Harley Walsh: Strained Sisters

8. She ain't my sister, pt2

Harley POV

As I walks into Keira's house I'm stunned,it's much better than I expected.. it was welcoming in a way and then comes a dog, this dog was so cute and a little west highland terrier , I love dogs.. secretly I also love baby's but you know. The little dog jumps up at my knees and then I heard a voice.

Lucy. " NARLA GET DOWN!!!"
Keira. " I'm home baby you ok??"
Lucy. " Sure am how's our beautiful little baby doing."
Keira. " good baby, I can't believe we're having a baby!!"

I just shy away as I'm not a part of the conversation.
Lucy whispers

Lucy. " babe, who's this??"
Keira. " this is my younger sister Harley, do you remember when I told you about mum and dad getting rid of my sister. Thats Harley. You need to be patient with Harley, she has adhd and a few mental health issues and sleep is a big issue so please don't be angry if she's on her phone at like 3 am."
Lucy. " that's ok baby... I have experience with adhd myself so I totally understand that."
Keira. " thanks babe I'll shout her now... HARLEYYYY!!!"
Harley. " yeahhhhh.."
Keira. " come down please I've got someone you'd like to meet."
Harley. " ok."
Keira. " so this is my girlfriend Lucy... who also plays for city, Lucy also has adhd, like you as well..."
Harley. " really.??"
Lucy. " yup I have got adhd kiddo as well."

No ones pov

The afternoon sun streamed through the living room window, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Harley lounged on the carpet, flipping through an old scrapbook filled with photographs of her family. Her older sister, Keira, sat on the couch engrossed in conversation with her girlfriend, Lucy. They spoke excitedly about mundane topics-school, ADHD, and football-all interwoven with laughter and the budding life they were about to welcome into the world.
As they shifted from one topic to another, Keira, now very much in her third trimester, finally felt a wave of inspiration. Turning to Harley and Lucy, she asked the question that had been hanging in the air. "So, what do we want to name our baby?"
The trio exchanged glances. They had brainstormed various names over the past few weeks, but this was a moment of true collaboration, where thoughts could crystallize into something more concrete. Keira smiled softly at Harley, who had recently blossomed into a thoughtful, creative teenager, and Lucy, who had always been a supportive, calm presence in Keira's life.
"We've definitely decided on the middle name, right?" Lucy quipped, nudging Keira's arm playfully.
"Yes, Louie," Keira confirmed, her eyes glistening momentarily. The name held immense significance to Keira and her family, as it was inherited from her beloved grandfather, who had passed away three years ago. His spirited personality and passionate love for life had left a lasting impression, making it fitting to honor him through their child.
With Louie firmly established as the middle name, the pressure became apparent. Harley's brow furrowed slightly. "So, what about the first name? Are we still stuck on Grey and Coby?"
Both Keira and Lucy nodded solemnly. The names hung in the air like an unresolved riddle. "I really like both, but I just can't choose," Keira admitted.
"Me neither," Lucy chimed in. "They both have their own charm."
Harley, taking her role as the youngest and perhaps the most creatively uninhibited, contributed. "What if we let Narla choose?"
Keira raised an eyebrow, the gears in her mind clearly turning. "How do you propose we do that?"
Harley's eyes lit up as she explained her idea. "Let's put both names on tennis balls-one for Coby and one for Grey-and see which one Narla picks!"
Lucy burst into laughter, unable to suppress her amusement. The idea was unorthodox yet somehow fitting; Narla, the West Highland Terrier, was a big part of their lives and had an undeniable knack for making decisions, especially when treats were involved.
Keira felt a new energy surge through her. "Why not? I love it!"
And so, the plan was set. They scampered around the house, searching for an old tennis ball. Once located, a quick dash to the art supplies gave them everything they needed. Before long, they had crafted two simple yet clear labels: one reading "Coby," the other "Grey." They carefully affixed each label to its respective tennis ball, anticipation bubbling in their chests at the comedic element of their impending decision.
As they ventured into the garden, Narla, with her bright, expressive eyes and fluffy white coat, seemed thrilled at the prospect of a game. Each ball rolled enticingly across the grass. Keira and Lucy launched the balls a few feet apart and watched as Narla tore out of the patio, tongue flapping in the breeze.
The dog was momentarily torn, darting between the two balls, sniffing each one with enthusiasm. In a thrilling twist of fate, she quickly glanced up at her owners, and then - in a moment of fate that echoed through them all - she chose, snatching the one that said "Grey."
Keira felt a flood of emotion wash over her. "Grey," she whispered, a smile breaking across her face. Lucy beamed beside her, and Harley clapped her hands excitedly. "That's it! That's the name!"
"Little Grey Louie," Keira repeated, holding the tennis ball lovingly, imagining the future they were laying out for their new family member. The name resonated deeply, feeling right in a way that transcended mere aesthetics.
Just as the excitement settled, they retreated back inside, where Lucy picked up the phone to order Chinese food-comforting meals layered with nostalgia. As the clattering of takeout containers promised their arrival, the small family set up a cozy dinner around the table, each feeling the heartening warmth of the moment.
Their thoughts fluttered back to their earlier conversation, covering school and football, the impending arrival of the baby now intertwined with each topic. Keira, now lost in her thoughts, relished every moment, each laugh carving a place in memory as the impending transition loomed.
Little did they know, things were about to change faster than expected. Just moments after sharing sweet and sour chicken and fried rice, Keira suddenly felt a surge of pain and warmth. It took a second for the feeling to register, and as the reality dawned upon her, she leaned forward, clutching the table for support.
"My water just broke!" she gasped, and in an instant, the lively atmosphere transformed into something decidedly more urgent and realistic.
Panic struck, but it was mitigated by the love that flowed through them. Harley's eyes widened as she fumbled to the side. "Do we have the bags ready?"
Lucy moved swiftly, her health training kicking in. "Yes, we've got everything. Just breathe, Keira; we're here for you."
Amidst the rush, laughter collided with anticipation, and as they gathered their belongings, a new phase of life awaited them. The prospect of including their newest family member in their shared stories, in the laughter forged from "Grey Louie" and the cherished memories they had built together, hung vividly in the air.
This was the beginning of something beautiful-naming a baby and building a family was not just about the child's identity; it was about what they had all created together, a tapestry woven through love, laughter, and life itself. As they rushed toward the arrival of little Grey Louie, it seemed like the most fitting tribute not only to Keira's grandfather but also to the family that was about to grow, leaving behind the light-hearted moments of the afternoon for a new adventure ahead.