The Telepath's Daughter

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Reid was one big, damp tremble.

His arms trembled, barely enough strength left to embrace his wife. Tears trembled, hanging from his lashes like tiny prismatic odes to joy. His lips trembled, unable to form words. But then, words weren't necessary. Not in this town. Not at this moment. Not with his beloved, exhausted Ana whose alpine eyes shone with the purest light Reid had ever seen.

Look what we did.

I know! I know! I know!

We did goooood, didn't we, Spencer...

We did! We did! Sooooo good!

But he's so small...

He's premature, children. He'll be fine. The old doctor's eyes lost their focus for a moment, seeing something he would never share. He has an amazing future...an amazing life before him. Rest, empath. You, too, telepath. You'll have your hands full with this one.

Ana let Julio Ruiz lead her from the nursery back to her room, leaving Reid behind to admire his son, although she was sure her husband felt as depleted as she did. Newborn Kevin was resting in an incubator, but both the old doctor and the Palero priest had assured them that the child was in no danger. Hearing the prediction about their son's future, and knowing it came from a man who actually could look along various timelines, was the most calming thing the couple could have heard.

Before Ana reached her bed, as tired as she was, she reached out for Melinda. She had been aware that her daughter had returned and was safe, but Ana wished she could sweep the child into a long, warm hug. For now, telepathy would have to do. Sweetie, are you okay? Where are you?

It was what Ana had been sending out all the previous night until labor forced her out of the search for Mellie. This time, she was thrilled when an answer finally came, the words drifting like sweet pollen on a breeze.

Mommy! I couldn't find you! And then you wouldn't let me in. Mommy?

I'm here. Are you okay?

I'm fine, but I couldn't find you!

I'm sorry, sweetie. But, guess what?

I know. Kevin's here. 'Bout time.

Ana faltered, freezing for a moment; long enough to make Julio give her a quizzical look as he tucked blankets around her and plumped her pillows.

Sweetie...Mellie...were you listening in while Kevin was being born?

No! You wouldn't let me.

Then how do you know...

He said he's here and he wants to see me, 'cause he was worried I was lost.

Ana's head began to ache. She was too tired to plumb the depths of mystery surrounding her children. She hadn't heard any definitive, clear-cut communication from Kevin and she was sure Spencer hadn't either. But apparently Melinda could. It was too much. The last straw.

Ana's mind began to compile a list of all the questions, concerns, and reprimands she needed to attend to when it came to Mellie's disappearance, her telepathic silence, her conversations with her brother. It was an overwhelming load when she'd just given birth. All Ana could manage was one last half-conscious query before sleep pulled her down into a deep, dark, healing quiet.

Where are you, Mellie?

School! Oh, Mommy...it's so great! Can't wait to tell you...

Ana drifted away on a last impression of her daughter's joy and enthusiasm.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Millie was a veritable basket case. The turmoil of Melinda's disappearance and Ana's labor pains had ruffled the little bed-and-breakfast proprietress. She hadn't accompanied the Reids to the hospital because they'd told her that someone should be in the house if Melinda returned. But she couldn't spend the time dithering from room to room and doing nothing. So Millie began boiling water and gathering sheets and towels from her laundry closets.