My New Pet

Chapter 21: Death and Trials

Later in the day when the chaos had died down, Miranda worked quietly while Irene kept Rose busy. She held the baby close in her arms, listening to the cooing and little hands grabbing at Irene. Rose was just a happy little baby at the moment. She couldn't help but wonder if Ethan was alright while Rose wrapped her tiny hand around her finger.

"Are you alright, love? You're very—" Miranda stopped working a moment and turned to look at Irene. "—quiet." There she sat watching Irene with Rose in her arms, rocking the baby back and forth. Almost like she was a natural mother. Miranda stood and walked over quietly, smiling at the two conversing in their own way with each other. She sat down and moved in slowly to not disturb them. It was amazing what Irene did to calm Rose down. "She seems to like you very much.~"

Irene turned to Miranda with a small smile, other things on her mind besides keeping Rose busy. She was still upset about Karl, knowing what his intentions were with Ethan's fate. "She does...doesn't she..." Her attention turned back to Rose, her finger feeling the little hand wrap tighter around it. "Imagine...if I was able to keep my baby...I wonder if it would have been as good as this one...?"

"I do." Miranda pulled her in and rested her head on Irene's gently, petting Rose on her hair a little. "I know so." Irene turned a little just as Miranda had leaned in to kiss her, the phone began ringing on the hook. She sighed and got up from where they sat, picking it up with impatience. "Yes, what is it? What do you mean...?"

Irene stood with Rose and could see the tension on Miranda's face. She seemed angry at someone who had called her, not just the interruption it seemed. "Make sure you remember yourself, Alcina. Ethan Winters must not be harmed if he is alive, even after Heisenberg's endeavors. If it's a matter of you questioning me—." Her hand would coil into a fist slowly and the other would grip the phone tight almost as if to break it. "Good. Now remember the ceremony will take place soon. Just don't let me down, Alcina.~"

Miranda's face crooked into a smirk and she looked over to Irene, who stood a good distance with Rose. "Good girl." She hung up and turned back around, arms crossed as Irene looked in her face for an answer. "Seems Ethan has been found alive by Alcina. Heisenberg didn't finish him off after all. And he has gotten rid of her daughters presumably." Irene breathed a silent sigh of relief, knowing Ethan was still alive. It made her happy to know Rose still had both her parents.

"Well that's very sad to hear about her daughters...On the other hand, do you think Ethan will survive Alcina?" She moved forward again and adjusted Rose in her arms. Miranda met her halfway and held them both gently. "Who knows my dear...Ethan seems to be proving himself every step of the way. If he makes it past her...I don't know what we'll do...If he gets past Alcina and everyone else then...guess I'll have to take care of him myself. Or..."

"Or what Mother Miranda...?"

"Or if he proves too much for anyone...I'll send you to take care of Ethan Winters.~ My greatest creation..." At the mention of that Irene nearly forgot she was holding Rose for a moment, readjusting the baby in her arms. Her face was ridden with shock while Miranda smirked, hand stroking Irene's red hair with her fingers. "W-Why me...? I thought that...that I..."

"Because if you know how to handle his wife Mia the way I've seen you do...then you'll handle him just fine." Was Miranda watching her with Mia the entire time? Did she know anything else that could damage her reputation with Miranda? She would hope that her mistress didn't overhear a conversation happening between her and the mother. Or worse her and Karl... "You'll do fine if it comes to that, my love. I'm sure of it. For now, don't fret over silly things. Alcina is sure to be able to handle Ethan just fine." Irene could only hope that it wouldn't come to that or even Alcina killing the father. He didn't deserve this and neither did the rest of his family. She could only hope they'd all get out alive. All of a sudden a rumbling shook through the ground, waking Rose with a small cry. Irene calmed the baby in her arms and Miranda turned in a certain direction. "Something happened...I'll be back soon...You stay here with Rosemary."