Chapter Five

Crisis Begins

Over the course of the next month, Marguerite began to notice subtle changes to her body.  She was gradually gaining weight, her feet started swelling, and she was ravenous.  Another month trickled by…then she felt it: a soft flutter in her abdomen and she knew then her dilemma.  When she had miscarried, what they did not know was that she had been carrying twins.  The thought of going full-term and into labor out here on plateau frightened her in so much she withdrew into herself.

The other four members noticed her changes and her sudden silent persona.  Challenger knew, while the others suspected, the problem.  During dinner one evening, Marguerite realized her condition would soon be impossible to hide and decided to tell the truth.  She cleared her throat.  "I fear I am putting us all in danger," she began quietly, staring down at her plate.  "Three months ago…Roxton and I," she glanced his way, "made a mistake.  Two months ago, I had a miscarriage, but…I'm still pregnant.  Obviously I was carrying twins and only one of them was rejected.  And I'm…I…" tears prickled her eyes.

Veronica rose from her seat and slipped her arms around her friend.  Over the three years, she had come to view the older woman as a sister even though Marguerite was hard to love at times.  "We'll manage, Marguerite," she whispered.  "I'll personally take care of you.  And we'll have Clarias deliver your baby.  You'll be in good hands.  You'll never have to survive alone."

Marguerite began weeping and Challenger joined the two women, stroking Marguerite's arm soothingly.  "Veronica's right, my dear.  We'll take care of you and make sure your pregnancy runs smoothly.  Try not to worry to much, Marguerite."

Malone nodded his agreement.  "You'll be our first priority, Marguerite."

Roxton slowly came to his feet, hesitantly coming to stand beside her.  "Marguerite," he whispered.  "Let me carry some of the burden.  I'll do whatever it takes to make you comfortable."  He was nervous, his hands itching to touch her.  "This is as much as my fault as yours and I'm willing to do whatever you need."

She peered up at them one at a time through her tears.  "Thank you, everyone."  She bowed her head.  "I'm so scared."

Roxton gently brushed the others away, taking Marguerite into his arms.  "I'm scared, too.  But we'll get through this.  I promise I won't let anything harm you.  I'll never leave your side.  Please, don't ever think you can't come to me.  In fact, I want you to promise me that you'll come to me if you ever need anything."

"I promise."

End Chapter Five

Was that retarded?  Should I not have made her pregnant?  Oh well.  What's done is done.