“Don’t ever take your ring off; I mean, no matter what anyone says, don’t do it .” I agreed. I hadn’t ever planned on taking it off, anyway. Without it, I wasn’t immortal, and I wasn’t grounded. When my past life memories were forced upon me, it messed me up a little. Past life and present life Thalia were always battling for control over my mind. Thank you, Orion and Athena, for that one.
“I’m planning on it, so no worries there.” I smiled but it didn’t seem to ease the pain in his eyes. Something bigger had to be behind his favor.
“Is something wrong?”
“I can’t say anymore; just don’t ever take it off. No matter what, or who’s in trouble.” His voice was harsh for such a young one. Like his father, when he found out I had met Orion in this second life.
“You can tell me.”
“No, I have to go. I still shouldn’t be here, but I just…” Tears looked to be brimming in his eyes, fighting to spillover.
“I just wanted to see you again. I know I shouldn’t, but I just miss you.” He leaned over and hugged me tightly. I held him in my arms until I felt the tingle in my body signifying that I was waking up.
“Don’t take it off.” I heard him whisper as I left the dream and woke up to reality.
My eyes opened reluctantly to see the sun was still outside the balcony. Hopefully I hadn’t slept too long. I stretched and felt a sharp pain in my abdomen.
“Ah!” my hands went to the spot by my belly button, trying to soothe the pain. Tristan was inside the room in a second.
“What’s wrong?” he asked and I told him about the sharp pain, just as another one hit me.
“Cheese and crackers!” I cried out, grabbing his arm trying to breathe through the pain. Tristan was gone and he came back moments later with a very flustered Doctor Geoffrey in tow.
“She’s in pain.” Tristan all but pushed the doctor towards me. I felt bad for him for a moment, and then the pain came at me again. The doctor told Tristan he needed a few things and they went back to get them, returning quickly. I looked down to make sure I wasn’t bleeding or anything. I knew that was a big no-no. Thankfully, I wasn’t. It didn’t really make me feel too much better, but it was at least something.
The Doc checked me over and told me I was just having some Braxton Hicks contractions. He described them as “practice contractions.” He gave me another week and that was it. I was to rest, and solely focus on having the babies. No picking up swords and fighting. Doctor’s orders. The twins were healthy and looking good.
After the doctor left, I stood on the balcony, watching the strange orange and yellow clouds go by. The underworld had a surreal feeling to it. Everything was changing, but yet staying still, almost like a physical manifestation of my life.
