When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 24: Family Tree and Gifts

Fall 15

I sighed, trying to put my favorite loose shirt on before becoming so annoyed that I tossed the shirt on the floor in frustration.

I didn't like how nothing fit me anymore. My abdomen was very noticeable now, and nothing covered it well anymore. Even though I didn't need to cover it, everyone in town knew about me becoming a mother; I just hated how I looked.

The baby started to move as I giggled.

"You're making this difficult on me, you know that?" I asked it while sighing. It was such a feisty thing. I also don't get much sleep anymore because of it moving. I sighed, pulling out the maternity clothes mom gave me. I might as well get used to this now.

I pulled out a mauve-colored sweater and a knee-length pleated espresso brown circle skirt with an elastic waist. I strapped on my boots, making my way downstairs. I grabbed my tote near the front door.

"I'm going, now!" I exclaimed as mom paused her sweeping.

"Take care, Clara!" She called out. I opened the door of my house. My boots tapped on the damp grass as a very light drizzle dripped from the sky. I had plenty of time before I had to be at school; maybe I could visit Leonel for a bit.

-

I knocked on the front door of the mayor's house. Byron peeked his head slightly out before opening the door all the way with a big smile.

"Good morning, Clara! How are you and my great-grandchild?" He gleefully asked as I grinned.

He was super enthused about the baby; Gordon as well! Even more so than my grandfather! Though my grandfather wasn't too keen on my situation either. Especially considering it will tarnish our family name due to me keeping the baby. And I'm not marrying Leonel either, which would fix the situation; however, it felt wrong to marry someone I didn't want to spend my life with.

"I'm doing fine, Byron! And the baby moves, so I guess it's fine as well." I placed my hand on my belly as he chuckled.

"How often does it move?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.

"All the time, it seems. I haven't gotten much sleep with it kicking me." I joked as he gave another small chuckle.

"Barrett and Leonel were the same way, moving constantly! Ah, I bet you've come to see Leonel, right?" I nodded my head.

"Please come in, Clara! I'll have him down in a jiffy!" He exclaimed, allowing me to enter the house. He trudged upstairs. I took a seat at the armchair with my hand on my stomach; a little kick on my hand caused me to jerk back before resting my hand again. Leonel came down moments later, a smile on his face, still in his nightclothes.

"Morning, Clara! What are you doing here so early?" His face changed from elated to concerned, rushing next to me in my seat.

"Is-is there something wrong with the baby?" He asked with such worry. I shook my head.

"No, no! Nothing's wrong! I just thought it would be a good idea to see you! I mean, with the baby coming and all, we should see each other for his or her sake." He nodded his head in understanding, leaning on the arm of the chair where I was seated. There was a second of silence.

"Have you wondered what our baby is?" he asked randomly as I raised my brow.

"Ah, I hope it's a baby!" I replied, "Because if it's something else, I'm going to have to ask about your family tree." He snickered a bit, shaking his head.