Loving Mary

Chapter 4

Recap

"Yes. We need to discus some serious concerns we have. It involves Asonia, and the baby." Zaclyn said.

"What about them?"

"We're worried there may be a problem." Dr. Brocklyn said, crossing her arms. Everyone in the room was quiet for a moment.

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"What kind of problem?" Pavel asked, sitting up straighter.

"As you know, you're a human." Dr. Brocklyn began to explain. "But we aren't. Humans and Zindakians are very similar, genetic-wise. That would include appearances, and most of the genetic structure. If the untrained eye were to look at a strand of human DNA and Zindaki DNA, most wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

"But there is one gene. It's what gives us our abilities."

"And?"

"That one difference in our gene structure could kill either Asonia, the baby, or both." Zaclyn said.

"What are you saying?"

"We're not saying she's going to die, but there's a possibility. The risk of miscarriage is higher though." Dr. Brocklyn said, moving her hands as she talked.

"Especially since there's only a month left until the baby is born."

Pavel ran his hand through his hair, his eyes wide. "Are you planning on telling her?"

"No." They said at the same time. Zaclyn sighed, then continued. "We don't want to worry her. She's under enough stress as it is. That's not healthy for a woman that's expecting."

"But this is something serious. She needs to know."

"So far the baby is fine. I'm running a few blood tests now. But as far as I can tell, none of them are in immediate danger. But the stress, plus the side effects that come with carrying a half human child is enough for us to decide that you are going to stay in charge until she's born." Dr. Brocklyn said.

Pavel sighed. Asonia would not be happy. "What ARE we telling her?"

"That she's taking maternity leave."

"Okay. I'll tell her. Please let me know if anything else happens." Chekov said, standing up and walking out.

He walked through the elaborately decorated halls, thinking back to when he'd first seen her after nearly five years. He'd been so nervous.

When he saw her, standing there, wearing all that makeup and the robes, it was as if he was meeting her for the first time. What began as a crush when he was young, blossomed to a love so strong, he was willing to die for her.

Now, he feared he'd lose her all over again. He opened the door, and walked in his room, expecting Asonia to be either sitting on the bed, or still painting. But she was neither.

He found her fast asleep on the couch, a book resting on her chest. He smiled and sat down on the chair. She looked so peaceful. Curious, he took the book from her, and looked at it. There was a page marker with a few different names. That was when he realized it was a baby name book.

He looked at all the different names, and found one he really liked. Laila. He sat back in the chair, and thought. He could just picture her, he liked to think she'd have her mothers hair and eyes. Laila. She'd be really smart, just like her parents. Laila. Come to think of it, he liked that name a lot.

Pavel rubbed his chin as he thought. He hadn't shaved in a while, and the feeling of hair on his face bothered him.

He turned to look at Asonia, still asleep on the couch. Suddenly, she woke with a gasp. Looking around, she smiled when she noticed Pavel. "Hey honey." She whispered, rubbing her tired eyes. "How long have I been asleep?"