Chapter 16

Sailor looked around Le Quack's house as he played with his bow tie. "Mademoiselle". Le Quack said, kindly with a gentle softness to his voice. His beak…and his lips…tubed by his beak curved into a curious expression. Sailor looked up at Le Quack. "Yes?". Sailor asked. Le Quack smiled a gentle smile. "How are things this evening…juve been quiet this evening". Le Quack said, kindly with gentleness. "It's nothing….nothing really…it's just been a hard day". Sailor said, as she looked downwards.

"Just a bad day, Mademoiselle?". Le Quack whispered, kindly. Sailor nodded as she sighed. "Well, not to worry now, Mademe". "We can make ze evening special". "Vy we can have ze ice cream, and Dolce….ve can eat some ice cream, and take a nice bath…I have ze jacuzzi…and some champagne we can pour". Le Quack said, kindly. Le Quack kissed Sailor's cheeks. "Thank you". Sailor replied. Le Quack smiled as he put some scoops of ice cream in a bowl. "I love zis kind of ice cream, me darling". "Zis kind is vanilla vith scoops of chocolate and strawberry". "Eeet eees Neopolitan". Le Quack said, gently with a floaty kind of softness as he put 2 spoons in the ice cream bowl. "Neopolitan is good". Sailor said. "I love Neopolitan". "Eeet eees the ice cream of champions". "And ze ice cream of champions eees so good". "I love it". Le Quack said, kindly. Sailor nodded.

"I love the luscious taste of ze ice cream". "Ze taste is truly spectacular". Le Quack said, kindly. "I like the taste of ice cream a lot". Sailor said. "I guess…the taste is pretty nice".

"Yes, and vith ze taste of Neopolitan, ju get so many distinct flavors". "Neopolitan eees truly a vonderful flavor". "But….I like sitting outside on nights such as zees….eeet eees nice". "I could do it for so many evenings". Le Quack said kindly.

"Ze ice cream eees good, ze evening is perfect in so many ways, mon cherie". "And ze best piece of eeet….ees being vith you". Le Quack said, gently. Sailor nodded, as Le Quack sipped his champagne. "How are ju doing emotionally, darling?". Le Quack asked, gently. Sailor nodded. "I'm doing well". Sailor replied. "Today was just a hard day because….well, it was just a hard day". "Sometimes my body tells me it's a hard day, and I wind up being tired". "It's really bothersome". Sailor sighed.

"Zat eees a part of grieving, darling". "When we lose someone close, we begin to grieve…and when we grieve, we begin to feel it in our bodies". "Eeet ees very common, in fact". Le Quack said, gently. "I've been grieving for a while now….but…I thought the worst part of it was over". Sailor said, as she sighed. Sailor ate some of her ice cream. "What happened, mon cherie?". Le Quack whispered, gently as he ate some of his ice cream, lighting a cigarette. Le Quack smiled a sympathetic smile.

"I just felt tired, today". "I didn't want to play with my friends…or do anything when they wanted to, I was just exhausted". "I kind of sat by myself". Sailor said. Le Quack nodded, understandingly. "Ju feel like jur grieving, mon cherie". "Zat ees what eet ees". "Sometimes, grieving ees a part of ze process". "Just like being sick ees". "Eet ees our bodies telling us how much we miss our family". "Sometimes, ze worst part of eet, ees getting through it". "But at ze end, we understand how important we are to ze process". "Be open now…and be ready to face anything". "I know ju can do eet". "Ju are strong". Le Quack said, gently. Sailor nodded, as she looked away for a moment.

"What do I do if it gets to be too hard?". "What then?". Sailor asked. "Am I going to be ok?". Sailor looked up at Le Quack. "You'll be fine, mon cherie". "I promise ju…from ze bottom of mine heart, ju will be". Le Quack whispered, kindly. Sailor nodded. "Thank you". Sailor said. Le Quack smiled a kind smile. "Don't worry, cherie". "I shall protect ju…ju won't have to worry about a thing". Le Quack assured as he smiled a loving smile. Sailor nodded.

"Come let me give you a kiss, mon cherie". Le Quack whispered, gently. "Ju have been working so hard, lovey". "Let me kiss ju…just once, maybe". Le Quack came over, kissing Sailor's cheek, gently. "Thank you". Sailor replied. Le Quack smiled a kind smile. "Ju are my darling…my cherie amor". "I love you, truly le vie". Le Quack whispered, kindly. Sailor nodded. Le Quack massaged both of Sailor's cheeks. "Ju know what we could do…we could try an inspiration bond, you and I both". "We could save a little money to travel to wherever we need to go". "Ju and I both need our money…so we can travel ze world". "And so you can buy a mansion like mine, and live in it…and I could come visit ju…ju visit me…we're so close…ju and I, le vie". Le Quack convinced, kindly. "How do I do that if I don't make money?". Sailor asked.

"Just go on the computer, or go to the bank, and create your own account under a fake name". "Zen, ju will siphon some money from your parents' accounts, and bring it into your own". "Zen, ju will have enough, if you bring money to your account". "Siphon it from Edd-professor's account, or Auntie's account, to your deceased parents' to yours, and take a little away at a time". Le Quack suggested. "Take some money, a few hundred, and put eet aside". "For ju, for us, so we can do what we need to with it come travel time".

"Do as I instruct now, be a good girl, and save my money…I mean, our money". "Besides, truly, your parents' money will be my money for us to travel". Le Quack said, in a slimy, greasy manner, as he hissed. Yet, there was gentleness behind his voice. "You know to stay in step, Mademe". "Zat way, you and I can do what we need to". Le Quack said, kindly. Sailor looked away for a moment. "Why would you want to take my mom and dad's money?". Sailor asked. "Eet ees just a bit for ju to save". "Eet eesn't being used for anything…why not use it for travel?". "Money is to be used, remember". Le Quack advised, kindly. "Ok". Sailor replied. Le Quack smiled as he hugged Sailor. "I love ju, darling". "Please don't be upset with me". "I need you". Le Quack whispered, kindly. Sailor nodded.

"You know I love you, darling". Le Quack whispered, gently. "Come now, lovey…let's go to bed". "Upstairs, ju can sleep by my feet". "And you can snuggle close, while I kiss your tiny head". Le Quack whispered, kindly. "Ok". Sailor replied. Le Quack kissed Sailor's forehead, kindly. "I love you so much". "You mean ze world to me, baby". Le Quack whispered, gently. Sailor nodded as she walked upstairs with Le Quack, as he drew down the sheets to the bed. "Right here, mademoiselle". "Feel the comfort of my silk sheets…and I have a massaging feature to the bed as well". "We can have such lovely fun with it". Le Quack whispered, kindly. Sailor nodded, as she laid down, while Le Quack massaged her back. "Zat ees eet, darling". "Just relax now…quiet, soft, gentle, we're almost zer to sleep". "Be still, and close your eyes". "Allow for the melodious quiet to soothe you".

Sailor nodded, as Le Quack massaged her back. She fell asleep, content.

Sailor woke up the next day, as she said goodbye to Le Quack, and went on her way. Nazz and I…we enjoyed our special evening. Sailor and I traveled home. "How's Nazz doing?". Sailor asked. I smiled a kind smile, as I gave Sailor a kind glance. "She's doing very well". I said, gently. "Right now, she's resting". "How are you doing, coochie?". "How was your evening with your friend?". I smiled a kind smile. "It was good". Sailor said. "He was nice, we played games, we did a lot of stuff".

I nodded, kindly. "It's lovely you had a great time, my Sailor". I said, gently. Sailor nodded. I smiled a gentle smile. "Well, when we get home, we might just relax, and help our Nazz". I said, gently. Sailor nodded. "She needs our guiding hand". I reminded, gently. "Ok". Sailor replied. I smiled, holding Sailor's hands gently. "Are you ready?". I asked, kindly with gentleness. "Definitely". Sailor replied. We smiled as I pulled into the driveway….albeit with the morning sickness medicine Nazz ordered. I took the medicine inside as Nazz sat on the couch, her baby bump was prominent. She smiled at Sailor, and I. "Hey, everyone". Nazz said, kindly. Nazz smiled a gentle, friendly smile as her hand remained on her baby bump. "Hello, darling". I said, kissing Nazz on the lips.

Nazz smiled as she greeted Sailor…while Sailor came to her. "Mmmm, how are you, coochie?". Nazz asked, gently. "Good". Sailor replied. Nazz smiled a gentle smile. "Can I get you anything?". Sailor asked. "Mmm, there is something…could you lay beside me, and massage my back?". Nazz asked, kindly. Nazz smiled a kind smile towards Sailor. Sailor nodded.

"Ok". Sailor said, as she got in bed. Nazz shifted a bit in bed, as she positioned herself to be rubbed. Nazz cleared a spot in bed for Sailor.

"Mmm, thank you baby girl". "I was so tense before…my back is acting up". Nazz said, gently. Nazz smiled a kind smile. Sailor nodded. "Of course". Sailor said. "The baby is giving me some extra mileage here". Nazz said, chuckling. Nazz let her back be massaged. "Sweetie, you look a bit tired today…did you get up a little later?". Nazz asked, kindly with gentleness. Sailor nodded. "Yeah….I always feel tired now". Sailor said in a fragile voice that only belonged to a baby girl. Nazz smiled a gentle smile. "Mmm, it could be the new medicine you're taking for your heart". Nazz said, in a kind whisper. "A common side effect of Belutridone is tiredness". Nazz smiled a kind whisper, extending a gentle hand to brush Sailor's cheeks. "What's wrong with my heart?". Sailor asked. "After the plane crash, you sustained some injuries". Nazz whispered, kindly. "You were hurt in the plane crash". "But you survived…and that is what's important…because you protected everyone….and you saved everyone". "You are a true heroine….and I'm sure those who did survive are so thankful for you, honey". Nazz smiled as she kissed Sailor's cheeks. Her lips…painted lips moved again. "You are extraordinary….in so many ways". Nazz whispered kindly. "You are the strongest, most heroic person I've ever met". "And I'm so thankful we're friends". Nazz smiled.

"Thank you". Sailor replied. Nazz smiled as she kissed Sailor's cheeks. "Is the baby…is the baby sleeping?". Sailor asked, in an innocent, small, fragile voice. She was still a tender, little girl with a pure heart. Nazz smiled as she tickled Sailor's cheeks with one hand, and put the other hand on her baby bump. "I think he might be". Nazz said, gently. "The baby will be so excited to see you, coochie". Nazz said, kindly. "Maybe the baby will". Sailor said. "I think he will….Gerald". Nazz said, gently. "That's the baby's name?". Sailor asked."That is the baby's name…and you'll be an amazing godmother". Nazz said, gently. "I might be". Sailor said. Nazz smiled a gentle smile. "No, you definitely will, coochie". Nazz said, gently. "My baby needs his godmother…he'll really benefit from your company". Nazz smiled a kind smile. "He definitely will". Sailor said. Nazz kissed Sailor's cheeks, kindly. "Why is the baby in there?". Sailor asked, in a fragile…little girl's manner.

"Because God put him there…and he is just resting…like his mommy". Nazz whispered, gently. Sailor nodded as she looked at the baby. "I love the baby". Sailor said. "Gerald is amazing".

Nazz smiled a kind smile. "Mm, and he loves you too". "Feel that?". Nazz whispered, gently as she felt a throb against her stomach. Sailor felt it as she felt a slight jello-y wobble against her hand. "I do…what's that?". Sailor asked. "That's a kick…the baby just kicked". Nazz whispered kindly. Sailor nodded. "Gerald loves you, coochie". "He kicked because he's excited to see you". Nazz whispered, gently. Sailor nodded.

"Want to give him a kiss?". Nazz asked in a kind whisper. "I do". Sailor said. Nazz lifted up her shirt, showing Sailor her stomach. Sailor went ahead, kissing Nazz's stomach…laying her head down. "Goodnight Gerald". Sailor said…with some excited measure to her voice. One could tell she was excited about the baby coming. It meant a new, fresh start for her. Nazz smiled as she comforted Sailor. "He says goodnight, as well". Nazz whispered, kindly. Sailor smiled, as she rubbed Nazz's stomach. "He's very happy you're beside us…you're beside him for the journey". Nazz whispered, gently. "You're his new godmother…he'll learn so much from you…and he'll really thrive under your tutelage". Nazz smiled a gentle smile.

"He definitely will". Sailor said. "Just as much as I've learned from you and Edd". Sailor glanced up at Nazz with her fragile eyes, that was so indebted to my mentorship…and Nazz's kindness.

"You have learned quite a bit from us…and you've really benefitted". Nazz said, kindly. "You are someone that has come a long way…and you've really thrived…you've done so much good…and you've improved a lot". "We are so proud of you…my beautiful Sailor". Nazz's whispers were kind and gentle. "I'm proud of you…because you've given me everything". "My darling". Nazz whispered, lovingly.

Sailor nodded. "I guess I did…and I'm thankful that I did…because I really thrived from it". Sailor said. "You simply are the best". Nazz whispered, gently. Sailor nodded, as she kept her head down on Nazz's pregnant stomach. "Are you comfy there, honey?". Nazz asked in a kind whisper. Sailor nodded. "I can get up, and move…perhaps". Sailor said.

"sweetie…I like having you on my belly". Nazz whispered, kindly. "You're my belly buddy". Nazz and Sailor chuckled. "Would you like to do me a favor, and massage my belly for me?". "It feels really nice when you do it". Nazz whispered, gently. "I can". Sailor said. Nazz smiled, chuckling as she brushed gently…tickling Sailor's back, as Sailor massaged her pregnant stomach. "Thank you, baby". "It feels nice when you try it". Nazz whispered, kindly. "It feels really good when you massage…ooo, that feels nice". Nazz exhaled a bit, feeling Sailor's kind hands. "Mm, so how was your day with your friend?". Nazz asked, kindly with warmth behind a gentle voice. "It was nice…we ate ice cream, talked, he showed me around his mansion a bit…it was nice". Sailor said. "That's always nice…when you have a good time with friends…and you know a lot of people everywhere". "You're so social". Nazz said, gently with kindness. "Thank you". Sailor said. She and Nazz shared a laugh.

"Well, I'm happy you had a good day, coochie". "Mine was pretty boring…I just laid around all day, and rested". "There was nothing fun about it". Nazz said, kindly. Sailor nodded. "but…I guess that's the caveat to being pregnant". Nazz said, gently. Nazz sighed a bit.

"But you've done so well, honey". "I'm so proud of you…in so many ways". Nazz said, in a warm, loving whisper. "Thank you". Sailor said.

Nazz smiled as she breathed a bit, exhaling. "Mmm, well, nothing else is happening…Edd went to the store today, and picked up more cranberry juice". "One of my cravings…I have to have cranberry juice, or….well, it gets pretty boring for my taste buds". "Other than that, everything's good". Nazz said, tiredly as she sighed. There was a moment of bored silence, as Nazz yawned. "Would you like to hear a bedtime story?". Nazz asked, kindly to fill the boredom. "That would be nice". Sailor said.

Nazz sighed, as Sailor took down one of her favorite books from the shelf. "Maybe let's try a different one this evening". Nazz said, gently. "This used to be one of my favorites when I was young…the pictures look a bit scary, but I liked it". "It's from the 1930's, my grandmother gave it to me, when I was 8 or 9". "This one is called, "Marry the Harvest Moon".

Nazz went on ahead, and read the story. "The Harvest Moon spirit was usually a benevolent spirit…but on this eve of the Harvest Moon, a young maiden had nothing to give". "The beautiful young maiden's name was Autumn, and tonight, she had nothing to give, and she just didn't wish to honor her farmland". "The Harvest Moon spirit grew angry, and became very harsh towards Autumn…even forcing her off her land". "Either grow, or go" "he threatened". "Autumn decided to honor her land, but the Harvest Moon spirit had one more proposition for Autumn". "Marry me". "He threatened".

Autumn looked at him with a shrewd look". "There is no way I'm marrying you". Autumn said, harshly. "I shall not, will not, and never will". "You can get away from my land".

"Fine, so be it". The Harvest Moon spirit threatened, as he raised the temperature so high, that Autumn couldn't properly grow her crops". "Then, she agreed to marry".

"If we decide to commit to one another…". The Harvest Moon spirit reminded her, "then, you must commit to your land…feed it, honor it, and give offerings to me as needed". "Happy planting, and we'll certainly have a wonderful future". Autumn agreed as she decided to put on the brass ring the spirit gave her. Then…she decided to marry, and from then on…honored her land in an eternal bond.

Nazz read the story, as she showed Sailor the pictures. "The Harvest Moon spirit…he doesn't look scary". Sailor said. "I know he doesn't". Nazz said, kindly. "Look, he wants to give you a kiss goodnight". "Even with how angry, and mean he looks, he wants to say goodnight to you, and give you a nice kiss". Sailor nodded. "Why does he always look so mean?". "Can't he be nice?". Sailor asked. "He perhaps can, but the writers decided to make him look meaner than he is". "He loves you, though". "He might want to marry you…if you want to marry him". Nazz suggested, kindly. "I don't know…he looks pretty threatening, and nasty". Sailor said. "But I guess he'd make a good husband".

Nazz nodded. "He is always there, watching though". "Don't make him angry tonight…and don't misbehave…because he does see you…and he does know". "If you say a bad word, or break a rule, even decide to misbehave and give Double D a rough time, he'll know…he's not just there for jokes…he is your husband…he will say something, and have a mean expression". "He will raise the temperature". "He's always watching". Nazz said, kindly as she joked. But Sailor saw through it.

"Right, right…and he'll jump from the page in your book there, and scare people". "That's so ridiculous". Sailor said.

"Just saying". Nazz replied. Sailor nodded. Nazz and Sailor laughed, as Sailor rolled her eyes. "That is good, though". "I'd reserve that for your kid". Sailor said. Nazz smirked a bit. "Yep, that's exactly it, honey". Nazz said, kindly. "My kid will be scared of that…in so many ways". Sailor and Nazz shared another laugh. Nazz laid her head back down, sighing. "That, and I'll bring out the foot monster". "That was a popular one when I was a kid". Nazz said, kindly. Sailor nodded.

"Mmm, did you take your medicine yet, lovey?". Nazz asked, gently. "No, not yet". Sailor said. "Mmm, maybe we should take it". Nazz said, tiredly with kindness, as the sheets rustled. "Medicine, and milky bye". "That way, we're prepared for tonight when you go to beddy bye". Nazz said, in a kind whisper. "Ok". Sailor said.

"Mmm, give a couple minutes". Nazz whispered, kindly with tiredness. Nazz closed her eyes…the darling….and of course, fell back asleep. She snored as she slept. Her pregnant stomach upwards, and showing. Sailor gently put Nazz's shirt back down, sneaking out of bed, and to the kitchen.

I was outside, enjoying a piece of pie, as I dug my fork into pecan cream pie. Yum! I ate the pie, humming, as I kept my Nicorette gum close at hand. Sailor looked out of the kitchen window, seeing me. I saw her…and I came inside to greet her. "Hello, darling…good evening". I whispered, gently with kindness. "Hi". Sailor replied. "You're awake still…I thought maybe you would've gone to bed soon". I whispered, kindly. Sailor shook her head.

"Let's take some medicine, now". "That way, we can go to bed, nice and fresh". I suggested, kindly. "Come see me, baby". I whispered, gently…pouring Sailor's medicine into a cup. Sailor drank her medicine, as she drank Oat Milk from her sippy cup as well. "Very good, coochie". "You're getting big and strong everyday". I said, gently with kindness as I massaged Sailor's cheeks in kindness. "I am". Sailor replied, smiling, as we nuzzled. "Take some medicine now…get bigger and stronger, coochie". I whispered, gently. Sailor nodded. I smiled as I hugged Sailor. "Can I delight you with some pecan cream pie this evening?". "I made it from scratch". I whispered, gently. "Ok". Sailor replied. I smiled as I had some pie for Sailor. Sailor waited, as we went to the porch. A colony of ladybugs was on the wall beside us. "There's ladybugs there". Sailor said. "Yes, they've been there for a while now…the wall actually gets softened by their mass presence". I said, kindly. "But they're there…they've been doing their thing for some time…they'll be alright". "Just as long as they don't bother anybody". I spoonfed Sailor her pie. "They won't bother anybody". Sailor said. "There were a few that bit me, though".

I nodded, kindly. "Yes, they do bite sometimes". "The ones that have pincers". "But I just ignore them, mainly". "Are you ok, though?". "I know sometimes, the bite hurts". I whispered, kindly. "I'm ok". Sailor replied. I smiled a kind smile, spoonfeeding Sailor some more bites. "Chew and swallow, honey". "You're doing an excellent job". I whispered, gently. "I am chewing…it's nice". Sailor replied.

"Did you have a fun day with Quack?". I asked, kindly. "I did". Sailor replied. "He was nice…but I guess…I'm glad to be home". I nodded, kindly. "I'll bet you are, coochie". I said, kindly. Sailor nodded, as she ate more of her pie. We ate our pie.

"Mm, I just love how rich, and thick…how creamy this pie is". I said, gently. "It is quite an amazing pie". "I felt I did well with it". I chuckled, kindly. Sailor nodded, as she ate the spoonfuls I fed her. "You did do well". Sailor replied. I smiled a kind smile. "Mmm, this is so good…yummy, rich, luscious, flaky, it's so esteemed". I smiled a dreamy smile. Sailor and I laughed.

"It is really nice". Sailor said. "Yes, it definitely is". I agreed, gently. "I love my pie..but I felt bummed today….because my coochie wasn't there to share in the baking experience with me". "I missed my sous chef today…you were away with your friend…but at least, I've seen you now, and we're enjoying, and indulging together, huh?". I said, kindly as Sailor and I laughed. "We are". Sailor said. I smiled a kind smile. "I love being with you…you make me smile and laugh". "You make me feel so esteemed". I said, kindly. "Thank you". Sailor said. "I love you, coochie". I said, kindly. Sailor ate her last spoonful, as she drank her oat milk. "I love you too, Edd". "cuddly bear". Sailor replied. We both laughed, as I kissed both of her cheeks. "Ready for bed, coochie?". I asked, gently. "I am". Sailor replied. I smiled, as I led Sailor to the room, on the sofa bed, while Nazz and I slept in our big bed. I tucked Sailor in, brushing her face, massaging her stomach…even giving her a big kiss on her stomach. I sang her a lullaby, as she closed her eyes…falling asleep…feeling comfy. But then, a trial of endurance, strength, and willpower happened. Something that made her even more resilient. It was something she bounced back from so well. Sailor Menendez. She is my favorite.