Kill Or Be Killed

Chapter Forty-Four

Scale Number: 1

Caterina rubbed a hand over her constantly growing belly as she looked out the glass windows that made up nearly the entire front wall of the small trailer-like building. It was a downpour outside, turning the nearly abandoned dirt road outside the diner into a mud pit. On the days it rained, her belly was extra active, like the occupant living inside could sense it or something. Probably going to be a water bug like her mother was as a child.

He or she pressed into her ribs for the slightest bit of extra room, none of which they were going to find as they were already taking all of it up. Since she wasn't willing to go to a clinic, Cat wasn't even sure if she was having a little assassin junior, or if she would have a mini me. Although part of her hoped for the former, even if it was to get a second chance at looking into those bright blues again.

But whatever they were, he/she/ or man-squatch, Cat was convinced the little tike had an extra set of lets. As she was kicked into both her kidney and lung at the same time; or maybe the baby was just strong enough to punch her just as hard.

Hunter had mentioned something vaguely about the baby's accelerated growth rate, but she hadn't expected to look ready to burst this early on. Wondering if their father had grown this fast and about other null things that didn't actually matter. Like was he a difficult child growing up? What kind of rivalry was she supposed to look forward to? Knives soaring across the house when she took a cell phone away? Burying her in the backyard when unable to get permission to go out partying? Would there be a silent 'kill or be killed' kind of vibe between mother and child or would they be inseparable while everyone else was the enemy?

A high pitched bell announced that her customer's food was ready to be taken over to her table where the couple was waiting. An ache made her heart throb when she was forced to look at them, knowing that would never be her and the man she loved. She shook her head to clear away the ridiculous thoughts that kept trying to plague her mind. Instead, walking over to the kitchen window, where she received not only two plates of steaming food; but a small sad smile from the diner's owner.

Rex was a dark skinned, balding middle aged single dad with a pot belly. He looked like he might be able to knock someone out with a single punch, but he was as soft as a teddy bear. Taking pity on her in the state she showed up in; homeless, dirty, tired, and pregnant. The man let her rent the small camper behind the diner for dirt cheap. With the assurance that if she needed anything he was directly next door with his two young girls, one of whom was four and a half while the other just turned eight. Both must have taken after their deceased mother, with their darkly tinted brown hair and greenish-brown eyes.

Cat had been the waitress from the day she showed up, going on almost two weeks now. Growing big enough to be noticeable, knowing she was sure she'd overstayed already. Giving the Table plenty of time to catch up, if they hadn't given up at this point. A large, naive part of her prayed that Hunter was wrong and she wasn't that important to the Relevent Elders. But she knew that was wishful thinking, and if she stayed any longer, she would be putting the small family in danger. More and more by the second, knowing it was past time to go.

"Here ya go, darlin'," she cooed down at the couple with her fake southern drawl she'd adapted to better fit in. Smiled brightly, "Anythin' else I can getcha?" Setting down the plates at the table, she waited for them to dismiss her. When she turned it was in time for the front door to chime open, announcing a new set of people. Opening her mouth to greet the newcomers, and tell them they'd be closing in an hour, her voice was instead stalled in her throat.

Walking into the small diner, his coat dripping wet, was Halrim; followed closely by two others.

Turning her head away, Cat prayed that the drastic changes to her body would keep him from recognizing her; after all he'd only met her in person the one time. Now her hair was short, having to practically shave the back of her head after it was cut during her escape from the safe house. The lady at the salon hadn't asked any questions, but had offered her services with a kind smile and no charge.