Bedelia's Dilemma

Sharing My Life

I looked beside me and Pas held my hand in Keiley's. "Daughter, Berto will help Jos Keil, and Greg will help you share memories to this cylinder." He put a purple cylinder in a man's hand. He had blond hair and green eyes, wearing a plaid sweater vest over a sport shirt. Gap clothes. A professional, for sure.

He laughed. "I teach college chemistry at GSU, but now we will move to Alb. My wife, Deb, is a midwife."

"Deb? She was in Rainbow—" I watched her with mothers and wished so badly that I had Keiley's baby to remember him by. I didn't get pregnant.

"We will live on Ye~. It's only a four-minute port, but Deb has cloned sisters. One will go to Elshar Zheiea."

"Really? How many people live there?"

"I'm not sure. Half of K'hasa Zha went there, all of the Elshar Mashai Zheien Colony, and the 5 worlds of Rahn Estar. No one will live in Rainbow, but it's a city. They have an Earthan Colony. What's your favorite scent and color?"

"I love yellow, and lavender." He lifted a 5-fingered hand, and it turned that shade of yellow, golden with a slight orange tint. And, I smelled strong lavender as his hand came close to my nose.

It made me feel calm. And I watched my life.

Slowly, Mama came into focus. She was younger. Pale, blond waves with every curl just so, even in this hospital, and brown eyes watched me. "When can Margarite start? Every day I'm in here will cost—"

"Heather Candler, you have to rest for at least six weeks! Your baby will need you." That doctor shook his head.

"You stay out of this, Roger! Matt, my boutique's getting a shipment from Paris Monday. I have to be there!"

Daddy laughed. "Oh, Margarite is already in the house putting the final touches on the nursery. She's the best the agency had! Our little Bedelia will have everything she needs to get off to a good start. Antoinette will take care of your boutique for a few days. I'd better go speak to Mrs. Rosseau before I do her tummy tuck. I'll come back after." He pecked Mama's lips, then rushed off.

Roger, this is my uncle, stopped by her bed and made a few notes. "You really ought to slow down. Don't be in a hurry to diet. Slow weight loss stays off."

She shoved his arm. "I'm going to Dr. Fitzgerald Tuesday."

He stared at her. "A weight-loss clinic? They'll tell you, you can't start until the 6th week. Nobody in my profession wants a lawsuit!"

"I signed a waiver. I want my slim figure back. My image is important."

"If you look sick, your clients—"

"Don't you have to make rounds or something?"

"You should try to feed your baby. That first milk has antibodies for the first year. I'll send the nurse in." He left.

Mama held me. Sighed. "You sure were a lot of trouble. My figure will never be what it was. You're going to cost me business, young lady. At least I can have Margarite, once we leave."

Margarite held me. "Oh, we will have lots of fun, you and I. I wish your mother would just take time to know you as I do. She misses the joy of motherhood, while I can enjoy it, without the work of carrying you. Though, I think I would not mind, for you, Bedelia. I called you Lia, and she fussed. 'Don't shorten her name! I don't believe in pet names!' Ah, she is just too formal. Maybe she will relax in a few days."

We walked in the yard, and I touched a yellow rose. "Oh, we are not allowed to pull that. But, there is a dandelion. You pull it, then I will dig."

I grabbed the yellow flower. "Rose."