Chapter 12

Back and forth, over and over, Arakai paced the floor. His mind was filled with worry. On the other side of the closed door in the hospital, something incredible was happening. His son was being born. And this was excruciatingly stressful.

What will he be like? His mind was full of questions. How big will he be? Will he look more like me or Amee? What will his first words be? What will his first cry sound like? Oh, Alikai, I can't wait to meet you.

He continued pacing for what seemed like hours until finally a nurse came into the waiting room. "Mr. Remes," she called, "We're ready for you now."

Arakai practically bounded toward the door. On entering the room he quickly scanned it for his son. His eyes came to rest on Amee, who was cradling the small baby in her arms as she lay on the bed. Arakai felt like crying at the moment he saw such a beautiful sight. He walked over to her and smiled.

Alikai let out a small whimper as he cuddled up against his mother. Arakai got on one knee and softly asked Amee, "Hey, how are you feeling?"

Amee simply smiled and replied, "He's so precious."

"I know," Arakai said. He held out his hand and softly stroked Alikai's back. "He's the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me."

"What about me?" Amee asked playfully.

"Hey, I couldn't have him without you."

"Aaaaaboouh," Alikai sounded.

Both parents laughed at the noise their child made. It was by far the most adorable thing they had ever heard.

"Aaaaaboouh," Arakai repeated, looking to gain Alikai's attention.

"Ah ooo abmpmmpmppm," Alikai spat in Arakai's face.

Amee giggled, "I think he likes you."

"Do ya now?" Arakai was completely joyful as he wiped his eyes and nose of his son's spit. "Should we tell Shetka?"

"Of course," Amee approved, "Go tell him right now."

Arakai exited the room for a while and called Shetka on his holopad. A nurse came and started to feed Alikai with a bottle of warm milk. Alikai drank it very quickly and finished with a little burp. The nurse congratulated Amee and left the room. Arakai came back in and told Amee of his conversation with Shetka.

"He's really happy for both of us," he said, "He said he might even come to visit at some point."

"That's wonderful," Amee smiled, "I'll have to stay here for the rest of the day, but after that they'll release me and Alikai."

"It would be nice to see him again," Arakai remarked.

"Yeah," Amee agreed. Over the last three months both Arakai and Amee had begun to miss their old friend very much.

"Eeeh eeeaaaah aaaooo," Alikai continued to make his funny little noises. Each one brought an unquenchable delight to both of the new parents. After being released from the hospital, Arakai and Amee took their son home for the first time. Amee laid him down in a little blue crib the Shetka had sent them as a gift and covered him in a tiny baby blanket. Alikai made a few little cooing noises before eventually drifting off to sleep.

Over the next year the young family adjusted to their new life, with both parents taking turns on diaper duty, feeding, and many other things. As Arakai advanced in his work the house started to fill up with many different things including new furniture, tools, electronics, appliances, and toys. Alikai continued to grow more and more and eventually started smiling and walking. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

On one occasion, when Arakai came home from work, Alikai jumped up and ran to him as fast as his tiny legs could go, tripping and falling a few times on the way but always picking himself back up. When he reached his father he gave him a big hug and said "Dadda!"

Arakai was overjoyed. "Hey there, little buddy!" he exclaimed, "How are you doing today?"

Amee walked into the front room. "You missed it," she said, "He said his first words while you were gone."

"What were they?" Arakai was still smiling.

"He said 'Momma' and 'bowl', or maybe it was 'ball', I really couldn't tell. I taught him how to say 'Dadda' as a surprise for when you got home."

"Who surprised Dadda?" Arakai lifted his son in the air and gave him a big raspberry in the tummy, "Huh? Who surprised Dadda? You surprised Dadda! Yes you did!"

Alikai was too busy laughing to understand a word of what his father said. Arakai set him down on the floor and watched him waddle back to his toys, then he turned and gave his wife a kiss.

"I've got a surprise for you too," she said with a smile.

"Ah, and what might that be?" Arakai ran his hand through her hair.

"I'm pregnant again!" she answered with excitement.

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"Oh Amee, this is wonderful!" Arakai gave her a huge hug and another kiss, "I love you so much!"

"Do you think it will be a boy or a girl?" Amee asked.

"I just can't wait to meet it whichever one it is!"

"Me too!"

"How long have you known?"

"Not long, I only used the test a couple hours ago."

"Hey Alikai," Arakai called, "How would you like a sibling?"

Alikai ignored him and continued playing with his blocks.

"I dread the day he turns thirteen," Arakai remarked.

Amee giggled, "I'm sure we'll be fine. Now come help me make dinner. I want to try that new recipe Chianda sent us. It looks really good."

"Alright but fair warning, looks can be deceiving, especially when I'm cooking."

"Oh, just get in the kitchen already."

After dinner, Arakai helped Alikai brush his teeth and put him to bed. Then he and Amee stayed up for a few more hours planning for their second child and telling all their friends of the good news. At the end they lay down next to each other to sleep.

"Goodnight Amee, I love you."

"Goodnight Arakai, sleep well."

It was beautiful end to a perfect day.