Bloody Apples by Agent Aries (read an ebook week .txt) 📕

"I have a secret and I need your help."She nodded roboticaly only to stop herself mid nod, a habit she was still trying to kick from her enslavement to Fin.

"I mean it depends." I smiled widely at her, pleased to see her exorcising her own will.

"I'm pregnant. But I havn't told Aaron or Iri." Melanie suddenly looked both elated and worried.

She nodded her understanding, having the same thoughts I had when I first kissed Aaron. It was dangerous to have a baby. As rewarding and as forfilling as I imagine it to be, it was one of the most dangerous things a woman could undertake in this day and age. There was no ER if something went wrong and, dispite my best efforts, infection was also a major problem. It was like we were in medeival times again with one in every three women dying in childbirth and children rarely making it to adulthood. However I was already pregnant so I had no choice but to see it through.

I already loved the child growing inside me, a little piece of Aaron and I. I would do anything to protect it and that's why I was so worried.

"Can you help me through the birth?"

"Of course." I let go of the breath I didn't know I was holding and I relaxed into the couch.

Then the door closed signalling Aaron and Iri's return from gathering wood. I looked over at Melanie and she nodded encourageingly. With a deep breath I stood. It was now or never.

I walked into the kitchen and watched as Aaron taught Iri how to stack the wood next to the wood stove. He smiled gently at Iri's flustered face and praised her when she finally got it down. He was going to be a wonderful dad. I rubbed my belly absently, lost in thought.

"Is something wrong Percy? Does your tummy hurt?"Iri asked me, a frown marring her angelic features.

I giggled and ruffled her hair.

"No, not at all. I'm perfect. Hey sweetie, can you do me a favor?" Iri nodded enthusiastically making me smile wider at her.

She is going to be a good auntie.Or more like sister, hmm.

"Sure thing!"

"Can you go play with Ryan for a little bit? I've got to tell papa bear something." I said.

"Oh, ok!"I kissed her cheeks before shooing her out of the room.

"So what is it?"I glanced at Aaron over my shoulder.

A worried frown crinkled his brow and tugged at his lips. His hair was shorter than when we first met, still recovering from Iri's brief stint as a hair cutter. New scars decorated his arms and one stretched acrossed his cheekbone, mirroring my own.

I walked up to him and gestured for him to leaned down so I could whisper in his ear.

" Now you really are a papa bear."I whispered before taking his hand and resting it on my swelled tummy.

He blinked at me confused. Then excitement and growing comprehension lit up his dark forest eyes. He abruptly pulled he to him and kissed me. When he finally pulled away, leaving me dazed,  he knelt on his knees and put his ear to my stomache. I giggled at his antics and threaded my fingers through his hair.

A warmth blossumed in my chest as I took in all that has happened to me since the First Night. A tear escaped my eye and I sighed happily. I don't need normal. I don't need a peaceful, perfect world. I don't need heaven, even though hell is at our doorstep.

I have all I need right here, in my own piece of perfect. A family.

Text: Calliope Goodman
Images: Google/ who ever did this amazing artwork
Editing: Calliope Goodman/ Jackie King-Florez
Translation: ?
Publication Date: 07-15-2013

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
This novel could not have happened without the constant support of Theo, Jackie and Valerie. Thank you guys so much!