Unsevered Ties

3. Whimpers and Whines

Chapter 3: Whimpers and Whines

"Naki," the gentle knock came to the smooth surface of the dark blue door as Layahla stood in the empty hallway, void of any other presence because it was early in the morning hours and she was probably the only one up and about. Phillius usually rose even earlier but stayed in bed with her more lately, anxious about the baby.

Last night, she felt the emotions of her pregnancy like she had for many nights. She felt ill lately, which left her feeling drained and tired. Just being pregnant took up most of her energy. Being pregnant and so far away from where she should be made things harder.

Layahla knew she hadn't handled the situation well last night, and she knew that she and Naki needed to have a talk. Between their new family and preparing for the new baby, she did not have time to sit down and really talk to Naki about the changes. She would never want him to feel unloved or left out, however, and she wanted to explain these things to him. To her, Naki was her world, and it was harder on him to adjust to the decision she'd made for both their lives. Hitting him, though, no matter her emotions, was unacceptable, and she wanted Naki to know.

"Naki, sweetie, open the door... I want to talk to you. Can I come in, please, so that we can discuss a few things?" She waited patiently for a few moments before sighing to herself. Naki was probably very upset with her. She was upset with herself for slapping him last night. It wasn't fair for her to take out her emotions on him; after all, he was still only a child. When she tried opening the door, she frowned because it was locked. Trying once more with a knock, Layahla listened closely, her ear pressed against the door to see if she heard shuffling inside. It was fine to be upset, but not okay to ignore her. Not hearing anything, she began to wonder if he'd sneaked out of the window like he'd done in the past and made her way to the back to see that the window was indeed open.

Outside, the soft blue sky still held a fading, warm purple with clashing rows of orange. The sun was just starting to peak over high buildings, and she shielded her eyes from the coming glare as she looked within Naki's room. Empty... Layahla frowned, sighing because she couldn't fathom who he would go to and bother in the early hours. His blanket was gone too, his plush bed appearing noticeably bare without his favorite blanket on top of it.

"Morning Lady Layahla."

Layahla turned to see Rafeo emerging through one of the back gates, looking a bit wild and unkempt. She had come to believe he had a suitor that he was, well, behaving as a growing young male with. She never asked where he'd been, not wanting to embarrass him. She smiled tenderly at him as he came closer. Neither of the boys called her mother. She respected their wishes, both boys had been close to their departed mother. She'd never want them to think that she wanted to replace their memories of her.

"Good morning, Rafeo. Are you doing well this morning?"

"Yes," the tall and rather handsome young man answered with a polite duck of his head. "Why are you up so early? Shouldn't you be resting? I don't think Father would be happy about you exerting yourself so early in the morning."

She laughed gently, "your father is a worrywart, he isn't happy about many things." She stepped closer so that she could speak more clearly with him. "Rafeo, I need a favor. Naki was a bit upset last night, and I think he's gone off somewhere because of it. Could I get you to look around town for him? I'd do it myself, but I wouldn't make it far without getting tired."

"Ah... Sure, I could take a look around after breakfast. I can't think of too many people who'd welcome someone this early in the morning, so maybe he's just moping somewhere."

Layahla smiled with gratitude, patting the other's shoulder slightly. "I greatly appreciate it. I suppose I can't do anything more than return to bed and wait."