Chapter Fifteen

Pairing Up

Part One

Marguerite was spending her third consecutive day in bed being tended to by the others, especially Veronica whom she was more content with discussing her discomforts with.  The men didn't need to know about her tender breasts or the soreness between her legs; or how she found nursing to be amazing but painful.  Veronica didn't understand the woes or wonders either, but confining in another woman was much more appealing than expressing her distresses to the men.

Shifting, she winced and cursed Eve for her transgression in the Garden of Eden.  Either that or she had evolution to blame.  "Roxton," she called out as strongly as her raspy voice would allow.  "Please bring me the babies."  She had been annoyed when the others had made the decision of keeping her children in Roxton's room, but it really was for the best.  Marguerite herself couldn't get out of bed.  The labor had robbed her of her mobility and strength; the raging heat not aiding in her poor condition.

Within moments, Roxton came sauntering in with a baby cradled in each arm.  He had been nervous the first couple days, but eventually his confidence grew.  He had to be strong for both the children and Marguerite.  "Well, my darling, who do you think should be fed first?  Lord William or Lady Lillian?  Both of whom are bloody hungry and very demanding…I wonder who they get that from."

"Careful, John," she warned half-heartedly.  Then she reached for her daughter.

"Ah," Roxton agreed as he handed the tiny newborn over.  "Ladies first.  Wise choice.  We should teach our children the proper manners of society despite the fact they'll be growing up in a bloody tree surrounded by damn dinosaurs and distraught ape men."

Marguerite's whimsical mood evaporated.  "Are you saying you don't think we'll ever find a way off the plateau?  That our children have to not only be born here, but die here as well?  Are you giving up, Roxton, at the time that it is most important to find a way home?"  Her blouse now open, she guided Lillian's mouth to her nipple and hissed as the infant sucked.  "Damn it, John, I don't want to raise Will and Lillian to fight off dinosaurs!  They deserve so much more than that."

"I know, but we've been here four years now.  You have to accept the possibility that we may never get off this plateau.  And in case we never do, we have to raise Will and Lilly as though they will be here even after we pass away.  You don't want them naïve and unprotected do you?"

"Of course not!  I just…I just can't stand the thought of them being alone out here in the wilderness once the rest of us have perished."  A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.  "Then again, maybe they won't be alone.  Ned and Veronica may have children of their own someday."

Part Two

Ned Malone, writer extraordinaire, glanced over at his partner in crime with his mouth gaped open.  Then he began to chuckle.  "Serves us right for eavesdropping."  He strategically moved one of his stones.  "Then again, we had done it in good faith…and accidentally.  Is it our fault they talk so loud and we just happen to be sitting at the table playing a game?"

Veronica smiled warmly, taking her turn. 

Malone shook his head at her brave move.  "Have they ever considered the possibility that I may just prefer Clarias," he asked straight-faced before glancing up at the blonde opposite him.  "Or maybe even Challenger?" he blankly joked.

Veronica giggled.  "That's awful, Ned."  She peered down at the stones and leafs that littered the table.  "Do you…do you really find Clarias…compatible?  I mean: she is a brilliant and beautiful woman.  I can see why you would like her so much, but I just always thought that she was too…well…old for you."

"Veronica…I was teasing."  He made a swift move.  "Clarias must be fifteen years my senior, but…she would make a wonderful wife for Challenger.  She's stimulating and finds the world just as intriguing as the professor.  Imagine putting those two minds together in the same laboratory.  We would never see them again except for when they're ready to show us their next invention or remedy."

Veronica glanced behind Malone and murmured.  "Speak of the devil."

Malone glanced back to see Challenger escorting Clarias off the elevator.  "Hello, Clarias.  Are you here to check on Marguerite and the babies?"

"Good afternoon, Malone.  Yes, I'll check on them later.  George and I want to experiment on a mixture of herbs first."  She smiled politely then followed Challenger down into his laboratory calling over her shoulder, "If Marguerite needs something let her know I'm here."

Once out of view, Malone and Veronica looked at each other before breaking out into a fit of laughter.  "I don't know, Malone.  You just may be right about those two."

"I guess that just leaves you and me."

Veronica smiled and said softly: "Yeah, I guess it does."

End Chapter Fifteen

Sorry it took a while getting this chapter in.  I had to go out of town.  FORGIVE ME!!  Anyway, I'm thrilled about the reviews.  Thank you.  Thank you.  THANK YOU!  I don't know if I can convey enough to you all how much your reviews mean to me.  I honestly continue to write because of them.  (On a side note, I have this freaking splinter in my finger that won't come out!  And it's driving me up the wall.)