Darlea
***

Darlea sat in her apartment starring at the box in her hands. She was
racked with guilt .. as well as fear. She knew for certain that she
definitely did not want to have a baby right now. She'd been foolish to
think that it wouldn't make a difference. She'd almost thought it would be
fun having a little kid for her and Almiron to take care of and share.

But now she was having second thoughts. More then second thoughts! She was
beginning to become downright petrified over the possibility.

And what about Almiron? She'd told him that she would love to have his
baby. What would he think now that she'd changed her mind?

She pull out one of the thin little sheath, frowning as she lifted it up
peering though the circular membrane .. would he even what to wear that?
She sighed, and clasped her hand tightly around it, falling back into the
softness of their couch.

It hadn't been that long ago that they'd rushed to spend their first night
night in this apartment .. She flushed at the memory of the two of them
ripping each others clothes of on their way to the bedroom .. only making
it as far as the couch she now sat on .. at least for their first coupling.

Her eyes closed and a frown settled on her face .. Why? Why had she been so
stupid!

<Darlea-pet ..> the small green crooned gently. She felt her riders wide
range of emotions though she didn't understand them.

<No now Makayla ..> Darlea told her, <I just need to think.>

<Thinking hasn't gotten you anywhere .. you've been thinking far too much.
Now it's time to talk.> The green's head swung to the dragonsized opening
into the apartment, <And just in time! Here comes your mate now. Talk to
him ..>

Darlea's eyes flew open, falling on the rolled sheath still gripped tightly
in her hand. ".. oh gods .." she breathed. She sat straight up nearly
kicking over the tablette which sat in front of the couch. ".. what am I
going to do with these??.."

She grabbed the box and hurried into the bathroom, her eyes searching
furtively for a hidding place.

She could sense Makayla's frustration, but she just couldn't talk to him
about this yet .. Not until she figured out the best way to broach the
subject. <Please .. Makayla .. please don't say anything .. not yet..>

The dragon snorted, but gave no other reply. Darlea prayed silently that
the dragon would be good this time and respect her wishes.

"Darlea?" she heard Almiron call out her name.

".. uh .. I'm in the bathroom .." she called leaning back against the door
until it shut. She opened the linin cloest and quickly buried the box
behind a stack of fluffy towels. Trying to still her fast beating heart,
she turned on the water and splashed her face. As she patted it dry she
stared at her reflected image, trying to ascertain if the guilt was showing
on her face.

Finally, stepping out of the bathroom, she pasted a smile on her face,
"How's your day going?"

He turned toward the sound of her voice, and she knew she should run into
his arms as she usually did when he came home .. but she couldn't make her
fee move, as she stood there staring at him.

He looked .. tired? Yes, he must be tired. He hadn't been home last night,
which considering her mood last night was just as well. She'd known he was
going to see M'tan, and M'tan needed all the support he could get. She
didn't begrudge him the time spent with the older man. She knew how much he
meant to Almiron.

"I am sorry about not coming home .."

She shook her head, shrugging the comment off before he could finish,
"Don't worry about it. I know M'tan needed you more then I did last night."

She slid past him, heading into the kitchen, "How is M'tan, anyway?"

She moved to the sink and poured herself a glass of water, doing everything
she could to not look nervous.

"M'tan .. " she heard Almiron say as she turned to look at him. A weak
smile crossed his lips, ".. Okay, considering."

Darlea's eyes narrowed .. there was something in his voice. Was he lying?
Then she bit her lip realizing it had been a stupid question anyway.  Of
course he wasn't doing so good .. he was about to go on trial! Almiron had
probably not quite known how to answer such an obvious question. "I'm
sorry, stupid question." She lifted the cup to her lips,  but didn't drink
as she suddenly feared she might choke. She quickly set it down on the
counter .. a little harder then she meant to.

The sound seemed to echo loudly in her ears as she turned away from him
heading into the bedroom. "I should probably get changed for lunch. I .. I
told mama I'd have lunch with her before the trial .. I hope you don't
mind." She grimaced as the lie slipped easily from her lips.  Now she was
lying outright to him!

"No, I don't mind," he called after her, still in the kitchen.

She spun around, ready to march back into the kitchen and confess all. She
stepped into the kitchen and looked at him. He looked up at her surprised
at her sudden reappearance. He did look tired .. drained. Maybe now wasn't
such a good time. "I .. uh .. I guess I don't need to change .." she stared
at him for a moment before weakly adding, "It is just mama .."

He nodded. She stared at him a moment longer and then moved closer to him,
finally wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his
shoulder. She whispered, "I do love you."

Gods .. it was the first truthful thing she'd said since he walked in the
apartment! What was wrong with her!

Regards,
Darlea & Makayla



*********************************************************************
  |\  /^~~^\  /|
 -qqQ-\O||O/-Qpp------------------------------------------------------
       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
 --d----------b-------------------------------------------------------
        ()
       \()/
        \/