Winter 7

Just like the spring, summer, and fall; winter came as quickly as it would go. If I think about it, my baby will be the same age as I am in several years. It kicked a response as I giggled rubbing the sanctuary it was in.

Tonight was the shooting star festival! Leonel, of course, invited me to go. I couldn't decline his invitation, so I merely said yes and to meet him at the falling star path at exactly nine PM! It was still extremely early, so to pass the time I lounged around the house trying to find the perfect outfit.

After several moments of rummaging, I chose a simple pink bubble dress, a white sweater, white leggings, and a pair of pink fluffy boots (thick socks underneath them of course).

My massive stomach peeked from under my dress, but I did recall Leonel asking me to show it, so I decided to keep his wish. I applied a bit of makeup and as soon as I was satisfied with my look, I stepped out into the cold winter air, the snow crunching under my boots as I made my way over towards the manor to see what Leann thought of my outfit.

"Oh. My. GOOOOOSH!" was her response as soon as I walked in the door, "Clara! You look beautiful!" We embraced as the baby began to kick Leann's midriff. We broke our hug and began to giggle. "I see that someone doesn't like hugs much." she joked.

"I think this baby is running out of room in here. But you look beautiful as well! Who are you going with?"

Indeed, my cousin did look stunning wearing a glittery sky blue sweater, a white miniskirt, pale blue leggings, and white high heel winter boots. She blushed slightly before replying.

"I-I'm going with Orland. We're going to the port to watch the shooting stars; we're also going to meet up early to watch the sunset." I saw her cheeks go from a rosy pink to a cherry red, I giggled slightly,

"Wow you really like him, don't you, Leann?" she blushed even deeper and started shaking her head in denial.

"I-I!" Oh teasing her was so much fun!

"It seems to me like you two are lovers!" she slapped my mouth with her hand, placing her finger to her lips.

"Keep it to yourself okay? I don't want anyone to know yet! Not until it's official!"

"So you are dating?!" I teased; she blushed a bit before retorting.

"You and Leonel." I just laughed.

"Oh, Leann, my dear cousin, Leonel and I are not dating. We're just good friends getting ready to have a baby with each other!" she sneered and bit her tongue in a thinking matter; she even knew we were just friends!

A few moments later a knock on the large golden doors echoed through the hallway as Leann jumped, practically running to the door, opening it going face to face with Orland. I would have rolled out of my chair laughing, but contained myself. It was the first time I had ever seen Orland dressed nicely in a white dress shirt, black long sleeved sweater vest, a pair of thick wooly slacks, and shiny black boots. He thrust a shiny silver locket into Leann's hands, blushing.

"I uh…made that for you." He noticed me sitting in the nearby chair. "Oh, hi Clara, how's the baby?" Before I could answer him though, Leann grabbed his face, her lips pressed against his. He had a shocked expression before closing his eyes, taking his hand holding the back of her neck. I just sat in shock. I wished I could find someone special; Leonel…he was a great friend and I am sure he'll be a wonderful father. However, he's just not for me…I came back to reality when Leann and Orland separated their lips.

"We'll be leaving now! We're meeting Roy, Cammy, and the twins at the port! Would you and Leonel like to join us?" my cousin asked, I just shook my head.

"Nah, Leonel and I are going to meet at the falling star path around nine to watch the stars. Maybe we'll join you after, how long do you guys think you'll be at the port?" I blinked a few times before Orland replied while shrugging.

"Probably until midnight." I giggled.

"Sounds great! We'll try to be there!" Leann helped me out of my seat as we waved our goodbyes. They left for the port as I stepped outside heading for my house to crash for a few minutes until nine.

8:30 PM I read on my clock, I just stretched a bit, hoisting myself out of the chair I was sitting in walking towards the falling star path.
I stopped at the crossroads waiting for my best friend. I was still slightly early, so I had nothing to do. Instead I sat down on the blanket I had brought, bringing my hand to my stomach, I began telling my unborn child a story, a long one at that it seemed about two best friends who got a wolf pup, but the wolf pup was a huge responsibility, leaving the two friends confused and unsure of what to do, but then the puppy grew on them. I stopped when I heard the crunching of snow behind me.

"Sorry, Clara! I didn't keep you waiting, did I?" his familiar crack voice echoed in my ear as I turned towards him, shaking my head.

"No, I just told our baby a story to pass the time, honestly it feels like I've only been here for a few short minutes." He smiled, blushing a bit before asking.

"Mind if I sit with you?" I patted the seat next to me. After several moments the stars began to fall, I'd nearly leap ten feet in the air if it weren't for my weight!

"The stars look extra beautiful this evening." He blushed, looking towards me. "Y-you look more beautiful, though!" I smiled.

"Aw! Thanks, Leo!" He began to rub the back of his neck.

"Th-thanks for uh, c-coming here with me."

"Of course!" He began getting a bit nervous.

"I want to…talk to my girlfriend about…"

Girlfriend? Did Leonel just say he has a girlfriend? I squealed, interrupting him. He jumped slightly, blushing, looking towards me.

"Oh my gosh! Who is she?!" I exclaimed Leonel just looked at me in confusion.

"Wha-? Who's who?" he asked.

"Your girlfriend, of course!" I exclaimed, practically hopping up and down, he raised his eyebrow blushing before continuing.

"Uh…it's you?" He said, I stopped my excitement and looked at him.

"Wh-what?" I asked as his face suddenly gave a look of hurt.

"Are you dumping me?! And on the romantic night of the shooting star festival!" I took this all in very slowly…did he actually think we were a couple? I shook my head.

"Leonel," I began, "You're just a really good friend."

"Bu-but, I-I don't understand! We made love! We're going to have a baby together!" he exclaimed, his voice slightly cracking, I rubbed the bridge of my nose.

"I just did it with you because I felt sorry for you!"

"Sorry for me? Why?" his blue eyes held hurt and confusion. I just sighed, this was going to be embarrassing.

"Well, Leonel, you're not the masculine type. Everyone mistakens you as a girl or gay. You're weak! You can't fight, and I knew since you couldn't defend yourself or others you'd never be able to get a girlfriend so I simply took your virginity so you'd at least have some pleasure!" His eyes filled with tears as he stood up in rage, kicking up a cloud of snow, throwing something shiny into the nearby bushes.

"You shouldn't toy with people's emotions!" He screamed in fury. Running straight into the Padova Mountains. I just scrunched my face before grabbing the nearby sign to lift myself up. I gathered my blankets heading the opposite way, towards my farm house. I burst through the front door; walking upstairs into my room. Dressing in my pajamas, I fell asleep in my bed, thinking of how stupid Leonel is!