The Intriguing Emotions of Ford

Chapter Eight: The New Arrival..?

Morgy was out completing his farming chores. Paru was eating his morning chocolate pudding on the front lawn. That left me alone to complete an experiment. But this wasn't any regular test. No, I was going to achieve a scientific breakthrough if this succeeded!

"Sooo... How's your research going, Ford?"

"It's not going as smoothly as I had hoped. I would rather not explode the house, so I shall continue outside."

"Say, Fordy... Have you ever considered us having a child?"

"Erm! That is not possible! And for multiple biological reasons..." I sighed and returned to my experiment.

"Not US, you doof. It's not rocket science. I know who could do it, but I'm not sure if they'd feel comfortable with it. At all. Ever. In the world."

"Oh, Gosh... I know who you mean... They'd do anything for a friend, but it'd feel so awkward..." Paru peeked out from behind a corner to eavesdrop on our conversation.

"I heard everything. And I'd be happy to help. Just one question, though... Which one of you will volunteer?"

"Erm..." Morgan pointed to me at once, simultaneously with me. We were staring at each other in fear, awaiting the other's response. I had no choice but to raise my hand. "I'll do it."

"No, I'll do it. I owe Paru for everything he's done." Morgan slowly raised his own hand, confidently and calmly. "I understand what I must do."

"See you in about ten minutes, Ford." I waved goodbye to the two, and I apprehensively awaited their return. It would certainly be awkward for Paru and Morgan, but I was glad they were bonding... Just a little TOO much bonding, perhaps...

"Hey there, Ford." Morgan shivered, sighed and took a seat next to me. "It's done now. I'm glad we got it over with." Paru, however, seemed rather joyful.

"That wasn't too bad, actually!" Morgan and I stared in horror.

"Erm... Paru? Do you realise that now you're basically a parent, you don't have much of a chance with the girl of your dreams?"

"Well, I'm a little sad, but at least I can always see her. And smell the beautiful flowery aroma that gathers around her..." Paru gazed out of the window, staring at Lisette's flower shop. He was always obsessed with her ever since he came to live with us. Morgan found this utterly adorable.

Nine long and tiring months later, we were simply days prior to the birth.

"Paru?! Is everything alright? Hrm, abdominal pains? Yes, yes! You are almost certainly going into labour! I shall make preparations immediately!" Morgan helped him into the carriage, and I followed behind. At the clinic, I asked Morgan to wait outside. "It's simply so that Paru isn't crowded around."

"I'm utterly terrified, Ford! What can I do to take my mind off it?" I handed him my hidden biscuit jar, and told him he could eat every single one. Needless to say, he cleared it in around twenty minutes.

Paru's birth went without a hitch, luckily. However, there were many tears (and not all of them were from the baby...)

"Whew! I must admit, I was a tad nervous! Well? Would you like to know the gender of your newborn child?"

"Well, yes!" Paru sat up in excitement.

"Well, what colour is this little towel we've wrapped around them?"

"Oh, my goodness! It's a darling little girl!"

"A girl? Oh, awesome!" Morgan came rushing in to congratulate Paru. "The four of us will be a happy little confusing family together."

"Thank you for doing that for us, Paru. I believe we owe you our lives."

"Erm, how about just a cake?"

The next day was crucial – the name would be decided.

"Something cute – Like Hailey or Rebecca!"

"Something sciencey. Like Marie or Magnesium. Maggie for short."

"Something heroic and cool. Like Amethyst or Morgan Jr."

"Morgan Jr.? I don't think so..." We stared at him while he shrugged.

"Ooh! I've got it! Why don't we write our best names down, put them in a hat, and pick out one?"

"Sounds good!" We all got scribbling, and I pulled one out of the hat.

"The name that we are going to call this beautiful girl is..." I unfolded the paper. "Yes! Neon! That was mine!" We looked at the others, and I am relieved that we did not pick the other two. I did not like the sound of Jaki or Spike.

"So, erm... Fun stuff over, how are we going to decide the custodial aspects of this situation?" Morgan glared at me with an unsure expression.

"He means we need to decide who takes what role in the parenting." Paru explained to him, and he nodded in realisation.

"Well, if we're talking biologically, it's mine and Paru's daughter, but I think Ford and I would be good fathers."

"Oh, the poor thing. She'll never have someone to call 'Mama.'" We gazed at the floor in downheartedness for a moment, before placing the child in the bed. "I think, when she grows up, I'll explain to her all about me, and that if she has any little-girl worries, she can always come to me, like a big 'sister.' Sort of."

"That's a splendid idea, Paru. Now, let's give little Neon some time to rest." We plodded up the clinic stairs and put the kettle on at once. "Who'd like some tea?" Paru's hand shot up, while Morgan simply stared out of the window. He looked rather solemn. "Here's your tea, Paru."

"Ta."

"Morgy. Is everything alright? You seem rather down."

"Hmm. Yes, I suppose so. I'm just a little worried for Neon's future..."

"What do you mean by that?"

"What will she say at school? What will her friends say? She's got three fathers! I mean, how's that even possible?! And one of them is only a half-father! I think, anyway... Because you're my husband, Paru's the mother, but technically the father, I'm Neon's biological father, and you're only the half-father! How on Earth will she explain this to all of her friends?"

"You do have a point. Perhaps we will simply cover up some of the truth. We will say that we are her fathers, and Paru is her older, transgender brother. How does that sound?"

"That's much more explainable. When she gets to an age where she can understand the truth, we can tell her." We nodded in agreement. "Could I perhaps have some tea?"

"I thought you couldn't handle tea?"

"I... I've never actually tried it. I've never drank anything other than juice and alcohol before." I handed him a cup for him to try. "Hrm. This is actually pretty good!" I grinned alongside him, and he drank the entire cup.

"I'm going back to the farmhouse to sleep for about three years. Goodnight!" Paru attempted to get to the front door of the clinic, but he suddenly collapsed from exhaustion. I grabbed him by his legs, and Morgan took his arms as we placed him onto the sofa. I draped a blanket over him; Morgan kissed his head.

"What? We've got a kid; he's my half-husband now!" He chuckled.

It had been a tiring morning, so I decided I would go to sleep as well. I sensed Morgan climb into bed with me, and I believe it was this that helped me sleep.