Claiming Eliza

~*11*~

A week has dragged on and I can't say I've done anything significant. Delsia take me on walks and the afternoon through the village and talk about baby names.

Nadette comes to see me every so often but I can't help but feel kind of empty. I've gotten one letter from Cassius lately telling me how much he misses me and other stuff.

I feel lazy and tired. The baby kicks in the middle of the night while I'm trying to get rest and it feels like I'm not getting enough sleep.

"Get the hell up." Nadette bursts into my room. She yanks back my curtains and pulls the covers off of me.

"Nadette-"

"Come on, Eliza. You can't just waste your life away. I'm taking you to see the females. They are getting together at Alyssum's home."

"Why?" I ask, watching her search through my wardrobe.

"Because that is what the females do, that's what we should be doing. All they do is eat and talk about how great life is." She pulls a yellow dress out of the wardrobe. "Put this on and meet me outside."

She leaves, shutting the door behind me and I push myself off the bed. I get a glance at myself in the mirror and notice how much bigger I've gotten.

My belly is like a beach ball and my chest aches when I think about Cassius.

He will be back by the end of the week. That thought keeps the tears at bay and I finish getting ready.

My breast ache today and I almost just jump back in bed and leave Nadette. But I need fresh air.

She's waiting outside like she told me, and when she sees me she smiles. "I thought you wouldn't show, I was going to head up there to check on you in a few minutes."

I force a smile and we head down the path towards the village.

People greet me and touch my stomach as we pass and I can't help but feel loved.

We arrive at a small cottage in the middle of town and Nadette turns to me. "Just a warning Eliza, don't say anything personal if you don't want the whole pack to know by tomorrow morning."

I wasn't going to share my personal feelings anyway. Nadette knocks on the front door and I can smell food cooking from inside.

The door swings open and a beautiful dark skinned lady smiles at me. "Luna! It is an honor to have you hear."

I smile tightly and she pulls me inside, Nadette trailing after me.

Females greet me and the whole house is filled with chatter. "Would you like something to drink, Luna?" The hostess asks.

"I'm fine. And please call me Eliza. What is your name?" I ask.

"I'm Amelia." She says, before scurrying off.

Nadette leads me over to the sofa and we sit down next to a group of ladies. They smile and continue their conversation.

Amelia comes into the room with a tray of food and sets it down on the ottoman.

I lay back on the couch and try not to fall asleep. The females try to keep me in a conversation but I give them short simple answers.