The next chapter is posted! Enjoy :)
5 Months Later...
It took the group some time to finally make their way back to Ansel.
They had to make some stops on the way to replenish their food supplies which slowed them down a little. Plus, stopping each night to rest. But no one minded. Everyone was just relieved and happy they can move about more freely without being hunted anymore.
Within a couple weeks, they made it back.
Their friends Fangor and Delilah were happy to see them again, as were their kids. They were also surprised and delighted to see that Noelle was pregnant.
Of course, Delilah just gave Noelle a knowing look. Like she knew this would eventually be the outcome all along. Because she knew from the start that there was something between Galen and Noelle.
The family was also happy to see that they also finally found their friends, Alan and Pete.
Over the next few months, a lot has happened. The group of friends were able to gain their own homes within the large village. Galen and Noelle's home was actually not all that far from Fangor and Delilah's home.
It was a nice size home that was perfect for a family.
While Alan and Pete decided to go for smaller homes. Namely a couple huts around the size of a studio apartment. They were happy to have their own space and not be on top of each other.
Thankfully, it didn't take them long to get situated. Especially when a few friends helped them move in and with furniture.
Delilah also helped Noelle get situated with a doctor, so she can continue up on some wellness visits. She introduced her to Mara, a female chimp doctor. One of the few well versed in human biology, anatomy, and reproduction.
Noelle also found out upon talking with this doctor, that Mara in fact knows Dr. Verna over in Ottuma Village. Apparently, Mara had the privilege of apprenticing under her and learned just about everything she knows from the older female orangutan.
It was surprising, but it reassured Noelle that she was in good hands with another doctor that knew what they were doing and was just as well versed in treating humans.
Galen made sure to be present with every wellness visit as the months progressed.
They have come so far and done so well in establishing a home here and becoming citizens of Ansel. Galen was also happy when he met up with one of their friends who introduced them to another ape known as Herrow.
Apparently, Herrow is also from the same district as Galen and was also brought up in Central City.
Galen started conversing with him and was wondering if there was a way to get a letter out to his parents to inform them of his whereabouts.
Herrow then stated he had no issues getting Galen's message out. He mentioned how he will seldom commute to the other district to visit relatives there.
Galen was happy to hear this. He wanted to send out word to his parents as soon as possible.
About a couple months after they have become situated in Ansel, he was able to do just that. He wrote out a thorough letter addressed to his parents back in Central City.
Then he gave it to Herrow who was about to make another visit there to visit one of his siblings, who still lived within Central City.
Galen had informed Herrow that his father was in fact Council Member Yalu, when Herrow asked who the letter was addressed to, so he knew where to go.
Galen then told him what part of the city they lived in.
Herrow knew the whole city and was familiar with the section that Galen's parents lived in. So, he would have no trouble finding it.
It was only a couple weeks later when Herrow came back and informed Galen that his parents were going to be coming by this way to see him.
It was only a few days after that when Galen's parents did come across Cairn River and travelled to Ansel.
When they got there, they were directed to the dwellings Galen lives in. They were able to park their carriage off to the side and headed up to the door.
When Galen answered the door, he was very excited to see them.
They all exchanged hugs. Though his mother's version of a hug was squeezing the life out of him. It wasn't long after, Noelle came into view and the older couple saw her.
Galen did mention in his letter how he met a woman and established a relationship with her. He even informed him of her pregnancy, making sure not to leave anything out so they wouldn't be too surprised or shocked when they came to see him.
At first, he was nervous of what their reaction maybe to seeing a human woman. Not only that, but a human woman that carried his child.
While they were a little surprised at first, it quickly wore off. Afterwards, the older couple was more than happy to meet her. Ann especially was happy at the prospect of becoming a grandmother.
Noelle really liked Galen's parents as well. They were very nice and welcoming. His mother, Ann, was also very helpful and inciteful with giving Noelle plenty of advice about child rearing and what to expect.
It wasn't very long after that first visit that his parents made the decision to relocate to Ansel to be closer to their son and his soon to be family.
Though it took a few months and lots of paperwork. By the time Noelle was eight months along into her pregnancy was when they were able to relocate successfully.
Galen's father, Yalu still maintain a position as a council member. But as part of the council in this district.
The home they ended up obtaining was not very far at all from where Galen and Noelle lived. If anything, they were practically neighbors and since the move, his parents have been over visiting them quite frequently.
Noelle and Galen didn't mind the frequent visits at all. They know they were doing it because they missed their son and wanted to catch up. Especially, after they originally heard that phony story about how he and his friends were thought to be dead.
So, it came to a surprising shock when they got his letter not long after, stating that he was in fact alive and well in this district.
Galen and Noelle sat them down and explained everything that had happened on their journey here. They started from the very beginning. How Galen, Alan, and Pete had rescued Noelle from a group of gorilla guards all the way to what happened on that dam that led to the final confrontation and Urko's demise.
To his parents, it was quite the story. But during it all, it explains how and when their son and this human woman started to become very close with each other.
They were especially grateful to her for saving Galen's life when he fell in Cairn River.
The more time spent with Noelle, the more they got to know her, and really started to like her. They thought her to be very sweet, smart, and brave. It was also clear she can be just as witty and smart mouthed as Galen. Another reason why they can see why their son would be drawn to her.
While Galen was known to be a bit of a flirt with the ladies in the past. None of them really could match him as far as wits go. Not like Noelle could.
Not only that, but by the time Noelle was seven months along into her pregnancy, her and Galen married. They had a small ceremony with his parents and a few of their friends.
It was pretty comical to Pete how nervous Galen was, right before the ceremony started. Especially, when Galen started nervously pacing back and forth and started spouting off things like what if he messes things up and so on.
While Pete found it all amusing, at least Alan was very helpful to Galen and was able to calm him down and reassure Galen that everything will be fine, and he has nothing to be nervous about.
Even Fangor and Mecca assured him that he will be alright. Having been through the whole process of marriage themselves, they knew it can be a little nerve wracking at first. But in the end, it was worth it and everything turned out for the better.
That is exactly what it did too.
Galen and Noelle's wedding ceremony couldn't have been more perfect. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her for most of the ceremony and after party. She was decked out in a white tea-length sleeveless dress. It was quite loose so it wouldn't be tight around her growing belly. To him, she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
Though he was a tad embarrassed when his mother wouldn't stop crying through the whole wedding ceremony. Didn't help she was sitting in the front row either.
But in the end, he and Noelle were happy.
What was nice, Noelle's friends she was captive with even came to join in the festivities. Noomi came with her husband and two children. Marielle surprisingly came with a male chimp named Rusko. In which Noelle and Galen eventually found out they were courting each other.
Lenna and Cecily came. The latter brought her parents and two little brothers along in the celebration.
What had to be the most entertaining to the pair though, is when Pete started flirting with Lenna again. It was pretty clear; they were quite taken with each other.
They must've spent most of the after party talking with one another.
Then Callan, Serpa, and Dano were teasing Pete, saying how he was next in line to be married. Even Alan joined in with the teasing. This just made Pete slightly annoyed, while Lenna just blushed and looked away.
But what really made Noelle excited, were some unexpected guests she didn't expect to see.
Connar and Marsia showed up for the ceremony and party with baby Tanner. Apparently, Galen sent another letter out that way informing them of the upcoming wedding, and they came.
It was nice that all their friends from that district were able to show up and everyone had a great time.
But what the four friends were happy most about, was the fact they can finally live out their lives in peace, without being hunted. It's all the group ever wanted in the end and now, they have it.
To them, it was like a clean slate.
Especially, since the high council in the previous district believed them dead, and Urko was gone and no longer a threat to them.
All these months went by quickly, since they were free to live their lives the way they wanted to. It wasn't long until the time finally came for Noelle and Galen.
They were outside at the back of their home, sitting on a large comfy chair together, enjoying the lovely weather and sunshine reading books, when her water broke.
Galen was quick to inform Dr. Mara, and she came over with a couple nurses.
They actually had Noelle relocate to the pair's bedroom. Dr. Mara had Noelle lay on their bed while she and the nurses with her attended to her.
It was a bit rocky for the next several hours of labor. They didn't have epidurals or anything remotely close to it. So, it was to be an all-natural birthing process with no pain killers.
Something Noelle wasn't very happy about.
Galen was both nervous and excited. He was excited that their child was almost here. But nervous and sad because he felt helpless when it came to supporting his nervous and scared wife who was in a great deal of pain.
Alan and Pete had come quickly, after hearing the news of Noelle being in labor. Galen's parents came running over as well. They all went into the bedroom briefly and conversed with the pair. But left when the doctor told them all it was time.
Dr. Mara at first tried getting Galen to leave the room for the birth. But he adamantly refused at leaving his wife's side and insisted on staying there with her.
It was not common for the males to stay with the females during a time like this. But she could see, she will not get him to budge, so, she reluctantly allowed him to stay.
But she warned him to stay out of the way and not to interfere with the delivery.
Galen complied and just stayed up by Noelle's side. Something she was grateful for. Because she really wanted him here and didn't want to be alone during this time.
He could tell she was nervous and scared. Especially, when they told her it was time to push.
Galen held her hand and ran his other hand over her forehead trying to put her at ease while she pushed. Every pained moan or yell that left her, left a pang in his heart. It made him wish he can do more for her pain at this time.
It didn't help either that the pained moan and screams got louder with each minute and push that went by.
All he can do, is press a soft kiss to her forehead and tell her she can do this. At the same time, tears are pouring out of her eyes on her red, sweaty face.
"I can't. I can't do this. It hurts." Noelle sobbed.
"Yes, you can, Butterfly. You're strong. You can do this." Galen softly assured her as he continued holding her hand and pressed another soft kiss to her sweaty forehead.
"I love you, Noelle. You can do this." He told her.
While she was still scared and in a tremendous amount of pain, the soft smile Galen was giving her and the fact he was right here with her, helped give her the courage and strength she needed.
Noelle took a deep breath. Then she bared down with all the strength she had left.
"Good, good. Just like that. You're almost there, Noelle." Dr. Mara encouraged her as she sat between the young woman's open thighs.
Noelle bared down on Galen's hand and arched her back with a loud, pained moan. Then she quickly sat up and pushed down hard with a small yell.
She felt a sharp pain, as well as a relief in pressure as the baby slid out from her body. Shortly after, she collapsed back down onto the bed, huffing and puffing.
Not long after, a baby's soft wails filled the air, as Dr. Mara held up a tiny, blood covered infant.
"It's a girl!" Dr. Mara announced proudly.
A tired smile appeared on Noelle's face, along with a few tears.
As he eyed their daughter, Galen couldn't stop the tears from leaving his eyes either. Both of them sported huge smiles as the doctor held her up, before she handed the tiny infant to one of the nurses to be cleaned off.
First, they made sure to cut the umbilical cord. Then they tied it off and put the fussing baby girl up in a towel-like cloth and started to gently wipe her off.
Once they finished, they placed her in a small, soft pink blanket and swaddled her in it. Before finally handing her off to her parents.
One of the nurses placed her in Noelle's arms. The baby finally started to settle down then as Noelle gently rocked her and shushed her. While Galen gently ran his fingers over her tiny cheek.
She was beautiful, and surprisingly, looked very human. She looked just like her mother.
Noelle and Galen couldn't take their eyes off of their newborn daughter. The pair was on cloud nine at the moment and overwhelmed with happiness.
"She's so beautiful, Noelle. Just like you." Galen softly said, as he eyed their baby girl.
It was only a few moments after, when the baby finally opened her eyes.
Noelle couldn't wipe the smile off of her face when she saw, they were the same warm shade of brown as Galen's. She then looked around at her parents as her mother held her.
"Maybe, but she has your eyes, Galen." Noelle tells him.
He noticed that too, and it made his smile widen. It was apparent, she inherited some traits from him, No matter how small they maybe. Either way, he was happy, and he cannot recall the last time he ever felt like this.
Being in a relationship was one thing. But becoming a father was something entirely different. It was a very amazing and surreal feeling.
He and Noelle just couldn't help but feel a strong sense of love at first sight, when it came to their baby girl. It was probably no different than how any parent feels upon seeing their child for the very first time.
"Welcome to the world, Aurora." Galen said softly, as he caressed his daughter's little cheek.
He and Noelle went through a few names these last few months. Trying to figure out the best ones they like.
Then one day when they were going through her iPhone, and she was pulling up pictures of amazing sights on her iPhone while looking through images on the google search engine, Galen was drawn to pictures of Aurora Borealis, taken mainly within Alaska.
He was blown away by the beautiful pictures of the phenomenal lights in the night sky.
It wasn't long after Noelle told him what those lights were that she told them that Aurora was also a name. Since then, he seemed to grow fond of the name, and so has she.
So, it became the number one name if they were to have a baby girl.
Now that she was here, it couldn't have been more fitting. She was just as beautiful, if not more so than these multi-colored lights in the night sky in the northern hemisphere.
Baby Aurora continued shifting her gaze back and forth to her parents.
Then she let out a tiny yawn as she snuggled into her mother's chest. Noelle leaned in and pressed a small kiss to the top of her head. While Galen continued lightly caressing her little cheek.
Galen then wrapped his arms around both Noelle and their infant daughter in a soft hug.
"I love you both so very much." He softly says.
A small, tired smile appears on Noelle's face.
"We love you too." She whispers back.
Dr. Mara assessed Noelle, making sure she was alright. Then once she was situated and comfortable, they were good.
Galen stood up and approached the doctor and thanked her tremendously for her services, and he thanked the nurses too. Not long after, he left the bedroom briefly and went out into the living room where Alan, Pete, and his parents were anxiously waiting.
They all quickly rose to their feet when they saw Galen enter the room, with a large smile on his face.
"We have a daughter." He proudly announced.
They all sported big smiles upon hearing the news.
Afterwards, they quickly went over and congratulated Galen. Alan and Pete gave him a firm pat on the back. While his father shook his hand. Of course, his mother just pulled him into a bear hug.
It wasn't long after, that he led them back down to the bedroom and led them in to see the newest addition.
Noelle was leaning up against a pillow with baby Aurora still cradled in her arms. When she saw the door open and everyone usher in, she gave them a tired smile.
"How are you feeling, dear?" Ann softly asks her.
"Very tired, but happy." Noelle replied.
Ann nodded in understanding, then her gaze shifted to her granddaughter.
The tiny infant currently had her eyes closed and appeared to be sleeping as she laid snuggled up to her mother's chest.
"She's beautiful." Ann says, softly.
"Thank you." Noelle replied.
Alan and Pete thought the same thing. But most of all, they were surprised to see how human the infant looked. She didn't look like an ape at all.
"Congratulations you two. She's very beautiful." Alan said, with a small smile.
"Thank you, Alan." Galen says.
"Yeah, she's definitely going to be a heart breaker and break some guy's heart. That's for sure." Pete says.
Noelle smirked in amusement, while Galen gave his friend the stink eye for that remark.
"What guy? The ones I'm going to chase away with a hefty club?" Galen stated.
Then he felt a light whack to the side of his arm.
He turned his gaze to see it was Noelle who was leveling him with a look.
"Don't start, you. We still have many years before we get to that point." Noelle told him.
Alan and Pete had amused grins on their faces at the display. Same with his mother.
"Well, she certainly is beautiful, son. It's bound to happen that she will gain a few handsome males' attention." His mother told him.
Galen gave her an incredulous look.
"Mother! You're not helping!" He blurted out.
Everyone started chuckling a little at his response.
"It's alright, Galen. Like Noelle said, you have many years before you have to start worrying about that." His father told him.
Though even he found the whole conversation amusing.
In the end, Galen knew he was overreacting a little. After all, she was just born and there were still many years before he needed to start worrying about things like that.
"I know." He eventually said, as he gazed upon his slumbering daughter in his wife's arms.
At this time, he just wanted to enjoy the fact that he was now a father and feeling like the luckiest ape in the world.
His heart melted even more, when he saw his little girl smile in her sleep as she slept against her mother.
Now, he wanted nothing more than to give Noelle and Aurora the life they deserve. The best life.
Noelle caught his gaze, and she gave him a soft smile back.
At this point, he was just happy that they were in a safe place where they can have a normal life. The same kind of life that Galen had been promising Noelle from the start.
Now, it finally seems like it is the life he can give his family.
Dr. Mara stayed a little longer, assessing the health of both mother and daughter. She also coached Noelle through breastfeeding. When she realized they were in good shape, her and her nurses have left.
Alan, Pete, and Galen's parent stayed a little longer.
They all chatted and had turns holding the new baby. Even when she was asleep most of the time. Either way, they found her to be quite adorable. Ann especially, couldn't stop gushing over her new granddaughter.
As night fell upon them though, that is when everyone starting to leave.
They all congratulated Galen and Noelle one more time before leaving the small family alone. Afterwards, everyone went back to their homes to settle in for the night.
Galen continued staying right by his wife's side, making sure she and their little one had everything they needed.
Before they did turn int for the night, they put baby Aurora in some baby clothes and swaddled her in a fresh blanket. While there was a small cradle by their bed, Noelle had a hard time putting her down.
At some point, she fell asleep with the baby in her arms. Galen was right beside them both.
He eventually took his daughter from her slumbering mother. He held her for a little while. It still amazes him just how tiny she is. To him, she was not much bigger than a child's doll.
Baby Aurora didn't awaken while she was moved. She just snuggled into her father's chest.
One of her tiny hands peeked through the top of the blanket she was swaddled in. Galen slowly reached up and placed one of his fingers in her tiny hand, then watched as she wrapped her hand around his finger in her sleep.
Her tiny hand and fingers barely reached around his pointer finger as she grasped it.
He then gently ran one of his other fingers over the back of her soft, tiny hand. It certainly was an incredible experience for him. While he has seen only a tiny handful of infants in the past. This is the first time he had this close of contact with one.
With her, he felt nothing but love and a strong sense of protectiveness over her.
Galen eventually leaned in and placed a small kiss upon her little forehead, before pulling back. Baby Aurora just snuggled further into his chest with a tiny smile, as she continued clutching onto his finger.
He didn't sleep much that night. Instead, he stayed awake, closely watching his family.
Galen stayed on the bed, with one arm cradling his newborn daughter, while his other arm was wrapped around his slumbering wife. A small part of him was afraid if he did fall asleep, this would be nothing but a dream, and then when he wakes up, he will still be alone and on the run as a fugitive all over again.
So, he stayed up the rest of the night, just closely watching over his girls.
Until the sun made its appearance over the horizon the next morning, and the beginning of his new life can begin as both a husband and a father.
Until Next Time ;)