by Lee Morgan
Connor could only see his baby’s face, but that was enough. Sarah did all the work and she deserved the first time alone to hug her. Pearl had the face that only the most beautiful of babies have. She had fair porcelain skin and rosy red lips. She was also a little wrinkled, but what would you expect from a child only minutes old. He then noticed that their daughter has the lightest brown hair that could be given. Pearl was absolutely perfect.
Connor then saw his mom walking around the foot of the birthing table. She walked to him slowly and his baby remained silent and also bundled up in a new towel.
His mom’s expression brightened and said happily “Connor, meet your new son.”
Theory and Fact
Sarah’s body was still wracked in pain after delivering her children. It was by far the most excruciating pain that she’s ever encountered in her entire life. The pain of childbirth cannot even be compared to any other form of pain, but that was what the female body is designed for. She was completely exhausted from not only the delivery, but from the energy that had been transferred to the twins from their birthing. She was weakened, but completely worth it for what she held in her arms.
The little treasures have finally come.
Sarah’s introduction came first. And she told her what her new name is.
Pearl was named after Sarah’s late sister who died in an avalanche a hundred years before she was born. Pearl’s name is given in her memory.
Jillian gently handed Sarah her firstborn daughter that now laid in her arms and she came out perfect. Pearl was wrapped in a fresh towel and looked to be sleeping. Her little scrunched nose was adorable and so were the rest of her angelic features. Her hair was a few shades lighter than her mother’s, but still considered brown and it is very fine and soft to the touch. Her little eyes were closed so it was impossible to tell what color they were. From the feel if her weight she weighed over eight pounds of solid baby. The love that combined between Connor and Sarah resulted in a perfect child.
From the corner of her eye Sarah saw Connor lean away from Pearl and herself just as Jenny walked around the foot of the birthing bed. She looked so happy as she looked down at her new grandchild. Jenny walked right up to her son and looked up at him with a proud smile.
“Connor, meet your new son.”
He smiled knowingly and brought his large arms forward. Jenny moved forward and passed the newborn child to the father.
Only one word that struck through Sarah. Her body went rigid, but Pearl was safely tucked in her arms. Her heart began beating violently from that one single word. She looked to the right and saw even her own mother looking over at Jenny with wide golden eyes. Jillian’s jaw was hanging slightly and she too went rigid from shock. Jillian heard it as well. Son!? I must have heard it wrong. Maybe she was mistaken. That has to be it. We can only have daughters.
Sarah’s focus returned to Connor as he turned towards her. “Yes, Princess, my mom said son. We have fraternal twins.”
Her bottom lips quivered as tears began blurring her vision. She looked down at Connor’s wide chest as he cradled their child in the crevice oh his right arm. Connor massive arms could bend steel effortlessly, but he restrained his strength to not harm the fragile baby. The size of the child fit perfectly in the bend of her mate’s long arms. Because of the angle from the table she couldn’t see anything other than a still blanket. She craned her neck painfully, but it was useless to see for herself.
Connor saw the distress and he lowered himself so that she could look at the child. He smiled handsomely and asked “Would you like to see the proof that we have a son.” Before she could answer, the face of the child swam in her vision. Unlike Pearl’s light brown hair this child was even a shade lighter than hers. The face was all scrunched up so it remained impossible to see any male characteristics from a child so young.
Her voice quivered as she asked “Please show me. I’m too emotional to take one of your jokes right now.” Her mate smiled and used his left hand to gently unwrap the towel. When she finally saw the undeniable proof of being male she managed to choke out “We have a…son!” The tears finally spilled over her cheeks. “But how…?”
As he wrapped the boy back up in the towel he stood tall and commanding. “I’ll explain shortly. Right now wouldn’t you rather hold both of them?” Sarah’s dry throat thickened to the point speaking couldn’t be achieved, but her head went up and down while her lip quivered with all the overwhelming thoughts and emotions plaguing her.
She managed to adjust Pearl more securely in her right arm. She didn’t even react to the touch and she was sleeping remarkably well, being only minutes old. Once Sarah felt comfortable, Connor leaned over her with a gentleness she’s never seen before. Her left arm curled appropriately as her new son slowly dropped into place.
Tears began pouring anew as she finally held her babies together in her arms, together for the very first time since finding about the pregnancy over a year and a half ago. They were both a healthy pink, had ten perfect little fingers and toes and were hearty. What more could she ask for? Nothing… She has a loving mate and their family has grown as a whole. Her eyes couldn’t stop taking them in until a conversation broke her elation.
“Why are all of you surprised to have a boy?” Jenny asked while untying her long golden hair.
Jillian no longer stood by Sarah’s side as she now stood with Jenny by the dressers. “Because a Balancer has never ever had a male born child. Well since your son’s involved it’s not as surprising as it should have been.”
“What do you mean by that? What does my son have to do with this?” Jenny asked defensively.
Jillian continued using her amused tone. “Well who else can turn our world upside down so effortlessly? Ever since you found him he’s done nothing but surprise all of us in ways we’ve never expected. You cannot say you haven’t seen the proof for yourself. He’s definitely something else.”
Jenny went silent for a few minutes and then she turned around. During their conversation, the pain Sarah’s body undertook from the birthing had dulled drastically. Jenny began putting on surgical gloves and walked over with a small plastic box. While holding her babies Jenny said “Now it’s time to close up shop.”
Great. She lifted up Sarah’s gown and she didn’t feel as humiliated as she originally thought when she said she would be the midwife all those months ago. “Huh?” Jenny grunted oddly. Her chocolate brown eyes met Sarah’s and her delicate brow pulled together. “Sarah, you’ve already begun healing? Regenerating or whatever… I cannot even see where I can help you.”
“Good, then keep that needle away from me.” She said and Connor chuckled.
About fifteen minutes later her body regenerated to the point where it felt almost over. Jillian and Jenny kept everyone outside and didn’t tell anyone the news. Connor stayed by his wife’s side and watched their children with the same loving admiration that she displayed. Then she finally broke the silence between herself and her cryptic husband.
“It seems like all the other girlie names I’ve thought up are all useless now.” Her ruggedly handsome mate smiled and looked down at their new son. “Since they no longer apply, do you have any ideas?” His piercing eyes met hers and he began silently firing off several names he’s thought about. “Darrel, sounds perfect.” Once she heard it pass his wonderful lips, it fit. She looked down at her son and asked “How do you like the name, Darrel?”
They were all taken aback when their newborn son opened his eyes. His eyes were unfocused, but Sarah finally saw the color. He had hazel eyes like his father with a few sprinkles of her green mixed in. Since he reacted to the name, Connor proudly stated “If you like it that much then your name will be Darrel from now on.” Then Darrel’s eyes fluttered a few times and closed once again.
Connor and Sarah grinned at each other. Then she said “Connor, I’m feeling up to having a shower. Can you hold them until I get back?”
Before he answered he looked at Jilli
an and Jenny. “Can I get one of you to do a little crowd control? I’d like to have everyone wait outside.” Then she saw him turn around and towards the window. Sarah entered his mind only moments to hear him say “rono, can you start a bonfire for everyone outside? We’re going to bring them out in a few minutes and not everyone can see as well as we can in the dark.” She then saw the large reptilian head nodding through the windowpane and then he vanished into the veil of darkness.
Jillian grinned and said “I’ll go outside and tell everyone to wait with me. I’ll even keep my mouth shut until then.”
“That’s if someone hasn’t eavesdropped on us.” Jenny added.
Connor then stated “Don’t worry. They are all talking about the traits that they hope to see in the girls. They have been too rambunctious since hearing Mom’s declaration of saying that the twins have arrived. They know nothing yet, but Sorono heard and he isn’t going to tell anyone just yet.”
Then Jillian approached her daughter and grandchildren and bent over to give a quick kiss to both Darrel and Pearl. “Welcome home kids. I’ll see the two of you shortly.” Her rosy red lips instantly pulled into a warm smile as she moved to the door. She gave them a small wave and cracked the door. As she slid out, Sarah saw the excited silver eyes of Kara trying to get a sneak peek of the scene, but Jillian moved too quick to allow her to see nothing more than a glance.
Behind the door everyone went instantly silent. Jillian drew everyone’s attention by saying dramatically “The arrival of the twins were a complete success. I can attest that they are both perfect and healthy. They both have ten little fingers and ten edible little toes. But before they come out and get to meet everyone, the new mommy needs to clean up. Please, everyone follow me outside so they can expedite the dramatic arrival.”
She then heard her father’s voice. “My Love, are they as beautiful as you imagined?”
Jillian then said in an even chipper tone “They are even better!”
Soon everyone began moving in the other room. Even Sarah could hear all the feet shuffling. Less than a minute later, Jillian shouted “All clear in here, Jenny. Go ahead and get started!” Then they heard the front door shut and the main room went completely silent.
Sarah looked to the left when Connor quickly closed the curtains so that no one could see in. He turned around to look at her, still smiling joyously. “I’ll take them off your hands for a few minutes, Princess.”
Connor then reached over and took Pearl away. He easily cradled and balanced her head with his single left arm. He clutched her to his warm chest and then he did the same for Darrel.
She felt absolutely filthy as she managed to swing herself off the bed. Jenny moved right by her side and helped her regain balance after the insane head-rush. Carrying twins for so long had knocked off her equilibrium more than she originally thought and the loss of energy and fluids made spots dance in her vision. Jenny held her hand carefully and led her to the door. Jenny checked first and saw the way remained clear and the other curtains in the room were also closed. Before Sarah followed her into the next room she saw a picture perfect scene.
Her husband stood a tall and daunting figure; with a physique and muscles that could destroy anything that laid in his path. He wore his pure black jeans and a long sleeved black shirt that made him look like a monstrous shadow capable of stealing one’s soul. Despite his physicality, his body language and facial features were of pure joy as he held his children in each of his arms. Darrel and Pearl rested contently in their father’s loving embrace.
She quickly made her way to the bathroom and Jenny parted ways with her. She went into the bedroom while Sarah shut the door. Her body wasn’t anywhere near one hundred percent repaired, but at least her body was able to move somewhat painlessly. She went to the warm and paradise feeling shower, after removing the blue and fluid stained gown. Once inside the comforts of the shower, all the grime and sweat that clung to her body began washing away. She also felt thirsty and the warm shower water was right there so why not drink. It felt great to be clean, but something seemed to be missing.
Looking down, she was finally able to see her feet after all these months. Her hands went down and began rubbing her flattening belly. After the twins made their escape, her body was beginning to return to its original state. Her abdomen wasn’t completely taut, but it was getting their again and stretch marks seemed to vanish before her very eyes. She missed the habit of always rubbing the bulging stomach, but now there were new sleeping arrangements available.
A grin spread across her expression.
“Sarah,” Jenny said, while entering the bathroom. “I’m going to leave fresh clothes here by the sink. I’ll go clean up the room while you’re in here. Do you need anything?”
“Thank you, Jenny, but I’ll manage.”
Just before she shut the door Sarah heard her mumble under her breath “I wish that I could have healed that fast. Kara was merciless...”
Once the long refreshing shower had ended she stepped out feeling presentable once again. She about cried when spotting her old skinny clothes once again. Jenny found one of the old black sleeved shirts and matching pants. It felt terrific to be able to fit in them so comfortably after delivering two small lives, almost an hour ago. There were a few knots in her hair, but the strong bristled brush took care of them without much fuss.
Walking into the living room, Connor waited patiently for her. So too was Jenny. Apparently Connor had traded place with his mother or else the room wouldn’t be clean so quickly right now nor would she be holding one of the babies.
The way Connor looked Sarah up and down made her face instantly heat up. Then he spoke in the opposite way that she felt, calm. “Princess, are you ready to show everyone the latest additions to our family?”
She looked into his eyes once again and he looked overjoyed. She pointed between the mother and the hulking son. “Which one’s Pearl?” It was impossible to tell them apart as they were completely bundled up.
“She’s right here.” Jenny cooed. They walked up to each other and she gently laid her daughter into her cradled arms. The two women stood there for a minute while gazing at the baby girl Pearl. Her mother-in-law turned around and spoke to the new father. “I’m sorry to say this, but your children are even cuter than you were, even as a dimpled toddler.”
He grinned. “That is why they take after their mother.” He made his love blush once again. Then her mate walked up to them and asked “Ready to go show the masses?”
Sarah looked up and smiled.
Jenny opened the door and stepped out first. Connor exited next and Sarah came after.
Carrying his newborn son outside felt a little strange. Son. Connor didn’t have a clue as to how to be a father, but it wouldn’t stop him from doing whatever needed to be done for either of them. Darrel felt so light in his arms, but weighed nearly as much as his slightly older sister. He slept so peacefully in the curve of Connor’s arm that it bordered on the unnatural.
Before Connor walked his mate. He could tell she wasn’t completely regenerated because her gait and balance were still a little off. Her hair was still damp and freshly brushed. After she delivered the children her abdomen had shrunk itself down to close to its original size. The only real difference to her figure is that her breasts remained engorged.
She carried the silent Pearl in her arms and she too slept.
They were now outside when darkness had taken full hold of the sky. A crescent moon allowed for some light to be reflected to the earth. But there was another and larger source of light. It came from a large fire that blazed safely in the front yard. Sorono had made a bonfire and the heat it gave off knocked the wintery chill in the air away from everyone. That was a good thing for the newborns as well as all the clustered adults.
Everyone huddled together over by the fire and it was hard to distinguish the individuals by looking at them flickering before the firelight. There were two larger shapes off to the side and he
saw Sorono turn his head to witness the approach. Before he could say anything his daughter followed his line of sight and mentally shouted “They’re here! They’re here!”
Everyone immediately turned their attention to them and conversations ended abruptly. Suddenly everyone swarmed over to them and Sarah stepped back and to his side. There were too many people touching and too many voices to catalogue or answer. Sarah tried moving behind Connor while shielding Pearl from everyone, but even that became impossible. Then his Harmonizer brother came to the rescue by using a tone full of calm authority.
“That is enough! All of you step back and give the new parents some room to breathe. There is still much time and we can all have our turns with the new hatchlings.”
Reluctantly everyone went silent and Connor noticed that Kara, his grandma and Mark were the closest ones to him. They, along with everyone else, looked up at Sorono and heeded his words. Thanks to his efforts he would be rewarded.
Connor walked around everyone and Sarah kept and stepped instantly by his side while remaining strangely silent. She was having a very difficult time keeping her loving eyes off her children. Sorono and Veronica hadn’t moved from where he saw them when first exiting the building. He heard another set of footsteps to his right and saw that Shannon followed them from the silent crowd, while also trying to get a peek at Pearl by bouncing on the balls of her scaly feet.
He stopped about ten feet from his ancient brother and said “Thanks for that. Since you are the most calm and rational of the group, you get first introductions.” Connor looked to his right and Sarah continued looking shyly down at Pearl. She eventually looked up into his eyes. She knew what was going through her mate’s mind, without even entering it. She would introduce first.