Reaping Me Softly

Chapter 7 - The Vampire’s Attack

Mallory put the tray on the center table. I watched as she poured the juice on the glass and sat beside Ry, drinking. The fear has left their faces from earlier and, to be honest, I felt like they were not even scared about vampires lurking around the city.

It is understandable. They were once a vampire huntress. Nonetheless, I'm still not comfortable with the idea of giving birth to the hospital given by our situation.

"We don't have any idea when this is going to end. They could attack us anytime, and anywhere! So, it's better if I give birth here. I don't want to risk it, guys. Please understand."

"We do understand your fear," Ry uttered. "But we'll see about it, Lia. Once everything returns back to normal, you'll give birth to the hospital. Mom wouldn't let anything happen to us, to you, and the baby, Lia. We promised Simeon to do everything to keep you safe."

Hearing Simeon's name made me flinch. I averted my gaze and blink numerous times to keep the tears away. I felt like crying... It must be the pregnancy. Thinking that he wouldn't be here brought me pain.

I don't know why but, the urge to cry was too strong. Yet I don't want to show them my weakness... I've been reminding myself that I'd be alone, that there will be no Simeon as our son grows up.

However, the thought still haunts me. My heart can't still fully accept the reality of my life.

Another thing, I'm scared... I've heard a lot of things about humans bearing a vampire's son.

As for Simeon, he wasn't a full vampire yet he possesses a vampire's blood. I wanted to tell them but I was told not to. Tita Astrid, Ry's mother, forbade me to. How can I explain that it wasn't the situation outside that scares me?

But my own... I've been in pain carrying a hybrid inside me. For the past months, I need to go through a blood transfusion to keep the baby alive, and for me to stay alive... Now that I'm just one month away from giving birth, I fear that I might not survive.

"Lia... You looked bothered." Ry noticed. "Care to share it?"

Shaking my head, I sniffed. "Nothing, Ry. I was just worried."

She squints her eyes. "Lia..."

"Tell us, Lia. So we could do something about it."

I let out a small smile. "I'm just worried when the day comes, I couldn't help but think of negative things. What if I can't make it? What will happen to my son if ever, Ry..." My lips quivered in fear.

A tear escape from my eyes. Tita Astrid almost died giving birth to Simeon... I might experience it but, I'm not certain if I could survive. The thought of living my son frightened me. How would I fulfill my promise if I'm gone?

"There's nothing to worry about. Nothing bad will happen to you, okay? Don't stress yourself thinking of negative things, Lia. That's bad for your son."

"I just can't help it, Ry..." This won't do though.

Assuring me, when I don't even know the way to survive this life and death situation. Words... The only way that could make me stop thinking was to make sure that I'd get through this. But no one knows how...

"We're here, Lia. We won't let something bad happen to you and to your baby..." it was Mal this time.

I appreciate their words. Anyhow, the fear just keeps on creeping through me. It won't subside just by assuring me with uncertainties. Now I clearly understand why Emory chose to be childfree despite having a perfect relationship with her vampire boyfriend.

I assumed that they both don't want a new responsibility because of fear. Her boyfriend clearly knows the risk, as Simeon always reminded of it.

The risk of bearing the vampire's son is no joke. It might be the cause of my death but I was too selfish... Simeon wanted a kid however, he doesn't want me to bear one yet, here I am... I know he would accept the child as I could feel how he wanted to be a father.

"I want to live, Emory..." I whispered wearily, squeezing my hands tight. "If something bad happens to me, please... Do anything to keep me alive, Ry. I want to live for my son..."

"Lia..."

I was teary-eyed as I stared at them, looking so hopeless. I bit my lower lip to keep me from sobbing hard.

"I want to live," I repeated. "If I can't make it, please... Do anything, Ry. A vampire's blood transfusion could save me, right? That's the only way for me to live. I won't mind being a vampire when I wake up, just save me 'till the end," I begged.

"Do you hear yourself, Lia?" I could feel the irritation in her voice. "Being a vampire is not the answer to your problem! And gosh... Why are you spitting nonsense? You will live with the baby, of course!" She gritted her teeth.

Bowing my head, I clenched my fists. How could I make them understand my situation without telling them the truth? This is making me emotional... I wanted to shout at them for making it look easy. Of course, they don't know what they were saying!

They had no idea what I'm going through right now, so they had the audacity to talk like surviving is easy!

I can't blame them. They know nothing.

"Stop your thoughts now, Lia," Mal advised. "And you know what? Why don't we just think of your baby's name? That's better than talking about life and death."

"Yup, don't stress yourself..." Emory said. "If something bad happens to you due to stress, Simeon might visit you in your dreams."

I smirked at what she said. "I'd be thankful if that happens. I would definitely cuss the hell out of him in my dreams."

If there are grim reapers, I'm sure Simeon would apply to be one. But that would be too much. The existence of vampires had me fainted when I first learned about it, then Reapers? The world sure has a lot to offer, eh?

"There's still a room for reapers..." I heard Emory laugh. "Kidding aside. But what if reapers happen to be true? If Simeon would be one of them, it is kind of ironic having him fetch my soul or any in the family member."

I think she has the ability to read someone's mind. I shook my head.

"Vampires are enough in this world full of surprises, Ry. For death to exist, I don't know if I'm still in the right universe if they ever happen to be real."

She chuckled. I stood up when I remembered that I'd baked something before they arrived. It was still inside the oven so Mallory was not able to see it when she got in the kitchen.

"You two should eat. I baked something sweet..." I told them.

"Then, we'll think of the baby's name!"

We went to the kitchen and the two sat on the stool. While I took out the pan from the oven and put it on the table without even slicing it. As a result, they both stood up and got their own utensils, and sliced the brownies.

"You have your phone?" Ry suddenly asked, looking at Mal.

"Why?"

"I need to make a call," she answered. "I left my phone in Azar's car. Let's call mother and see what happened or how did that happen."

"I'm sure Tita Astrid is now dealing with the issue," Mallory continued to eat.

I was just there eating, watching, and listening to them. I couldn't help but stare at Emory as her face reminded me of Simeon. Even the way their brows furrowed and honestly, seeing her lessen the longing I have for him, at least.

The two only have a little resemblance though. Maybe because they were only half-sibling...

She sighed deeply as she digs on the food. "I'm starting to get worried a little," she paused. "What happened earlier in the airport was unexpected. I thought everything was going well between humans and vampires but then, suddenly, they just came and attacked a random innocent human."

"A human and vampire minds were different, Ry..." Mallory raised her head. "Let's just stop talking about them, shall we? We agreed to think about the baby's name, right? Enough with vampires. I'm so sick hearing about them." She rolled her eyes.

I coughed fakely. Should I just pretend that I haven't thought of any names yet so they won't feel disappointed? They were expecting but eventually, I told them the truth.

Slowly, I told them, "I already came up with a name..."

They both fell in silence.

"It was the name that entered my mind when I woke up earlier, so I have decided to name my son after it."

"What is it?" The two looked at me, anticipating.

"Sloan..." I was smiling, hoping to receive good feedback. But even if they don't the name I choose, I won't consider their opinion changing my mind if ever.

It's my son that would bear the name, not theirs. Also, I get to decide since I am the mother.

"Sloan..."

A wide smile gradually made its way to their lips.

"Sloan it is, then! Ugh. I can't wait to see him for real! He'll be the oldest and would serve as the big brother to his future cousins!" Mallory clapped her hands in excitement.

"Congratulations, Lia! I can't wait to kidnap my nephew!" Ry giggled.

The two stayed the whole night. They insisted that I should sleep first but I refused as I can't sleep. So, we waited together for Tita Astrid's call but nothing came. We haven't heard anything from outside. In the end, we chose to go to our respected rooms and rest.