She walked up to the desk and said, “Hey, Bella.How is the shop today?”
“Full.I was just about to put the capacity sign up.”
“Nice.Well, at least we will make rent.”
Bella laughed.“We made rent an hour after opening.”
“Excellent.I am looking for a woman who looks like a not-pregnant me with two boys who are shockingly well-behaved.”
“They came in ninety minutes ago, and everyone is wondering if she’s your sister.”
“She’s my mother.Where did they end up?”
Bella smiled.“Whoa.Excellent genes.”
“I know.I look forward to being hot and ancient.Where are they?”
Bella checked her screens, and her eyes flickered.“Second floor, shooting lessons.”
“I am going to take the accessibility lift.”
“Sensible.How much longer do you have to go?”
“Not long now.”Diena smiled and headed for the lift.A moment later, she was on the second floor.She waddled to the shooting lessons and smiled at Alody taking her turn.
Alody finished her round and set the stun rifle down.She saw Diena and grinned, walking over.“How did it go?”
“Well, things are moving fast.The parents have been warned, and I am on contraction watch.When I get to five minutes between contractions, I have to press this button, and someone is going to come and fly me to the birthing centre.”
Alody smiled and asked, “Can I touch it?”
“The baby is only moving a little today.”
Alody touched gently, and there was a small fluttering.“Ah.That is adorable.”
“Isn’t it.I am really glad I called.”
“I am, too.”Alody hugged her.
Diena hugged her back.“I am glad I could see you before the delivery, Mom.”
“I never experienced it, but I was excited by learning you were in the world.”
Diena smiled.“Knowing was necessary.”
“Very.”
Diena felt the twinge that wrapped around her, and she exhaled.
“Diena?What is going on?”
“I am in the first stages of labour.My doctor says I will be about a day before there is a chance of emergence.”She smiled.“Apparently, the parents are excited and doing final preparations right now.”
Alody stroked her hair.“How are you feeling?”
“I wanted my mom.”
The hug was warm, and Diena felt smaller arms wrapping around her.She smiled.“Hey, Ithal.Thank you.”She sniffled and wiped her eyes as Alody let her go.“I made it all this way and fell apart at the finish line.”
