Winter 9

The classroom was silent as we all looked at the clock. Mr. Barrett really was not in a teaching mood and I could tell he wanted to hurry out to visit Leonel. Though his lessons usually were dull, they were extra slow and droopy today.

The bell finally rang as we all left the school building. I walked with Barrett to the clinic to visit Leonel, a basket of fruit in my arms as a present for him! Upon entering the clinic, Dr. Ray smiled at us, nodding his head as if saying it was okay to visit. I drew back the curtains as Barrett and I walked in. Dorothy, who was feeding her son, smiled at us as Leonel looked towards us smiling as well.

"Hi Clara! Hi dad!" he exclaimed, his mother just smiled slightly, setting the tray down and picking up her doll, Fern.

"I'll let you two talk to him…if you want…" Dorothy began while walking away, until her son stopped her.

"W-wait, mom! I want you to talk with us too." She turned and smiled at him.

"I'll have to keep track of time; you need your rest if you want to get out of the clinic soon." He nodded as she walked back over; I was the first to start the conversation.

"So, Leonel's release date is still a few days before the trip to the capital? Right?" Dorothy nodded before replying.

"He'll have to be put through special exercises to regain his strength, he's still very weak." Leonel groaned a bit.

"Mom!" I just giggled, as he turned towards me. "Oh, have the builders come by yet?" I nodded.

"They said they'll be finished by tomorrow! How great is that?" He also smiled at the thought.

"Glad to know our baby will have a place to sleep!" I just laughed.

"It's getting late." Dorothy announced, "If Leonel wants to be out of the clinic by that date he's going to have to get as much rest as he can!" And with that she shooed Barrett and me out.

It was still very early in the evening, and with nothing else to do, I decided to visit my cousin for a few hours before heading back home for the night. I banged loudly on the golden doors, as Cecilia opened them, peeking out a bit before pulling them open all the way.

"Clara! Come in! How is the baby? How's your mother?" I smiled at her symphony.

"Both are doing great, thank you for asking! Is my cousin home?" Ceci nodded pointing towards the dining hall.

"She and Orland are in there having dinner together with Max, Julia, and Herman! Leann had dinner with us last night! I am so happy for them! They make such a wonderful couple!" I nearly jumped and squealed in excitement, but decided to contain myself as I smiled, thanking her as I slipped into the dining hall. Everyone was laughing and chattering! Max was the first to notice me.

"Clara! My beautiful niece! What brings you here? Would you like to join us? We have plenty of room!" I giggled.

"Was that a pregnant joke?" I teased as my uncle also chuckled.

"It might have been, but seriously, would you like to join us?" I looked over at Leann and Orland, blushing slightly.

"If it's okay with you?" I gestured to them as Leann blushed before replying.

"Clara…" Leann began "I asked Orland to come have dinner with my family and guess what? You're family! Although, I wish we had enough time to invite Aunt Rosalind and Uncle Jack! It would've been much more fun!" I blushed, smiling slightly before taking a seat next to her as grandfather took his fork tapping it on the side of his glass.

"I would like to make a toast!" He announced, "For two things, actually! First, for the coming together of my granddaughter, Leann and her significant other, Orland! I wish for you two to have lifelong happiness! And secondly, for the safe arrival of my soon-to-be great-grandchild! Though unexpected, they're a wonderful addition to the De Sainte-Coquille family, and is already loved very much!" he nodded towards me as I blushed; raising his glass he announced, "To our future!" We all raised our chalices as well.

"To our future!" We repeated in harmony.

I walked into the rhythm of the hammers as the builders were finishing up. They only had a few more boards to go before they were fully finished, and I really liked the room, it was perfect for the baby! The little sky blue padded walls and the soft green carpet they were now rolling out made the room look like a field! A soft and safe field. I felt it kick as I imagined it kicking in excitement upon having its own room; I giggled slightly, placing my hand on the top of my belly before heading upstairs for some well needed rest, thinking about grandpa's big toast.

Our future.