“You want her to have the baby on the table, then?”
My mother rushes to the other side of the room, pushing both my father and Jerimi out of the way. “Have we forgotten this used to be her home, too? She has her own room. Galen”—she calls back to my father, heading to the back of the cottage—“get herbs and anything that will assist with pain. Ariah, get wet cloths and sanitize a blade.”
“A blade?” Jaleese, Jerimi, and I respond in syncopation.
“The cord, my dear.” My mother smooths Jaleese’s coarse curls and rushes her away.
I gather the supplies and take them to my mother in Jaleese’s former bedroom. My father comes in seconds later with an ample amount of his many concoctions, but then we are both forced out of the room.
We wait and pace outside, both restless, the constant screaming is our only update.
“Ready for that to be you?” my father jokes as I stop pacing and take a seat next to him.
“Absolutely not. Not anytime soon,” I reply without a thought, and that only makes him laugh.
“She’s so tiny,” I say to Jaleese, who looks outright obsessed with her new arrival. “Do you have a name yet?”
Jaleese was in labor for over fourteen hours. Enough time for the night to come and go without one of us getting any rest. Well, all but the newest arrival.
“Peace,” Jaleese answers without looking my way.
“Peace Lily Tanden,” Jerimi adds.
I have several peace lily plants sitting in my room, and my father has placed an abundance around the house. They aren’t consumable, but they help with my breathing.
“Beautiful,” I whisper.
“Ariah,” my mother says, coming into the room with a piece of paper. “Go into town and get these items, please. Your sister will be here for the night, and I want to make sure we have enough.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I reply, before giving my sister a kiss on the head. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Her face is glowing when she looks at me. “Get me something sweet, will you? And don’t tell Mother.”
“Our secret.”
Letting the others get their time in with Peace, I disappear and head into town. The sun is still rising, painting the sky a vibrant purple with hints of fuchsia splattered throughout.
Despite the lack of sleep, I’m wide awake. The crisp morning air rolls over my skin and I can’t help touching the fresh dew on the tall grass as I near a bridge next to Willows Path.
Mornings have always been my favorite. Soaking in the serenity is when I get all of my greatest ideas. Any ideas, really. Inspiration for dresses, thoughts of adventure, better understanding of the meaning of life, and so much more. Today is no different. My thoughts are of my niece and what life with her will be like. Will she like me? Honestly, though, does she really have a choice? Jerimi has no siblings so I’m kind of her only option.
From the bridge, it’s only another ten minutes until I reach Luna’s parents’ bakery. Of course, my mother put their bread and cream puffs on the list. Maybe I should surprise Jaleese and Jerimi with a cake. Luna’s mother does make the most delicious orange sponge I’ve ever tasted. The perfect treat for the perfect celebration.
Inside the bakery, warmth wraps around me and doesn’t let go. Behind the counter, I see Mr. Trivy stacking some jars of honey for display and Mrs. Trivy isn’t far behind him, sweeping up the morning crumbs.
“Good morning,” I call out, hearing my echoes bounce around the room. “Is Luna here? I want to tell her about my new niece.”
Mrs. Trivy’s eyes round out like moons too big for her sockets. One second, she’s behind the counter and the next she’s wrapping me in a tight embrace.
“Congratulations to you and your family. Darmen,” she calls out to her husband. “Pack up anything this girl wants. Today is a fine day if you ask me.”
Mr. Trivy takes the list and starts collecting my mother’s items. Luna’s mother and father take turns asking me questions,and I’m about ten answers in when I realize there is one person who is not here to share in the joy.
“Is Luna up yet?” I go to place a few coins in Mr. Trivy’s hand, but he closes it before I can drop them in.
“This is on us.”
It’s a kind gesture, but knowing their situation it doesn’t feel right not to pay.
