Chapter 75
With the end of 1932 came a new chapter for everyone. Marcus spent the day after Christmas with Aidetzi and her family and even gave her a small present of coffee beans he knew she liked. With his being sworn into office came a new wave of policies and acts from the new President Roosevelt. Among those was a bank holiday that took a number of citizens, Alphonse among them, intensely annoyed. Word spread that President Roosevelt would be addressing the nation in what would be called 'Fireside Chats' and Americans were encouraged to sit before their radios or any available radio to hear the President speak. Aidetzi joined Marcus for the address on the base while the rest of the family went to the Inn where Debra, even in her failing health, hosted a small dinner for everyone while they listened. Kevin remained in the city for this and listened with Alphonse and his family at his house. Embry was invited to join.
Finally on March 12, 1933, the president's higher, but confident voice came through the radios of America expressing to the nation the details of the latest bank holiday and professing that many new changes had occurred that would be for the betterment of all Americans. He encouraged people to put their faith in the banks again, apologizing that banks, while not all in bad humor though the same could not be said for others, had handled Americans' money irresponsibly but reforms had been made. He asked the people to join him in banishing fear and promised better over the horizon. It gave people a much needed sense of hope that they'd not had for many years now. Sadly, the same couldn't be said from Germany's perspective. Kevin received the German newspaper he remained subscribed to only to find that Adolf Hitler had become Chancellor of Germany alongside President Hindenburg. The only comfort Kevin had from that situation was at least Amber and her family were in Paris. Of course, getting them to America was proving to be nothing short of a nightmare, legally speaking. He and Levi remained in constant correspondence, working to obtain citizenship. Last letter Kevin received, Levi was still awaiting a meeting with someone at the American Embassy.
Despite the President's words of encouragement and new policies, the people remained on hard times. Though he did put hundreds of thousands of men to work rebuilding the country. As the year progressed, Tomoeh's previous symptoms not only remained but seemed to be getting worse and all Renesmee and Kyle could do was keep her comfortable. That didn't last, however, before Nathan determined during the spring that wasn't good enough anymore.
"There has to be something you can do," Nathan said to Kyle while he was mixing the lasted pain killer for her. "You can't tell me that after God knows how many years of schooling you've been through that you can't figure out what's wrong."
"Nathan, you're not listening to me," Kyle said. "She's experiencing symptoms that could be attributed to any number of conditions. I have no way of knowing how many are physical and causing the infertility and what's mental from her depression."
"Then how can you figure it out? You'll probably be a hell of a lot more useful if you know what's wrong."
"Theoretically, yes, but like I said, it's not that simple."
"Then make it that simple!" Nathan said.
"And how do you suggest I do that, Nathan? Mom and I are doing everything we can and everything we're doing we've already discussed with Carlisle and he agrees it's the best course of action."
"So treat her pain but don't fix the problem? That makes all the sense in the world," Nathan said sarcastically. "How are we supposed to explain this to Scarlet? We've already been telling her mommy's not feeling well, but we can't keep telling her that without some kind of explanation. She's not stupid, Kyle."
"And did I ever imply she was?" Kyle asked defensively. "I'll examine her again and see if we can find out anything new. Last we gave her a checkup was January, so we'll see."
"Okay," Nathan finally calmed down a little. "Thank you."
"Just bring her here and I'll examine her now," Kyle said as he finished the medication. "I'll give her this afterwards."
As asked, Nathan went back to his house where Tomoeh was sitting in a rocking chair looking after Scarlet. She was sitting on the rug with Roxanne going through some reading she'd been instructed by Rosalie to do. Practicing her French. She was taking to it with about as much enthusiasm as her father had, but her reasoning for her lack of interest was entirely because of Tomoeh.
"How're you doing, Scarlet?" Nathan asked.
"I don't like French," Scarlet complained. "I prefer history."
"Yeah, I did too," Nathan smiled.
"Did you get that medicine from Kyle?" Tomoeh asked.
"Actually, I yelled at him until he said he'd examine you again," Nathan said. "The medicine's made, but I just need to bring you over."
"Alright," Tomoeh smiled and got out of the rocking chair. She'd lost so much weight by that point. She would try eating but she just didn't have an appetite anymore.
"Mom, do you want help?" Scarlet asked, standing from the floor going to the chair.
"No, Scarlet, I'm alright," Tomoeh smiled. "Make sure Roxanne looks after you." By this point, Roxanne was up there in age too. If Nathan's math was right, she was 12 by now and she was showing her age too.
"I will mom," Scarlet said and sat back down on the floor. Nathan took Tomoeh's hand and they walked together to his parent's house and to the back room Kyle and Renesmee used for the tribe. Sadly, in light of the crash, starting that hospital like Kyle wanted was put on the back burner until further notice, but it was a dream he still had.
"Hey, Tomoeh," Kyle welcomed her. "Sorry, mom's with Caevia right now, but I'll examine you."
"That's alright," Tomoeh said and went to the little bed.
"So how have you been feeling? Any new developments?"
"Not really," Tomoeh said.
"Well, let's start with your weight. Have you been eating more like I said?"
"I'm trying," Tomoeh answered as she got on the manual scale Kyle had brought to the office. He pushed the tabs until they were balanced, putting her weight at 98 pounds. It wasn't as rapid as her last drop, but she'd still lost 4 pounds and was still dangerously underweight.
"You lost 4 pounds," Kyle said.
"I'm trying to eat, but I just have no appetite," Tomoeh said.
"I know, but we'll just need to ensure you're eating more and at more points. Nathan, we'll try having her eat three square meals and snacks in between. Anything to put some weight back on her."
"Alright," Nathan said, sitting at a chair biting the tip of his thumb apprehensively. Tomoeh returned to the little bed and tried to relax while Kyle got a few things together. Tomoeh got into a little gown, ensuring she was nude underneath and was ready by the time Kyle was.
"We'll start with your temperature," Kyle said more to himself, placing his hand on Tomoeh's forehead. She was a little cold but within a normal range. Her pulse was alright when he checked that.
Kyle rubbed key points on her neck checking her thyroid. Everything felt normal as they had before. Next monitored her breathing which was pretty normal. He performed a mammogram for her starting with her left breast then her right. Nothing unusual. Pain that Tomoeh felt was directed in her abdomen and, like her last examination, she was sensitive to the touch, but she'd not felt a truly sharp pain in a while at least.
"Have you had a proper period since you last exam?" Kyle asked as he pressed her abdomen as gently as possible while still trying to check.
"No," Tomoeh answered. "Just spotting and bloating."
"All the symptoms without the actual condition," Kyle mumbled. "How has your nausea been?"
"If I try eating, it gets worse," Tomoeh said. "I'll drink apple juice sometimes if I can't keep proper food down."
"Okay, good," Kyle said. As he was examining her abdomen and was getting lower, he reached something rather hard that he swore was not there before. When he pressed it, Tomoeh whimpered. "That hurts?"
"Yeah," Tomoeh said.
"This was where you felt pain initially am I right?" Tomoeh nodded to Kyle's question. "By chance, has it spread?" Kyle dreaded asking.
"A little," Tomoeh said. "It's still there mostly, but sometimes I get pain like my stomach hurts."
"Okay," Kyle mumbled. "Tomoeh, I'm going to get some balm and try to lift the area closer to the service. It'll be a little uncomfortable, but I'll be as gentle as I can be."
Tomoeh nodded while Kyle grabbed a medical balm that her spread on his finger. He asked Tomoeh to take a deep breath and brace herself before slipped his finger inside her vaginal opening until he reached her cervix. He noticed it was firmer than it was supposed to be and that worried him. He pushed his finger upwards causing some discomfort but Tomoeh stayed silent. Kyle placed his hand to her right to get a better feel of her feminine organs and was he found confirmed the developing fear. That firm portion he'd felt that had been causing her pain was a large mass that had clearly spread. Kyle pulled out his finger and started cleaning his hands, a sad look on his face.
"What's wrong?" Nathan asked. Kyle didn't answer immediately, but soon he cleared his throat and got to his feet. "Kyle, what is it? Do you know what's wrong?"
"Yes, I know what's wrong," Kyle answered.
"Good. Then you can fix it," Nathan said.
"No, Nathan, I can't fix it," Kyle said somberly. "Tomoeh, to your knowledge, have there been other members of your family that have died younger from symptoms similar to what you're experiencing?"
"An aunt on my mother's side," Tomoeh said growing nervous, "but that was long before I was born."
"Hold on, what do you mean you can't fix it? What's wrong?" Nathan interrupted.
Kyle took a deep breath before answering, "It's a cancerous growth."
"What the hell does that mean?" Nathan asked.
"Cancer is a disease in which a growth begins that attacks the rest of the body. Sometimes it's benign and non-lethal but this is malignant. That means it's spreading to the rest of the body and seeing as that mass wasn't there before or at least wasn't that size, it's spreading quickly."
"So what can you do?" Nathan asked.
"I can give her medicine to alleviate the pain as best I can and we can keep Tomoeh comfortable," Kyle said disheartened.
"So how long before it passes?" Nathan asked stubbornly, although Tomoeh already knew her fate and was beginning to get teary eyed.
"It's not passing, Nathan. It's spreading to the rest of her body. I don't know how much longer it'll be, but it's going to kill her."
"No," Nathan muttered and stood from the chair. "Don't tell me there's nothing you can do. There has to be something you can do."
"I'm sorry, Nathan, but there isn't," Kyle said in a very quieted tone. "All I can do is try to make her comfortable. I'll gladly do that for her, but that's the best I can offer." Nathan stared at Kyle torn between being livid and heartbroken. Truth be told, he couldn't decide what he was yet. Without another word, Nathan left the house and changed to a wolf as soon as he reached the woods.
"Where is he going?" Tomoeh asked.
"To get Carlisle," Kyle answered. "He doesn't believe me and he wants a 'professional's' opinion." Kyle wasn't angry for the job. Truth be told, he didn't blame Nathan.
"There's really nothing?" Tomoeh asked.
"I'm sorry," Kyle answered and sat in the chair trying to remain calm for Tomoeh's sake. The last thing she needed was the doctor panicking. "I wish I could do something, but I can't."
"It's alright," Tomoeh answered under her breath. "How are we going to tell Scarlet?"
"Break it to her gently," Kyle said. "Though I'd recommend waiting for Nathan to get back home first. Who knows? Maybe Carlisle can do something I can't."
"Can he perform miracles?" Tomoeh tried joking, but it fell flat given the situation.
"That's Kevin's department," Kyle tried to reciprocate. "Maybe Carlisle can make better medicine for you at least."
"How long?" Tomoeh asked.
"Tomoeh, I wouldn't-"
"Kyle, please just be blunt with me. How long?"
Kyle was silent for a stretch but eventually said, "I don't think you'll make it to next year."
With a shiver and new tears in her eyes, Tomoeh nodded and took a deep breath. "Will I be able to be with Scarlet?"
"If you're asking whether your condition is contagious, it isn't. I should warn it's hereditary, although cancer in someone your age is highly unusual."
"You mean Scarlet might….." Tomoeh whimpered and trailed off.
"I doubt it," Kyle said. "Given our side of the family and the diversity it offered, I find it highly unlikely Scarlet would develop cancer."
"Okay," Tomoeh calmed down. "I don't know…..is there a way you can bring Nathan back? I can't just keep this from her for however long it'll take him to get back."
"I'll place a call to Carlisle and then I'll go after Nathan and save him the trip."
Tomoeh nodded and stayed on the bed while Kyle ran up to the Cullen house where the phone was and called them in Alaska. He got in touch and the phone was answered by Kate, but the Cullens had already left and were making their way to Washington. Kyle returned to his parent's house where Tomoeh was waiting.
"Good news," Kyle said. "They're already on their way, so they'll run into Nathan and he'll be back soon. He'll be back by tomorrow morning I suspect."
"Okay," Tomoeh said. "Should we let Carlisle give a second opinion before…"
"I say yes," Kyle said. "He may have better news."
"It's not likely, though," Tomoeh said.
"No, it's not likely," Kyle mumbled.
Thankfully, Nathan intercepted the Cullens by that afternoon and returned shortly thereafter with great urgency. Tomoeh was still at her in-laws and Jacob went to Nathan's house so he could look after Scarlet until Carlisle was able to provide the second opinion Nathan wanted. Renesmee did her own examination and found much the same thing Kyle did, but waited until Carlisle finally arrived.
"Evening, Tomoeh," Carlisle smiled warmly. "How are you feeling?"
"As though I've been hit with a brick," Tomoeh answered honestly.
"I'm sorry, that was a dumb question," Carlisle said.
"Kyle said Tomoeh has a cancerous growth. He said there's nothing he can do, but what about you? You've seen this before, right? So you know what to do?" Nathan asked stubbornly.
"You're certain it's cancer?" Carlisle asked Kyle.
"Positive," Kyle answered.
"Malignant?"
"Yes," Kyle nodded. "From what I was able to feel, its spread to her cervix and it's made its way to the intestine."
"Okay, but you can do something right?" Nathan continued asking Carlisle.
"Let me take a look," Carlisle answered and did much the same thing Kyle did. He felt around the area and within moments found exactly what Kyle was talking about. He was right that the mass was not there before. It would mean that it had been centralized at the time of her last examination when she'd started feeling her symptoms. To be sure, Carlisle performed the thorough exam that Kyle had before and located where the mass was centralized. He released a sad sigh and stood up while he cleaned his hands. "Kyle's right. It's a cancerous mass. From what I can feel, it's centralized in the right ovary, but by now, its spread to the left and into the womb and cervix."
"And what can you do about it?" Nathan asked more aggressively.
"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do," Carlisle said, just as Kyle had. "Kyle will make medicine for her that will alleviate the pain but that's the best we can do. Cancer isn't treatable. If someone suffers the disease, then the best a doctor can do is keep the patient comfortable until they pass away."
"No!" Nathan yelled. "Don't just keep her comfortable! Fucking do something!"
"Nathan!" Renesmee said sternly.
"Nathan," Carlisle said calmly. "I know you're upset, but please try to stay calm. If nothing else, for Tomoeh's and Scarlet's sake. You and Scarlet need to use this time to be with Tomoeh until the end."
"So what?" Nathan asked. "What are we supposed to tell Scarlet? How can you expect me to tell our daughter her mother's dying?"
"We have to tell her truthfully," Carlisle said. "There's no way to make this hurt any less, but we need to give her the news as gently as we can. And Nathan, you need to be strong for Scarlet. Help her through this period as best you can."
"So my wife's dying and you're telling me to just deal with it," Nathan said bitterly.
"Can I talk to Nathan alone?" Tomoeh interrupted. "And can someone go tell my family what's happened?"
"I'll go," Kyle said and left to go to the Makka. Everyone else left and closed the doors to the back behind them so Nathan and Tomoeh could be alone. Nathan stared at Tomoeh a moment and she stared back and smiled weakly. He walked over to the bed and sat down beside her. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't.
"At least now we know what's wrong," Tomoeh said. Then Nathan couldn't stop it anymore and he started crying. He couldn't do anything else. And once he started, Tomoeh lifted her hand to his head and brought him to her chest to comfort him. "It's alright, Nathan," Tomoeh cooed comfortingly.
"It's not supposed to happen this way," Nathan managed. "We're supposed to be able to watch our daughter grow up. We're supposed to watch her fall in love and have children of her own." Nathan started crying more. "This isn't supposed to happen to you."
Tomoeh patted Nathan's head and was crying a little herself, but for different reasons. "Thank you, Nathan."
"For what?" Nathan asked. "I haven't done anything."
"You loved me," Tomoeh said.
"Of course I love you," Nathan said. Tomoeh smiled and kissed Nathan's head.
"I love you too," Tomoeh said. "You know, I remember when we got married. Your mother had told me that she wanted us to be sure this is what we wanted. She said she didn't want us to jump into anything just to settle a dispute."
"I'm sorry," Nathan managed through his tears with his head still pressed into her chest.
"Don't be," Tomoeh said. "I remember back then, I loved you. I'd thought you were handsome and I thought that if we had to be in an arranged marriage, at least my husband to be was you. I'd told your mother that I couldn't promise we'd have what she has with your father, but I'd promised her we would love each other. I just never knew how much I'd love you."
"Tomoeh," Nathan said through his tears.
"It's alright," Tomoeh said. "You made me happy, Nathan. You and Scarlet did. And I wouldn't change a thing. I just want you to promise me something."
Nathan shook his head, "Don't do that. Not right now."
"Nathan," Tomoeh whispered. "Please." Finally, Nathan nodded and hugged her tighter. "You're an adventurer, Nathan. It's one of the things that made me fall in love with you. You always talked about all those places you wanted to go. I want you to do all that with Scarlet like we'd planned to."
"Not without you," Nathan whimpered, but Tomoeh shook her head.
"No, just you and Scarlet Willow," Tomoeh insisted. "I know this Little Red Tree wants to see the world. So take the sapling with you. It's the last thing I'll ask of you."
"Tomoeh, please," Nathan cried. "I can't do this without you."
"I know you can," Tomoeh said. "Scarlet needs you now more than ever." Nathan shivered and held Tomoeh just a little tighter. "After I'm gone, Nathan, I want you to take Scarlet on those adventures you always talked with me about. Take her back to California, take her through the deserts south of here. Take her through Mexico and to the rainforests of South America. Just like you always wanted."
"We were supposed to do that together," Nathan cried. Pleaded in fact. As though if he begged enough, the news they'd received would be undone in an instant.
"I know," Tomoeh whimpered and held Nathan lovingly. "But I want you and Scarlet to go. At least in memory of me. Do you promise me, Nathan?" Nathan couldn't manage a verbal reply. Rather, he nodded in her chest and held her to him as though he'd not let go. "Thank you, Nathan."
"I love you, Tomoeh," Nathan said. "I never told you enough how much I love you."
"I love you too," Tomoeh cried a little more and started rocking Nathan back and forth in her arms.
Out of respect, everyone left Nathan and Tomoeh alone for as long as they needed. No one told Scarlet. Not yet. Nathan and Tomoeh needed to be the ones to sit down with her and tell her and the two of them needed time to accept it themselves. But finally, the next morning, Nathan and Tomoeh finally returned home and asked Jacob to give them a minute alone with Scarlet. Scarlet was already visibly upset. She didn't know exactly what was wrong, but she'd figured out there was a problem. Based on how long they were gone and the looks on their faces, she came to her own conclusions. All the same, Nathan and Tomoeh sat on the floor with her so they could talk.
"Your Uncle Kyle was able to figure out what the problem was," Nathan started, managing to barely keep his composure. "He said…..it's a cancerous mass and it's spreading."
"Can he fix it?" Scarlet asked even though she already knew the answer.
"No," Tomoeh answered gently. Scarlet started crying just as Nathan had and hugged her mom. The site made Nathan break his own composure and he looked away trying to regain it, but Tomoeh smiled a little and took him in a hug with her.
They didn't really say much more than that. Roxanne came into the house from a little adventure of her own and happened upon the scene. By instinct, she knew there was something wrong and went up to them all and snuggled up to them. That night, all four of them slept in the same bed that night like they used to when Scarlet was a baby. In a move that was unprecedented for Roxanne, rather than sleep at Nathan's or Scarlet's feet like she usually did, she slept between Tomoeh's legs propping her head on her hip. It was very comforting. News of Tomoeh's condition spread like wildfire and everyone knew by the following morning when Kyle returned with her siblings. The only consolation Tomoeh had, if one could call it that, was the fact her parents never had to see her die so young, having passed away two years ago within months of one another. Toroeh and Rae promised they'd remain with the Quileutes until further notice, as did Jjigae, Toraz and Torou and his wife. Nathan made up the spare room as well as Scarlet's room so everyone had a place to sleep in the house. Scarlet insisted she wanted to sleep with Nathan and Tomoeh.
"Tomoeh's sick," Jae told Hailey when he arrived at work with JJ in tow.
"That's a shame," Hailey said, not yet knowing the seriousness of the issue. "I assume Kyle and Renesmee are treating her?"
"They're doing what they can," Jae said. "They said its cancer."
"Oh," Hailey replied, now realizing the seriousness. "I'm sorry."
"They aren't sure how long she has. Her brothers and sister are staying with her and Nathan right now."
"How's Scarlet handling it?" Hailey asked.
"She's a trooper," Jae said. "She had her cry, but it seems now she's just staying close to Tomoeh and playing board games with her. I think she's trying to make the situation less painful for the time being."
"Does she not understand?"
"No, she understands," Jae said. "She's known for a while something was wrong with Tomoeh. I think after the shock passed of the gravity of her mother's condition, she decided she'd be better off spending as much time with Tomoeh as she can rather than cry."
"She's a strong kid," Hailey said. "How's Nathan taking it?"
"He's not taking it well either," Jae said. "He's trying to be strong like Scarlet is, but he's having a hard time accepting it. I think her family being there is making it harder for him."
"Makes it that much more real for him?" Hailey asked.
"I think so," Jae said. "I'm hoping she at least makes it to December. Give Scarlet one last Christmas with her mother, you know?"
"Yeah," Hailey said. "How are all of you feeling?"
"Natalie's upset," Jae said. "She and Tomoeh got along really well, but she's more upset by how this is affecting Nathan. She's doing the best she can trying to comfort him. She said she wants to stay with them for a while."
"So you'll have a house of babies to yourself?" Hailey asked.
"She'll keep Salem with her, but I'll look after JJ. That's why I brought him to work."
"I was wondering why the pipsqueak was present," Hailey said, looking at JJ who was now sitting on the floor behind the counter with his hand in his mouth. "That boy keeps that shit up, he might eat his own hand."
Jae finally smiled and chuckled a little, "I think that's his goal. I'm sure he'll stop once he figures out that would hurt."
"I hope so," Hailey sighed. "And you honestly want 10 more of these little monkeys?"
Jae chuckled again, "It won't be that many, but I would like more. Do you disapprove, uncle?"
"Only if you plan to bring them to work with you," Hailey said. "Unless this little cannibal will make himself useful of course."
"He can barely walk, Uncle Hailey. Give him a break," Jae laughed. Hailey grumbled and walked around the boy to get to work. As if an act of defiance, JJ started following Hailey, occasionally plopping back on his butt in the process but always getting back up to go after him.
"God dammit, this little brat won't leave me be," Hailey complained.
"Like father like son," Jae laughed.
Meanwhile through the month, along with the overworked caseload Kevin and Alphonse continued to put on their shoulders, Olga was assisting with the citizenship process Kevin was trying to work on. Kevin went so far as to beg an audience with an immigration officer that wasn't getting back to him. One night, Kevin was working on the paperwork when a knock came at his door. He went to answer it and there was Embry at the door. He stepped in after Kevin stepped aside to let him in.
"You're not coming home tonight?" Embry asked.
"I can't," Kevin groaned.
"Overloading yourself?" Embry asked.
"It's not that," Kevin said. "I just received a letter from that fucking immigration officer I've been trying to meet. Son of a bitch is saying he can't see me until January next year."
"Why?" Embry asked.
"Apparently Amber and her parents aren't the only Jews fleeing Germany," Kevin groaned. "Can't say as I blame them."
"I know Levi said he wants to do this legally, but why not just push them on a boat and bring them here?"
"It still requires I make them citizens. Amber's easy. We get married, she's a citizen automatically. Her parents are a different matter."
"Have you tried storming into this guy's office demanding an audience? It worked when you applied to work for that Mr. Huntington asshole."
Kevin smiled a little, "I did actually. He wasn't in. I asked them where this guy was and they told me he was out of the country."
"Is he actually or were they just telling you that?"
"Apparently they're telling me the truth," Kevin said. "I came back every day after that for a week just to be sure and lo and behold he really was never in. Poor girl running the front desk knew me by name by the end of it. I'd walk in and she's say 'He's still out of the country Mr. Black'."
"Did you get a letter from Levi? How are things from his end?"
"Same thing," Kevin said. "A bureaucratic maze if you will. Dante's adventures through hell weren't so fucking insane. I was able to at least send Levi some paperwork for him to fill out so he'd be slightly more prepared than the average immigrant."
"What about Amber? How's she doing?"
"She's still working at the post office in Paris and she writes all the time. I at least have that."
"Do you think you'll be able to visit them any time soon?" Embry asked, but he had Kevin's answer by the somber way he gently shook his head.
"The way things are looking, I won't see Amber until I get her to America or the economy improves. Whichever comes first. I'd prefer the former."
"You'll forgive me for saying I'd prefer the latter," Embry said. "Well," Embry said and lifted up a large bag. "Booze is legal again, so how about we drown our sorrows in some good old whiskey?"
Kevin smiled weakly, "Sounds nice. I'm sorry I don't have anything started for dinner."
"Eh," Embry waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. We'll drink for dinner."
"I can't imagine that's good for you," Kevin said.
"Probably not, but in these hard times, who gives a shit?" Embry said and went to the kitchen to grab some glasses for them. "Do you have any potatoes or something? We can just steam those."
"I have a few in the pantry. I'm trying to make them last."
"They're not sprouting are they?"
"I haven't really been caring," Kevin said. "I bring home enough for groceries occasionally, but that's about it. Every dime I make is going straight to the business. Keeping things the way they were during our brief years in the twenties isn't cheap."
"I bet," Embry sighed. He got things set up to cook the potatoes and poured each of them a tall glass of whiskey after everything was set up. "Just so you know," Embry said handing Kevin his glass and clinking it with his own, "I'll probably be staying the night."
Kevin smiled, "Just don't vomit on my floors."
"No promises," Embry chuckled and took a big swig. The burn of the unfamiliar liquor got to him and some of it returned to the glass while some went to the back of Embry's throat causing him to cough.
"You alright, there?"
"Sorry," Embry coughed a little more. "Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever had alcohol before."
Kevin shrugged, "Beer's alright. Anything harder is really for special occasions as far as I'm concerned." Kevin took a sip of his whiskey and squinted his eyes. "Oh Christ, that's vile."
"The salesman told me it was the best one they carry. Charged me a whole week's pay for this shit."
"I'll demand your money back," Kevin said and took another sip.
"I thought you didn't like it," Embry chuckled.
"I need the lightheaded feeling right now, honestly," Kevin said. "How's Tomoeh doing?"
"She's lost more weight," Embry said. "Kyle's been keeping the pain at bay, though. He's giving her pain killing medicine to kill a horse it seems like and Nathan's house constantly smells like a field of lilacs. Apparently that's good for inflammation."
"Cancer's a little more than just 'inflammation' but whatever. He's the doctor," Kevin said and took another sip of horrible whiskey.
"So guess what else," Embry said.
"If you tell me you have cancer too or something, I'll punch it out of you," Kevin said and Embry chuckled.
"Don't worry, Kevin. You can't get rid of me that easy. I was saying that apparently Tomoeh made Nathan promise to take Scarlet traveling after she passes away."
"Why?" Kevin asked.
"It's one of the reasons Tomoeh fell in love with him apparently. Nathan being an adventurer and all. She wants Scarlet to have the same spirit."
"Well, she's already a trouble maker like her daddy," Kevin said. "Don't know why she wants to make things worse."
Embry laughed, "Some women like bad boys I guess." Embry took a sip and squinted. "You're right. That's vile."
"You know," Kevin chuckled a little, "once when I was coming back to the shop with Levi after our little beer hall excursion, we taught each other our national anthems."
Embry laughed, "Well then," he said and took another attempt at swilling down the entire glass of whiskey having far better luck now that he was prepared and then started singing:
"Oh say can you see how that star spangled banner did fly!"
Kevin started laughing as Embry sang, skipping at least fifteen versus of the song while getting others flat out wrong, so when he tried to join, they could never seem to get in sync. Soon they started singing a song they heard from a movie that Jae and Natalie had seen with Aidetzi and Marcus, but of course they couldn't remember any of the words until they eventually divulged to poorly adapting old Quileute songs from their childhood. Eventually the two of them passed out on the floor of Kevin's kitchen waking up with crippling headaches. As Natalie had said she would, she stayed with Nathan and Tomoeh, more for Nathan's benefit than anything. Besides, Salem was helping to cheer him up a little. Scarlet was playing a game of checkers with Tomoeh with her brothers and sister watching one afternoon while Nathan and Natalie had gone outside to sit on the bluff looking out on the sunset with Salem in Natalie's lap taking a nap after a little snack.
"How are you feeling?" Natalie asked now that the two of them were alone. It had been 2 months by then since Tomoeh's diagnosis and she'd only gotten worse since then. Nathan didn't seem like he was accepting it any better than before.
"How do you think?" Nathan mumbled. "I'm 25 and I'm about to be a widow. How would you feel?"
"Devastated," Natalie answered
"Well, there you go," Nathan mumbled again. "I can't seem to cry anymore about it. Now I'm just depressed."
"Tomoeh seems like she's happy at the very least," Natalie said. "Scarlet's been wonderful."
"Yeah, she has," Nathan said. "I wish I could be that way."
"You're doing the best you can," Natalie said. "Don't fault yourself for that." Nathan breathed a little and put his face in his hands.
"I don't like feeling like this," Nathan said. "I feel powerless. I've never felt like this before."
"I'm sure Tomoeh's scared too, but she needs you to stand by her side like you've been doing," Natalie said. "Honestly, I think she loves you all the more for it."
Nathan was quiet for a while before he finally spoke. "There're so many things I wish she and I could have done. She actually felt bad because she couldn't get pregnant again. I wanted so badly to tell her it was fine and all the more time we could have to do other things."
"She'd told me she wanted to give you a boy," Natalie admitted. "She's sad she couldn't."
"I don't care about having a boy," Nathan said. "It's not like I need an heir or some shit. If anyone needs to get their ass on that, it's Kevin, not me."
"It wasn't about giving you an heir, Nathan. She just wanted to give you a son. Jae's been so happy with JJ and Salem and Toroeh's been so happy with Wren. She wanted to give you the same."
"I'm happy with Scarlet," Nathan said. "I don't need a son to be happy. She shouldn't regret not giving me one."
"Make sure you tell her that," Natalie said. "But word it properly. Tell her that you love her and Scarlet with all your heart and you're happy she gave you your little girl."
"I will," Nathan mumbled. Natalie rubbed his back and Nathan slid closer to her.
"Are you going to take Scarlet south after Tomoeh dies?"
"She asked me to," Nathan said. "How can I tell her no?"
"I think it'll be good for you both," Natalie said. "Just don't be away too long, you hear? Or at least come back often. And bring me back presents."
Nathan smiled a little. "I'll see about bringing everyone souvenirs."
"I didn't say everyone, I said me," Natalie smiled and Nathan finally laughed. "That's what I wanted to see."
"Alright, Natalie, I'll make sure to get you presents while I'm gone."
"So where are you planning to take her?"
"Everywhere I told Tomoeh I wanted to go. We'll go back to California. Scarlet loved it there. Then we'll go to Nevada, then Arizona, and through New Mexico to Texas. Then we'll go through Mexico and all the countries between it and South America. We'll end the trip by going to the Amazonian rainforests. That's where I'd wanted to go the most. And Scarlet wants to see the forests in color. The black and white of the text books and atlases aren't good enough."
Natalie smiled, "It's always better to see something like that in person. I almost wish Jae and I could join you."
"This'll be just me and Scarlet," Nathan said with an initial smile, but it faded quickly and Nathan held his head down as though he'd cry. "Why did this happen?"
"There's no way to know," Natalie said and rested her head against Nathan's shoulder. "We're here for you and Scarlet. Just remember that. We'll all help you two get through this."
"Thank you," Nathan answered and rested his head against Natalie's.
Aidetzi was sad for Nathan and Scarlet. After the news had spread and she'd gotten a chance to see Marcus, she told him about what happened. He inevitably told his mother who insisted they should do something nice for the family. She she reached out to some friends from church and they put some money together to make some food that Marcus was tasked with bringing to the tribe one Sunday. Aidetzi had her monthly visits with Bernadette as usual, but she visited far more often to see Marcus. She continued to avoid Didi and Lawrence, though sometimes Lawrence was an inevitability to encounter. Aidetzi remained cordial and would avoid any long conversations with him, especially if he started making her uncomfortable.
Come November, a program known as the C.W.A was implemented in an effort to employ America men while simultaneously improving the American landscape. As soon as Embry was able, he signed himself up and was hired on as one of thousands that would come to begin a project in building parks, playgrounds and other city projects. Outside of when he helped build his house, he had no outside construction experience, but the people that employed him didn't really care. He was another pair of hands that could be put to work. It would mean he'd need to be in the city most of the time. Kevin gladly offered Embry a room in his house. Around the same time that month of November, Aidetzi was staying with Nathan and Tomoeh to check on them. Mrs. Carter had sent a gift of sewn mittens for Scarlet that were too big but she liked them.
"It won't be long now," Tomoeh lamented to Scarlet while the two of them were upstairs together. Tomoeh was tired and wanted to be left alone. Scarlet insisted on joining her while everyone else stayed downstairs making dinner.
"Don't say that, mommy," Scarlet protested while she rested her head against Tomoeh's shoulder while they laid in bed.
"No, Scarlet, it won't be long," Tomoeh said in a hushed tone. "I told you father to take you adventuring after I was gone."
"I don't want to," Scarlet protested with tears in her eyes burring her face in Tomoeh's chest while Tomoeh cuddled her close.
"It doesn't have to be right away, Scarlet," Tomoeh smiled. "But I want you both to do that for me. It'll be good for you and your father." With a sniff and whimper, Scarlet finally nodded her head. "There's one more thing, Scarlet."
"What?" Scarlet asked. Tomoeh lifted her left hand and took off her bracelet that Nathan had made her. It could just barely fit on Scarlet's wrist, but she tightened it enough that it would stay on.
"I want you to have that," Tomoeh said after she'd finished fastening the bracelet onto Scarlet's wrist. "Your father worked very hard on this bracelet for me. I want it to stay with someone I know will look after it."
Scarlet cried a little harder, "Mommy."
"Shhh," Tomoeh whispered and kissed the top of Scarlet's head. "This way, you'll always have me with you. I'll go on those adventures with you so long as you're wearing my bracelet. Can you promise me that, Scarlet?" Scarlet managed to nod and Tomoeh smiled. "Thank you, Scarlet," she said and kissed the top of her head. "And look after your father for me. I love him with all my heart. I want to know he'll have you at his side even if I can't be."
"Okay, mommy," Scarlet whimpered and hugged her mother tighter. "I love you, mommy."
"I love you too, Scarlet Willow," Tomoeh said, finally crying. "Go on that adventure Little Red Tree. See the world with a Black Sheep."
Scarlet smiled a little and they hugged longer until they both fell asleep. Downstairs, Nathan and Natalie were sitting together beside the radio listening to some music with Aidetzi when Aidetzi felt a horrible pressure in her throat and she ran outside to throw up. Natalie asked Jjigae to hold Salem while she ran outside into the fresh snow to attend to her, grabbing her hands so her fingers wouldn't freeze. Eventually, Aidetzi felt better and they returned back inside. The following morning back home, Aidetzi had much the same problem and ran to the bathroom to throw up. She needed to take a moment to regain herself but when Caevia found out and checked her temperature to find no fever, she patted Aidetzi on the back and asked her to go see Renesmee or Kyle.
"What brings you in?" Kyle asked while he washed his hands and Renesmee was mixing some herbs to help with the onset on nausea Caevia had experienced.
"I've been sick last night and this morning but I'm not running a fever. Mom asked me to come in."
"When was your last period?" Renesmee asked.
"I….I don't remember. It was a while ago," Aidetzi said.
"Have you been feeling any other symptoms? Bloating, headaches, tiredness?"
"Maybe a little," Aidetzi said, but, as if hit with a ton of bricks, she had a realization. "I'm pregnant aren't I?" she asked.
"It's beginning to look that way," Kyle said and walked over. "Let's see if you're showing at all."
Kyle pressed against Aidetzi's lower abdomen, but there was no obvious signs, so if she were pregnant, then it was still really early. Upon Aidetzi's preference, Renesmee gave Aidetzi a physical to be sure. But it was still too early to tell for sure. Kyle suggested Aidetzi give herself another week to be sure. He at the end of that week so got her period, she wasn't pregnant. If she didn't or all she got was spotting, then she was pregnant. Aidetzi spent all that week feeling like her stomach was in knots. She wasn't expected to see Marcus for a while since he was expected to help his mother with a function that weekend. All the same, she frequently visited Nathan and Tomoeh or visited Jae. With Natalie spending most of her time with Nathan, he barely saw her these days. She asked Renesmee and Kyle to not say anything about her possible condition, but Kyle telling the pack was an unfortunate inevitability, but Jae didn't say anything to her. She could tell he knew, but Jae could tell Aidetzi didn't want to talk about it. At least not yet. By the end of the week, she'd still not gotten her period. Just to be sure, she went to Renesmee and requested another examination. She still wasn't showing however having counted back to her last period, it was rather obvious by this point that she was pregnant.
She didn't want to have to, but Aidetzi took the car up to the base even though she wasn't expected. When she arrived, she walked to the base and as she expected, no one was home. She went to one of the neighbors, but they weren't home either. Assuming they must all be at the church, she made the walk to the church. On her way, Mrs. Carter was walking down the road with a few other ladies and Robby on her shoulder. He'd already gotten so big by this point but he was still such a shy thing. He always snuggled into his grandma's shoulder. When Mrs. Carter saw Aidetzi, she smiled kindly at her and excused herself from her group.
"Marcus didn't say you were coming, child," Mrs. Carter said.
"He wasn't expecting me," Aidetzi said. "I was actually hoping I could talk to him. Would you be able to tell me where he is?"
"He's at the church. Is something the matter child? How's that young woman? Tomoeh was her name, right?"
"I'm afraid she doesn't have much more time," Aidetzi answered sadly. "We're hoping she'll live to next year at least, but we don't know."
"Their daughter's Scarlet right?" Aidetzi nodded. "Poor dear. To lose your mamma that young. But she'll be in God's arms, child. Just take comfort in that."
Aidetzi smiled weakly. "Thank you for saying, Mrs. Carter. That's not the reason I came, though. You said Marcus was at the church."
"Yes, child, he is," Mrs. Carter said. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, everything's fine," Aidetzi hurried to say. "I just need to talk to him. Thank you Mrs. Carter. It's a pleasure to see you."
"You too, child," Mrs. Carter said suspiciously but said nothing and walked away.
Aidetzi walked the rest of the way to the church where people appeared to be getting it ready for a small wedding. According to the sign outside, it would be next week, but it was a couple she didn't know. Aidetzi nervously walked inside and glanced around for Marcus. She eventually found him putting up some lanyards, but she also saw Lawrence setting up some decorations on the pew. Naturally, he was the first to notice her, but Didi was there and all he did was wink. Aidetzi looked away and was about to leave and just wait when Pastor Brown stopped her.
"Aidie," Pastor Brown said. "I didn't realize you were coming to help."
"I wasn't invited I'm afraid. I was actually hoping I could talk to Marcus, but if he's busy I can wait at the café or something."
"Are you sure, dear? I can go and grab him."
"No, that's alright, he's busy. Just let him know I went to the café and to meet me there when he's done here."
"Is everything alright?" Pastor Brown asked.
"Everything's fine. I just needed to talk to him, but it can wait." Rather than continue their conversation, Aidetzi left and practically ran to the café so she would be semi-alone. She wanted coffee so badly, but given her condition, she knew Renesmee or Kyle would give her grief for it, so she just requested water when the waiter came. She'd not even thought to bring a book with her, so she ended up sitting in the café for an hour just staring out the window. But eventually, Marcus walked into the café and sat across from her at the table. "Hey, Marcus," Aidetzi said.
"Hey, Aidie," Marcus smiled. "Pastor Brown said you'd gone to the church looking for me?"
"Yeah, I did," Aidetzi said. "I had something I needed to talk to you about." Aidetzi looked around and felt a wave of nausea. "Would it be alright if we went somewhere more private?"
"Sure," Marcus said and took her hand so they could leave the café. "Is everything alright?"
"Marcus," Aidetzi started, getting ready to answer but she couldn't seem to form the words. "Something's….happened."
"Is everything okay at home?" Marcus asked, concerned and preparing himself for Aidetzi to tell him a relative had died.
"I'm…" Aidetzi tried to say again, but she stopped again.
"You're what?" Marcus asked.
Finally Aidetzi took a deep breath and looked at Marcus again. A moment of silence passed before she finally said, "I'm pregnant."
The look Marcus gave her was exactly what she'd been scared of. His black skin went pale and he looked as though he'd seen a ghost. He didn't let go of her hand, but she felt him shake just a little. Then he looked like he was thinking.
"You're pregnant?" Marcus asked as if he didn't believe his ears.
"Yes," Aidetzi said. "It's early according to my doctors, but it's certain."
"How early?" Marcus asked.
"A few weeks I guess," Aidetzi answered. To her surprise, that answer seemed to relieve him a little.
"Okay," he sighed. "Okay, we can…..we'll be alright."
"Are you mad?" Aidetzi asked.
"I'm stunned," Marcus said and rubbed his face. "I'm stunned, but I'm alright." Aidetzi waited for him to say more but he was silent. He seemed to be thinking a little more. "Come with me to the house." Nervously, Aidetzi followed Marcus to his house with him still holding her hand. Once they arrived, Marcus let go of her hand and said, "Wait here," before running into the house. Aidetzi waited on the porch, going ahead and sitting on the small swinging chair. He returned and he seemed to be smiling. "I admit this wasn't what I'd had in mind when I decided to do this, but it's as good a time as any."
"What are you talking about?" Aidetzi said.
"Last time I visited, I spoke to your dad," Marcus answered. He got down on one knee and Aidetzi's mouth went dry. "He told me I needed to make you something myself. So I made my sister show me how to make those little colorful string bracelets she used to make when we were kids." Marcus pulled out a colorful bracelet of braided rainbow string, but it was a far more intricate braid than one might do with one's hair. "He told me that if you said yes, I'd have his blessing."
"Marcus," Aidetzi muttered, taken off guard.
"Aidetzi Call, will you marry me?" Marcus asked. Aidetzi gulped and breathed deep. She'd spent so much time fearing Marcus would be upset, but it seemed the exact opposite were true. When it all sank in, she finally smiled and nodded.
"Yes, I'll marry you," Aidetzi answered and fell into Marcus's arms to hug him. Just then, the door to the house opened.
"She say yes?" Mrs. Carter asked and they looked at her.
"Yes, mamma, she said yes," Marcus smiled.
"Good," Mrs. Carter said. "Now you get her butt to a church this instant. Maybe there's time to say it's a honeymoon baby."
"How did-"
"Child, I figured it out myself," Mrs. Carter said. "Now you go talk to Pastor Brown and ask when he can marry you."
Marcus chuckled and stood up with Aidetzi's hand in his. He put the bracelet on Aidetzi's left wrist just as he'd been told to and they walked to the church together.
"I'll need to get us some gold bands," Marcus said. "We can stop by a shop near here and get us something simple."
"Marcus," Aidetzi said.
"Yeah, Aidie?"
"I was actually hoping we could have a Quileute wedding," Aidetzi said. "We can go talk to Renesmee and she'll tell us when to get married."
"Don't worry, honey," Marcus smiled and brought up her hand to kiss it. "We'll have a Quileute wedding. We'll just need to have a Baptist wedding too. I'm sure Pastor Brown will help us set up something really quick."
"This is happening so fast," Aidetzi said nervously, feeling a little light headed.
"I know," Marcus said. "I'd planned on us having time to save up for something a little fancier, but under the circumstances, we're in a bit of a time crunch." Marcus glanced down and pressed his hand to Aidetzi's belly to find nothing. "It must be the first few weeks. I can't tell at all."
"I'm sure it is," Aidetzi said. "That would mean we conceived around Halloween."
"I remember that night," Marcus smiled longingly. It hadn't been the first time they'd made love. The first time had been when Marcus stayed at the shop for the night when he'd been visiting. Aidetzi had meant to just wish him good night, but things escalated from there until they were in the master bedroom together sleeping in each other's arms. On the other hand, the Halloween party had been held at a little park on the base and the two of them had secreted away after the music had become infectious.
"At least we know when it happened," Aidetzi blushed.
"I guess now's as good a time as any to ask when the name is if we're having a girl," Marcus smiled.
"I guess so," Aidetzi said. "I almost hope it's a boy. His name's already picked in that case."
"Well, we need a name in case you aren't carrying Marcus Carter the 3rd," Marcus chuckled.
"Can we at least make his middle name Embry?" Aidetzi asked.
"Yes, Aidie, we can make his middle name Embry," Marcus chuckled. "So does anyone else know?"
"I suspect everyone knows by now," Aidetzi sighed. "At the tribe I mean."
"Yeah, word travels fast I guess. Are your parents upset?"
"I'm sure I would have heard of it by now if they were," Aidetzi said. "I assume if we have a girl, Ruth needs to be in the name somewhere?"
"Well, yeah, unless Lawrence and Didi plan on having a girl. I'm not holding my breath on that," Marcus said. "Ruth can be her middle name. I want her first name to be something different like yours."
"So you want to give our daughter a Quileute name?"
"Or something like it," Marcus nodded. "I really like your mother's name. Caevia. It rolls off the tongue. Yours does too."
"So you like Caevia," Aidetzi said.
"How about Naevia?" Marcus asked, then he grinned. "Yes, Naevia Ruth. I love that."
Aidetzi smiled, "I like that too. So Naevia Ruth or Marcus Embry?"
"Yes, ma'am," Marcus smiled and bent his head down to give Aidetzi a kiss.
"So you're really not angry? About the baby?"
"Aidie, I think this might be the happiest day of my life," Marcus smiled and kissed her one more time.
Since they were limited on time, Pastor Brown promised he'd have them married by Sunday afternoon. With that reassurance, Aidetzi had Marcus drive her back to the tribe so they could meet with Renesmee for a moon ceremony. Embry gave his affirmation that he approved and Renesmee determined they needed to marry under a new moon. As it turns out, it would be on that Thursday. Marcus promised he'd work something out and ensure he was at the tribe on Thursday evening for their traditional wedding. Since Marcus was attending a wedding the following day, he had to return to the base, but Aidetzi came with him, making sure to burrow a nice dress from Alice's closet so she would look nice for the wedding she'd suddenly been invited to.
Dressed up and Marcus in his fancier Naval uniform that Aidetzi didn't even know he had, the two attended the wedding together and watched Pastor Brown join another couple while the two, in essence, waited their turn. The couple's wedding was brief despite all the decorations everyone in town had put so much effort into. Just about everyone left the church following that to attend a reception save for Marcus, Aidetzi, Mrs. Carter, two of Marcus's friends, Lawrence, Didi and little Robby. They went up front to meet with Pastor Brown as had been the intent and the two shared a small wedding among Marcus's family. Aidetzi still felt as though the whole thing was moving faster than she would have intended or wanted, but at the same time she was happy. Eventually, Pastor Brown told Marcus and Aidetzi they could kiss and the two were married. Marcus promised he'd get them a marriage license to sign before their traditional ceremony. A ceremony in which, much to her relief, Didi and Lawrence would not be attending. She didn't have anything against Didi, but their relationship was still rather strained at best almost entirely due to Lawrence.
"Now, child," Mrs. Carter said when they left the church and were making their way to the other couple's reception. "Will you need any help moving your things up here?"
"I…." Aidetzi started, but couldn't finish. They'd not discussed her moving in with them, though they'd not really discussed anything else of the nature.
"Don't be so bashful, child. We'll rearrange things so you and Marcus have a little room to yourself. There is a room down the hall you two can share. It's a little smaller than the other rooms, but it should due until the baby comes. Then you and Marcus can take the room I use and I'll move to the smaller room."
"Alright," Aidetzi said. Sensing her obvious discomfort with the prospect, Marcus waited until the two of them were able to be alone while dancing with a few other guests at the reception.
"You don't want to live with us?" Marcus asked.
"I don't want to live with Lawrence and Didi," Aidetzi answered honestly.
"Yeah, that is an unfortunate catch," Marcus sighed. "I can't really afford to get us our own house. I can look into some apartments near there if you'd like."
"No, you don't have to. I realize your mother would be upset if we moved out. Maybe if Lawrence contributed some of his pay, we could all move to a slightly bigger house where we can stay more comfortably."
"I'll look into it and see what we can manage," Marcus said, "Although I can't really make any promises. As it is, the house we're staying in right now is largely and hand off from the government since Lawrence and I are employees of the Navy."
"I guess back home would be out of the question," Aidetzi said.
"I'm afraid so," Marcus said. "I don't mind going back on weekends or something, but we can't really live there. It's too far from my job."
"I understand," Aidetzi said. It was beginning to feel that while they were in love, they weren't really prepared to be married. "This feels like something we should have talked about first."
"I know," Marcus said and kissed the top of Aidetzi's head. "I'll start saving up and see what we can afford. Mamma would insist we stay close so she can visit her grandbaby, but I can try to get us our own place." Although hesitant, Aidetzi nodded. "I guess in the meantime, mamma is always at the house so she'll make sure you and Didi are getting along. Didi doesn't hate you, I promise. She's just angry with Lawrence."
"I understand," Aidetzi said again.
Since they still planned for a Quileute wedding, Aidetzi spent the night at the church and Marcus asked a friend of his to give Aidetzi a ride home promising he'd see her Thursday. By the time Aidetzi returned home, the tribe was preparing for her wedding. Garlands of pinecones were being made and the bon fire was being set up. This was what Aidetzi was looking forward to. Their wedding at the church had felt so forced. This would be traditional. Something she knew. Thursday finally came and Aidetzi was being sewn into the rabbit fur dress while last minute preparations were being made.
By that time, Tomoeh was barely able to stand let alone dance, so Nathan and Scarlet remained at home with her but all three sent Aidetzi their best wishes and good luck. By nightfall, Marcus finally arrived by cart with Hailey, Leah and his mother. Marcus wore his uniform again as he had for their first wedding and once he'd arrived, the wedding proceeded. This time, Aidetzi smiled more during the ceremony. This was what she'd wanted for her wedding and when Marcus held her hand the whole ceremony, she blushed. Back at Nathan's house, they all sat out on the balcony together snuggled under a blanket. Tomoeh sat in Nathan's lap, Scarlet in Tomoeh's and a giant blanket protected them all from the cold.
"It sounds like the wedding's going nicely," Tomoeh smiled when the music started playing.
"You and daddy married in the fall, right?" Scarlet asked.
"Yeah, we did," Tomoeh smiled and petted Scarlet's head. "We had our wedding and weeks later, I told you father spring had sprung." Nathan smiled at the memory, forcing himself not to get teary eyed.
"You and I spent hours at my grandparents' house searching through botany books for a name for the baby," Nathan said.
"If you'd been a boy," Tomoeh smiled, "your name would have been Crimson Ash. I think if you'd had a little brother, we would have named him Thyme. Was that what we'd said?"
"I think so," Nathan answered solemnly.
"I wish we could have given you a little brother," Tomoeh said to Scarlet.
"I don't want a little brother," Scarlet said stubbornly and Tomoeh smiled.
"I suppose it has been nice for you, having us all to yourself," Tomoeh giggled. "I remember saying to your grandma that I couldn't imagine what being an only child was like. I imagined it was so boring. She'd told me it was lonely."
"I'm not lonely," Scarlet persisted.
"I suppose we've done that part right," Tomoeh smiled and kissed Scarlet's head. "Maybe one day you'll have a little brother or sister."
Scarlet shook her head stubbornly again, "I don't want one." The prospect wasn't something Scarlet or even Nathan wanted to consider at the moment. Tomoeh smiled a little, but didn't press.
"So where has Roxanne been?" Tomoeh asked, changing the subject. "I haven't seen her since this morning."
"I haven't seen her either," Nathan said. "I'm sure she'll turn up when she wants to."
By the end of the night, Marcus and Aidetzi finally had the wedding she'd wanted from the beginning and they'd all danced the night away until they couldn't anymore. It was just the merriment the family had sorely needed and it was welcomed. Sadly, the usual tradition of spending three days together wasn't possible but, given that Aidetzi was already pregnant, it wasn't really necessary. By the end of the night, Aidetzi left with Marcus and his mother and they made the long drive back to the base with the few things Aidetzi wanted to bring with. When they arrived, Didi and Lawrence were already sound asleep. Marcus had rearranged the house as Mrs. Carter had suggested and Marcus carried Aidetzi romantically up to their room.
"Now that was a wedding," Marcus said when they were in their room. "I noticed you weren't thrilled when we got married on Sunday."
"It felt rushed," Aidetzi said. "This felt the way it's supposed to: like a celebration."
"So you're happy we got married?" Marcus asked, hugging Aidetzi close and giving her a kiss.
"Yes, I'm happy," Aidetzi smiled. "So do you really think anyone's going to believe this is a honeymoon baby?"
"Probably not," Marcus chuckled and bent his head down so their noses touched. "Doesn't mean we can't pretend, though."
Aidetzi giggled but was silenced when Marcus kissed her, ending the night on a note that drove Aidetzi into a frenzy. It was a few more days before he was able to obtain one, but Marcus did eventually get a marriage license and Aidetzi and Marcus signed it the first week of December and Aidetzi officially changed her name to Aidetzi Call Carter, or Aidetzi C. Cater. By then, Aidetzi finally began to start showing, a little bump forming under her dress. Carlisle agreed he would remain in Washington until Aidetzi delivered and Renesmee would deliver the baby. The temperature dropped in December so most were bundled up and remained inside as much as they could. Jae came in with JJ in tow as had been the norm since Natalie started staying with Nathan. When he arrived, there was already a customer Hailey was assisting.
"Oh good, there you are," Hailey muttered. "Check the back and see if we have twine."
"We should," Jae said and went to check while JJ ran into the front of the store where the woman at the counter grinned.
"Well, hello there, little JJ," the woman smiled. "How are you this fine morning?"
"I want bwekfist," JJ said a little too loudly and the woman giggled.
"Oh no! Is your daddy not feeding you?" JJ shook his head, sensing a possibility he could trick the lady into buying him some candy. It didn't work though.
"He's lying, Mrs. Trenton," Jae said when he walked in with the twine. "That boy ate a whole loaf of bread this morning." Granted it was only three slices of toast with jam, but JJ shook his head a little harder and Mrs. Trenton laughed.
"Oh dear, one of you is lying then," she said. "You know it's not good to lie young man."
"I not lyin'," JJ insisted with a little giggle.
"Hm," Mrs. Trenton said. "Well, JJ, I suppose if you're not lying it would be cruel not to give you something. Jae, how about I add some candy to that bill."
"Only if it's for you, Mrs. Trenton," Jae said. "If he wants something else, he can eat the bread in the kitchen," he said to JJ sternly. He could barely manage it, though, with JJ sucking on his fingers. "Or you can eat your fingers."
"When is he going to grow out of that?" Hailey asked, slightly exasperated.
"Oh, Mr. Dauer, don't be so mean," Mrs. Trenton giggled. "How old are you, sweetie?" JJ held up 2 fingers excitedly. "Well, there you go."
"So?" Hailey said.
"So he's still got a ways to go. Try to be more patient with the poor dear." Hailey grumbled a reply while ringing up Mrs. Trenton's purchase. Once she was gone, Jae made the update to the books while Hailey worked on something else.
"So how's Tomoeh?" Hailey asked eventually.
"It won't be long now," Jae said. "We can't find Roxanne either."
"Who?" Hailey asked.
"Nathan's wolf," Jae answered. "She ran off and we can't find her. She was an old girl, so we think she's probably passed away."
"How old was she?"
"She would be about 13 now," Jae said. "That's a ripe old age for a wolf."
"Does Nathan know that?"
"He does," Jae said. "He doesn't want to tell Scarlet though unless we know. We've been looking for her at night but with the snow the way it is, it's making the search really hard."
"How's Scarlet doing?"
"She's alright," Jae said. "Natalie says she seems like she's alright in front of everyone, but apparently when it's just her and Tomoeh and Nathan, she's a little less secretive about how this whole thing's weighing on her. It can't be easy just watching your mother wither away."
"Not at all," Hailey said. "Her family's still with you guys right?"
"Until further notice," Jae said. "Toraz returned, but he has to. He's chief of the Makka now. He comes back whenever he can, but not as often as he wants to."
"The Cullens have been staying here because of this haven't they?"
"Yeah," Jae nodded. "You're sworn to secrecy, though," Jae managed to joke.
"I won't say anything," Hailey sighed heavily. "So how long are you betting it'll be before Marcus figures out you people are weird?"
"You told him don't ask questions, so hopefully he'll keep it to himself," Jae smiled. "It's bad enough you know. Hell, it's bad enough we had to eventually tell Charlene. I'm just glad she hasn't said anything."
"Who would she tell?" Hailey said. "The woman barely leaves the tribe. Hell, I've barely seen her since she came here with Seth. Uileila's not much more than a wallflower herself."
"Only when people are visiting," Jae smiled.
"Christ, isn't she 13 by now?"
"Yeah," Seth nodded. "I'm impressed you remembered."
"Leah probably told me recently," Hailey said dismissively.
Jae smiled and returned to working on the books, but only after grabbed JJ by the collar and pulling him next to him so he'd stop trying to steal the candy behind the counter. With it being December, the Cullens got their house decorated to the nines for everyone that would be coming over and the children decorated the large evergreen tree as they did every year. Tomoeh practically forced Scarlet to join the kids since it was something she loved doing. She sat outside and watched while Nathan stayed close to her too keep her warm. Decorating the tree turned out to be exactly what she'd needed. It helped get her mind off things. The pack had finally found Roxanne and, as they suspected, she'd passed away. By the time they'd found her, it was as though she'd laid down and just never woke up. She went peacefully and that was all any of them could ask for. Scarlet didn't take the news well. Nathan did his best to console her but he was saddened by the loss as well. When it was finally Christmas, Kevin and Embry returned home the day before with what few presents they'd been able to get. They were all for Scarlet. She'd only seemed to become more upset as the year progressed and they wanted to cheer her up. Or at least try.
Aidetzi and Marcus came much later in the day for a quick visit. Aidetzi had grown a little more since everyone had last seen her. When everyone asked how she was doing, she just said it was going just as she remembered her mother's pregnancies going, so she knew exactly what to do. She wasn't as nervous as perhaps most would think she'd be, though Marcus was certainly nervous. Everyone loved the names they had picked and several family members started a betting pool on whether it would be a boy or a girl. Marcus and Aidetzi had finally been able to get gold bands to wear and Marcus was looking into small apartments that were close. Of course, upon mentioning it, Mrs. Carter insisted they would need to move as well. The house was simply too expensive with just Lawrence and Didi's incomes, so they started making arrangements for them all to move into the same complex, preferably next door to one another if it could be helped.
Scarlet sat with Tomoeh and Nathan the whole time she opened her presents. She received new clothes, some toys, and a little building block kit Edward had made for her. Tomoeh remained cheerful the whole time. Even when her skin had gone very pale and her cheeks hallowed, she still had such a bright smiled. When all the children had opened their presents, Scarlet played with some of the other children while Tomoeh and Nathan sat on the couch together in front of the fireplace that was blazing. The heat from it felt so nice. They were being left alone at the moment. All the other guests and the Cullens played with the children while Nathan and Tomoeh enjoyed the glow.
"I think Scarlet enjoyed herself," Tomoeh said to Nathan. He just nodded. Tomoeh looked up at him and saw the sad look on his face. "Please smile."
"What?" Nathan asked.
"Smile at me," Tomoeh said. "I like it when you smile." Nathan tried to smile, but it wasn't much more than a sad, forced smile. "Not like that. Smile at me the way you did when we got married or when Scarlet was born."
"I don't know how I smiled then," Nathan asked.
"Genuinely," Tomoeh answered. Nathan took a deep breath and tried again. He thought about when he and Tomoeh had gotten married. She'd been so full of life back then. It actually hurt and made smiling that much harder. "What's wrong?"
"I thought about when we got married," Nathan answered honestly. "I remember thinking I'd gotten lucky. I remember thinking that I was happy to marry you despite any early apprehension. I remember thinking about how beautiful you looked at how I couldn't wait to get you home."
"I remember that too," Tomoeh smiled. "It's strange. I actually felt like a virgin that night. Nothing before had been quite like you. No one had ever touched me like you or made me feel beautiful like you. It was so much different than when I first came here. I'd been so scared at the time, but you made me feel welcome."
"I miss those times a little," Nathan said sadly. "I almost wish we could go back to when Scarlet was born. Or when she was a little baby. Remember when she was little and we'd gone to those hot springs together?"
"I do," Tomoeh smiled. "I slept the whole time if I remember correctly. You held Scarlet in your arms the whole time and helped her soak in the warm water. I think she loved that."
"I know she did," Nathan finally smiled.
"That's the smile a wanted," Tomoeh said and kissed Nathan's cheek. "I want you to remember the good times we had. Don't let this ruin what we shared." Nathan got a little choked up when she said that. In an effort to comfort him, Tomoeh brought Nathan's head to her chest comfortingly and rocked him back and forth.
"I love you," Nathan said. He'd made a point to say it often these days.
"I love you too," Tomoeh said. "I know it hurts now, but when you and Scarlet go on your adventure, you'll start to feel better. I promise. And when you do, I want you two to be happy again."
"That's a big ask, Tomoeh," Nathan managed.
"No it's not," Tomoeh giggled and kissed Nathan's head. "You've got all the time in the world." Nathan breathed deep so he wouldn't start crying. He didn't want to cause a scene or draw attention to them. "Don't cry, Nathan," Tomoeh said. "You did everything right." Nathan didn't reply. "I want you to do something."
"Besides taking Scarlet south?" Nathan asked.
"Yes," Tomoeh said. "I want you to fall in love again. I know you'll always love me, but I want you to promise you'll fall in love again. You deserve it." Nathan didn't answer at first, but he knew Tomoeh wouldn't permit him not to.
"We'll see," Nathan finally answered.
"Maybe you'll find your imprint," Tomoeh smiled.
"I don't want to think about that now," Nathan finally said. He'd not meant to sound stern, but he had. When he realized it, he immediately regretted his tone. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you."
"No, it's alright," Tomoeh said. "I shouldn't make you talk about this. I just want to know you'll be alright."
"I don't have a choice," Nathan answered.
"You always have a choice, Nathan. I want you to choose to move on. Can you at least make that promise to me?"
"I promise," Nathan finally said.
"Thank you," Tomoeh smiled and hugged Nathan a little closer.
After some of the children became really tired and just couldn't play anymore, most of them went upstairs to go to sleep, but Scarlet went right to her parents. Tomoeh had fallen asleep so Nathan carried her and Scarlet back to the house and they all got in bed together. The house already felt so empty. With Roxanne gone, Nathan found his feet were always cold. After tucking Tomoeh and Scarlet into bed, Nathan went outside and fused to a wolf for just a moment before returning inside. He got under the covers and brought Tomoeh close. When New Year's came, Nathan and Tomoeh stayed home with Scarlet while everyone else celebrated. Tomoeh sang some of her tribe's traditional songs to Scarlet and Nathan sang Auld Lang Syne when it was midnight even though she was already asleep by then. He brought Tomoeh and Scarlet upstairs and tucked them in before getting into bed himself. He brought them both close to him so Scarlet and Tomoeh were both in his arms.
"Tomoeh," Nathan said.
"Yes, Nathan?" Tomoeh asked in a sleepy voice.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too," she repeated.
Being careful not to disturb Scarlet, Nathan gave Tomoeh a kiss. He'd not kissed her in what seemed like forever. Her lips were colder than they should have been and her skin was dry, but she tasted the same as before. After he kissed her, Nathan rested his chin on Tomoeh's head and tried to fall asleep, but it was so hard to. He had felt ill the whole day, like knots in the pit of his stomach that made him lightheaded. Just as it seemed Nathan was finally going to get some sleep, there was a noise that was suddenly gone. With its absence, his eyes shot open and he looked at Tomoeh. She looked peaceful. The way she always did whenever she slept. As if hoping he'd gone deaf, Nathan brought his fingers to her neck to check her pulse. Nothing. She was cold, but some warmth remained. It had only been moments since her death. Nathan felt himself go cold and the knot in his stomach tightened impossibly more. He started shaking as he forced himself to remain composed. While Scarlet slept, Nathan held her closer to him and took Tomoeh's hand in his hoping that perhaps he could will her back. But it didn't work. He didn't start crying until Scarlet woke up at last and, realizing Tomoeh had died, began to snuggle to Tomoeh as though she were alive beginning to cry.