The Delacours: Part Deux

forty-two.

It was now Halloween – Val was going over the importance of it with the twins but all they cared about was going trick or treating. Annoyed that they weren't listening, Val agreed to let them go trick or treating on the condition that Odie go with them. We'd had no update on the ripper – I'd given up hope of helping him – and there was no news on Ignis Belvedere either. I was entering week thirty of my pregnancy and Zane hardly left my side, he hardly let me leave the bed.

"Zane, please. I need some air. I'm a vampire! I'll be fine!" I said, walking into the backyard.

"I know... I'm sorry. I'm nervous!"

"You think I'm not? I'm the one that has the baby inside of her, but I need some space." I closed the door to the backyard behind me, leaving Zane in the kitchen. I heard him groan as I continued to walk through the backyard and into the woods. I took my shoes off and continued my walk. I took a deep breath as I ventured through the woods, my hands on my belly. It glowed lightly as I got deeper into the forest. They kicked under my touch. I smiled as we connected. Through the trees, I could see the sun was going down, but even still I felt like I needed more time away from everything. I'd left my phone at home on purpose. I was getting tired, and sat down against a tree. The baby kicked again. "A few more weeks... and you'll be here," I said quietly to my belly. "Please make it quick." I laughed. "I know it will hurt...but it'll be worth it to finally see you." I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the tree.

When I opened my eyes again, the moon was above me and my belly glowed brightly. I felt calmed, relaxed, and refreshed. I struggled to get myself off the ground, eventually succeeding and began walking home. When I reached the house, I opened the door to the kitchen and found everyone at the table, eating. Val stood up, giving me a hug and led me to the table to eat. After dinner, I headed up to take a shower. When I came out, Val was sitting on the bed with a book.

"I'm sorry I left without my phone. I just... I needed some time to myself," I said.

"I know. We've been a little overbearing. I'm sorry. Zane and I talked and realized that we need to back off." She started to get off the bed as I sat down on it.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"I was gonna give you your space. I was gonna sleep with Chris tonight."

"No. I don't want you to go to his room. I'm fine with you here." I reached across the bed to grab her hand. "Please. Stay." She nodded and sat back against the headboard. I leaned my head into her lap and she ran her fingers through my hair. Slowly, I started to drift off to limbo. I was woken up a few hours later to my cell phone ringing.

"Liz," Val said, shaking me. "Liz, your phone is ringing."

"So answer it..." I said, trying to get back into limbo.

"I would if I could reach it... This is third time they've called." I groaned as I slowly opened my eyes and pushed the answer button on the screen.

"Hello?" I said, groggily.

"Liz!?" It was Steph. I sat up off Val's lap and leaned against the headboard. I crossed one arm across my chest as I listened to the phone call. "Liz, I'm sorry I'm calling so late. I know you asked us not to call you after nine PM. But... I think you need to come to California." I looked over to Val. She had gotten out of bed and was reaching for her robe. I took a deep breath.

"Steph, I'm gonna need a compelling reason to go over there..." I said under my breath.

"I've caught the ripper."