This chapter is going to cover Jamila's entire pregnancy. The way I've engineered it is that each day or so, we're taken forward another month. So each day is going to cover a different month of her pregnancy, basically. Got it? Great, here goes!

(Eyes of Green; Eyes of Gold)

Logan, surprisingly, did not immediately go after Remy, mainly because Jamila would not let go of him. She was like a leech, clinging to her father wherever he went, and when she was not around, Jendayi or Ororo was. One morning, while Jamila and he relaxed outdoors, Jamila spoke. "Daddy, Ah can't let you go after Remy."

"Why not?"

"Because it's not his fault. If Ah was him, Ah woulda been scared too. Plus, Ah'm gonna need all the help Ah can get, and Ah can't get that if you're out there trackin down Remy."

Logan looked down at his daughter and breathed out a sigh. "Fine."

Jamila kissed her father and headed back to her room, where she lay down, hand drifting to her stomach. She hugged herself, thinking of the new life growing within her. "Ah'm going to be the best mother Ah can. Ah promise you. It doesn't matter if your father doesn't come back, Ah'm gonna take good care of you." She lay like that for quite a while, before getting up and going to the professor's office.

"So you would rather be home schooled than attend public school? May I ask why?"

"Well, Ah don't know how this pregnancy is going to affect mah mutation. Whenever Ah'm sick or not quite up to par, mah mutation tends to take hold, and Ah end up involuntarily changing form. Ah don't want that to happen while Ah'm at school."

Xavier nodded. "Very well. I will arrange to have Henry and your mother teach you."

Jamila thanked him and left. She made her way to the kitchen, and fixed herself an ice cream sundae, to satisfy her craving for cold things. While it was too early for the cravings to kick in, she really wanted an ice cream sundae. Ororo walked in, and took the proffered spoonful. "I suppose your talk with the Professor went well?" She asked her daughter, filling a kettle with water and setting it to boil.

"Yes ma'am. If you and Dr. McCoy don't mind, y'all will be handlin' mah schoolin'."

"Of course we do not mind. Did you speak to Henry regarding your mutation?"

"He says its not safe for me to use mah ice power, as it lowers mah body temperature a lot, and he's not sure if mah child will be a mutant or not."

Ororo nodded, wrapping her arm around Jamila's shoulders. "Do you want a boy or girl?"

"Ah think it's gonna be a girl."

"What makes you say that?"

"Girls run in the family, don't they?"

Ororo thought back. "Yes, they do. I have only one male uncle by blood that I can recall, and no male cousins by blood."

"So Cub is going to be a girl."

"Cub?"

"Well, she is the daughter of a lioness after all." Jamila said, cupping her stomach protectively.

Ororo nodded, and gently touched Jamila's stomach. "I believe Cub is a very fitting nickname for my grandchild," Ororo said softly, blue eyes sparkling.

"Grandro. I like that."

Ororo beamed. "I like it as well. Grandro."

"And Grandlo, of course."

"Grandlo?"

"Yup." Jamila giggled. The two, or rather three, sat in silence until the kettle whistled. Ororo poured them both a cup of tea, and they began to discuss decorating schemes and names. They lost track of time, and Evan and Kurt came barreling into the kitchen.

"Hello Ms. Monroe, Jamila."

"Hey Aunt O, Mil," they chorused before beginning their assault on the fridge. Jamila giggled as the boys began to construct an enormous pair of sandwiches, but her giggles soon turned to horror as Kurt pulled out a jar of relish. She clapped a hand to her mouth and raced from the room, nearly knocking Scott's block off in the process. He turned to Jendayi, who stood nearby.

"Is Jamila okay?"

"Yeah, just pregnant."

"What?"

"She's pregnant." Jendayi said calmly, placing her keys in her purse. "Ah'm betting either Kurt or Evan made something or used something that made her sick."

"But, but how?"

"Scott, you're seventeen. Do Ah really have to explain the birds and the bees to you?" Jendayi said mischievously, skirting past him into the kitchen. She grabbed a ginger ale, and headed for the bathroom where Jamila was currently retching. She popped the tab on the soda and had it waiting by the time Jamila emerged, pale and shivering. She gratefully accepted the proffered soda, and sipped gently. Jendayi ran her hand through her sister's hair. "How ya feelin, Mil?"

"Like hell."

"Need me to help you to the room?"

Jamila shook her head. "Nah. Ah can make it." She headed upstairs. Jendayi watched her carefully, until she left her sight, and then she listened until she heard their bedroom door close. She walked into the kitchen, where Ororo was currently cleaning up the remains of her tea.

"What made her sick?"

"I believe it was the relish the boys were using."

"Ew." Jendayi wrinkled her nose. "Relish is so gross."

Ororo laughed. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really. Ah was gonna do mah homework in the rec room, and maybe take a quick nap before dinner."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just need a catnap. Chorus is killin' me. If Ah have to do another scale, Ah'll shoot mahself," Jendayi said dramatically, throwing herself across the kitchen counter. Ororo shook her head and laughed at her daughter's antics. The panthress kissed her mother, and headed upstairs. She checked in on Jamila, who lay sleeping peacefully, before heading to the rec room, turning up the radio and beginning her homework. Just before she finished, Kurt teleported in, and perched on the edge of her chair, watching her finish up her English work. She looked up at him, and blew him a kiss. "Hey sweetie."

"Hello." Kurt hopped off the chair and sat down next to her, grinning a little as she curled into him. "So, Jamila's pregnant?"

Jendayi nodded. "And of course, Remy is nowhere to be found."

"She's strong. She'll make it."

Jendayi nodded, before smiling hugely. "Ah'm gonna be an aunt!" She squealed and jumped up from the chair, drawing Kurt into an impromptu happy dance. She squealed again, stopping her dance, and sweeping Kurt up into a huge hug. "Ah'm so excited!"

Dinner's ready! Jean sent psionically. There was the usual rush to the dining room, but before they could eat, the professor called for silence, and motioned for Jendayi to stand.

"I believe Jendayi, that you should share your sister's news now, as she is not feeling well at the moment."

Jendayi looked around the table, and cleared her throat. "Mila's pregnant, Remy's the father, no you don't have to treat her like she's made of glass, yes she'll have morning sickness for a while, and yes, we'll be throwing a baby shower as soon as we can find out the sex of the cub."

"Cub?" Jean asked.

"Baby lion." Jendayi sat down, and applied herself to eating. Dinner resumed, albeit with a more incredulous tone. As soon as she was done eating, Jendayi excused herself and went up to her room, where she indulged in an activity she hadn't done in years: she curled up in the bed with Jamila and went to sleep.

Month 2

Jamila's start of the week involved a late morning. She groaned as she rolled out of bed, rubbing her tender breasts. She rolled out of bed, and gathered up her toiletries before lurching to the bathroom, thanking God that the morning sickness was over. She took her shower and finished the rest of her ablutions before heading back to her room. Jendayi was at school, and Jamila enjoyed the peace and quiet as she straightened up the room. Ororo poked her head in the open door.

"Are you ready to go down to the Med Lab now?"

"Let me just let Jendayi know so she can listen in." Jamila concentrated on her sister for a minute. Jen? I'm getting ready to go get my ultrasound.

Perfect timing! I'm in math and I'm bored out of my mind!

Great. We're heading down now.

"Is she listening?"

Jamila nodded, and the two women headed down to the infirmary, where Henry was reading upside down and eating a Twinkie. He flipped down upon the arrival of Jamila and Ororo. "Good morning Jamila, Ororo. Jamila, still dealing with morning sickness?"

Jamila shook her head. "Nah. So, Dr. McCoy, can I get my ultrasound now?"

"Of course. Let's just get the ultrasound prepped and ready." In no time flat, Jamila was wincing from the cold ultrasound gel, while Hank prepared to give her a listen to her baby's heartbeat. He placed the sensor firmly on her stomach, and began to move it around. He was rewarded with a series of fast, irregular thumps. His eyes widened. "Oh my stars and garters."

Jamila's breath caught in her throat. "What?"

"One, you're having twins, two, I believe that you're starting your second trimester."

"But I've only been pregnant two months." Jamila said in confusion.

Gestation period for a lioness is four months. Jendayi pointed out mentally. You're a combination of both.

"Of course. Going by your human and feline characteristics, I'd say you have four more months until the babies are born."

"Oh god…babies…" Jamila said softly, caressing her large bump. "That's why I'm such a blimp in my second month. It's more like my fourth, and I'm having two!"

Hank switched on the screen. "You can see their heads and limbs now, if you look. In another half a month, you'll be able to tell the sex."

Jendayi suddenly cut off mental ties with her sister, muttering about the baby room and how she'd never get it done in time, what with the shortened time period and increased number of occupants. Jamila giggled, but her giggles turned to sobs as she looked at the screen. "Ah'm having twins." She cried, burying her face in her hands. Henry patted her shoulder and left Ororo and Jamila to their own devices. Jamila touched her stomach. "There are two of them, Mama." She said through her tears.

Ororo wrapped her arms around her daughter. "That is exactly how I acted when I found out I was pregnant with you and Jendayi."

"I'm responsible for two other lives besides mine." Jamila said, resting her head on her mother's chest.

"Yes you are. It does take some getting used to."

Jamila sniffled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "Mama?"

"Yes Jamila?"

"I'd love some French toast with chocolate syrup on top." Jamila said, perking up at the thought.

Ororo laughed, and helped her daughter clean herself off and together mother and daughter left the infirmary, thanking Henry on their way out. Jamila hoisted herself up onto the counter while Ororo commenced making the French toast her daughter was craving.

"Ah don't know what it is, but Ah've been getting the urge to put chocolate syrup on everything," Jamila said, watching her mother cook.

"You're having cravings. I added raspberries to all my meals." Ororo took the first batch of French toast from the frying pan.

Jamila commenced drowning the four slices in chocolate syrup, and shoved a forkful in her mouth. She winced. "Something's missing." She rummaged around in the refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of ketchup and using it liberally on her meal. She sighed contentedly as she ate. Ororo ate hers in a more traditional manner, using whipped cream and fresh berries. They ate leaning against the counters, discussing possible decorating schemes for the babies. By then, Jendayi had reopened the mind link with her sister.

Ah say we go with purple. It's pretty unisex. Jendayi suggested.

"Yeah, but so's yellow, and Ah like the idea of white, lavender and light yellow."

"What about stuffed animals?" Ororo asked.

"We can go classic. Teddy bears would be great. With white furniture." Jamila rubbed her stomach. "Ah guess we'll need to find matchin' cribs and everything." She grinned. "This is gonna be so exciting!"

Twins…what about names? Jendayi asked.

"They have to begin with 'J'." Jamila said decisively. "Ah've always wanted mah kids to have 'J' names. Jahzara?"

Eh. What about Jahari? Jendayi suggested. Ah think that's pretty.

"I think Jalene is also pretty." Ororo suggested.

"Jalene…" Jamila said dreamily. "Jalene Marie Kerry. Well, there's one."

Ooh! Jahari Monique Kerry. Jendayi exclaimed.

Jamila nodded happily. "That's beautiful. Jalene and Jahari. But what if they're boys?"

Eventually it was decided that if the cubs were girls, they would be named Jalene Marie and Jahari Nicole. If they were boys, they would be named Jabari Devon and Jonathon Shamar. If one was a girl and one was a boy, they would be named Jahzara Monique and Jay'son Thomas respectively. Jendayi soon cut off ties to complete an English quiz, leaving Jamila to head back to her room and get started on the homework she had been assigned. Hank was an excellent teacher, and Jamila found herself flying through subjects that usually gave her trouble. When she was finished, it was early evening, and the Patriots were playing, so Jamila threw on her Brady jersey and headed into the rec room, where Scott and Jendayi were already waiting, popcorn, nachos and sodas on hand. Scott motioned to a bottle of chocolate syrup. "We didn't forget."

Jamila plopped down between them, squeezing the chocolate syrup onto her bowl of popcorn. "Hasn't started yet, has it?"

"Nope. You're just in time." Jendayi said. "And furthermore, the Patriots still suck!"

"Just because the Steelers got lucky a few times doesn't mean you have to dis our team." Scott said.

"Exactly!" Jamila seconded. Jendayi rolled her eyes and turned to the game.

During the game, just as the opposing team looked as though they were going to make an interception, Jamila's heart leapt into her throat, and she felt a fluttering in her stomach that had nothing to do with the game. She jumped. "Guys," she said softly. Jendayi almost did not hear her.

"Mil?"

"Did you see that? He almost had it!" Scott turned to the younger girl. "Jamila? What's wrong?"

"One of the babies moved," she said softly, eyes wide. She rubbed her stomach. "Ah didn't think Ah was supposed to be able to feel them."

"You can, but we can't," Jendayi said, pouting a little.

Jamila turned her attention back to the TV. "Oh. God, we had better win this." They fell into the comfortable football conversations that they exercised during football games. When the game was over, 33-21 Patriots, Jamila and Jendayi headed back to their room. Just as Jamila lay down, she felt another movement, and grinned, caressing her stomach as she drifted off to sleep.

Month 3

Jamila watched with growing excitement as Henry pointed out the twins' rapidly growing limbs. "So, can you tell the sex yet?" Jamila asked. Behind her, Jendayi had her arms wrapped around her sister. Logan and Ororo were in Canada, looking for a birth certificate of some sort for the marriage license.

Henry peered at the screen, a grin lighting up his face. "Jamila, you're having a pair of girls!"

Jendayi shrieked and hugged her sister around the shoulders. "Jahari and Jalene!!"

Jamila grinned. "Oh this is great! Two girls! Wait till Ma hears!"

Henry printed out a picture of Jahari and Jalene, and placed it into a lavender and white baby book he had purchased for her. "The twins' first photo." He said, inscribing the title in the book.

"Okay, so Dr. McCoy, Ah have to know. Is this technically Jamila's fourth month or fifth?" Jendayi asked.

"It's still her third month, although the twins appear to be more in the fifth month of development."

Jamila began wiping off the ultrasound gel. "Thanks Dr. McCoy!"

"You're welcome my dear." The twins left and headed to their room. Jamila did a little happy wobble dance.

"Whoo hoo!!!" She said happily, swinging Jendayi into the dance. Jendayi threw back her head and laughed. Jamila stopped and sat down on her bed, still grinning. Jendayi lay down next to her, and put her head on her sister's stomach, listening carefully.

"Ah can hear their heartbeats, if Ah listen really carefully."

Jamila ran her fingers through her sister's hair. "Ah still haven't told Madea."

"If anyone could track down Remy and permanently dis-man him, it'd be her. Even Dad isn't as scary as Madea." Jendayi said fondly.

Jamila sighed. "It's gonna be hard raising them without a father."

Jendayi hugged her sister slightly. "We're all here for you. They're gonna have the best grandparents ever, and a really cool aunt, as well as a great grandma you can send them to over the summer."

"But it ain't the same as havin' a father around."

Jendayi wrapped her arms around Jamila's ever growing belly. "But we'll get through it." She kissed her sister's stomach twice. "Do y'all hear me? We'll be the best family ever."

Jamila burst into tears, and Jendayi sat up, hugging her sister tightly. "It's these stupid hormones! Ah can't stop cryin'! God, Ah hate it!"

"If you can't weep and wail in front of your twin, who can you weep and wail in front of?"

Jamila chuckled. "Ah suppose." She hugged Jendayi back, resting her head on her shoulder. The twins stayed like that for a while, until Jamila's stomach gave an audible growl. She giggled. "Guess it's time for lunch."

"Let's go out." Jendayi suggested, getting up and going to the closet. She picked out a pair of black jeans and a pink empire waisted shirt for her twin. She set out a pair of comfortable black shoes to go with. "My treat."

Jamila heaved herself off the bed, and began to dress in the clothing her sister had laid out. Jendayi picked out a black denim skirt and her favorite Steelers jersey before stuffing her feet into a pair of black Air Force Ones and running her brush through her hair. She pinned her hair up into a messy bun, and carefully brushed out Jamila's hair into a face framing style. "Let's go."

Later, while they were eating lunch, Jamila reflected on her predicament. Having Remy disappear on her really was not as bad as she had thought at first. The inhabitants of the Mansion were doing their best to make her feel comfortable, and they were truly excited about the coming arrival of the twins.

Month 4

"Six and a half months of development…" Jamila sighed, blowing her hair from her face. "Ah look like Ah swallowed a beach ball. The stretch marks are going to be spectacular."

Jendayi lounged nearby, soaking up the sun while sprawled out on the porch. Jamila exercised more dignity, and was sitting in the porch swing. "You won't get stretch marks. Not with our healing factor."

Jamila brightened. "Well, that's good to know." She giggled. "Your nieces are getting restless."

Jendayi jumped up from her position and ran to her twin. Jamila guided her sister's hand to where the babies were kicking, and watched Jendayi's face light up happily. "Oh wow…this makes it so real, you know? It's like Ah'm just now realizing that they're actually in there."

Kurt and Kitty walked up at that moment. Kitty's face brightened. "Are they, like, kicking?"

Jamila nodded, and placed Kitty's hand squarely in the middle of a kick. Kitty giggled. "That's so weird!"

Kurt greeted his girlfriend with a light kiss, and sat down next to her, allowing her to curl up into his side. He smiled up at Jamila. "And how is ze Mutter to be feeling?"

"Like the Goodyear blimp." Jamila retorted, resting her chin on her hand. She pouted slightly. "Ah'm huge, and mah ankles are swollen. And don't even get me started on mah feet."

Jendayi rubbed her sister's feet lightly. "Ah love your feet, even if you don't." She said, batting her eyelashes ridiculously. She kissed her sister's bare toes playfully. "Ah worship your feet!" She said, fawning over her sister's feet goofily. She began a chant that sounded oddly similar to the chant used by the Wicked Witch of the West's soldiers in the Wizard of Oz. Jamila giggled and nudged her out of the way with her foot, and Jendayi promptly collapsed against Kurt. "She touched me with one of…the feet!"

Kurt kissed the crown of his girlfriend's head. "You're very goofy, ja?"

"That's why Ah'm so loveable, true?"

Kurt shrugged. "Maybe."

Jendayi pouted prettily. "Maybe? Ah'd have thought to at least get a 'definitely' or somethin' like that."

"Okay, definitely."

Jendayi batted her long eyelashes. "Thank you!"

Kitty was rubbing Jamila's shoulders for her, while Jamila slid into a light doze. Jendayi was resting against Jamila's legs, while her own legs were draped in Kurt's lap. "You know what Jamila wanted to do yesterday?"

"What?"

"Put chocolate syrup into her tomato soup."

Kurt wrinkled his nose. "Does she put chocolate syrup into everything?"

"Yeah, everything she drinks, all her food. The professor bought a case of it a week ago, and she's almost through with it. It was twenty-four bottles!"

"Twenty six." Jamila said sleepily. Scott walked out on the porch.

"Hey guys, dinner's ready." Jamila merely tried to get herself into a more comfortable position. "Not hungry, Mila?"

Jamila grumbled a response underneath her breath. Logan emerged from the house at that moment, and simply scooped his daughter up and carried her into her room.

Month 5

Scott ducked to avoid the empty bottle of chocolate syrup thrown his way. "I'm sorry Jamila!"

"All Ah wanted was some freakin chocolate and cheese nachos! Why don't we have more chocolate syrup?"

Scott winced as Jamila's voice rose to a level he thought impossible. "The professor had two whole cases flown in."

"Why didn't he fly in three?" Jamila raged, tossing a cup at Scott's head. He was not fast enough to avoid it, and thus was rather solidly hit on the head. In an instant, Jamila's mood changed. She burst into tears and rushed towards Scott, hugging him as best she could around her enormous stomach. "Ah'm sorry! Ah hurt you! Ah'm so sorry!"

Scott winced, and patted her back gingerly. "It's okay Jamila. How about we go to the store and get you a couple more bottles of chocolate syrup?"

Jamila brightened up immediately, wiping her face with the corner of her shirt. "Sure!"

Scott grabbed his keys and got Jamila situated into his car before taking off. Knowing Jamila's utter loathing for the music he preferred, he put on some Elvis, which was probably the only thing the two of them could agree on. Jamila hummed along happily, eyes lit up at the prospect of getting her chocolate and cheese nachos. The ride to the store was quick, but soon Jamila was back at the Mansion, pouring chocolate syrup onto her nachos. Jendayi waltzed into the kitchen, just back from her date with Kurt, as her slightly flushed face and starry eyes indicated. She planted a big kiss on Jamila's stomach. "Hello in there!" She straightened up to kiss Jamila dramatically. "And hello to you, you sexy whale you!"

Jamila rolled her eyes. With a sister like you, who needs enemies? Jendayi giggled. Jamila finished chewing and swallowing. "How was your date?"

"It was fun. We went to go see that new action movie, and then we went out to dinner." Jendayi smiled softly. Jamila finished her nachos and put her plate into the dishwasher. "Have the cubs been getting restless?"

"Yes. Ah swear they think Ah'm a personal trampoline." Jamila winced at the kick she received. Jendayi placed her hand on her twin's belly, and Jamila was happy to feel the girls calm down.

"How are you gonna decide what name to give which girl?"

"Ah think Jahari is gonna be the first born."

"Why?"

"Ah don't know. It just sounds like the name of someone who was a firstborn."

Jendayi shrugged. "Hey, you're the mother."

"And you're the aunt."

Jendayi wrapped her arms around her sister and rested her chin in the crook of Jamila's neck. "You're right, I am," she said. "Did you ever think you'd get pregnant now?"

Jamila shook her head vehemently. "Oh God no! But, Ah'm glad Ah've got you and Mom and Dad to see me through."

Jendayi purred as she nuzzled her sister's cheek. "You got that right. When does Madea get here?"

"Sometime next week."

"Excited?"

"Of course! And so is she. These are her first great grandchildren." Jamila patted her stomach as she went to grab a glass of milk. She poured chocolate syrup into it and began to drink. Jendayi slapped her forehead.

"Oh man! Ah forgot something!" She raced from the kitchen. Jamila shrugged, and continued her chocolate syrup fest. She had just finished washing her hands when Jendayi came up behind her and slipped a blindfold over her eyes.

"Jen? What are you doin'?"

"Just follow me!" Jendayi led her sister up the stairs and to a closed door. "Blindfold still on?"

"Yes."

"Good!" Jendayi opened the door, and Jamila could hear people breathing. Jendayi removed her blindfold, and there stood the residents of the Mansion, in the rec room, with a banner that said, 'Congrats Mommy to be!' Madea stood there with a huge plate of homemade Buffalo wings, bottles of chocolate syrup on standby.

Jamila blushed as she accepted hugs from the girls of the mansion. Kitty took her hand and led her to the couch, where she pinned a handmade button that read 'This is our Mommy!' on Jamila's shirt. "We've been planning this for like, weeks!"

Jamila looked up at her grandmother. "But Madea, when did you get here?"

"A few hours ago." Madea said nonchalantly, pressing a kiss to her granddaughter's forehead. "You don't think Ah'd miss the birth of my first great-grandchildren?"

Jendayi presented her twin with some Buffalo wings and chocolate syrup. Jamila smiled her thanks, and rested her head on her grandmother's shoulder. "Ah'm so glad you're here, Madea."

Madea stroked her granddaughter's hair. "Ah know you are, baby."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's eat!" Jamila cried, sitting up abruptly and grabbing the chocolate syrup. Jendayi and Kitty had organized quite a nice party, with games and prizes, and of course presents. Jamila received everything she needed to furnish the baby room. Her favorite present, however, came from Scott. He presented her with a pair of matching Brady onesies for the babies, and a gift certificate to D.E.M.O, her favorite store. She grinned wide enough to crack her face, and hugged him tightly.

"So, Kurt, you're going to help me put all this stuff together for mah nieces' room, right?" Jendayi asked sweetly, from her position at Kurt's side.

Kurt nodded. "Of course Jendayi." She smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Knew you'd say yes," she said sweetly. "That's why Ah love you."

Jamila rolled her eyes. "He said yes cuz he's probably scared of your evil behind."

Jendayi stuck her tongue out at her sister. Jamila shrugged and turned back to her conversation with Jean, Scott and Evan. Soon, she waddled her way to the couch and sat down. Xavier moved next to her. "Are you alright, Jamila?"

"Yes, but mah back is killin me. These girls think their mama is a hobby horse." She smiled slightly.

Xavier nodded. "If you would like to go to sleep, no one would think badly of you."

Jamila looked at him hopefully. "Really?"

"Of course not. The girls are in their eighth month of development. I believe that should you wish to sleep, no one will stop you."

Jamila sighed in relief and stood, using the couch arm to lever herself off the couch. "Thanks. Ah am just a little overwhelmed."

Scott was by her side in an instant. "Want me to help you to your room?"

Jamila nodded, and Scott let her make her rounds to thank everyone before courteously helping her to her room. She thanked him and went inside, where she changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed. The girls too settled down as they felt their mother lie down and relax.

Month 6

"Dad, promise me something."

"What is it, Mila?"

"Promise me you won't lay a hand on Remy."

Logan looked down at his gasping daughter. "Why?"

"BECAUSE AH'M GONNA KILL THAT BASTARD MAHSELF!" She screamed as another contraction racked her body. Henry approached her cautiously, aware more than ever of her parentage at that moment.

"Jamila, I'm afraid I have some bad news for you."

Jamila looked up at him, breathing in deep. "Are the babies okay?"

"They're fine, but you're not fully dilated yet. From what I can tell, it's going to be another day or so before you are."

Jamila's eyes frosted over, and her voice was curiously flat when she spoke. "Do you mean to say that Ah'm gonna be havin' contractions for another day?" Henry nodded, and ducked to avoid the cup Jamila threw at his head. "FUCK THAT!"

"Jamila, these things can't be rushed…"

"Ah DON'T CARE! Ah want these babies OUT! NOW!" She shrieked in pain as another contraction hit her.

"We'll make you as comfortable as possible, but as I said before, these things cannot be rushed. We must let nature take its course."

"Nature? NATURE?! SCREW NATURE!"

Henry winced, and looked pleadingly at Logan. "Mila, calm down. Yellin' ain't gonna get you ready any sooner."

"Daddy, let me explain something to you, since you've never experienced labor," Jamila said pleasantly. "Someone is trying to shove two watermelons out through a straw. AT THE SAME TIME!"

Ororo walked in and placed a soothing hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Biting Henry and Logan's heads off will do you no good. You may as well let Henry give you something for the pain and try to get some sleep. Madea, Jendayi and I will sleep in shifts so you're not alone, if that will make you feel better."

Jamila could hardly yell at the woman who had, sixteen years past, gone through the same thing, so she shook her head. "Y'all don't have to do that."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Ah'll be fine."

Ororo kissed her daughter's forehead. "Very well. Good night Jamila." She rested her hand on Jamila's stomach. "Good night Jalene, Jahari." Logan and Ororo left, and Henry made sure Jamila was as comfortable as possible before retiring for the night. Jamila stayed up for quite a while, talking to her girls. At last, she drifted off to sleep.

Jendayi was up at the crack of dawn, creeping into the Med Lab to sit with her sister. She sat down in a chair, watching her twin sleep. Jamila began to wake, and Jamila had a glass of water waiting. Jamila accepted the water and sipped slowly. "How ya feelin, Mil?"

"Ready for these two to make their way into the world." Jamila said dryly.

"Have the contractions stopped?"

"Not exactly. Thanks to the medicine Dr. McCoy gave me, they don't hurt as bad." Jamila winced a little as she settled into a new position. "He told me that when the for real contractions start, Ah'm really gonna feel it."

Jendayi rubbed her sister's stomach gently. "Don't worry."

Jamila sighed. "Ah'm not, exactly."

Jendayi rested elbows on the bed, propping her chin up with her hands. "You're more worried about the future, how you're gonna raise the girls without their father around." Jamila nodded morosely. "Well, Ah'll tell you. You're gonna raise them with lots of help from your family. Forget Remy! Women have been raisin kids alone for years now."

"Ah know. But still…"

"Worry bout that bridge when you get to it." Madea advised, stepping into the room. "It don't do nobody no good worryin' bout something that ain't gonna happen for years," she advised, kissing the twins' foreheads. Jendayi gave Madea her seat, and curled up in bed with Jamila. They talked for a little while longer until Henry came in.

"Hello Jamila. How are you feeling?"

"The contractions aren't that bad, thanks to whatever it was you gave me, but Ah'd love to take a shower."

"Jendayi, would you assist your sister in the shower? After you're done, we'll just check on the progress of the girls, and determine whether or not labor should be induced."

Jamila looked hopeful at this. "You mean you can induce labor?"

"We'll see." Jamila waddled off towards the bathroom, leaning heavily on her sister for support. She was soon fresh, clean, and in the middle of a particularly strong contraction. Jendayi winced as her sister gripped her hand.

Henry quickly made his diagnosis. "I would not advise inducing labor at this point. It seems as though you should be fully dilated by five o clock this evening."

"So, we can't induce labor?" Jamila said, drawing in a deep hiss at the next contraction.

"Not this close to delivery."

Jamila sighed, and looked down at her stomach. "Ah know havin' your own personal waterbed is exciting, but Ah'm ready for y'all to be born," she said dryly.

"Perhaps you'd like to take a walk? It should be of some help."

Jamila shrugged. "Why not?" Jendayi helped her sister up and into a pair of jeans and together they walked around the mansion. "Can we go outside? Sittin around inside makes me fidgety."

The two girls headed outside, and sat down on the porch, Jamila tilting her head back to rest on the swing. "Good Lord, black people can't even be on time for their own births."

Jendayi laughed. "They're your daughters."

"Ah know. Figures, huh?"

Jendayi giggled. "Oh man, Ah'm so excited!"

"Who are you tellin? Ah'll be able to see mah feet again. Ah haven't seen them in months. Soon as Ah can, Ah wanna pedicure."

"We can go whenever you want," Jendayi said. "A pedicure sounds great. Maybe a manicure too. All this trainin is so rough on mah hands."

Jamila surveyed her own hands. "Ah don't think Ah'll be needin' manis for quite a while, takin care of the girls."

Jendayi bit her lip reflectively. "You're right."

Jamila struggled up from her seat. "Let's walk around some more. Ah can't sit still." The twins took a leisurely stroll around the grounds, taking in the beauty of the mansion. They had just come to a stop at a towering pine when Jamila winced and clutched her stomach.

"What's wrong?"

"Ah think Dr. McCoy was mistaken." Jamila ground out, her knees wobbling. Jendayi wrapped an arm around her sister's waist, and began half-carrying her sister back inside. Fortunately, Evan came out at that moment. He and Jendayi formed a chair with their hands to carry Jamila to the Med Lab. Henry promptly readied her bed and began an examination.

"Jamila, you're definitely in labor. You're at seven centimeters and approaching eight."

Jamila breathed out a sigh of relief. "It's about time!" She groaned as another contraction hit her. Ororo rested a soothing hand on her daughter's forehead.

"Relax." Ororo whispered, stroking Jamila's hair. Jamila took a deep breath, and inch-by-inch relaxed her tense body. Jendayi took her twin's hands and began rubbing them. Madea rubbed her granddaughter's belly gently. Jamila visibly relaxed. The trio of women pampered Jamila for the next two hours, taking breaks to keep their hands from cramping. It was close to four thirty when Jamila gasped. Henry examined her again.

"Well, Jamila, you are officially ten centimeters dilated. Now I want you to listen very carefully to my instructions."

Jamila winced and gripped her mother's hands. She managed a short, terse nod. "Where's Dad?" She ground out, letting out a short shriek.

"He'll be in once he suits up. I'm going to wheel you to the room where you'll be giving birth. Once everyone else is properly attired, they may enter." To Ororo, Madea, Evan and Jendayi, Henry said, "I want your hands scrubbed, suited up in scrubs, the whole nine yards. Including the rubber gloves."

Everyone hurried out of the room and Henry wheeled Jamila into a large white room. Henry smiled at Jamila comfortingly. "Don't worry, you'll be just fine."

Jamila's eyes had frosted over to a pale yellowish white. "Ah will kill Remy if he ever shows his sorry Cajun ass," she hissed, gripping the rails of the bed.

"Understandable." Henry said good-naturedly. "Now, would you like to wait for your family before you begin pushing?" Jamila bit back the curse on the tip of her tongue and nodded. "Very well. Just breathe."

Jamila commenced the breathing exercises Henry had shown her. Jendayi was the first one in, and she immediately went to work smoothing Jamila's hair, and dabbing her forehead with a wet cloth. Ororo, Madea and Logan soon followed, with Evan waiting at the door to run and tell the instant the girls arrived. Henry patted Jamila's knee.

"Alright Jamila, when I tell you to, I want you to push." Henry waited and then said firmly. "Push!" Jamila pushed and pushed for several hours to no avail. Just when she thought she was all pushed out, Jendayi grabbed her hand and squeezed it, infusing the worn out lioness with fresh energy. "Jamila, I'm going to need you to push again." Jamila pushed, and was rewarded with Logan swaying where he stood. "The head is crowning Jamila, you're doing great."

"Is Dad okay?" Jendayi asked, craning her neck to look at her father. He shook his head, face ashen, and quickly switched places with Ororo, electing to hold his daughter's hand instead of watch her give birth.

Madea snickered. "You act like you've never seen a woman give birth before."

"I haven't," Logan growled.

"One more push and Jahari will be here!" Henry said encouragingly. Jamila pushed with all her might, cursing Remy with every breath she took. There was a sharp cry as Jahari Nicole took her first breath in the world. Henry carefully cut the umbilical cord and handed the baby to Ororo, who cleaned her off before placing her in a basinet.

"She's beautiful, Jamila." Ororo said softly.

Jamila could just barely see a squirming caramel bundle, but at that moment she was racked by another contraction. Logan leaned over for a good look at his first grandchild. "Looks like you Mil."

Jamila gritted her teeth. "At least she doesn't look like him." She rested her head against the wall. "Fuck, when is this gonna be over?" She shouted.

Madea squeezed Jamila's hand. "We're halfway through this baby."

Jamila took a deep breath. "Can I start pushing now?"

"Not yet. We just have to make sure that Jahari is okay. Ororo, if you would note this please?" Hank weighed and measured the baby, checking her over thoroughly. "We have one Jahari Nicole Kerry, weight six pounds seven ounces, eighteen inches long, born at eleven fifty nine pm."

Ororo wrote everything down, and Henry returned to Jamila. "Okay Jamila, same thing as last time. When I say push, push."

Jendayi wiped the sweat from her sister's brow. "You're doin great babes."

"Push!" Jamila squeezed her father's hand with all the strength she could muster. Jendayi winced; a lesser person would have had a few broken bones, at the very least. Jendayi rubbed her sister's shoulders, and kissed her forehead. Madea wiped Jamila's sweaty face dry. Henry encouraged her. "Just keep pushing Jamila. You're almost through; that's a good girl."

Ororo watched Jalene's head begin to crown. "I can see her head, Jamila, you're doing great!"

Jamila took a few deep breaths to gather her strength before pushing with all her might. Jalene Marie marked her way into the world with a growl. Jamila's eyes widened. "Did she just growl?"

"She did." Henry said, handing the baby to Ororo, who cleaned her off. "Note, we have Miss Jalene Marie Kerry, born at twelve thirteen am. Weight, five pounds seven ounces, length sixteen inches."

Jendayi giggled. "They were born on different days!" Jendayi counted on her fingers. "And on a cusp too! Jahari's a Leo and Jalene is a Virgo!"

Jamila breathed out a long sigh. The afterbirth was delivered with no trouble, and she could finally rest. She felt her body return to normal, with the exception of her breasts, which were two cup sizes larger than they had been. Ororo kissed her daughter's forehead gently. "Would you like to meet your daughters?"

Jamila nodded, and Ororo carefully handed the twins to their mother. Jamila looked them over carefully, reverently touching their tiny fingers and toes. Jendayi noted the cloud colored curls on Jalene's head, and the reddish black of Jahari's. Jamila stared into their eyes and started. Ororo touched her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"The girls…their eyes…"

"What's wrong with them?" Henry asked, looking over both girls.

"Ah swear Jalene's eyes went white for a moment, and Jahari's were black and red."

"Well, they're normal now." Henry said, taking note of the newborns' blue eyes. "They'll settle into their permanent color in a few days."

"They're beautiful," Jendayi said.

"Would you like to hold Jahari?"

"Yes." Jendayi accepted the bundle of warm baby Jamila offered her and nuzzled her niece's cheek. "Welcome to the world, cub," Jendayi said softly. Jahari growled and batted at a loose curl of Jendayi's hair. Jendayi giggled. "Oh, she's part feline all right!" The babies were passed around to Ororo, Madea, Logan, Henry and Evan. In the midst of it all, Jamila fell into a deep sleep. Henry and Logan wheeled Jamila and the twins to the recovery room. Jendayi curled up on an extra bed. "Just in case the girls wake up. Jamila should sleep herself out," she said by way of explanation. Henry thoroughly examined both girls, declaring them perfectly healthy.

Henry shepherded everyone from the recovery room. "Jamila's exhausted, and the girls are fine. I believe that we could all do with a little sleep. I will remain in the Med Lab in case Jamila or the girls should require something."

Madea, Ororo and Logan took their turns kissing both sets of twins and leaving the Med Lab.

In their basinets, little Jahari and Jalene slept peacefully, tired from their first appearance in the world.

(Eyes of Green; Eyes of Gold)

Just for the record, I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan myself, but I can see Scott being a New England Patriots fan. Don't ask why. I apologize for any murkiness concerning the birth of the twins. I've never had children, and I have no idea what the whole process is like. Hopefully I didn't muck it up too badly. I hope everyone enjoyed the latest installment of my baby, although it was a long time coming. Don't worry, we're almost done with this drama filled roller coaster ride! Oh, and here's the basics of Jahari and Jalene.

Jahari Nicole Kerry- six pounds seven ounces, eighteen inches long, reddish black hair, eye color indeterminable at this point and time.

Jalene Marie Kerry- weight, five pounds seven ounces, sixteen inches long, hair color white, eye color indeterminable at this point and time.

That's all for now! I really hope you enjoyed it.