Fall 5

My stomach was getting larger with each passing day to where I had to favor loose dresses and tops along with pants and skirts with elastic waistbands. I also noticed that I was developing more curves, which honestly wasn't a bad thing…but it wasn't good either; considering it looked like I had gained a lot of weight, and if you didn't know of my secret, it was probably confusing.

I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders more tightly as the chilly autumn air blew. Leaves started dancing in my hair as I tried keeping them out, having little to no luck. I felt a hand play with my hair as I jumped turning towards the person trying to help, having leaves escort his golden locks as well.

"Hi Leonel." He blushed.

"S-sorry…I didn't mean to startle you." I blinked.

"Oh, no, you're fine! I'm just glad it was you and not some kidnapper." I joked as he gave one of his goofy grins. The wind blew as my blanket was trying to go with it; I grasped it tighter.

"You've uh…gotten bigger…" Leonel said, rubbing the back of his neck blushing with a toothy smile, I looked down and replied with a sigh.

"Yeah I know." he jumped slightly and blushed when he noticed the change in my posture and voice.

"I, uh, didn't mean that in a bad way! I-it means that our baby is doing okay! And that's important!"

"Don't worry, I know you didn't mean it like that. And I know it means the baby is doing okay…" I began tearing up, the salty substances streaming down my face. Leonel saw my crying as his fault and jumped to conclusions.

"I'm so sorry, Clara!" He exclaimed, his voice slightly cracked. I shook my head.

"It isn't you, Leonel. It's me…honest." I reassured him. Actually, I didn't know whose fault it was…it could be me and my slight mood swings, then again it could be him for pointing out to me that I gained weight…or it could be the sylphs for telling Orland and his family about the baby…or it could just be the whole world. I didn't want to think about it. I just wanted to lie down, fall asleep, wake up, and have all of this go away. I just wanted to wake up with things going back to normal…but I knew that would never happen, instead I just looked at Leonel and smiled, trying to slightly change the conversation.

"You know, Leonel." I began as his head turned towards me. "If I'm still enough I can feel the baby moving a little." His eyes widened as his face reddened; his mouth formed another one of his sweet, silly grins.

"Re-really?" he asked as I grinned, nodding my head.


Mr. Barrett flipped his teacher's book, looking for the chapter; he looked up at us smiling.

"Today, class, we are going to be studying the history of my hometown of the Sechs Empire." Whispers began to erupt; wait…did Mr. Barrett say hometown and Sechs Empire in the same sentence? I looked over at Leonel who had his brow furrowed in confusion. He shrugged his shoulders, clueless to this whole ordeal.

"Settle down, class!" Barrett demanded our traps shutting instantly…the Sechs Empire…aren't they…dangerous? However, Mayor Byron is a wonderful mayor! He's not evil! Surely, Mr. Barrett is joking!

"I've never told anyone this and remember what goes in this classroom stays in this classroom. Understand?" Everyone nodded as he continued.

"I moved to Alvarna from the Sechs Empire when I was about your kids' age. Since I was born to a mother who was in the military, I felt I was powerful. My father, however, was too kind hearted. I guess my mother didn't like that, so she left us when I was a lot younger. My guess was that she was afraid I would turn out like my father. Which, in a way, she was right. I don't remember her; but I do know that I inherited her blind eye. It's why this bandana is over one of my eyes." He began writing notes on the board as we all turned towards Leonel; his eyes were wide with shock.

"Don't even ask my son about this. This is the first time I've ever told him." Barrett said, his back still towards us. I now wondered if he had some sort of Sechs device that allowed you to view what's behind you. He always seemed to know what's going on…then again, he's blind in one eye right?


Home, Sweet Home I thought to myself walking inside to the fresh aroma of citrus; taking a hint that my mother had just cleaned the house. Apparently the baby liked it too, for I could feel a few fluttery movements of happiness.
I wondered what life would be like after it was born. Natalie did give me the option that I could put it up for adoption; so, maybe life would go back to normal? I still had plenty of time to think about that option.

"Mom…I'm going to visit some friends today. Okay?" my mother looked up at me and nodded.

"Be careful, Clara!" she called out as I walked towards the clinic. I think it was about time to tell the twins. I trust them well enough, and they trusted me well enough to tell me about their parents' divorce! Roy and Cammy, on the other hand, I just can't tell them yet…though by the time I tell them, I'm pretty sure they'll have it figured out.

Opening the door, I noticed Yue wiping some stray tears packing suitcases. I didn't want to ask her where the twins were, she was going through enough already.

"If you're looking for Sera and Serena, they're upstairs." Yue said without a word escaping my mouth.

"I'm sorry about the divorce, Yue…" I said, half-heartedly, she just smiled and wiped her tears.

"It's okay. Things have just been rocky between Ray and me. I mean he's still obsessed over another woman, but she never returned his feelings and married another man."

"So, he can't move on?" I asked, a bit shocked. Yue just smiled sadly.

"He really can't. And that's hurt, not only me, but our daughters as well."

"Does the woman still live here?" I asked. I didn't want to be nosy, but I was genuinely curious. Yue gave me a small smile.

"I believe you know her the best." She replied, my eyes widened…did…did Yue mean…my mom? Ray was obsessed with my mom? Yue turned on her heels with a heavy bag before turning back to face me.

"Oh, by the way, Clara. Good luck with the baby." I blushed. How did she know? Did Natalie or maybe Ray tell her? I just shook my head, that wasn't important now. I walked upstairs, knocking on the door to Sera and Serena's bedroom. Sera opened the door, peeking her head out, she smiled, opening the door all the way as a gestation for me to enter their room.

"Hiya, Clara!" Sera exclaimed.

"Excuse the mess!" Serena said with a joking tinge. I chuckled slightly.

"It's no problem." I started to wring my hands in nervousness, "I want to tell both of you something…" They looked at me and blinked with interest, I just took a deep breath. It was now or never.

"I'm pregnant."

"We know." Serena said a bit gloomy as she blushed, Sera nodded.

"We overheard grandma, mom, dad, and Dorothy discuss it several days ago." Sera finished as I blushed.

"Well, why didn't you say anything to me?" I asked as they just smiled sympathetically.

"We just wanted you to tell us personally." Sera explained, Serena nodded; I looked down a little depressed before muttering.

"I hope no one else finds out yet."

"But Clara, you're going to get bigger, in fact you're getting big now, and people probably notice you right now." Serena said her eyes still held large hints of sadness. Was Serena sorry for me? I just shook it off smiling at them.

"I'm sure I'll get around to telling everyone eventually." My hands began wringing again as Sera blinked a few times before asking.

"Hey Clara. Leonel's the father right?"

"Ye-yeah." I replied with a slight blush, they began having a giggle fit.

"We're kind of surprised he had it in him!" Serena exclaimed, Sera following her.

"It doesn't seem like he'd have much testosterone." They both cracked up laughing, practically rolling on the floor. I didn't find their comments funny and wanted to leave.

"I'm tired; I'll uh…see you guys later." I turned and walked out. They were still laughing even as I was trailing out of the clinic I could hear their laughter still.

"Hey! Clara!" I stopped in my tracks turning towards Cammy rushing over towards me.

"Oh, hey, Cammy! Di-did you need something?"

"Would you like a bath?" She asked as I blinked in confusion.

"A bath?" I began, "Are you having some kind of special going on? Or, do I stink?" I asked the last question with worry as I began to sniff myself. Cammy just boomed with laughter.

"No, there's no special going on. And you smell fine." She lowered her voice slightly, "I think you deserve to be pampered in your condition." I blushed.

"Who told you?!" I snapped through gritted teeth as she gestured for me to calm down.

"Calm down, Clara. While I was on my way to visit, I overheard my sister scolding Leonel at the front door about it a while back." Her face turned white, "She's terrifying when she's angry, I felt super bad for my nephew at that moment." She looked over towards my red, angry face.

"B-but, I haven't told anyone! And I promise I won't tell a soul, either! A-and it'll be free!" I crossed my arms.

"Free bath?" I asked as she nodded in fear.

"Ah, no…I'll give you ten free baths in your condition! Just don't hurt me."

"I'm not going to hurt you, Cammy, besides I'm not in the right state to hurt you." I sighed as Cammy blinked.

"Oh yeah!" She exclaimed in realization, "Then just don't hurt me after your condition?" She squeaked as I nodded, holding out my hand for her to shake.

"Deal! I'll take one of the baths now."

Fern lay plopped against the teapot as Dorothy poured hot water from a kettle into the teapot; her white hair still covered her face along with her hood. After years of living in this town, I have never once seen Dorothy's face, and I wondered if Barrett or Leonel had seen her face as she picked Fern up, smiling at me.

"It's nice of you to visit us, Clara. I hope the baby is okay." I nodded, Leonel blinked at me several times blushing slightly.

"And Leonel said that you can feel the baby move?" Dorothy asked as I nodded.

"They're like little flutters. It kind of feels weird."

"I know what you mean." Dorothy said while giggling, "Leonel never let me sleep with his constant moving. And crying too after he was born."

"Mom!" Leonel exclaimed in slight embarrassment.

"Well, it's true." Dorothy said, "You were such a difficult baby." Leonel groaned, hiding his face in his hands.

"Even if you were a difficult baby, you turned out fine now." I said compassionately, he peeked one of his eyes from behind his hand.

"Y-you really think so?" he asked as I nodded.

"Now, who wants to see Leonel's baby portraits?" Dorothy asked as Leonel groaned.

"Mom!" He scolded.

"I was only joking, honey!"

It was getting late in the evening as I stood up from my seat, thanking Dorothy for letting me visit.

"Sh-should I walk you home?" Leonel asked as I lifted my hand up.

"N-no, I'll be fine!" I exclaimed, as I walked out of the front door of the mayor's house. The streetlights began coming on, so I walked faster. I hated being out by myself at night.

I finally reached the farmhouse, twisting the knob of the front door, entering the warmth that was home. I took a whiff of today's dinner. Grilled shrimp, grilled lobster, seafood gratin, seafood doria, and apple pie! Mom must have been in a seafood mood today! And she must have known that I'd want an apple pie for dessert!

"Oh, welcome back, Clara!" Mom exclaimed, "Wash up for dinner! It's almost ready!" I nodded as she took the doria and gratin out of the oven. I washed my hands and took a seat at the table. Dad came in a few seconds later.

"That smells amazing, Rosalind!" Dad praised, giving mom a kiss on the cheek. I smiled sadly at them, remembering Yue's situation. Ray loved my mom…and I couldn't help but feel bad about being here. Mom noticed my face.

"Is something wrong, Clara?" she asked, as I sighed.

"Ray and Yue are getting a divorce." I said gloomily.

"Oh! Oh poor Sera and Serena!" Mom exclaimed, "That has to be hard for them." I nodded.

"They'll be okay!" Dad reassured us, "They have each other, and they have you for an amazing friend, Clara!" I smiled slightly, there was a moment of silence.

"Anyway, let's eat before the food gets cold!" Mom exclaimed, placing the meal on the table. I looked up at my parents…they were so happy together. And they both deserved that happiness! They were an amazing couple and wonderful parents!