~𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙴𝚁𝙽 𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝙱𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙸𝙴 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙻𝚈𝙳𝙴~

𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪

The early morning light filtered through the curtains as Bellatrix woke up, feeling an urgent need to use the bathroom. She shuffled to the restroom, her belly heavy with the weight of her unborn child. As she sat down, she felt a sudden, warm gush between her legs.

"Oh, no," she muttered, thinking the baby had just shifted uncomfortably. But as she stood up, more liquid trickled down, soaking her pajama bottoms.

She froze, realization dawning on her. "No, no, no," she whispered, panic rising in her chest. Her water had broken. She glanced at the clock—it was too early, too soon. Tig was home, but she didn't want to worry him yet.

Bellatrix cleaned herself up, changed into fresh clothes, and quietly slipped back into bed. She lay there, feeling the contractions starting, irregular but unmistakably present. She knew she needed to wait until they were closer together before going to the hospital.

Tig stirred beside her, sensing her restlessness. "Everything okay, babe?" he mumbled, half-asleep.

Bellatrix forced a smile. "Just some discomfort. Go back to sleep, sweetheart."

Tig, trusting her reassurance, drifted back to sleep. Bellatrix lay awake, feeling the contractions intensify.

*

As they pulled into the gas station, Tig couldn't help but notice Bellatrix's discomfort. "You sure you're okay, babe?" he asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.

Bellatrix tried to brush it off with a smile. "Just the usual pregnancy stuff. Nothing to worry about," she replied, trying to mask the discomfort she was feeling.

Tig wasn't convinced. He knew his wife well enough to sense when something was off. "You want me to grab the ICEE for you?" he offered, trying to lighten the mood.

Bellatrix nodded, grateful for his understanding. "That would be great, thanks," she said, handing him some cash as he got out of the car.

As Tig went to get the ICEE, Bellatrix took a moment to collect herself. She knew her water had broken, but she didn't want to worry Tig or anyone else. She decided to play it cool until she couldn't anymore.

When Tig returned with the ICEE, he handed it to her with a smile. "Here you go, my love. One ICEE, just for you," he said, trying to lift her spirits.

Bellatrix smiled, grateful for his care and attention. "Thanks, Tig. You always know how to make me feel better," she said, taking a sip of the cold drink.

As they continued on to the clubhouse, Tig kept a close eye on Bellatrix, sensing that something was definitely not right. He made a mental note to keep an eye on her and make sure she was okay.

*

As they entered the clubhouse, Tig and Bellatrix were met with a somber atmosphere. Clay was in the chapel, sitting at the head of the table, his expression serious.

"Sit down, you two," he said, motioning to the chairs across from him. "We need to talk."

Tig and Bellatrix exchanged a concerned glance before taking their seats. Tig's mind was racing, wondering what could be so important that Clay had called them up like this.

"What's going on, Clay?" Tig asked, his voice tense.

Clay took a moment before speaking, choosing his words carefully. "I've been thinking about your situation, Bellatrix. With the baby coming and all. And I think it's time you two start thinking about the future."

Bellatrix and Tig exchanged a puzzled look, unsure of what Clay was getting at. "What do you mean, Clay?" Bellatrix asked, her voice wary.

Clay leaned forward, his gaze steady. "I think it's time you two consider your options. You can't keep living like this, on the edge. It's not good for you, or the baby."