to get Valentine's Day gifts for
the baby, but they each still got to unwrap the other's gift. Wesley
did not have the patience Serenity did. Although he did go into the
first few baby clothes stores with excitement and marveled
alongside Serenity at the small, adorable little outfits, he found
himself quickly becoming bored. By the time they had arrived at the
10th store, he was begging to go home. "Just pick out a few outfits
and let us go. Please Serenity," Wesley begged.
Serenity sighed. "All right. I will get a few here. I liked
the one with the little feet at store 7, but should we go back for
the rest of the outfits at store 3 or 8? They were both the cutest I
thought," Serenity said in excitement.
Wesley sighed. "I do not even remember what was in those
stores or what stores they were. Let us just go back to the closest
one Serenity."
"Do you not want our child to have the cutest clothes?"
Serenity inquired, offended.
"Serenity, I want our child happy, but I do not think our
daughter is going to care that much what she is wearing as long as
it is comfortable. I want to get something cute, but they are all
cute. So let us just get some and go please."
"Geez, and you tell me I need to be more patient."
"All right, you are right. I will not get onto you about
your patience anymore if we could just get out of this damn mall. I
am so tired."
"Okay darling. Let us just go back to store 8 then, and we
will leave," she promised. She kissed him on the lips as she picked
up the bag of purchases from this store.
It was in the middle of March that the subject of a name
came up. Serenity informed Wesley that traditionally in the Moon
family the daughters were named some form of Serenity. She wanted
personally to keep that tradition. Wesley agreed. So the baby's name
was officially Serenity, but so as not to confuse Serenity with her
daughter, their daughter's name would be shortened to Serena. A good
Earth name they both felt, thus it reflected both the traditional
royal Moon qualities as well as the qualities of their new home
planet, Earth.
The third trimester began at the end of March, and Serenity
found herself getting very cranky again and picky about her food by
the beginning of April. Wesley was getting frustrated with her
constant cravings and changes in appetite and mood, but he tried to
stay patient. He knew how hard this whole process was for her,
especially with how heavy she was getting. He could tell getting
around and getting dressed were becoming hard for her, so he helped
her with her socks and shoes most of the time.
At the end of April, she had her baby shower and invited
all her new friends from work and a few other friends she had met
at the swimming pool, in the gym, or on a walk through the park.
She got a baby bottle, a pacifier, a few toys, a mobile to
go above the crib, and a few soft stuffed animals. The day was full
of happiness, and Serenity went to bed that night with Wesley
glowing with joy.
Wesley smiled and held his dearest through the night.
At the beginning of May, the Lamaze videos they had ordered
were delivered as requested, and they began to watch the videos
together and practice the breathing techniques together.
"Breathe in Serenity," Wesley said anxiously. Wesley felt
anxious about these practice breathing exercises. He wanted
Serenity to learn how to do it just right so that she and the baby
would be all right, and she could feel prepared. Well, if he was
perfectly honest, he would realize it was more for his own peace of
mind and need to feel prepared for the big day.
"Stop being so uptight Wesley," Serenity screamed. "I do
NOT want to do these exercises with you anymore. Leave."
"Serenity..." Wesley started.
"I am serious Wesley. Leave. Leave NOW!!!" Serenity
screamed in frustration.
Wesley sighed and left the room. He came back a few minutes
later with one of the baby's stuffed animals, a small soft white
kitten. Serenity smiled and held it close. "I am sorry Wesley, but
I am heavy. I am moody; I am tired from lack of sleep; and I am
anxious too about this day and the breathing exercises. So your
anxiety and orders are not helping at all."
Wesley nodded. "I will have to work on that. I cannot help
feeling anxiety, but I will try to be more understanding and
patient."
"Wesley, I promise the world is not over if I breathe 2/3
of a second too late or something."
"How can you be sure?" he asked.
"Wesley dearest, you are paranoid."
Wesley looked at her and raised his eyebrows. "Excuse me?"
Serenity giggled at the way he looked and at what she had
said. "I called you paranoid," she said, chuckling.
Wesley looked annoyed for a few seconds then he burst out
laughing too. "Oh Serenity, maybe I am."
"Oh Wesley, I understand. I want this to go just right too,
but you are more likely to harm me and the baby with your constant
pressure, stress, and demands than I am by being a millisecond off
in the breathing."
Wesley nodded. "All right, you are right. I am done," he
promised, embracing her. Serenity smiled and snuggled in his warm,
protecting arms.Upon entering the month of June, Serenity was
relieved to get off from work and not have to return again until
the end of October. She lay around the house, putting her feet up
on the comfy pillows they had bought in preparation for her time off.
Wesley came home with ice cream, candy, or chicken every night.
Whatever her strange body happened to be craving that night. It
became a constant joke in the apartment. Wesley would always say
something like. "What does her highness feel in the mood for
tonight?"
Serenity would giggle and then say seriously though in a
joking way, "I desire some spaghetti tonight darling." He would nod,
and when he returned home that night with the warm take out
spaghetti, she would smile. "You pamper me darling," she would say.
He would laugh and rub her back or her feet then sit next to her
exhausted and feel her run her fingers through his hair as he leaned
his head on her shoulder. They would both sigh and smile in
contentment, relishing each glorious moment together.
It was also in June that they decorated the other room
across the hall for the baby with her new crib.
As June 25th approached, they watched intently for signs of
labor. However the day came and passed without event, and Serenity
began to feel very anxious. Wesley was surprisingly becoming calmer
as the actual date approached, so he would calm Serenity and run his
fingers through her longer red hair and hold her close. She would
close her eyes and snuggle closer to him, relishing the feel of his
fingers going gently through her hair and becoming calmer. Wesley did
ask what she wanted to do for her 19th birthday that night, and she
said she would just like to lounge around the apartment and be
pampered. He smiled and agreed.
The night before her birthday Serenity woke up to a strange
feeling inside her. *It is the baby,* she immediately thought,
becoming alarmed. She began having a contraction again, and she
sighed in relief. *Just another contraction.* Ten minutes later she
had another contraction, and ten minutes later she had another one
that was much more intense. She woke Wesley up. The doctor had told
her that contractions that progressed, were regular, and increased in
intensity nearly always meant you were in labor or about to be in
labor. Wesley mumbled, "hi dear. What is it?"
"I think...I think I am in labor," she grunted through the
contraction.
Wesley shot up. "Oh my gosh. All right, I will go and get the
car. He pulled on a sweatshirt and jeans. "You get dressed all right?"
She struggled to get dressed, and he ended up rushing back to help her
with it and helped her to the car. She lay out in the backseat as he
speeded to the nearby hospital. *Thank goodness the hospital is close,*
Serenity thought in relief.
Although it had not been her original intention, Serenity did
take pain pills for the birth after spending the whole night and
then some of the next morning in intense labor. "What a wonderful 19th
birthday present," she said to Wesley sarcastically as he held her
hand beside the hospital bed. "I get to spend the next several hours in
intense pain to have some huge creature push and force its way out
of me. Oh yeah just GREAT," Serenity screamed and squeezed his hand
hard. Wesley winced.
"You are hurting me some darling," he said hesitantly.
"I am hurting you some? I am hurting YOU some? What the HELL do
you think I am going through?? A PLEASANT experience???" she
screamed.
"All right darling. All right. I am sorry," Wesley said,
conciliatory. "I am right here. Squeeze as hard as you need to."
"Darn right I am going to squeeze as hard as I need to," she
said angrily.
It was not until that evening, nearly 24 hours later, that the
childbirth process was over, and their baby girl was born.
Wesley left to allow Serenity to get some rest, but the next
morning he entered with a big, sparkly purple gift. Serenity unwrapped
it eagerly as he embraced her gently. "You look beautiful Serenity."
"Oh Wesley, thank you. You know our baby girl is actually the
best birthday present I could ever receive."
Wesley chuckled. "That certainly is not what you were screaming
about last night."
"Hey mister, I could still beat you up," she joked. "I am sorry
about that," she said sheepishly.
"Hey, no worries. Now, why not unwrap your gift? This is exciting
having our beautiful baby girl and my beautiful wife born on the same day.
It must be the day of angels, eh?" Wesley said.
"Aww Wesley stop that flattery; it will not get you anywhe..."
she stopped. "Oh my gosh. Wesley, this is a...this is a..."
"Yes," he said, smiling at her.
"Oh Wesley!" she said happily, wrapping her arms around him.
"You do like it then?"
"Of course, I am just so surprised. Where did you ever get the
idea?"
"I saw you looking at the dresses in the Ritz Shop, but you know I
just did not have the money to get those dresses there. So I thought you
and I could try to make some of our own like those or even better," he said.
"It is wonderful Wesley. My own dress making kit with materials from
you and designed by me." She smiled happily. "It is so creative and original.
Look at all these fabrics, sequins, sashes, sparkles. Wow, you put so much
thought into this. Thank you darling," she said happily.
He smiled. "I am so glad dearest."
To Be Continued...
Author's Notes-This chapter was a really tough one for me to write since
two of the most major events in this story i have never experienced.
i appreciate any comments to better my writing.