Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist characters don't belong to us. We are just having fun with them.
Chapter 2. Meetings and farewells
Positive...
The results of her medical test had made it clear. She was pregnant.
She could not believe it, she had recently entered the military academy, she was only 17 years old and now she was pregnant.
The doctor was kindly congratulating her on her motherhood, taking care to mention all the medical advice and general care she should take during her pregnancy. However, Riza felt so dazed that the doctor's voice sounded like a distant murmur and the only thing that she could record in her mind were the words 2 months.
Perhaps it was the shock of the news that brought her back to her childhood. She couldn't help but remember that when she was little she wished that when she grew up she would find the man of her dreams, they would get married, have a beautiful home and then have a boy and a girl. Wow she had even picked out the names of their future children.
Edward and Alice.
She hadn't thought about those names in years, as those dreams began to fade and feel impossible after the death of her mother and the subsequent isolation she was subjected to while caring for her father.
For years her world became gray and drab but with the arrival of Roy into her life she could feel the world slowly painting itself again.
All those talks they shared made her feel alive and eager to learn more about the world, and just thinking about the possibility of contemplating those wonders next to Roy made her feel blissful.
Certainly there came a point when she began to imagine a married life with Roy, and as she looked into his eyes she knew that he was also thinking that the time would come.
But Riza didn't want to rush things, she felt that their relationship flowed very naturally and that they would have all the time in the world to go through the formalities of marriage. Besides when she saw that kind, determined and dreamy look on his face when he told her about his dream of improving Amestris by protecting people, she couldn't help but feel inspired by his enthusiasm.
Just as she told him on that occasion, it seemed like a wonderful dream. Even though her father and Roy himself had repeatedly mentioned to her the hateful looks that more and more citizens were throwing at the military for their actions, she was aware that a great change required drastic measures so if the way to reach that dream was to be part of the much hated military she was more than willing to do it.
Only now...how would she change the military system when she would have to raise a baby?
"Miss, do you have any questions?" her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the doctor's kind tone.
"Uh... no."
"Ok then I won't keep you any longer. Just remember your checkups, if you like my assistant can take your details and assign you a visit schedule for checkups."
"Thank you, doctor." Trying to muster a small smile and not paying much attention to what the doctor said, Riza got up from the chair and walked out of the small office, immediately being caught in a hug.
"Riza, what did the doctor say to you?" Despite the joy that always emanated from Rebeca, Riza could feel the tension and concern in her tone of voice, but as much as she wanted the words would not finish forming in her mouth. At this, Rebeca broke away keeping her hands on her friend's shoulders, noticing on this occasion how her eyes began to sparkle. "Riza, talk to me, what happened?".
With much effort and barely in a whisper Riza answered her. "Not here, please."
Understanding the situation, Rebeca turned away from her to grab her things and quickly leave the place together with her.
The ride to the barracks was completely silent. Rebeca was shooting worried glances at Riza, but she didn't seem to notice them as she kept her eyes straight ahead although slightly tilted downward. Despite walking beside her, Rebeca got the impression that her friend wasn't really there, her gaze seemed empty, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts she wasn't allowed access to.
Once they set foot in the barracks, Rebeca was puzzled by the change in Riza. Her lost and somewhat sad look was replaced by the serious countenance that Rebeca admired so much about her when she was focused on some activity.
Following her example, Rebeca tried to hide her concern by resorting to her usual smile and perhaps a little flashy greetings when they passed an acquaintance on the road. But the seriousness and smiles fell apart as soon as they entered their bedroom and Rebeca closed the door behind her.
Rebeca sighed and looked around for her friend. Riza was sitting on her bed, her eyes averted to the small window that dimly lit the room but despite that Rebeca couldn't help but notice the tears that now fell freely down her cheeks.
"Riza!" She quickly ran to her own bed, sitting down on it and taking Riza's hands between her own. "Please, Riza. I want to help you, but I can't do it if I don't know what's wrong with you."
Riza's tears continued to slip silently but there was no reaction to denote that she had heard her friend's request.
Fighting the lump that was forming in her throat at seeing her friend in this state, Rebeca gently squeezed her hands trying to get her attention. "Please, you can trust me."
At that moment Riza finally averted her gaze to her friend. Her eyes were still bright and watery but her voice surprisingly sounded firm and soft at the same time. "Becky, I'm pregnant."
Unbidden a small smile appeared on Rebeca's face. "But, Riza that's good news. A baby is always a blessing. Well sure, you're a little young but this way you won't have to deal with raising a child when you already have gray hair." Rebeca joked at the end trying to lighten the mood.
"It's not as easy as it sounds, what am I supposed to do? I'm only 17, I just entered the academy and you know I barely have enough money to subsist."
"Yeah, I know but you're strong, Riza. You've only been here a couple of months and your determination is already making you stand out."
"But I don't know if the military will let me keep my place, how am I going to support my baby?"
"Well but now you already have the perfect excuse to get away from the military and live with the father of your child. Even though I'm sometimes afraid of your seriousness, I must say that ever since I met you I've had the idea that family life would suit you just fine."
Riza smiled sadly as she wiped away a few tears with the back of her hand. "That's not a possibility. He has too much to do to be raising a child."
At the comment Rebeca became annoyed. "What do you mean he has too much to do? He's the baby's father! He has to take responsibility."
"I know if I tell him he'll be surprised but he'll be glad. He'll probably even give up his career-"
Without letting her continue Rebeca interjected energetically with a big smile "That's it! See, you don't have anything to worry about. All you have to do is tell him and together you can raise the baby that's on the way."
"But he has a very important goal to accomplish, I can't let him just drop it just like that."
"If I know you as well as I know I do, I'm sure you'll succeed in convincing him that it's not necessary for him to give up his career. Besides if he did, how would you provide for the baby?"
"Maybe you're right. It's just that this wasn't planned...I wanted to support him from within the military but maybe I can raise our baby while he continues to ascend in the military." The tears seemed to have stopped and Riza smiled sincerely. This time the smile reached her eyes but, as she looked up into her friend's face, it disappeared completely.
Rebeca was staring at her with wide eyes. The color seemed to have drained from her face and her lips, usually in a smile, were pursed, as if wanting to avoid having to speak her mind.
"What's wrong?" Riza asked with a tone of concern and confusion.
Trying to control her concern Rebeca answered. "Riza... your baby's father... Is he part of the military?"
Unable to help a small blush at the thought of Roy dressed in his uniform, Riza simply nodded.
A lone tear ran down Rebeca's cheek. "Oh, Riza." Without warning she reached over and hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...forget what I said."
Extremely confused, Riza stiffened. "What's wrong, Becky?"
"You can't keep the baby." Rebeca felt Riza tense under her embrace. "Or at best, you can raise it but there is no way in the world you can tell who its father is."
Feeling the tears overflowing again, Riza carefully pulled Rebeca away and stared at her. "Why, what do you mean?"
"The anti-fraternization law." At the mention Riza turned pale, fearing she was in even more trouble than she imagined. "I'm not surprised you overlooked it. I know we haven't been told in detail about it yet and there was only a small mention of that law in the registration papers we filled out when we entered the academy, but in these cases... it's terrible."
Rebeca's eyes became sad and nostalgic. "My brother paid a heavy price for infringing it." Giving a big sigh she continued. "A few years ago my brother entered the military academy. He was a very dedicated cadet and everyone who knew him predicted a very promising future for him in the military. But when he was close to graduation everything changed. He met a freshman girl, and they both fell deeply in love." Rebeca smiled sadly "The girl's name was Helen, I honestly liked her a lot. She was also very dedicated and efficient. They both managed to keep their courtship a secret but that wasn't enough. Shortly after my brother was assigned to the North, Helen discovered she was pregnant and unfortunately before they could think of a solution the military found out what was going on."
Despite her own worries, Riza could tell how difficult it was being for her friend to relate her brother's story, so she stood up and sat down next to her taking one of her hands to squeeze it lightly in support.
Rebeca looked at her gratefully and continued. "Even though my brother was already actively working in the military and they were both just students when they met, both he and Helen were court-martialed. Everyone who once encouraged him in his military career turned against him, claiming that Amestris couldn't count on him when he can't even keep a stupid law." Riza could feel Rebeca's hand that she wasn't holding tighten into a fist.
Fearing what she would say, Riza steeled herself and asked. "What was the verdict?"
"They were sentenced to prison and wanted them to abort the baby." The looks on Riza's and Rebeca's faces were filled with pain. "My brother got upset and tried to convince the jury to let the baby live. It was difficult but he succeeded. Only...in return they opted to send him to the firing squad."
Riza felt her heart shrink and not only that, but her fear, worry and uncertainty grew immensely. Trying to overcome the lump that was lodging in her throat Riza asked. "What happened to Helen and the baby?"
Rebeca's gaze darkened. "The stress and grief of losing my brother caused Helen to lose the baby...a year later she was released but she never went back to her old self." Rebeca finished with a tone full of sadness and pain as her eyes shed the tears she had been holding back.
Riza was silent as she felt the tears run freely down her face. Her worries had focused on the fear of being such a young mother, how to provide for the baby, and the possibility of stopping Roy's impending career advancement and thus slowing down the path to his goal. She would never have believed she would be in such a delicate situation. Yes, Rebeca was right, there was a small note about the anti-fraternization law inside her registration papers to the military academy but when she had filled them out she had not even spent that night with Roy.
Now all the information she had received was coming down on her like an inexorable avalanche. Roy and Riza were going to have a baby. They couldn't raise it together. She didn't have the means to bring it up. She was alone.
Earlier Riza's tears had been continuous but silent. Now feeling as if her heart was tearing she could no longer control them. Riza flung herself at Rebeca and cried like she had never cried before in her life.
Rebeca had let the next week pass normally for Riza. She didn't want to pressure her and especially not in her state so they both pretended normalcy in their daily lives at the academy.
She knew that Riza now had the future of her baby and herself always in mind and was surely planning what she should do now, but the whole situation had her very worried. The more time passed the more likely it was that her pregnancy would come to light.
She was beginning to fear that Riza was blocking out recent events before the very important decision she would have to make regarding the fate of the baby. But all her fears were dissipated that night when they were both in bed and Rebeca had assumed that Riza was asleep.
"I'm giving the baby up for adoption." Riza's soft voice interrupted the stillness of the room.
Rebeca got up and sat on the edge of Riza's bed. "Are you sure?"
Riza, who had been lying with her back to Rebeca's bed, slowly pushed herself up and sat up. "Yes." Riza replied with a sad but determined look. "I have no right to ruin this baby's life. Right now I can't give it the life it deserves. I can't even give it a family." Riza added as she began to shed a couple of tears. "Even if I managed to raise it by myself, I would condemn it to a life of uncertainty where at any moment the military could arrive to court-martial us."
Rebeca reached over and hugged her. "I know it was a difficult decision but I'm proud of you. Anyone else in your place would have chosen to have an abortion. You're giving your baby a chance to grow up and be happy."
"I wish that made it easier." Riza replied sadly as she reciprocated her friend's hug.
"Hey, when have you ever liked things easy? You always put the soldiers on edge by asking for new challenges and activities." Riza smiled slightly through the tears as Rebeca pulled away and took her hands in hers. "Besides if you're going to be a mother I guess that makes me the honorary godmother of your baby."
"But I'm not keeping it."
"And? Even though he's not out of your stomach yet I can be its godmother, so my duties as honorary godmother cover the baby's health as well as yours so let me help you ok?" replied Rebeca with a sincere smile.
Riza sighed slightly and smiled back. "Who knew that the rowdy girl who tackled me two months ago when I walked into the barracks would become my best friend."
"Let's just say I like to make lasting first impressions."
They both laughed lightly as they separated their hands and unconsciously Riza placed her hands on her belly.
With a soft, calm tone Rebeca caught Riza's attention. "I wouldn't want to pressure you, Riza, but you're already 2 months along. It's not going to take long for your pregnancy to become noticeable."
Riza gave a sigh. "I know. What I was most worried about was the fate of my baby and now that I've decided I guess I can think about what I'm going to do until it's born."
"Well considering the circumstances I don't think it's wise for you to keep the baby here."
"Yes, I can't take the chance that they end up finding the relationship between my baby and Roy."
"Roy? No way... Are you talking about Roy Mustang?" All at once Rebeca had raised her voice and her eyes were wide.
Motioning for her to lower her voice volume, Riza nodded.
Making a great effort to contain her tone of voice (though not avoiding the excited movements of her hands) Rebeca pointed a finger at Riza and said with a mischievous tone. "I thought you were serious but I already saw that you like to play with fire."
At the comment Riza blushed intensely.
"It's a pity the other girls can't know that. They would die of envy to know that the hot young man already has a mistress."
"Becky!"
"What, it's not my fault that you''ve captured Central's most coveted beau. In fact I was encouraged to sign up for the academy when I saw him training in the barracks fields." Seeing the furious look on Riza's face, she held up her hands in defense. "It was just a little joke." She laughed nervously. "It's not my fault he's famous. Everyone around here heard about the day he got his certification as a state alchemist."
Riza, still somewhat flushed, relaxed her gaze. "Well, back to the subject. I need to get out of here but I don't want to get banned from the military. I was thinking of taking a leave for a semester. Maybe two if I have complications finding a home for my baby."
"Sounds like a good idea. Don't worry I'll see to it that no one wants to take over this bed in that time." Rebeca smiled as she exaggeratedly patted the bed they were sitting on. "I won't accept another companion who isn't blonde, serious, scary and knows how to conquer the great beaus."
Riza sighed. "You're hopeless, Becky."
"You love me, admit it." Rebeca replied with a big smile. "So, where will you go during that time?"
"I don't really have a choice. I'll have to go back to my father's house, I don't have enough money to rent an apartment somewhere else."
"But if I remember correctly you lived near East City, didn't you?" Riza nodded. "Don't you think you run the risk of running into Roy? Don't you think if he sees you, he'll want to decide about his son's or daughter's future?"
"Most likely but I will do my best to keep him from knowing of my presence, he must not know about this baby for the sake of his goal." Rebeca looked at her confused but preferred not to ask more about it. Riza sighed. "I will have to be very careful."
Rebeca held up a finger and wagged it from side to side. "None of that. You can't live with that worry during your pregnancy. Stress is not good for your baby." Smiling broadly she added. "This is where the honorary godmother comes in! I've got the perfect place for you... Riviere!
"But that's in the North, how am I going to pay for transportation and especially my stay in a city so far away and unknown?"
Now Rebeca pointed to herself. "That's why I tell you that here comes in the honorary godmother. My brother bought a small house in Riviere when he was assigned to the Northern Command. He used to say that seeing the scenery on the drive from Riviere to the command helped him start the day with a lot of energy." Trying to avoid bad memories Rebeca smiled and continued. "Think about it, it's the perfect idea." Holding up a finger she continued. "Then you won't have to live worrying about Roy or anyone from Central finding out." She held up a second finger. "You won't have to pay rent, so you'll have all your money at your and the baby's disposal." Finally raising a third finger she added. "And you'll be in a place where I'll be able to visit you every month without any trouble."
"Becky, I appreciate that but I can't-"
Rebeca didn't let her finish. "No buts. You can't deny it's the best option you have. Besides, I know my brother would have welcomed you with open arms."
A tear escaping her, Riza smiled, "Thank you so much, Becky! I don't know what I would do without you."
"Well, you won't have to wonder because, as I told you, I'll visit you during the free weekend we have every month."
"You don't need to. You're already doing too much for me."
"It's never too much when you're an honorary godmother." Rebeca replied full of energy.
Riza smiled broadly and hugged her, thinking of all the preparations she would have to make for the plan to go perfectly.
2 weeks later Riza took care of all the paperwork that would allow her the temporary leave she needed. Luckily in that time her belly had just begun to show very slightly so her cadet uniform was enough to make her pregnancy go completely unnoticed.
Having learned very well how bureaucracy worked in the military, Riza finished her paperwork just on the eve of the monthly weekend off, so Rebeca was able to accompany her to her new temporary home.
The train ride was mostly silent. Rebeca understood that Riza had too much on her mind because of how things had changed in such a short time so she didn't force any conversation.
Riza for her part spent most of the ride with her head leaning against the window watching the scenery go by while she kept one hand unconsciously caressing her belly. She couldn't stop thinking that in a few months she would be a mother. It seemed so surreal to her that she continually felt that at any moment she would wake up from a long sleep.
But this was not a dream.
It was a reality.
Although she tried to push it away as much as she could, the thought of wanting to see her baby grow up kept popping into her mind frequently, so whenever this idea made its appearance she tried to bury it with the firm resolution that her baby deserved a happy life and that she, unfortunately, was not the person who could give it to him or her. So she was also aware that most likely the next time she would travel on this train she would do it alone... leaving her little baby behind.
And so this vicious cycle repeated itself over and over again in her mind, causing her to barely get any sleep during the trip at Rebeca's request.
Once in North City, they took the opportunity to find a restaurant to eat something to eat before boarding the train that would finally take them to Riviere.
As they walked, Riza contemplated the city attentively. It was her first time visiting the North. Although the city was covered by a light layer of snow, the streets were full of people, although not as crowded as in Central. There were several street stalls offering hot drinks and she even saw a man trying to sell his figures made of snow. Yes, she too wondered how anyone would even try to sell them.
They kept walking until a 2-story building with a small courtyard caught Riza's eye and she stopped.
It was the city orphanage.
The accumulated snow in the courtyard was enough to play in, so there were several children between the ages of 4 and 9 running around and throwing snowballs at each other.
The children's laughter reached Riza, bringing a smile to her face.
Rebeca stopped when she noticed that her friend had stayed behind and as she turned to look at her she couldn't help but notice her smile and the affection that emanated from her gaze. She smiled sadly knowing what would happen in the future and walked over to her to gaze at the children.
"They look like they're having fun." Rebeca commented.
"Yes, they have so much energy that even the cold can''t stop them." Riza commented affectionately.
They both stood for a few moments contemplating the children as they played and laughed, also watching as a young woman supervised them and even joined them in their games.
I think this would be a good place for my baby. Riza thought as she caressed her belly with her right hand.
Riza knew she would give her baby up for adoption but it was still hard for her to think about where she would leave him. She knew that orphanages were taking in more and more children and that made her fear that her baby would never find a family to raise him or her. But the sight of those children playing and laughing calmed her worries for a moment. She was aware that the love and security of a home was what she wanted most for her son or daughter, but if she did not find a family willing to raise him or her, she feared she would have to resort to an orphanage and, although it was not her first choice, she hoped that her son or daughter's laughter could be heard all over the place.
A few minutes later Rebeca snapped Riza out of her thoughts reminding her that they needed to hurry if they wanted to have something to eat before they left.
Finally with the arrival of dusk Riza and Rebeca were in front of their destination. The house was on Riviere's forest road, with only a couple of neighbors a few yards from it. It was one story, with only a couple of small windows in the front, a bedroom with a small bathroom inside and a kitchen with the essentials that served as both a dining room and a living room. It was a small house but it was more than enough for Riza.
Obviously the time of neglect had left its marks, so before unpacking they had to take care of cleaning the whole place leaving it as presentable as possible.
Riza was in charge of dusting and cleaning all the objects that did not require her to bend down or carry anything heavy, since Rebeca had an eye fixed on her to make sure she did not overexert herself.
Unable to help herself, around midnight Riza rested for a moment on the couch by the door and fell fast asleep.
When Riza awoke she was surprised to see that the whole house was now completely clean and her belongings were already put away. Stretching slightly she turned to the kitchen and could see how her friend was sitting in a chair sleeping soundly with her arms settled on the table.
Riza smiled gratefully and quietly went into the bedroom to pick up a blanket to then place over her friend.
As she returned to what would be her room for the next few months she couldn't help but notice the small pile of fabric lying on the dresser. She picked it up and noticed that it was a small yellow blanket with teddy bears drawn on it.
Thinking that this little blanket was officially her baby's first gift she lay down on the bed, hugged the soft fabric and let some silent tears flow freely, letting them flow until exhaustion again overcame her.
"Riza."
"Hmm?"
"Come on, Riza. Wake up, it's past noon." Rebeca said as she shook her friend's shoulder.
"What?" Riza sat up quickly as she realized she had slept much longer than she had thought she would.
"You need to eat something, plus in a couple of hours my train leaves and I'd like to show you where everything is located before I leave."
Riza took a quick glance towards the kitchen table and could see the plates of steaming food on it. "I'm so sorry, Becky. I let you do practically all the work. I wanted to make it up to you by preparing the meal but even that I couldn't do."
With a smile, Rebeca replied. "Don't worry about it. It's normal for you to get tired faster plus you hardly slept during the trip."
Still feeling a little embarrassed, Riza thanked her again and they set out to eat.
As they ate Rebeca decided to break the silence. "I see you liked the gift." She commented with a smile as she nodded at the small blanket Riza had unconsciously brought with her.
With a smile, Riza replied. " It' s very pretty, Becky, thank you so much!"
Rebeca's smile widened. "Did you notice the embroidery?" Seeing Riza's look of disbelief, Rebeca continued. "Check the bottom right corner."
Following her friend's instructions Riza checked the blanket and discovered that the embroidery was the letters 'RH' in cursive.
Noticing the surprise on Riza's face, Rebeca continued. "I know the baby won't be able to stay with you but that doesn't mean he can't at least have something of you. I would have liked to have put his name initial but it's hard to guess what it's going to be. I thought about adding a hawk but...let's just say that my needle skills aren't very good to say the least." She added with a slight chuckle.
With a big smile and sparkling eyes Riza replied. "I love it, Becky. Really, thank you so much."
The rest of the meal continued with a casual chat between the friends. When they finished they packed Rebeca's small suitcase and went out to wander the streets. Along the way Rebeca pointed out places she remembered from the time she had gone to pick up her brother's things. They managed to locate a small clinic near the station, grocery stores, clothing stores and even a baby supply store which would be very useful for Riza.
As they said goodbye Riza hugged Rebeca tightly and thanked her again for all her help. Rebeca smiled and reminded her to call her anytime she needed her.
Riza stayed at the station until she stopped seeing the smoke from the train Rebeca was traveling on. Giving a big sigh she began to walk back to her new home, mentally preparing herself for what would be her new life.
During her pregnancy Riza tried to be as discreet as possible. Living in a house with few neighbors around her meant that it wasn't too difficult. She spent as much time as possible inside the house, reading most of the time to pass the time and only going out to stock up on groceries.
As promised, Rebeca would visit her at the end of each month to keep her company and help her in any way she could, something for which Riza was very grateful since in those months she had virtually no contact with people, only talking a little with the vendors she bought from and waving from the road to her neighbors when she ran into them on her way out.
However, between visits from Rebeca, it was Roy's voice that cheered her up and made her forget the loneliness she had imposed on herself.
In the middle of each month Riza would go to a restaurant near where she bought her groceries to make the call. The restaurant was attended by a slightly old woman with a gentle face who, despite her tired blue eyes, seemed to have noticed from the first moment that Riza was pregnant. But, to Riza's surprise, the lady never asked her about her past. She simply focused on asking her about how she was feeling and if she had any ideas for her baby's name.
So, each time Riza visited the restaurant to make the call the old lady always treated her with great love and kindness, each time bringing her a chair and a cup of tea to make her comfortable.
During the calls Roy's voice was always sweet and longing, as surely as Riza's was. Roy would tell her about how he was doing and the missions he was assigned. In addition, he would not hesitate to share with her, in an enthusiastic tone, some new alchemy topic he had access to.
Riza listened with delight. She loved the enthusiasm Roy was putting into both alchemy and the military, for she knew that all that excitement would help build a better country.
But even though their conversations started with topics related to Riza's studies (for which she had previously thought about the activities she "did" to share with Roy) and his progress, they always ended up sighing and telling each other how much they missed the other.
There was never a missed occasion when Roy would remind her that he would come back for her and each time Riza couldn't help but bite her lip to keep a few tears from escaping.
Riza loved him and wanted to be with him to raise their baby together, but her resolve was stronger. Roy's goal wasn't easy, so she would help him until he made it and if it delayed their plans to be together, Riza would do it because she knew the happiness of many was at stake. She had already made the decision to keep her baby away from the military world to avoid exposing the three of them to the will of the higher ups when they found out who his or her father was so even though she felt her heart clench at the sound of hearing Roy and at the thought of her baby, she was determined to postpone her own happiness until the right time came.
Towards the end of their conversations Roy noticed her a little sad but he attributed it to a mutual melancholy, for every time he listened to her, he felt his longing to see her and hold her in his arms grow so strong that he felt a pang in his heart at the thought of how long it would be until they would be face to face again.
What Roy didn't know was that when he noticed that sad tone in her, Riza was always gently caressing her belly.
Usually upon returning home after talking to Roy, Riza would take out her little treasure box and reread the letters Roy had previously sent her. She hadn't received a new letter in the last few months not wanting to give him her location but for some reason at the end of her monthly call Riza missed him more than ever and those letters were a way to feel him close.
When Riza was almost 8 months pregnant, Rebeca went to visit her as was her habit, only this time, unlike the others, Rebeca handed her friend a sheet of data written by herself.
"What is this, Becky?" asked Riza as she began to read the sheet.
"Do you remember the orphanage we went through the first time we got here?" Riza nodded feeling her stomach shrink. "Before we took the train here I thought I'd see what the place is like and I think you'll like it. The people there are very nice and they have lots of activities for the kids. The rooms are a little small but they have a garden where you can hear the children laughing and playing."
At that moment Riza felt her sadness squeeze her heart tightly. She was aware that her baby would have to grow up in such a place but she had not mustered enough courage to start inquiring further about nearby orphanages. She couldn't help but feel somewhat selfish about it, but she wanted to spend a few weeks with her baby before she had to say goodbye to it. She felt terrible knowing that she wouldn't be able to raise it and watch it grow up but the moment of parting terrified her immensely that she had even recently had serious trouble falling asleep.
Surely all those thoughts were reflected on her face as Rebeca quickly tried to comfort her. "Hey, Riza. You don't have to go over that now. It's just that I had some time before I took my train but you don't have to rush into making a decision. In fact, let's put that aside. We'd better go eat because I'm starving. I know they're healthy but salads don't fill me up at all."
Riza smiled weakly at her and put the sheet away in the drawer of her small bedside table. During Rebeca's visit they didn't bring up the subject again and Riza tried to appear calm and laugh at her friend's witticisms but she couldn't get the idea of the orphanage out of her head. The time was drawing near...
The next day, despite Rebeca's constant denial, Riza accompanied her to the train station. Rebeca did not want her to accompany her because of her advanced condition but Riza did not want to break her tradition. Besides, even if she didn't say it out loud, now was when she most wanted to feel accompanied for as long as possible.
Before boarding the train, Rebeca tried to give her as many indications as possible about the care she had to take now that the delivery was so close, insisting above all that Riza should stay near the city to have quicker access to the hospital, to which Riza flatly refused since, according to her, that would undo all her efforts to live discreetly during all these months.
Sighing at her friend's stubbornness, Rebeca hugged her tightly and boarded the train, hoping that the next time she came she could take her, even if only by dragging her along, to rent a hotel room or even apply for a room at the hospital.
Riza stayed at the station until the train disappeared from her sight. With a bit of work she got up from the bench she was sitting on feeling a slight pain as she did so.
Not giving much importance to the pain she felt, Riza made her way home watching the sunset fill the Riviere sky with orange tones.
If there was one thing Riza had discovered, it was that at dusk Riviere became a very quiet place. Most people got up at dawn to start their day's work, so the sunset was the perfect signal for everyone to return to their homes.
On her way Riza ran into some people who were finishing their day which she greeted with a slight bow and continued walking to avoid conversation since, firstly, she had to continue with her discreet lifestyle and, secondly, the pain she had felt at the station seemed to be increasing little by little so she just wanted to get home to rest.
As she got closer to home a thought crossed her mind. Maybe it's time. But she refused to believe it, she still had a month to go and at her last checkup the doctor had told her everything was going well.
She tried to cling to the idea that it was just a little discomfort but, when she was outside her closest neighbors' house, the pain increased so quickly that she had to stop.
It couldn't be. It couldn't be. Not now, not here. It's not time yet.
Feeling unable to take another step, Riza placed her hands on her belly and bent over slightly as she felt sweat begin to fill her forehead and a few moans of pain escaped her mouth.
Riza tried to calm herself and thought to inhale and exhale sharply to control her breathing but, at the first attempt, she could feel some liquid start to run down her legs.
She couldn't deny it anymore, her baby was about to be born and she had no way to get to the hospital.
Riza began to feel tears start to run down her cheeks. She felt foolish for having been so stubborn as to refuse to accept what was happening. If only she had paid more attention to the first pain she felt she wouldn't be on the outskirts of town now, with no way to get to the hospital and all alone.
So desperate was she that she did not notice the footsteps announcing that someone had approached her.
"Miss, what's wrong?" A gentle voice but one that denoted concern made her look up to meet bright green eyes in front of her.
It was a young woman with long brown hair falling over one of her shoulders, perhaps only slightly older than her but with her presence alone she inspired confidence while her eyes shone with sympathy and sincere concern.
At first Riza did not recognize her, but as she focused on her eyes Riza recognized her as the neighbor in the house closest to hers. She did not know her name, as Riza avoided contact as much as possible, but she had continually seen her accompanied by a tall man with long golden hair.
Riza focused all her attention on her upon her neighbor's shocked expression as she noticed the small puddle that was forming at her feet. "Oh my God! Honey!" The brunette cried out at last fixing her gaze on her own house.
Riza couldn't concentrate enough to say anything to the woman in front of her but for some strange reason she felt reassured as she placed a hand on her shoulder and began to slowly guide her towards the house.
"Looks like we don't have much time but don't worry, I've welcomed a few babies before."
Not knowing what else she could do in a situation like that Riza just nodded slowly and exclaimed a weak 'Thank you'.
When they were a few steps from the entrance a tall man with blond hair tied in a ponytail opened the door. Riza felt her vision somewhat blurred but she could tell that the pair exchanged a quick glance and the man quickly took the chestnut's place so she could go ahead and prepare what she needed.
Heedless of her surroundings, Riza was led into a small room with a double bed. The man carefully helped her to lie down on the bed. By this time Riza's breathing had become more agitated and her small moans of pain were beginning to turn into screams.
The man squeezed her hand gently to get her attention. "Easy, my wife won't be long. Try to take deep breaths. I'll go get you something to drink."
Riza quickly returned the squeeze to let him know she had heard him as she felt the pain grow exponentially.
A few minutes later the couple returned bringing with them some blankets, water, disinfectant and a few other things she couldn't identify at the time.
The man quickly arranged the things and went to the door of the room, but not before squeezing his wife's shoulder in a gesture of encouragement and then leaving the room to give Riza the necessary privacy.
The brown woman put on a beige apron over her dress and approached Riza with a smile to convey confidence and assurance.
"Is this your first baby?"
Riza just nodded.
"Ok don't worry. I will be very careful and try to keep telling you every step of what is happening. The effort you put in tonight will be rewarded when you hold your baby in your arms." Giving her one last smile the young brunette began to devote herself to her task.
The labor was long and painful. On several occasions, when Riza felt she was about to lose consciousness, the sweet voice of her neighbor calmed and encouraged her. It went on like this for a time that seemed eternal to her but when her ears registered a cry it was as if automatically her consciousness disconnected from her surroundings.
"Oh my God. He's so cute." The brunette held the baby in her arms as she smiled at him and lovingly stroked the little blonde lock sticking up on his head, while he was still crying. "It's a boy, mi- Honey!"
At his partner's shocked cry the blond man quickly appeared in the room. "What's wrong?" He had barely finished asking his question when the brunette placed the baby in his arms and rushed to attend to Riza.
"She lost consciousness and is bleeding badly." She commented in a halting voice as if she was holding back tears as she tried to stop the bleeding. "Honey... she' s dying."
Opening his eyes in surprise the man walked over to his wife and carefully handed her the baby. "I'll take over, honey. I can't let this young lady die so young." And with that said the blond approached Riza, placed his right hand on her belly and a bright bluish light appeared.
At the sight of that light the young brunette seemed to understand what her husband was doing so she smiled slightly as she cradled the baby whose crying seemed to have stopped.
Once that strange light disappeared Riza began to squeeze her eyes and slowly opened them.
"Miss, how are you feeling?" The blond man asked kindly.
Riza blinked once more trying to focus her gaze on the face a few steps away from her. When she saw those golden eyes it was as if all the memories of the last few hours came rushing back to her mind and she tried to sit up.
"My baby!" At her abrupt movement the man placed his hands on her shoulders and urged her to stay lying on the bed. "Is my baby okay?" She asked altered as she placed her arms on her belly.
The man only smiled slightly and stepped aside to let the brunette pass.
"Miss, someone wants to meet you." It was at that moment that Riza noticed the small bundle wrapped in a white blanket that the young chestnut held in her arms.
Acting on instinct Riza stretched out her arms and, as she began to feel the weight of her baby in her arms, she felt a very powerful emotion run through her whole body searching for an outlet through her eyes.
The surprise, worry, fear and uncertainty she had experienced over the past few months seemed to evaporate completely leaving simply a sense of calm and love...an overflowing love.
"It's a boy." The brunette exclaimed in a gentle tone.
A boy. I have a son...Roy, we have a boy...
Tears were slowly coming out of her eyes, but this time they were different. She was crying with joy at being able to hold her son in her arms.
Her baby's cheeks were flushed and his eyes were closed, seeming to take a little nap. Riza was dying to know what his eyes would look like but for the moment her attention was focused on her son's head as she noticed the small lock of hair sticking out of it. It was blond, her son had inherited her hair.
Smiling Riza brought one of her hands up to her baby's face, stroking one of his cheeks with a finger. The movement was very gentle but it was enough to cause a reaction in the little one. The baby moved his little head slightly and showed his eyes to his mother for the first time.
Golden. His eyes looked like liquid gold.
At first Riza couldn't help but be surprised, for her baby didn't have her or Roy's eye color but then she remembered a conversation with her mother. She had told her that when she was a child she loved to visit her grandfather because she saw him as a magical being because of his golden eyes. At the time Riza was amazed at the idea but as time went by she thought it had only been a story created by her mother since she had never met anyone with that eye color.
Well, until today when she paid attention to her neighbor's eyes.
Despite her initial surprise, Riza felt mesmerized by that small pair of eyes that seemed to look at her with curiosity. Even if his eyes were different from what she would have expected, they only confirmed that her son had inherited even more from her and her family. Part of her was glad to see her features in her baby as she found certain features that were like Roy's, such as his forehead, nose and mouth. But another part had dreamed of holding a miniature version of Roy in her arms. One way or another she couldn't take her eyes off her son and her love for him grew exponentially with each passing minute.
As she thought about all this Riza continued to slowly caress his cheek while smiling at him. This caused the baby to start moving his arms and a moment later his little hand caught one of his mother's fingers.
Smiling even more at that action Riza spoke. "Edward."
Her neighbors stood at the foot of her bed. The man had an arm around the brunette's shoulders and they were both smiling at the sight.
"Is that going to be his name?" The brunette asked.
Riza nodded with a big smile without taking her eyes off her baby.
"Well." The brunette began to say gently pulling away from her partner then coming to Riza's side as she held out her arms. "I think Edward needs a good bath so he can sleep comfortably."
At first Riza felt a protective instinct that made her not want to pull away from her baby but almost immediately she remembered what these people had done for her. Trying to focus on the trust and security the couple had given her she carefully pushed Edward away and handed him to the brunette.
The young woman smiled kindly at her and walked over to a corner of the room where a tub of warm water stood, while Riza watched her intently.
"I'll go get you some clothes." The blond left the room but his voice caused Riza to avert her eyes from the brunette and it wasn't until that moment that she noticed the large blood stain covering the bottom of the bed she was on, which made her let out an exclamation of surprise.
Assuming what Riza had seen, the brunette began to speak to her without taking her attention off the baby. "You gave us quite a scare. Just as this little angel came into the world you fainted and as much as I wanted to I couldn't stop your bleeding."
"But...this much blood...how come I'm alive?" Riza asked in an anguished tone as she realized how close she had come to death.
The brunette had finished bathing Edward and was wrapping him in a towel so she turned to look at her with a smile that showed great love and pride. "My husband is an alchemist and has learned much about its application in medicine."
At that moment the man returned to the room bringing with him some clean clothes and sheets. He laid them on the dresser that stood in the room and approached his partner.
"Honey, Edward needs to sleep, do you think you could...?" Before the brunette could finish the question the man smiled at her and left the room to quickly return with a small crib.
"I think I was a little quicker this time." With that said the man placed the crib as close to the bed as possible so Riza could get a good view of her son.
"Thank you, sweetheart." Giving him a kiss on the cheek the brunette walked over to the crib and placed the baby in it ever so gently.
"Well, I think I'll go to the living room. I'll keep an eye out if you need anything." When the man had his hand on the doorknob Riza called out to him.
"Wait." The man turned to look at her. "Well... I don't know how to thank you...both of you. You don't even know me and if it hadn't been for you I..." Riza swallowed saliva and couldn't finish the sentence so she preferred to leave it unfinished. "Well, I just want to say thank you very much. Really, thank you!"
They both smiled and the man replied. "You have nothing to thank. Try to get a good rest, your body needs it." And he continued on his way to the living room.
"My husband is right. You have nothing to be thankful for. What's more, we are very happy to have witnessed the birth of this little one." Said the brunette casting an affectionate glance towards the crib in which the baby was sleeping. "We couldn't leave you alone."
Riza felt a great appreciation for that selfless couple and to whom she now owed her life. "I still won't get tired of saying it... Thank you!"
The brunette waved her hand downplaying the matter and gave her a warm smile. "Well what do you say we settle all this a bit?" she said as she took the change of clothes in her hands.
Riza smiled back and nodded.
Ever so gently the brunette helped her out of bed to quickly change the sheets and just as gently helped her change her clothes. Once that was done he helped her settle back into bed.
"I hope I'm not being indiscreet but would you like me to contact someone for you, perhaps the father?"
The calmness Riza had felt up to that moment disappeared completely as she remembered Roy's face and the decision he had made about the baby's fate. Unbidden a couple of tears escaped her eyes.
"Oh, honey. I'm sorry. Forget what I said okay?" moving closer to her she gave him a warm hug and then helped her lay fully back on the bed. "You need to sleep too, you need to get your energy back. Don't you worry, my husband and I will keep an eye on both you and Edward."
Trying to push thoughts of her situation away, Riza mumbled a weak thank you and let exhaustion overcome her.
Two weeks passed and without realizing it Riza was becoming quite comfortable in her neighbors' home. For a week now Riza had been able to get out of bed and tend to Edward, but they both insisted that she stay with them a little longer to make sure everything was going well. The blond even offered to bring everything she needed from home, so now the couple's house had practically all her clothes and Edward's things, including the small blanket Rebeca had given her.
During all that time they were both respectful of her private life and never again asked her for details of her life or even about the father of her baby. Riza thanked them enormously and tried to help them around the house in any way she could, but almost all her attempts ended when the brunette smiled at her and told her not to force herself and then directed her to an armchair or the guest bed.
At such show of respect and affection Riza did not dare to question them about their lives. Nor had she asked them their name but she didn't dare to do so when even she hadn't told them hers. At that point it wasn't as if she didn't trust them, but in her mind she still held that staunch idea of avoiding giving out data that might reveal her history and, above all, her baby's connection to the military.
But all that tenacity dissipated when she realized the date. It was time for the monthly call she had with Roy. When she realized this detail it was as if the range of her thoughts expanded to give way to that decision she hadn't wanted to think about since the moment Edward was born... She wasn't going to raise him.
Edward was a demanding baby. He seemed to be in perfect sync to start crying just as she was going to sleep, but as soon as his mother held him in her arms his crying stopped immediately and his little hand seemed to seek contact with his mother's skin, so that almost every time Riza would see her little son take one of her fingers in his little hand. And, despite all the weariness that came with Edward's curious crying schedule, Riza couldn't help but feel her love for him grow even more.
And that wasn't good...
She had previously tried to mentally prepare herself for the pain of parting from her son but now she felt that she could not survive it as the very idea was slowly beginning to tear her heart apart. However, she would have to find a way to do it because she knew that Edward deserved a happy life without worries even if it meant not being with him while he was growing up.
So it was that, during the eve of the day when she should call Roy, an idea came to her mind: Edward had golden eyes. The man who had saved her life had the same color eyes. He lived with his wife and both were probably the kindest people she had ever met in her life. Besides... they had no children.
She had certainly noticed that the man avoided carrying Edward as much as possible, something Riza always attributed to a slight awkwardness in not knowing how to deal with small children. But the immense love that flashed in the man's eyes when he looked at his wife made Riza firmly believe that he was a good man.
Although she had initially considered giving her son to the orphanage in North City that did not assure her that Edward could grow up in a family as she would like, but if she gave him to this kind couple she was sure that Edward would have a life full of love and happiness.
She found the idea motivating but at the same time extremely painful. If she wanted that future for her son she had to let him go as soon as possible so as not to interfere with his happiness.
Casting a glance at the crib where Edward was napping, Riza left her room. In the living room she could see how the blond man was looking at her curiously over the top of his newspaper and, seeing how she scanned the surroundings he said to her with a warm smile. "She just went out to do some shopping." The man must have noticed that something had her very nervous because he quickly asked. "Is something wrong?"
Riza became very nervous. She wanted to open her heart to them when they were both there but she had a feeling that if she didn't speak up right then she would never have the courage to do so again. "I need to... talk to you."
The man seemed surprised since they had never spoken the two of them alone. "Wouldn't you rather wait until my wife returns?"
Riza shook her head. "I have to talk now."
The man put aside his newspaper and motioned for her to sit in the armchair next to him.
Taking a seat Riza began to speak without looking up from the floor. "First of all, I want to thank you again for everything you have done for me." The man smiled weakly, thinking that this was another occasion where Riza was trying to find a way to repay them. But before he could respond the blonde continued. "I know you don't know me and I don't know you but you're both the nicest couple I've ever met and the least I can do is tell you my story." Riza sighed and finally raised her gaze to stare into the man's eyes. "My name is Riza Hawkeye and I am a cadet at the Central City military academy."
The man's eyes denoted some surprise and it only became more and more noticeable as Riza told him her story. Riza told him everything: how she met Roy, her plans for both Roy and her to improve Amestris, her entrance to the military academy and finally the discovery of the dangers that came with the anti-fraternization law.
"That's why you hardly ever went out on the town." Riza nodded. "Now I understand why no one seems to know you around here. My wife was very intrigued with you before Edward was born."
"That's right, it hasn't been easy but I've tried to be as careful as possible. No one must know that Roy and I conceived a baby." Riza replied sadly.
"So...what are you going to do...what's going to happen to Edward?" the man asked with sincere concern.
A couple of tears began to run down Riza's cheeks. "I can't raise him alone. I have no way to do it. If it hadn't been for you two I don't know what would have become of me these last few weeks." Inhaling deeply to give herself courage Riza continued. "I'm going to give him up for adoption."
The man looked saddened. "Are you sure? Maybe there's a way the military won't harm you."
"There is no way. The military is very radical when it comes to these kind of situations. I can't allow Edward to grow up in an environment full of uncertainty where at any moment the army can come for any of us." Smiling sadly Riza continued. "I want Edward to be happy and I can't give him the family he deserves."
The man sighed and put a hand on her shoulder. "This situation is very complicated. It must be very difficult for you, but if that's your decision I'm not one to interfere."
Seeing that the man wasn't judging her and that he wasn't treating her any differently despite everything she had told him, Riza placed her hand on the one the man had on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly in appreciation.
"So... are you going to take him to an orphanage?"
Riza turned slightly in her chair so she could stare the man in the eyes. "That's what I had thought at first, only that..." She took the hand that was on his shoulder and squeezed it between her own. "I know I have no right to ask anything of you but I would like you to keep Edward."
The man's eyes went wide with surprise and he instinctively withdrew his hand from Riza's grip.
"Please, I know you are the best parents I could ever find for my baby."
The man seemed to become very nervous. "I don't... I don't think... There must be another option."
"I can tell the love you have for each other and, although it's selfish of me, I really wish you could share that love with Edward. You are an exceptional marriage."
"We are not married."
Riza was surprised at the man's words. "What? But you always talk about each other as husband and wife."
The man sighed and a sad smile appeared on his face as he took off his glasses to clean them. "I love her like I've never loved anyone before...only I'm not the husband she deserves. I've told her that on several occasions but she doesn't care. She says we don't have to go through the formalities of marriage to call each other that. And well... in a way it comforts me that in spite of everything she wants to stay by my side even though she doesn't deserve it. That's why calling us that way became a habit between us."
Riza stared at him as he cleaned his glasses. The man's face was downcast but in those eyes Riza could perceive a great pain that she could not describe in words. However, the sincere love that came from his words and even managed to break through that sad look was enough for Riza not to give up on her idea.
"Even though you are not married your love is sincere. I am sure you are going to make a beautiful family. Please consider it. What's more, Edward can easily pass for your own son because of his hair and especially because he has the same eye color as you."
"Since I realized that I was surprised." Mentioned the man. "I thought I was the only one left." This last comment seemed directed at himself, so not quite understanding what he was referring to, Riza decided not to ask about it.
At that moment the front door of the house opened to make way for the young brunette, who came with a basket in which she brought some fruits and vegetables.
"I'm back." She said with a smile but it quickly disappeared to give way to concern as she saw Riza's distressed face and her red, puffy eyes.
Noticing the change in her expression and not feeling strong enough to repeat her story in such a short time, Riza got up and made her way to her room. "I know this is a very important decision and that I am the last person who deserves one more act of your kindness but I beg you. Please think about it." And with that said she locked herself in her room leaving the newcomer very confused and worried.
"Honey, what happened?"
The man gave a big sigh and got up from his chair so he could place his hands on his wife's shoulders. "We need to talk, Trisha."
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the request he had received, the man took his wife to the backyard of their house so they could sit on some old logs that rested there and get some fresh air.
Seeing the state her husband was in the young woman approached him, gave him a kiss on the cheek and took one of his hands in hers. "What's wrong, honey?"
Grateful for his wife's gesture, the man brought his other hand up to her face. "Our mystery guest already has a name."
Remembering how curious she had always been that such a young girl was living alone during her pregnancy, the brunette let her husband relate what Riza had told him. By the time the man got to the part about the anti-fraternization law, the woman's face had gone pale.
"My God...Edward...what is going to happen to him?"
" She says she had been thinking of giving him up for adoption but now she wants us to raise him."
The young woman couldn't help but be surprised by the idea but quickly recovered and a warm smile graced her face. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea to me, honey."
The man obviously wasn't expecting that response so he began to stutter. "N-o.. you're not being serious are you?
"Of course I'm being serious, don't you think it's an excellent opportunity to start our own family?"
"But, honey, I'm a danger to that baby, I'm a monster."
The brunette took the man's face in her hands, kissed him on the forehead and stared at him. "Honey, don't think that, how can you be a danger when you saved his mother's life yourself? You're someone wonderful and I'm sure you're going to be a fantastic father."
At that moment the brunette turned such a radiant smile on him that the man could only murmur. "I love you."
Bringing her forehead close to the man's the brunette replied. "I love you too."
They spent a few minutes like that enjoying each other's company as they each sank into their thoughts regarding the future that was currently facing them.
Finally the man broke contact to drape his arm over the woman's shoulders. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
Nestling into the embrace the brunette answered him. "Absolutely. We have a chance to help Riza and give Edward a home, don't you think that's reason enough to do it?"
The man sighed and smiled at her. "To be honest I'm terrified of the idea of becoming a father but if you're by my side I think I can handle it."
The brunette slipped her arm around the man's back to hug him tightly. "I won't deny that this isn't how I imagined it but I've wanted to have children with you for a long time... I love the idea of starting a family with you."
The man hugged her tightly and they both stood watching the sunset.
Noticing how dusk was surrounding the house, Riza began to worry. Neither of them had come to see her. Was what she was asking of them so terrible that they now wanted to throw her out of the house? Unable to get that thought out of her mind Riza decided to skip this month's call with Roy. She knew he was going to be worried but right now she didn't feel like she could keep her composure when she heard his voice.
Edward's crying brought Riza out of her thoughts, so she went over to hold him. She sat with him on the bed and began to rock him gently trying to soothe him. It took a couple of minutes but eventually Edward fell back asleep in his mother's arms.
At that moment Riza heard some soft knocking on her bedroom door and shortly after it opened slightly to make way for her neighbor. "May I come in?"
Feeling the nerves return to her body Riza nodded.
The brunette closed the door behind her then sat down next to Riza on the bed.
"My husband told me what you talked about this afternoon."
Riza turned her gaze away from Edward to stare at the brunette. "Have you come to a decision?"
The brunette cast a loving glance at the baby Riza held in her arms then returned her gaze to Riza and smiled. "If you're sure about doing this... we'd love to raise Edward."
The sensations that ran through Riza in that instant were overwhelming. She felt great relief and happiness knowing that this kind couple was going to take care of Edward as he deserved, she also felt guilt at the thought of being separated from her baby and an overwhelming sadness as she felt the jolt of reality of what she was about to do.
Feeling a lump in her throat Riza murmured. "Thank you...thank you so much." She unconsciously pulled Edward closer to her chest.
The brunette hugged her, let a few minutes pass for Riza to relax and continued. "As soon as you're ready we need to talk to arrange all the details. But don't push yourself, for us there is no rush."
Riza slowly pulled away from the embrace and looked at Edward for a few moments before replying. "In a week I'll be out of Edward's life."
"But honey, isn't that too soon?, wouldn't you rather spend a little more time with him?"
Riza took a deep breath trying to work up the courage to continue. "The faster I do it the better, that way it will be easier to keep Edward hidden from the military. If I leave next week it won't be necessary for me to miss another semester. I'll be able to join without arousing suspicion by an even longer absence. Besides..." With one of her fingers she stroked Edward's right cheek as a tear escaped her. "I am going to leave him, I have no right to spend time with him or to delay the happiness and love you are going to give him."
The reason Riza dared not express aloud was that she feared that if she waited any longer she would not be able to do it.
Riza's last week at Riviere went by too fast for her. She knew what she had to do but whenever she saw a clock she prayed for it to stop.
During that week her neighbors helped her pick up the few belongings she had left at Rebeca's brother's house and pack her own bags. At one point she thought about taking an article of Edward's clothing as a souvenir but at the end of the week she didn't have the courage to do so. She felt terrible knowing that she was going to abandon him, that she didn't feel worthy of the slightest keepsake of her son.
At Riza's request, she would say goodbye to her son in her room, so the brunette would stay at home taking care of Edward while the blond man would accompany her to the station to catch the train that would take her forever away from her baby's life.
So, as the time approached, the man took her suitcases and left her room to wait for her in the living room with his wife.
Riza had experienced several painful things. She had lost her mother when she was just a little girl, the life with her father had been difficult, she had gone through several hours with the constant pain of the needle going in and out of her skin on her back, and she had been left all alone at home after her father's death and Roy's departure.
She wanted to delude herself by telling herself that she had enough experience with pain to be able to control herself and casually say goodbye to her baby. But she was wrong. She had never felt grief as wrenching as this.
Riza took Edward in her arms and pressed him tightly against her chest. With her right hand she gently stroked his head and inhaled sharply to fill herself with the smell of her baby. She wanted to record in her memory everything about Edward.
She stayed like that for a few moments as the tears flowed until she slightly separated from him to gaze at his face. Edward's golden eyes looked at her curiously as he babbled slightly. As had become her habit, Riza began to stroke her baby's cheek until her son took one of her fingers in his little hand.
Riza smiled sadly. "Edward... Be a good boy okay?" Riza felt the lump in her throat tighten How am I asking that if I'm being a bad mother? Trying to push the thought away, Riza closed her eyes and let her heart speak. "I love you, my boy. I know I shouldn't have become attached to you because of what I'm about to do, but it was inevitable. Ever since I held you in my arms my love for you has only been growing tremendously. Your eyes were such a bright light to me that illuminated my whole life... you made me forget my loneliness, my problems. And now I can only think how much I would like to see you grow... I want to see you play, laugh, I want to hear you call me mom... Forgive me my love, for not being able to be by your side, for not letting your father know about you. I'm sure he would love you just as much as I do." The sobs grew louder so Riza drew the baby back to her chest. "I don't know how I'm going to live without you...I'm going to leave this house today and you'll never hear from me. You're so little you're not even going to remember my face." Riza kissed Edward's head. "But that doesn't matter, I want you to know that I have always loved you and I will continue to do so until the last day of my life. Even if we are far away you will always be in my thoughts. It breaks my heart to do this but I know you are going to be in good hands... Take care very much, Edward." And Riza continued to hug him and cry for a few minutes until the brunette entered the room.
"I'm so sorry Riza, but the train will be leaving soon. Wouldn't you rather leave another day?" Trisha asked with utmost concern and sadness at the scene.
Sticking to her resolution Riza gently squeezed Edward one last time and kissed his forehead before placing him in his crib. "I love you, Edward."
As Riza approached the bedroom door the brunette handed her a handkerchief which Riza gratefully accepted. "I can't even imagine the pain you're going through right now, but believe me Edward is going to be like our real son. We're going to love and care for him so much. Don't worry." And with that said the brunette hugged her tightly.
"Thank you... thank you so much for everything you have done for me and my baby."
The brunette smiled at her one last time before separating from her.
Slowly Riza left the room. At the sight of her the man got up from the couch, grabbed the suitcases with Riza's belongings and headed for the front door. Riza followed him while wiping away her tears until she was outside the house and a noise made her stop.
Edward had begun to cry.
Riza froze. During these weeks when Edward cried Riza would quickly be at his side and take him in her arms. But now everything was different. Edward already had a family and now Riza was just a stranger.
The man looked at her sadly but before he could say anything Riza started walking. She had to get away as soon as possible. It was the best thing for Edward.
When they arrived at the station almost all the passengers had already boarded the train so they didn't have much time to say goodbye.
All the way to the station they hadn't spoken so the man decided to break the silence. "I have something for you." The man held out his right arm to hand Riza a photograph. She took it and felt the tears she had managed to control on the way threaten to come out again. "My wife took it while you were taking a bath."
It was a photograph of her son. Edward's bright golden eyes were looking at the camera while one of his little hands was in his mouth. He was also covered by the blanket Rebeca had given him.
Riza looked at it on the verge of tears and the man continued. "We thought you might like to have a keepsake of him. I know you don't want to jeopardize him but I think you'll be able to keep it hidden."
Riza hugged the photograph and closed her eyes trying to remember the feeling of holding her son in her arms. "Thank you."
The man placed a hand on her shoulder. "Good luck, Riza."
Riza looked up. "Thank you very much." A sad smile crossed her face. "It's funny. Both you and your wife saved my life and I don't even know your name."
The man brought his hand to the back of his neck. "It's true. Don't take it personally but let's just say I've been keeping a low profile too." He extended his hand toward Riza and continued. "My name is Van Hohenheim."
Riza shook his hand. "Thank you very much, Van Hohenheim. Both of you."
"It was my pleasure."
And with those words said Riza took her bags and boarded the train that would take her to her new life. A life without a part of her. A life without her son.
When Hohenheim returned home he found his wife carrying Edward into Riza's former room.
Seeing him enter the woman put a finger to her lips and spoke softly. "I just got him to sleep."
Slowly approaching Hohenheim sat down on the bed and answered her in the same tone. "Riza liked your gift."
The woman smiled sadly. "Poor thing. She had to make a very difficult decision." She looked down at the baby in her arms and kissed its head. "Though I must say I am grateful to her for entrusting this little one to us."
Hohenheim smiled as he noticed the tenderness with which his wife looked at the baby. "You're going to make an excellent mother."
The woman gave him a beaming smile. "You will be too, sweetheart. Now that we have Edward you'll be able to convince yourself that the people around you aren't in any danger. I even have a feeling I'll be able to convince you to give Edward a little brother."
The man blushed slightly. "Honey, isn't it too soon for that?"
The woman laughed softly. "It will come in time." She gently placed the baby in the crib and motioned for her husband to leave the room. "Honey, I've been thinking about something. How's your research going?"
"You want to go back to Resembool, right?"
The brunette smiled. "I'd like to raise Edward there. It's not so bad here but in Resembool, Edward will be able to run and play around the fields and in the river. I think he'd have more fun there."
The man smiled back. "I don't think there's much more I can find out here. Besides I bet Edward would like to see where his new mom grew up."
The woman hugged him. "Who knew a few months ago that we'd be leaving Resembool to return with a baby in our arms?"
A couple of weeks later the couple was entering their home in Resembool with Edward in the brunette's arms. Their absence had left a layer of dust in their dwelling so they had to set about cleaning it before unpacking their things.
Fortunately by this time Edward had become accustomed to his new mother's arms, causing him to cry less and sleep longer while the couple tidied the house.
The day after their arrival, the couple decided to visit the Rockbells since they wanted to share the news of their new family member with them as they were their closest friends.
When their friend Pinako opened the door she greeted them with her usual energy. "Hohenheim! Trisha! When did you get back?" at that instant her gaze fell on the little bundle the brunette was holding in her arms. "You have a child?"
Trisha smiled and pulled the baby closer so Pinako could get a better look at him. "This is Edward."
The baby's golden eyes quickly caught her attention. "My goodness, Trisha. Hohenheim completely hogged it."
Hohenheim let out a nervous little laugh. "We actually have a story to tell everyone, are Urey and Sara here?"
Somewhat confused Pinako nodded and let them in and then went to find her son and his wife.
After the joyful welcomes and initial surprise, Hohenheim and Trisha told them the story of what they had experienced the last month in Riviere, causing their surprise to increase rather than diminish as the story went on. When Trisha finished speaking they stood in silence for a few seconds contemplating Edward until Pinako broke the silence.
"Wow, just when I was thinking you had finally taken the serious out of this old man, Trisha."
"Mother!" exclaimed Urey.
"Don't worry, Urey. In fact I'm hoping that with this I can encourage Hohenheim to give Edward a little brother." Trisha replied with a smile.
At Hohenheim's blush everyone began to laugh.
Once the laughter stopped, Sara asked somewhat seriously. "Is it a fact that Riza is not coming back for him?"
Trisha shook her head as she rocked Edward. "Because of his situation in the military it's too dangerous for her to do so. That's why she decided to give us her son, to prevent the militia from having a chance to find out Edward's relationship with her and Roy."
"It's a pity that she can't raise him but I'm sure this little boy will be very happy with you."
Trisha smiled, "Thank you. The truth is that this baby has stolen our hearts." She kissed Edward's forehead. "We already see him as our own son."
"If you hadn't told us this story, we would be sure he is your son. Both by his appearance and by the love in your eyes when you see him." Urey added with a smile.
"Yes, although it is very curious that his hair and eyes are very similar to mine." Hohenheim said as he gave the baby an affectionate glance.
"Yes, that's why we want to ask you a favor." Trisha commented. "We don't want Edward to find out the truth, at least not soon. Maybe there will come a time when he is older when we will have to tell him, but in the meantime we want him to grow up without any worries. We will give him all the love he deserves."
"Don't worry, from us he won't find out. What's more, it seems we now have a new nephew and my mother a new grandson." Urey said.
Pinako smiled. "That reminds me, you were gone for almost a year that you didn't even hear the good news around here did you?"
Hohenheim looked at her in confusion. "News? What did we miss?"
Urey and Sara shared a loving smile between the two of them and Sara replied. "It seems Winry already has a playmate."
Trisha's face lit up. "Oh my goodness. I didn't know but I'm so glad. Many congratulations!"
"Thank you!" Sara stood up from her chair. "I'll go bring her in so you can meet her."
Sara left the room and returned a short time later with a bright blue-eyed baby girl in her arms. Seeing her arrive Urey stood up and put his arm around his wife's shoulders.
"Hohenheim, Trisha. This is our little girl. This is Winry."
"She's beautiful." Said the brunette.
"Yes, she's very pretty. Congratulations!" Hohenheim added.
"May I?" the brunette asked.
"Of course." Without giving him a chance to refuse Trisha handed Edward to her husband to then hold little Winry.
"Hello, little one." She began to rock her. "You have such beautiful eyes." She gave her a kiss on the forehead and moved closer to her husband so she could bring Winry closer to the baby her husband was holding. "Here's someone else who wants to meet you. Meet Edward Elric."