Chapter 5 - Talking Pt. 2

'I'll be fine… Look, I'll even ring you before I leave the village… Yes… Alright…I love you Nick. Bye.'

Maya hung up the village phone and looked around at the empty village. The women were all gathered in the Manor, awaiting Maya's arrival and news. It was probably a good thing that her kimono was partially hiding her baby bump though – otherwise, her secret would be out before she made it public. She'd only had the one scan to confirm the baby, but she was already showing. It was strange. She was oddly nervous about giving this public announcement. These were women she'd known almost her whole life – they were practically family, and yet, anxiety was slowly filling her mind.

A priest approached Maya as she walked towards the Manor.

'Mystic Maya? Everyone is gathered in the Hall. Is there anything else you need?'

'No, I'll be fine.' She smiled. 'Let's do this.' She walked through the Manor to the Hall and stood on a small platform before the countless familiar faces of the women in the village. She could see some knowing smiles. Some of them can already tell. She thought.

'Women of Kurain, it is good to see you all. I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called you all here today.' Maya could hear murmurs of agreement in the audience. 'As Leader of this Village, I have proudly taken up the responsibilities set before me since I returned from Khura'in. I hope that I have not disappointed you as I have done these things.' Maya breathed. Every eye was on her as she spoke. No one dared to speak.

'Many of you know that although my husband lives in the city, I try to equally share my time between there and here in the village. But I also know that I haven't been in the village much recently and I'm sorry. I know that despite my best efforts, there is still one duty I am yet to perform.' Maya breathed again to steady herself as she felt her heart race. Why was this so hard to say?

'The one duty I have been unable to perform is providing an heir to Kurain Village.' There was more murmuring now, but Maya couldn't help smiling. 'It's been a long time coming but I can see that some of you have guessed my reason for not being in the village for a while.' She subconsciously placed a hand on her stomach and continued, 'I'm here today to tell you that the Holy Mother has blessed my husband and I with a child.' Chatter filled the room in excitement. 'I don't know any further details but when I do, I will most definitely let you all know.' Maya beamed. 'Thank you all for coming and listening to me. You can enjoy the rest of your day now.'

There was immediate applause as Maya stepped down, breathing in relief, followed by a unanimous 'May the Holy Mother bless Mystic Maya, Leader of Kurain!' and more applause. A group of priests approached Maya.

'Our praises to the Holy Mother for you and the heir, Mystic Maya. Let us know if we can help with pregnancy. Your mother never had morning sickness, but have you had any? We do have a remedy for it if you need it.' One of the women spoke.

'Yes – that would be such a relief. You have no idea how much morning sickness tires me out.' The woman speaking to Maya nodded to one of the other priest who left to presumably get the morning sickness medicine.

'The baby is a girl, isn't it?' Another priest asked, a hopeful look on her face.

'I don't know yet. I have a scan next week to confirm that and the baby's health. I will let you know the results as soon as I know.' The hopeful look disappeared but the priest smiled anyway. The other priest returned, holding a small bottle out to Maya.

'This will help with your morning sickness. Take one teaspoon every night until the bottle runs out.'

'Thank you all very much.' Maya said gratefully as she took the bottle. 'Well, it's time for me to head back to the city.' The priests nodded.

'Many blessings, Mystic Maya.'

'Many blessings to you all and the Village.' Maya walked out of the Manor and straight to the village phone, her hand on her stomach as the phone rang.

'Hi Nick! It went well… Yep… They were all really excited, I think… yeah, the priests gave me something to help with my morning sickness… yeah… Hey, how was meeting up with Larry?'

Larry, in his usual fashion, was late to meet up with Phoenix, but Phoenix didn't mind. He always enjoyed coming down to Eldoon's Noodles and chatting with Eldoon while waiting to meet up with friends or clients.

'NIIIIIIIIICKKKKKKK! Don't get any noodles without meeeeeeeeeee!' Larry shouted, running up to the noodle stand and almost knocking Phoenix over.

'Hi Larry. Would I ever order noodles before you even get here?'

'Yesssssss – you've done it at least 10 times!' Larry said, his eyes watering.

'It was at least only 5. Come on, let's just order our food.'

With noodles eventually in hand, the two of them walked to the nearby park and found a bench to sit and eat their lunch at.

'So,' Larry slurped, noodles in his mouth, 'we haven't caught up in ages but you wanna tell me something? Is it a secret? Because you know I'm great at keeping secrets,' Larry winked but Phoenix just rolled his eyes. 'Ok, not a secret.' Larry swallowed and tapped his chin with his chopsticks thoughtfully.

'Hmmm… is it a new girl?' Phoenix put his noodles down on his lap.

'Larry, I'm married. To Maya, remember?'

Larry looked sheepish. 'Hey, not all of us have a beautiful wife in a stable relationship, alright?' He pouted. 'Unless… your relationship isn't so stable anymore?' Phoenix scoffed.

'My relationship is as solid as the chances of you falling in love ever again.' Larry gasped.

'But... there's just so many beautiful girls in the world, Nick! I want to love them alllllllllll!' Phoenix rolled his eyes amused.

'Keep guessing Larry.'

'You're fired.'

'Larry, I'm self-employed. I can't fire myself!'

'Your office burnt down.'

'Absolutely not.'

'You became a millionaire overnight and you want to split it with me?'

'Keep dreaming, Butz. If I had a million dollars, I would not be sitting here eating noodles.'

Larry looked disappointed. He kept thinking and then suddenly gasped.

'Edgey has a lover and you're jealous.' He whispered in almost shock.

'What? No!' Phoenix said incredulously, despite feeling his face turning red.

'Is that a "no" to the fact that Edgey has a girlfriend or the fact that you're jealous?' Larry said completely seriously.

'It's a no to both!' Larry looked disappointed again and Phoenix sighed. 'Look, you'll never guess so I'll tell you. Maya and I are expecting a baby.'

Larry looked nonchalant at Phoenix's news.

'Larry? Did you hear me? Maya and I are having a baby.' Larry still didn't look bothered. 'I'm going to be a father!'

'I hear you Nick.' Larry had an unusually blank face as he said this, almost like he was processing something. 'You're gonna be a father – that's great! I'm really happy for you.'

'Uh… uh thanks, Larry. I didn't think you'd be this… calm about it. I was expecting a bit more… excitement?' Phoenix said. Larry had a smile on his face now.

'I am just genuinely happy that my best friend had some great sex with his wife and knocked her up. Congratulations on the sex, Nick.' Larry smiled.

'Gee. Thanks, Larry.' Phoenix tried not to facepalm and instead went back to eating noodles. Larry did the same in silence.

'I really did mean what I said about my congratulations.' Larry said as the two of them finished their noodles and started walking back towards the Wright Anything Agency office.

'I know Larry. It means a lot.' Larry smiled and was about to say something as Phoenix held his hand up to stop him. 'No, Larry. No details on the sex.' Larry pouted.

'Ok, well, let's talk about Maya. How's she going with the baby?'

Phoenix couldn't stop talking about Maya for the rest of the 5 minute walk back to the office. He talked about everything – her morning sickness, the moment they found out, their first scan and her baby bump. He would have talked more if they hadn't reached the office so quickly. Phoenix didn't want to sit at desk and tackle paperwork, but he had to and Larry had places to be.

'Thanks again for catching up Nick! Remember, if you're ever stuck for boy names – Laurice is really popular with the ladies.' He winked before running off.

Phoenix rolled his eyes. The first thing he did once he got to the office, apart from notice Athena's own baby bump, was answer his ringing phone.

'Maya! How was it?... That's great!... What did everyone think?... Yeah?... Oh that'll definitely help mornings… My catch-up with Larry was, uh, interesting…'

A/N: Phoenix and Maya's stories happen on the same day as the last chapter. Sorry there were no Miego parts – they will appear more in future chapters!