When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 19: Barrett's Recollection

Fall 5

My abdomen was growing with each passing day to the point where I had to now favor loose dresses and tops along with pants and skirts with elastic waistbands. I also noticed that my curves were becoming more pronounced, which wasn't a bad thing, but it wasn't good either, considering it looked like I had gained a lot of weight, and if you didn't know of my secret, it would be confusing to see someone who was once so athletic to be packing on the pounds.

I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders more tightly as the chilly autumn air blew. Leaves started dancing in my hair as I tried keeping them out, having no luck. I felt a hand play with my hair as I jumped, turning towards the person trying to help while having leaves escort his golden locks as well.

"Hey, Leonel." I said with a smile as his cheeks tinged a pink in color.

"Ah, s-sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." He said nervously as I giggled.

"Oh, no, you're fine! I'm just glad it was you and not some kidnapper." I joked as he gave one of his goofy grins. The wind blew as my blanket was trying to go with it; I grasped it tighter.

"You've uh...g-gotten bigger." Leonel said, rubbing the back of his neck, blushing with a toothy smile. I looked down.

"Yeah, I know." I replied with a sigh; his eyes widened, his blush deepened, and he began tapping his fingers together when he noticed the change in my posture and voice.

"I, uh, d-didn't mean that in a bad way! It-it means that the baby is doing okay! And th-that's important!"

"Don't worry, I know you didn't mean it like that. And I know it means the baby is doing okay." I began tearing up, the salty substances streaming down my face. Leonel saw my crying as his fault and jumped to conclusions.

"I-I'm so sorry, Clara!" He exclaimed, his voice slightly cracked. I shook my head.

"It isn't you, Leonel. It's me...honest." I assured him. Actually, I didn't know whose fault it was anymore; it could be me and my mood swings, then again it could be him for pointing out to me that I gained weight. It could be the sylphs for telling Orland and his family about the baby and then having them tell me, or it could just be the whole world.

I didn't want to think about it. I just wanted to lie down, fall asleep, wake up, and have all of this go away. I just wanted to wake up and have things go back to normal, but I knew that would never happen; instead, I just looked at Leonel and smiled, trying to change the conversation.

"It's gotten cooler, don't you think?" I asked as he nodded.

"Yeah, but it kinda feels nice though! I really like autumn! It's not like summer nor winter! It's just the right temperature!" Leonel exclaimed as I smiled.

"What do you think winter will bring?" I asked as he furrowed his brows.

"Uh, snow?" He said as I laughed.

"No, no! I mean, how do you think we'll change?" I exclaimed as he placed his hand on his chin.

"Well, for one, you'll be on the verge of labor in winter. I'm a little scared. Ah, n-not as scared as you, of course! B-but I am scared for you and the baby!" Leonel exclaimed as I smiled.

"That is a valid reason to be scared." I said as I sighed. "I'm terrified! I am not liking the idea of being cut open."

"Uh, being cut open?" Leonel asked in horror as I nodded.

"Yeah, something about my body not being mature enough to deliver naturally. Natalie sent a referral to the hospital in the capital. They're going to be performing a cesarean section when the time comes." I said as I saw the look of horror on Leonel's face. However, before I could tell him off, the bell for the afternoon class rang. The morning class was leaving the academy while I saw Orland and Leann walking towards us. I grabbed Leonel's hand, dragging him inside the classroom to wait for class to start.