To Keep Alive

Chapter Six

Baby names.

Honestly, picking a baby name was the most difficult yet exciting part.

After all, the name you pick is the one that the child will be stuck with for life.

I kept going through the baby name book, Baby Names A-Z, and found that an abundance of names that appealed to me.

So far, my favorites were Zaden, Xander, Griffin, and Isaac. It was fun to pick them out, especially with the help of Destiny. She was only girl who talked to me. The others didn't like that I had gotten River's attention. It made me 'special'.

Destiny was my only friend ever. She had big blue eyes and short brown hair, and she was tall. Like maybe... 5ft 10? She seemed to love her baby as much as I loved mine. I hoped I wouldn't have to do anything to her. Apparently, she had been a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, so I didn't think I had much of a chance. 

We always met with each other and talked about what we wanted our babiest to look like. I kept imagining a cute little girl with pale orange hair and mint green eyes. A mini me, basically. 

The week passed by slowly, and I savored each and every moment of it. The upcoming fight would most likely kill me. And this time... I doubted River would step in and save me.

When Monday came, we were all stuffed into the meeting room. I looked up when I heard River's deep voice echo throughout the room.

"You're in luck ladies," River said, a smirk on his face, "Instead of a fight today, you will have a contest. Whoever beats their partner will be granted immunity. Whoever loses... well, sorry. You're out of luck."

I shivered. 

What would the contest be?

"You will be partnered with a random girl. Each of you will take turns to visit. You will each tell me your choice of a baby name, one for a girl and one for a boy. The one who chooses the names that appeal to me the most will win. You have ten minutes to decide. Now go!"

We all sat, some girls audibly reciting names. I pursed my lips and started thinking.

For a boy... Isaac. I like that. It is a good name.

For a girl... Emmy, of course... but will he... it might cost me my life. But I will not lie just to please him... no, I will remain honest.

Ten minutes passed by quickly. Names were called, and girls were dying. As soon as River gave the verdict, the girl dropped dead. The other always walked out, shaking... and crying.

"Caroline and Hannah," a gruff man said.

I shuffled into the office and gulped.

"Well, who's going first?" River asked, "Okay, Hannah. You're up."

"Well, uh... alright," she swallowed, "For a girl I would really like Rivera and for a boy I would really like River."

"Interesting," he said flatly, "Explain."

"The father... um, you... should really have the honors of being remembered through him or her," she offered.

"I see. Caroline, start."

"For my baby girl," I told him, "I will name her Emmy. If my baby is a boy, I should think I would name him Isaac."

A slight smile and glint of curiosity appeared, "Explain."

"My mother was named Emmy, and though she... though she couldn't always be there for me, she loved me. She was a loving person who never gave up on anybody. I hope my daughter will be just like her. And as for the name Isaac, well... that name always gave me the impression of a strong minded fellow. It's a good name... and the embarrassing part is that was my dog's name."

His eyebrows rose to his hairline.

"Hey, don't judge! Isaac was loyal, and loving, and super sweet. He was also a funny buddy, and very smart. Those are good things. That's why that name has so much meaning."

"I wasn't judging. It's clear who's won. I'm sorry Hannah, but you're out."

"No! Please, I thought you would like---"

"That's the problem," he said coldly, "I want your true opinion, not some mindless effort to make me like you. Now shut up. Caroline, leave."

"Y-yes," I bolted up, and dashed out of the small office. I heard a gunshot and squeezed my eyes closed.

"Of course that slut won," Constance muttered, "He only keeps her because she blows him all the time."

I ignored the comment and sat next to Destiny.

"D-don't try to name them after h-him. Just g-give an honest answer," I whispered.

"Thanks," she whispered back as her name was called.

I held my breath the entire time she was in there. When I heard the gunshot, I looked up and almost cried in relief when I saw it was her.

"You were right," she whispered, "Thank you."

"What names did you pick?" I asked.

"Marie and Jack," she said, "They are my parents' names."

"Those are nice names," I smiled weakly, "But let's not get too excited. There is at least one more match we have to win."

"And after that..." she looked down at her hands, "he will pick his favorite. Caroline... it is undoubtedly you."

"I... I think he just toys with me. I don't think he really likes me," I said sadly, "After all, I'm not much to look at..."

"You're adorable," she objected, "And always so honest. I think that's why he likes you. You're always super protective of your baby and always polite. Of course he's going to love you."

"Ladies!" he greeted, coming out of his office, "Congratulations, you didn't die. We're all going to eat lunch and then you have the rest of the day free. Caroline, after lunch you are to come straight to me, is that understood?"

I nodded and filed out of the room behind everyone.