Chapter VII: Making Nice

Weeks passed and I had my hands so full with the children that I barely got a chance to think about how I was going to manage to single-handedly repair the rift that had deepened even more with Bessie's death. I still hadn't gone back to work, and I had all but given up having any kind of career until the children were older. Lilah, especially, was a challenge.

Outwardly, she's a normal little girl. She loves playing dress-up, and her favorite role is that of a princess. She will take up “court” at the kitchen table and make imperious demands for an hour or more if she has an audience. But she seems to also have some behavioral problems. She hasn't made very many friends at school. And she acts out a lot, defying me seemingly for the sake of the act, not caring about the consequences, of which I've tried every variety. Nothing seems to affect her, and she often laughs at me when I chastise her, as if it is a game. And it's not just me she acts out with. The other day, while I was out watering the garden, I heard one of the boys start crying. When I came back inside, she was standing there licking the lollipop I'd given Timo with a nonchalant smile on her face.

“Lilah, give that back to your brother!” I commanded. “You know that's his treat for sitting on the potty!” Instead of listening, she casually dropped it onto the carpet, then ground the heel of her boot on it while staring at me with a blank expression. The hard candy cracked as it broke into sticky pieces that clung to the carpet fibers. I watched her walk back to her room in total shock. I knew she wasn't the most obedient of children, but I admit that sort of bald-faced rebellion took me by surprise.

I spoke to Xander about it that evening, but he was light-hearted about it. “She's probably just going through a phase. God knows she can't be any worse of a kid than I was, and look how you straightened me out!” he insisted, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I still had misgivings, but I swallowed them, willing to accept his explanation for the moment. I settled for grounding her from television, and when I told her her punishment, she sulked for a good hour before bed, so I felt a little better.

Less than a week later, I discovered I was pregnant again. This time when I told Xander, he took it in stride. I don't know whether to be relieved or concerned that my pregnancies are becoming so commonplace for him, but he's optimistic about another impending promotion at work, so we started planning another renovation to our little house.

The impending arrival of two new additions to our family renewed my hopes of healing the divide between the children and their only surviving grandparent. I began calling Buster to check on him. I even stopped by the house a few times, but he was never home. I wondered idly what was keeping him so busy, but I never asked. I didn't want him to feel that I was prying. I was sure that wouldn't help things. Every time I invited him over he declined, though his refusals were tending to be more and more polite, ever since the first one where he had laughed in my ear before hanging up. I assumed I was wearing him down, and one day, after I playfully handed the phone to Mattei, instructing him to invite his grandfather over for dinner, I was surprised to hear Buster's answer: “Sure, I'll be right over.”

I hadn't been completely counting on a positive answer, so I panicked a little, throwing things around the kitchen and even tapping into a little of my Magic to hurry things along when the kids weren't looking. I didn't want to teach them to disrespect the gift, should any of them turn out to possess it later, but this was-- in the small domestic sphere to which my world had shrunk-- an official emergency.

Buster arrived in half an hour, shaved, showered, and dressed in a button-down plaid shirt. I immediately lamented my own stained and rumpled houseclothes, but to my surprise he smiled when he saw me. “Moriah,” he said, nodding.

“Buster, thanks so much for coming. The kids are so excited to see you!”

As if on cue, Lilah came outside and took him by the hand. “Hi, grandpa! Remember me?”

Buster glanced down at my little girl, eyes sparkling. “No, I remember a little tiny thing no taller than your knee!” he exclaimed, and Lilah giggled. I watched incredulously as she towed him into the house, where he immediately picked up Mattei and began tickling him playfully.

I went to finish up dinner, smiling to myself at the happy miracle occurring in my living room as I listened to Buster play with his grandchildren. I was nearly finished when a sudden silence announced Xander's arrival home from work.

“What are you doing here?” Xander asked accusingly.

“I was invited.”

“By who?”

“Your...” Buster hesitated mid-sentence. “By Moriah.”

I flushed, hurrying over to do damage control. “Xander, I invited your father over for dinner. I think it would be nice if our children got to spend a little time with their grandfather.”

Again, Lilah seemed to take a cue from my words, and stood from her place on the floor near Timo, taking Buster's hand and looking at her father with a pleading look. “Can grandpa stay and play with us, Daddy?” she asked.

Xander's eyes softened as he looked at his daughter's face. Looking back at Buster's face, he said nothing, then stalked off to the bedroom to get ready for dinner.

I put the food down quickly so that the lack of small-talk between Buster and Xander wouldn't make things even more uncomfortable than they already were.

Xander mostly chatted with Lilah while Buster ate quietly. I looked up from putting my dishes in the sink to find that Buster was gazing at me. I was startled at the attention and suddenly wondered if I'd done something to offend him again, but he smiled. “Thank you for dinner, Moriah. It was delicious,” he said, wiping his mouth.

I demurred, then asked if he'd like some dessert. “We have ice cream?”

“No thanks. I think I've stayed long enough. But...” he glanced at the boys playing with their empty milk bottles on the floor and then at Xander. “If it's alright, I'd like to come back. Maybe next week?”

Xander started to open his mouth, but I quickly cut him off. “Of course!” I replied. “You're welcome here anytime. You're family.” Buster smiled again, gave a curt nod of his balding head, then walked toward the door, giving each of the twins' hair a loving ruffle along the way.

When the front door had closed, Xander turned toward me and without removing his icy glare from my face asked Lilah to go play in her room. She happily hopped up from her half-finished plate and did so. Xander stood and headed toward our bedroom, and I sighed and followed him, closing the door to a crack behind me so I could keep an eye on the boys.

“What exactly are you trying to do here, Moriah?” he demanded.

Straight to the point, then. I preferred it that way, anyway.

“I would think my intentions are clear. I'm trying to allow your father and our children to know each other.”

“You know how I feel about that man.”

“Yes, Xander, I do. And I would think you, of all people, would appreciate what I'm trying to do.”

“And why is that?” he growled.

“Because you just lost your mother!” I spat. He flinched, grimacing at me as if I had slapped him.

“His prejudices kept you apart until her death, and now you are about to do the same thing to your own children! How long do you think your father has until he passes away? How long until our children have lost the chance to have any grandparents in their lives at all?”

Xander had turned from me as I flung my barrage of words at him, and was now leaning heavily against the window sill, his back to me. I stepped forward, touching his shoulder gently, hesitantly.

“Xander...” I said quietly. “I never knew my parents. They died before I could. And I know that you and your father have a lot of differences. But if you let that get in the way of what's important, of being a family... think how much you'll regret it. Think how much you'll have lost, how much the children will lose.”

I felt him tremble beneath my hand, and I pressed myself against his back, reaching around to hold him tightly. We stood like that for a while, listening to the boys talk to each other in their cryptic baby syllables while the wind rustled the tree branches outside. Finally, Xander turned, wrapping his arms around me and gazing into my eyes.

“Moriah... I...” He closed his eyes, and I saw his jaw flex before he started again. “You're right. I do have a lot issues with my dad. And the kids shouldn't have to pay for that. If this is what you think is best, then... okay. He can come over, he can play with the kids, be a part of their lives. But... I...” He shook his head. “I don't think I can forgive him for taking my mom from me, and from them.”

I smiled. “You don't have to. Just let him know his grandchildren. That's enough.”

Xander sighed, then drew me into an embrace. I felt the baby inside me kick in response to Xander's pressure against my tummy, and I smiled. It would be okay.

Chapter VI: A Birth and a Death

The twins were born at home. Despite my doctor's protests, I insisted on a home birth, as my mother and grandmother had done before me. It was difficult though. I hadn't expected this delivery to be so hard, though I suppose I should have factored that in since everything about the pregnancy with the twins had been more difficult. Somehow, though, I managed, though what with the restlessness of the contractions, the boys ended up being born outside, I was wandering so much! I wouldn't let Xander help either, because his frantic fidgeting was stressing me out. So when the final push came for each of them, I was alone. Coming into the world under a sky full of stars is surely a good omen for their futures. I named them Mattei and Timo, both strong Roma names, and brought them inside to meet their father and sister.

We had used half of the money almost as soon as Xander deposited it, building an upstairs addition onto the house for the boys' rooms. Xander was so excited to be a father, but I could tell he was beginning to feel a bit tied down. I tried to ward off his panic over unresolved commitment issues by giving him room, taking care of the boys and Lilah mostly on my own, but he insisted on helping as much as work would let him. Despite his fear that he will become his father, Xander is a good man, and he makes a wonderful husband, even if he refuses to claim the title. He even threw Lilah and the boys a birthday party, with cakes he made himself!

Lilah blew out her candles first, and transformed before my eyes into a beautiful, raven-haired little girl who favors me strongly.

Lilah

Both of the boys look a lot like Xander, though Timo has my green eyes and they both have reddish brown hair, darker than Xander's.

Mattei

Timo

The next day, Xander made the kids breakfast and let me sleep in. When I awoke, I kissed him on the cheek. “You are the best,” I murmured. He gave me his adorable trademark little boy grin.

The day went more or less as usual. It was a Saturday, so Xander had to work, and Lilah and I took turns entertaining the boys and teaching them to walk, talk, and use the potty. But around 2pm, our seemingly normal lives came to a screeching halt as I received a phone call from Xander's father, Buster.

Bessie Clavell was dead.

Buster had discovered her upon returning home from his weekly golf date with a retired work buddy. She had been in the bathroom, crumpled into a heap, still in her bathrobe. The police said it was death by natural causes, but something in me just knew not all was what it seemed to be. But without anything other than a hunch and vague suspicions to go on, I could only keep my misgivings to myself and offer comfort and support to Xander, his father, and the children. Fortunately, the children seemed only mildly upset, as they hadn't gotten much chance to get to know their grandmother, since Buster only consented to visiting on special occasions. But Xander had been out on the field practicing all day and hadn't gotten the news, so when he came home from work late that night, after the kids were all in bed, I had to tell him. I cradled him in my arms as he sobbed that night, lamenting his father's callous nature that had prevented his mother from getting to know her grandchildren.

“She never even met her grandsons, Moriah! I swear, as long as I live, I will never forgive that man for taking her away from my children!” he spat. I could only hush him, rubbing his back soothingly. The truth is, I felt that this was a perfect opportunity: to heal the breach between Xander and his father, to ensure our children would at least get to know one of their grandparents, to bring healing to the heart of the man I loved. It would be difficult, no doubt about that, but Xander was a good man, and I knew he could find forgiveness in his heart, given proper motivation. And when it came to his children, Xander was possibly the most motivated man I had ever known. As I wiped away the tears trickling down my cheek and tried to be strong for Xander, I felt the Magic whispering to me. Yes; despite how Xander felt in the immediate wake of his mother's death, he needed to mend things with his father. And if he wouldn't take the first step, I would.

I was still wondering what that step would be three days later when we attended the burial.

The funeral was lovely but solemn, and Xander refused to even speak to his father. I tried to approach him to give him my condolences, but Buster made a face at me and said nothing. Nevertheless, I continued, “If you need anything, please, don't hesitate to call.” He merely snorted and turned to talk to another relative.

Despite this being the first time he had seen either of his grandsons since they were born, he neither held them nor asked about them. I tried not to let it show, but truthfully I was a little hurt by his disinterest. I knew he and Xander had problems, and that he might even associate me with his son's earlier failures to live up to his father's expectations, but how could he punish innocent children in such a way? Still, I was determined to make things right in this family. 

Gypsies consider each other one large family, with everyone being called “Uncle” or “Cousin” or “Nona”, regardless of their relation. I may not be among the Family anymore, but that was no reason to settle for less than that sort of close-knit community if I could do anything about it; if not for Xander's sake, then for my children's. As we rode home in the taxi, I silently took Xander's hand, trying both to comfort him, and to strengthen him for the trials to come.

Chapter V: Changes

After Xander's and Lilah's birthdays, I noticed Xander starting to act a little strange. He'd stay out late, and he was exercising more. I chalked it up to pressure from his coach to get in shape for the big game. I wasn't getting any reads on him that would indicate a guilty conscience or cheating, so I didn't worry too much. And he had recently gotten a promotion, so whatever he was doing it seemed to be working.

YES!

Besides, I was dealing with something more important anyway.

“Xander, I'm pregnant again,” I told him one afternoon.

He took it well. I could tell he was a little worried, but he smiled and hugged me, and that was all there was to it. We prepared to bring another life into the world.

This pregnancy was a lot more difficult than the first one, though. Not only was I already trying to keep up with one toddler, but I seemed to be much more tired and sore than usual. I frequently went to bed early, letting poor Xander feed Lilah and get her to bed after a long day at his job.

Lilah and I frequently went on walks. Since we had a little more money now, as well as insurance through Xander's job, I had been going to regular doctor's appointments, and my doctor recommended frequent exercise. “Walk 'em out!” he told me.

“Them?”

“That's right! You're having twins!”

I was dumbstruck. But I followed his advice, often taking Lilah with me to enjoy the serene beauty of the city parks.

I decided not to tell Xander we were having twins, and I kept the gender a secret too. I wanted to surprise him. Of course, with the late hours he worked, and my constant fatigue, it wasn't hard to keep a secret. We rarely saw each other anyway.

One night he actually came home a little early from work, and as he stepped into the bedroom, my eyes widened.

“What is that?” I asked.

“What? Oh... it's a mohawk. You like it?” I covered my mouth so he wouldn't see my amused smile. “I just wanted a change of pace, y'know? Something cool that sports fans could identify me by.” He squinted at me. “You like it right?”

I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my mouth. “No,” I laughed, shaking my head. He grouchily threw a pillow at me in response.

Aside from Xander's mid-life crisis-induced haircuts and the fatigue from my pregnancy, though, life was good. I was enjoying teaching Lilah to walk and talk. She's a smart little girl, and catches on quickly.

I never imagined life as an Outsider could be so fulfilling. Though I still proudly call myself a gypsy, I am now one in name only, it seems. I have a boyfriend (Xander finally admitted that we were basically a couple), and a beautiful daughter.

We both have jobs, though I am beginning to wonder how sincere Beau's assurances are of me getting mine back when I am ready and Lilah is old enough. We even have a cozy little house now, though the circumstances surrounding the money we used to build it are a little mysterious.

One day, over 14,000 simoleans just appeared in our mailbox.* I don't know where it came from. There was no note or anything. We waited several weeks, but nobody contacted us, and I was nearing the end of my third trimester and we still didn't even have a room to keep the twins, much less cribs and a dresser. Xander finally took the money and went and deposited it. I tried to argue with him. “Xander, we don't know where that money came from. For all we know, it could be the Organization trying to frame you for leaving them.”

Xander just shrugged me off. “Or it could just as easily be from one of your relatives in the Family, Moriah. Or even my parents, who knows! Maybe they've come around and don't want their grandchildren to go without so much! All I know is, we need the money. And here it is!” He waved the bag with the money in it at me.

I bit my lip and said nothing. He was right of course. It could have come from anywhere. And it was perfectly timed. We desperately needed that $14,000. Besides, as a Roma, who was I to protest taking free money from someone who obviously didn't need it? But as he left the house to go drive to the bank, I couldn't help but shake the feeling that we were going to regret it.

*This actually happened in game, without any cheating or actions by me. It just suddenly appeared in thier accounts and the money sign popped up. I have no idea why or what caused it. But it fit perfectly with what I was thinking of doing with the story, so I used it. I assume since I didn't cause it, it doesn't affect the rules regarding the Legacy Challenge.

Chapter IV: A New "Family"

Life was moving along. I was getting very pregnant. I walked with the tell-tale leaning swagger adopted by all mothers in their third trimester, and none of my clothes fit anymore. We hadn't been able to afford new ones yet, but Dorie, bless her heart, had provided me with some of her old maternity clothes, and they fit rather well, despite our difference in size. I suppose she must have been much more slender before Bebe was born.  

I was nearing my due date when Xander, Party Animal that he is, surprised me with an impromptu baby shower! All our friends came crowding into our tiny little house until it overflowed with people.

Even Bessie and Buster came, despite their disapproval of how their son and I were living out of wedlock. They're uaually very conservative people, but I think they enjoyed themselves. The music of my people was playing on the radio, and they even busted a move or two!

All in all the party was a blast. Since it was such short notice, nobody really brought any gifts, but Xander did say that Dorie and another friend of his had given him money for the baby. I suspect it was only after being asked by him, but in truth we could really use the money. We haven't bought a crib or anything yet, and we've both been a little worried about how we'll pay the hospital bills after the baby is born. I haven't been to the doctor once to check on the baby's health, but my instincts tell me the baby is thriving, though we still don't know if it's a boy or a girl. I don't have a preference, personally, but Xander's hoping for a little girl “as beautiful as her mommy.” He can be such a romantic sometimes...

Xander's been working extra hard trying to earn a raise. He's been staying up late at night after coming home from work to work out to his little stereo, trying to bulk up so he can become a bouncer or something. I don't know, though. A job like that requires a lot of coldness, heartlessness. I'm beginning to think my Xander doesn't have what it takes to go far in the Criminal career.

* * *

It's a girl!

We named her Lilah. I went into labor one morning while Xander was at work, and literally had to fly to the hospital on my broom. Not an easy task when your stomach's the size of a bowling ball and every contraction nearly makes you lose your balance.

Xander arrived at the hospital a short while after I was taken to the Labor and Delivery wing, every inch the panicking first-time father. He'd left in the middle of a heist to be with me when our daughter was born, and when I started to worry about his job, he shushed me. “This is more important than any job. I want to meet my child!”

The delivery went surprisingly easy, helped along by herbal remedies my Nona had taught me when midwifing for the women in our Family. In fact, Lilah and I were doing so well that they released us from the hospital that evening, though the doctor did joke about keeping Xander for 24-hour surveillance. The poor man's nerves were shattered.

But the moment he held his daughter in his arms, he had eyes for nothing and no one else. I can already tell he will be a wonderful father.

When we got home, I put Lilah down in her crib while Xander called everyone we knew to announce the birth of our baby girl. Congratulations rolled in, and Xander's parents promised to come and see her very soon.

I went to take a shower, and when I stepped back into the living room, he surprised me with an announcement. “I quit my job,” he said.

“What?!” I asked, panick suddenly spreading through my body.

“I got a phone call from the head coach over at the stadium, and he said he'd seen me working out the other day. He says they need some new guys to qualify the team for the upcoming season, and I looked like a risk he was willing to take. He offered me a job, and a raise!”

“But... what about the Organization?”

“Screw 'em,” he replied. “I've been busting my hump for them for years now and never got a single promotion. I'm not cut out for a bouncer, and everyone knows it. Besides, I don't want our little girl growing up with a crook for a dad.” He cast a loving look at Lilah's sleeping form in the crib.

I was still worried though. “Xander... the Organization isn't exactly just another employer. Won't they come after you... if you just quit like that?”

“Nah,” he assured me. “I'm small change. They won't even remember me, I'm sure.”

I bit my lip. “Well... okay...”

“Moriah, come on. Let me do something for you and for Lilah. You're my family. Let me take care of you like you're always taking care of me.”

That got to me. I smiled and hugged him tightly. We held each other for a long time.

* * *

Time passes so quickly! 

Xander's been doing well at his new job. No promotion yet, but the money is nothing to sniff at and we've been able to afford to pay all our bills. I still haven't gone back to work, but Beau assures me my job is still open whenever I'm ready.

I've just had my hands so full with little Lilah. She's a wonderful baby, and so beautiful, though I'm sure I'm a little biased. Today she turned a year old! Predictably, her doting father threw her a birthday party, but what he didn't realize was that we would celebrate his birthday too. I made two cakes, and after everyone had shown up, I brought out Xander's, with thirty lit candles on it. He protested in surprise, but after a little prodding happily blew out the candles.

Then it was Lilah's turn. She didn't really understand the concept of blowing out candles, of course, so I “helped” her. I can't believe my little girl is a toddler now. It seems like just yesterday that I brought her home from the hospital.

I have such hopes for Lilah. I do not know if she is the one the Magic has selected as the Chosen One who will lead the Romas to peace, but she will doubtless take part in that heritage, and I hope to teach her to love our traditions and live faithfully according to Gypsy principles of loyalty and love. A little more than a year ago, I remember being hesitant to enter into this new life as an Outsider that the Magic had willed for me. Now I would not change a thing. I love my new Family, and I love my life.

Chapter III: The Seeds of Change

I reported the next morning like normal, but once again found myself rushing out of the little wagon to vomit. Cornelia was standing there taking a smoke break, and she looked at me askance. “You okay?” she asked. I nodded, but before I could reply another bout of illness shut me up. Cornelia made a noise of disgust and flicked her cigarette into the bushes. “God, go home. I swear, if you make me sick...” I heard her muttering as she went back inside. Beau came out next and immediately came to stand next to me, pulling my long hair up out of my face. “Thanks,” I said weakly.

“Yep,” he replied. “You alright now?”

I thought for a moment. “Yeah, I think so.” I stood up. “Hey, why don't you take a couple days off, make sure you're not coming down with something,” he suggested. “Not like we're doing a whole lot of business right now anyway. Things tend to pick up more around the new year. People wondering what to make for resolutions and such.” He chuckled.

I nodded, feeling the nausea creeping up on me again. “I think I'll do that. Thanks,” I muttered. I had nothing in the wagon to collect so I started walking for home.

“Just give me a call if you need anything!” Beau called after me. I waved, feeling too sick to yell back. I barely made it home before another bout of illness had me at the toilet. I went to bed for the rest of the morning, and by afternoon I felt better.

I checked the little fridge I had bought and discovered I was quite out of anything edible, and being as the only food I could conjure was apples, I figured I should probably stop by the grocery store while I was feeling better to stock up on some necessities. As I was walking in the store, a vision hit me, occupying my whole attention, as they normally do, so that I stood there, dumbly, holding a shopping basket and looking, I'm sure, quite foolish.

The vision was only momentary, and disjointed, as they often are, and when I came to, I blushed, realizing the cashier and several other people were looking at me funny as I stood there spacing with my empty basket. I meekly made my way into the aisles and picked up a few cans of food, all I can afford until I get paid, which was likely to be even longer of a wait now. After I had my food, I made my way to where they keep the pregnancy tests.

* * *

I'm pregnant.

I'm not sure how I feel about it exactly. Part of me I think is still in shock. And part of me is scared. Xander is, by his own profession, not a “family guy”, and I can barely afford to feed myself. I have no idea how I would take care of a little one. Yet...

Somehow, the pure wonder of knowing there is another life growing inside me, one that the Magic which flows through me conspired to put there, makes it all okay. Though I know it is only logical to be terrified and worried right now, all I can do is rub my belly and wonder at the little tell-tale fluttering feelings of the baby moving, even now.

I am, however, worried about one thing. I still have to tell Xander.

* * *

Thank the Magic! There truly are no coincidences! It has brought everything together for the good of me and my baby after all.

Xander called me again, but this time there were no adorably awkward overtures. His voice was sullen and he spoke quickly. “Moriah? Hey... uh, can I... can I come... stay with you? For a while?”

“Of course you can, you know that. But what's wrong?”

“I'll tell you when I get there,” he assured me. His van drove up in no time.

“Hey,” he greeted me, that sullen note still in his voice.

I smiled, and greeted him with a hug. He stepped into my arms and stood there for a minute, not moving. He was tense, I could feel his muscles trembling with nervous energy under my touch. When he spoke, his words were muffled against my shirt.

“My dad kicked me out. I got caught in a job and the police took me in. They let me go, but I have a court date scheduled for next week, and my dad came and picked me up, took me home, and told me to pack my stuff and get out.”

I bit my lip, nervous. I had been hoping to tell him my news, but this wasn't looking like a very good time to burden him with yet another trouble.

“Y'know what? It's good, though,” he said, straightening, and I noted the firm set of his jaw. I frowned, concerned.

“No, seriously,” he insisted. “I'm almost thirty, and I was still living at home with my parents. It's pathetic really. This'll be good. I'll get out from under my dad's thumb. I'll figure things out, maybe buy my own place. Well...” He looked at me apologetically. “Eventually, I mean. I might have to shack up with you for a while. I... is that...?”

I smiled spreading my hands to indicate my bare strip of land and the little shelter. “I don't have much, Xander, but everything I have is yours. You know that.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “You are my angel,” he said, taking me in his arms. “What would I do without you?”

I looked away. “Xander,” I interrupted. “I have something I need to tell you. It wouldn't be right for me to keep it from you, especially now.”

“What's up?” he asked, dropping his arms.

“Xander,” I said, staring at the ground, afraid to look at his eyes. “I'm... I'm pregnant.”

I raised my eyes, dreading the reception my words would find, but to my surprise, he was looking at me with that same look of wonder and interest that had first filled me with love for him.

“You're pregnant?” he echoed. “Really?”

I half smiled, still unsure. “Yes, really.”

“And it's mine? I mean, well, you know, just to make sure?”

I nodded, a little insulted. I may be a gypsy, but that doesn't make me a whore.

“Well that's... that's great! Wow! I'm gonna be a dad!”

I felt tears of relief spring to my eyes as he said those words, and a bark of nervous laughter sprang out of me. He laughed too, and for nearly a full minute, we couldn't do anything else but laugh together, until tears were rolling down our cheeks.

When our laughter had died down, Xander reached out a hand hesitantly. “Can I... can I feel it?”

“Of course!” I said, taking his hand and pressing it to my belly. As if it knew who was making contact with it, the baby gave a little jolt, and Xander whooped, jumping. For five minutes straight, he sat there fussing over my growing baby bump like it was the most fascinating thing he had ever seen.

That night it was decided. Xander would move in with us. His mom, unable to make Xander's dad change his mind on kicking their son out, had at least given him a couple thousand dollars, along with her old van to pack all his stuff into. We sold the van, figuring we could both carpool to work, and began work on a real house. “No baby of mine is gonna sleep in a shelter like a homeless person!” he said. “I may be a criminal, but I'm not gonna be a deadbeat dad!” I beamed at that.

He still hasn't said anything about getting married, and I haven't brought it up. To be honest, it doesn't matter so very much to me. The Magic has already had its way, and we are a family for better or worse. A piece of paper won't change that. Xander may come around on his own one day, and as for me, I am happy just being with him. We are beginning to build a home together, Xander and I, and the child we have made.

Chapter II: Taming a Wild Heart

I woke up late the next morning. The temperate climate of Newcastle is a pleasant change from some of the more extreme weather I've slept in, and I might have slept too late were it not for the occasional hum of tires on asphalt as my neighbors pulled out of their houses, waking me.

I rose and got ready for my first day of work.

When I arrived at the wagon, Beau and another woman were just walking up. Beau smiled at me in greeting, but the other woman, with short, choppy black hair, merely gave me a silent glare and walked inside. Confused, I looked to Beau for explanation. He chuckled. “That's Cornelia,” he explained. “Don't mind her. She's a Goth.”

Making a face, I followed the hostile woman into the tiny workplace. Our first day was fairly uneventful, which was good, because it gave me time to ask questions and get familiar with my role in Beau's little business. By the time the clock read five, I felt fairly equipped in my role as a Horoscope Reader, and even Cornelia was beginning to warm up to me a little (meaning she didn't give me a nasty look every few minutes).

When I walked out of the caravan, I was at a loss of anything to do with the rest of my day. I walked home slowly, savoring the sights and sounds of the early evening, but it was a short walk, and soon I was standing at my mailbox. Staring at my bare little shelter, I felt suddenly lonely. Inspiration struck in the form of my cell phone ringing. I answered it and was pleasantly surprised to hear Xander's voice on the other end. “Uh, hi, Moriah? It's Xander,” he said awkwardly. “Listen, I got off work early today, and I was, uh, wondering if you wanted to hang out maybe?”

I stifled a gleeful laugh at the adorable timidity in his voice. “Of course! Would you like to come to my place?” I asked. He agreed and I gave him directions. 

Less than twenty minutes later, he drove up in his mother's old van. One arm was behind his back, and I raised an eyebrow as he came closer. When he brought his arm out, he had a bouquet of beautiful white flowers in his hand. “For you,” he said, giving a funny little bow. I grinned and accepted them.

For a while, things went well. We chatted again, him telling me about a job he'd pulled on a convenience store in the neighboring town. As he spoke, I was secretly doubting myself. Was he really the one the visions had told me about? Or was I merely so blinded by my attraction to this diamond in the rough that I had convinced myself he was the one the visions had meant for me to choose? Suddenly, he rubbed his neck, explaining that he had wrenched it pulling items off the shelves that afternoon, and I saw my chance.

One of my visions had shown me a special mark that would be on the man I was meant to marry. A birthmark of sorts, located on his right shoulder blade. I hadn't thought of it in years, but it popped into my mind just then, and I jumped on the chance to offer him a soothing massage. He gladly accepted, and as I rubbed the tension from his muscled shoulders, I subtly examined the skin of his back, inching the tank top away from his right shoulder blade. Nothing... my heart sank. And then, there! Yes! There it was, though I had nearly missed it in the waning light. My instincts were right! Xander was the man I was meant to be with! I rejoiced on the inside, but I strove to remain calm as I finished rubbing his shoulders until he stretched languidly and turned to thank me.

More determined than ever to see this through to the next step, I barely hesitated when I leaned in to kiss him.

He kissed me back, a slow smile spreading over his face as I pulled away. “Wow... Moriah, I... wow...”

I merely smiled and walked away to sit on the grass a short distance from him. He joined me, sitting close by, and we watched the stars for awhile. I told him about my job as a Horoscope reader and tried to explain the alignment of planets in the various houses, but eventually we just ended up gazing at the sky together, enjoying the silence.

When hours had passed and it was full dark, we rose, knowing he should go, and neither of us ready to part just yet.

“Xander?” I began, and he looked at me with those blue eyes. I found myself unable to hold anything back. “I came here to Newcastle for a reason,” I admitted. “My... powers... they've been leading me to someone nearly my whole life. I know now that someone is you. I want to be with you... to be yours...”

I reached for his hand, but to my surprise, he pulled it away, holding both hands off as if to ward off a disease.

“Whoa, whoa, Moriah, hold on!” he protested. “We just met! I mean, tonight was great and all, but... I'm not exactly the family type. You've seen my parents, you can guess why! I'm... I'm just not ready for any kind of commitment, much less... well... whatever it is you were expecting.”

I stared at him, numbed by his words. “Well, uh... guess I better be going...” he said, and nearly ran to the curb and his van. I watched him drive away with a mixture of confusion and hurt. Surely the signs weren't wrong? He had the birthmark. I had seen it with my own eyes. Moreover, he was at least as attracted to me as I was to him. What had gone wrong?

As I got ready for bed, I kept thinking about it, and I concluded that the Magic had never steered me wrong before. Surely, this must be part of the plan, a challenge I must simply move past. If one could even call it a challenge. Captivating and seducing a young man isn't exactly what most buxom gypsy girls call a challenge. But Xander obviously had Commitment Issues. So I would merely have to tread carefully and bide my time. The opportunity would present itself, I was sure. I had but to wait.

That opportunity presented itself the next day. I was off work, so, steeling my courage, I went to Xander's house as soon as a reasonable hour had arrived. Luck was with me, so I found him at home. His mother let me right in this time, barely taking a second look at me. Xander was just coming downstairs as I entered, and his eyes went wide when he saw me.

“Uh, Moriah! Hi,” he greeted me, looking nervous. I could see this would be easier than I had feared.

“Hi,” I said brightly, adding an abashed tone to my words. “Listen,” I started. “You're right. I'm sorry about last night. I just got caught up in the mood.” I giggled girlishly. “Can we start over?”

He strode over and took my face in both of his hands and kissed me on the forehead. “You,” he said, “are an angel. I'm sorry too. I could have been more tactful.”

I shrugged, dismissing his words from the night before as he had just dismissed mine.

“You, uh, you wanna go upstairs?” he asked, eying the living room where his mom was doubtless hearing our entire conversation.

I nodded, and he took my hand, leading me up to his room. The bed was less a conscious choice than the only comfortable place to sit in his utilitarian bedroom. But it suited my purposes. As we chatted, I slowly inched closer to him until we were eventually cuddling. When I leaned over during a lull in conversation and nibbled lightly on his earlobe, he looked at me in surprise. I lifted an eyebrow invitingly. Needless to say, that was all the encouragement he needed.

After our amusement upstairs, we went downstairs to find his mother and father sitting in the living room watching TV. Ignoring their presence, Xander grabbed a pillow off a nearby chair and before I knew what was happening, he hit me with it. I laughed and grabbed my own weapon from a matching chair. It was on!

Bessie just sat there tuning us out, but Buster stood, glaring disapprovingly at our childish play. When glaring didn't stop us, he turned to Bessie. “I've had enough of this,” he growled, and left the room. Xander and I kept pillow fighting.

Eventually things wound down, and I invited Xander over to hang out at my place. He accepted the invitation with a relief that was evident. I feel sorry for him, with such a bad relationship with his parents. I feel sure that, had I known my own parents, we would have gotten along well. Gypsies don't tend to have the sorts of conflcts that you see in Outsider families, probably because there are less rules, and the ones there are are known by all. Plus you have the entire Family enforcing them instead of just one or two parents. Gypsy children are raised by a real community.

We hung out again at my place, talking, walking around, staring at the stars as night fell. Poor Xander was exhausted. Apparently he had had to go back into work the night before after he left me, and hadn't gotten back home until early morning. When I had arrived at his house, he was just getting up.

I told him to go ahead and snooze in my sleeping bag while I did a few things that needed doing. I weeded my garden and cleaned my little shelter until I was certain he was fast asleep. Then I brought out my wand. I'd been practicing this particular spell since I was a little girl. It's nothing very complicated, just a simple Good Luck Charm. But I had finally found the one I was to be with, and I didn't want anything to happen to him, especially given his career and the poor way he took care of himself. So I charmed him, as he slept.

Eventually I had to wake him up from his nap, since we both needed to go to work the next day. He gave me a drowsy hug, then drove him while I climbed into my sleeping bag, still warm from his body heat.

I was sleeping soundly until I suddenly awoke in the early morning hours. It was still dark, and I felt sick! I rushed out of my sleeping bag and barely made it to the toilet in my shelter before my stomach heaved its contents out of my body. Settling back in after I had washed up as best I could, I wondered what I could have eaten that day that would cause such a reaction. But I was still so tired, so I only had a moment to wonder before sleep took me again. I did not dream.