30: How Do You Shower An Unborn?

The recliner is almost big enough for Eve and Evan to sit side by side in, and it's quite comfortable. During the night their positions have changed. Eve is now off to one side of Evan on her side with her head on his left shoulder. The arm to that shoulder is around her. Her legs are now over his lap.

Evan is awake watching Eve sleep. The bump is partially over his abdomen and he can feel it moving. And occasionally he can feel her stomach tighten with a contraction. He wants to scan her to see how regular the contractions are, but he'ld need to get out of the chair to retrieve the medical scanner and he doesn't want to wake her. Evan is content to study her face as she sleeps and gently play in her hair with his right hand.

A strong contraction wakes Eve up. She puts her hands on the bump and takes a deep breath through her nose.

"[Getting scanner I am]," Evan sliding out of the recliner. Normally, Eve would probably argue, but his tone and the concern she feels from him tells her he will not argue about this.

Except by the time Evan returns with the medical scanner, the contraction is over. The scanner can't tell him whether the contraction was Braxton Hicks or real. The scan does confirm their baby is fully formed and ready to be born anytime. The scan he performed yesterday and the day before said the same as this scan. The only difference is her cervix has dilated three centimeters, confirming for Evan that Eve is in the early stages of labor.

Eve feels Evan's disappointment at missing scanning during the contraction. But she doesn't need a medical device to confirm she is in the early stages of labor, she knows. Evan wishes what she's feeling told him what she's thinking. Eve's just not talking right now.

Evan places his head and hands lovingly on the bump. He smiles as it kicks for him and Eve runs a hand over his head. A purr of contentment emanates from Evan's chest. Every doubt or second guess either had the day before has evaporated. They know they belong together and this baby is their blessing.

"Good morning," Eve's father, Ben, stepping into the dwelling.

"Morning, Daddy," Eve smiling.

"Good morning, Sir," Evan lifting his head.

"Listen, son," Ben's tone serious, "stop calling me sir. It's not necessary to be that formal."

"What should I call you," asks Evan.

"Dad," Ben answers, "It may feel awkward at first, but it'll grow on you."

"Yes, Dad," Evan responds. The word dad awkward on his lips.

Ben pats Evan's shoulder, "We're getting ready to have breakfast out here. We hope you both feel up to joining us."

Evan looks at Eve. "We'll be out shortly, Daddy," Eve answering for both herself and Evan. Evan nods confirmingly to Ben.

"Good," Ben pleased, "We'll be waiting," and Ben exits the dwelling

Eve reaches up to Evan from the recliner and he helps her from the chair. A short time later they exit the dwelling together. Freshly dressed with their hair still damp from their shower.

"A picnic table," Eve pleased and surprised, "It's so long."

"[More than enough room for everyone]," Mr. Chan well pleased with his carpentry.

The table has already been laid out with many choices for breakfast. Except Eve isn't very hungry. She's mostly just thirsty. There's a lot of conversation around the table, yet Eve is basically only speaking when spoken to. She manages to sit through more than one contraction without anyone noticing but Evan. Finally, the conversations are winding down and the stomachs are filled. Eve's hoping she and Evan can return to the dwelling and spend the day relatively undisturbed.

"Eve," Alma patting one of Eve's hands, "Jude told me of a wonderful human tradition of giving baby shower for expectant mother."

"Baby shower," Evan confused, "How does one shower an unborn?"

Eve pats Evan's knee affectionately, amused by his misunderstanding.

"I asked same thing," Alma confesses, "Jude explained it is a celebration where expectant mother is given gifts for unborn."

"Ahh," Evan feeling enlightened. He also sees this as something that may cheer Eve up and help her relax.

"And I have a special chair for the mother to be," Mr. Chan getting up from the table. "Give me a hand, Bob," request Mr. Chan.

"Of course," Dr. Matos getting up. The two men go around the side of the dwelling. Then return caring a chair that causes Eve's face to light up.

"A rocking chair," Eve getting up.

Mr. Chan and Dr. Matos set the rocking chair down and Eve stands before it not quite sure what to do. She's only seen pictures of them. This is the first real rocking chair Eve has ever seen.

"Well," Mr. Chan questioning.

"It's beautiful," Eve responds.

"No," Mr. Chan amused, "Sit."

"Of course," Eve feeling silly. And feeling a bit unsure, she sits. Then she leans back into the chair and starts a gentle rock that puts a content smile on her face.

"Thank you, Mr. Chan," Eve reaching to give him a hug.

"You're welcome, child," Mr. Chan leaning down and accepting his reward.

"My turn," Dr. Matos going over to a tent. He reaches inside and pulls out his gift.

Eve takes the bundle from Dr. Matos hands. The very same hands that delivered her over twenty years ago. She unties the bundle. Two baby gowns she knows Bob sewed himself and a rattle she's not entirely sure how he made.

"Thank you," Eve smoothing out the gowns, "They're lovely," as she hands the gifts to Evan. Then she gives Dr. Matos a hug.

The children clamor to Erin for their gift to be next. Erin agrees reaching under her seat and pulling out a bundle that contains the gift she and the three children made together.

With the children gathered around her, Erin comes forward and hands their gift to Eve. Eve is puzzled by the way the bundle seems to feel like it's in pieces in her hands. Eve opens the bundle and her face lights up, "A mobile." It has three words hanging from it: LUV U BABY, and three animals hanging from it. Each animal has the name of one of the children carved on it. A bunny from NATE, a squine from ZEZVOR, and a shoat from EVMA.

"It's wonderful," Eve thoroughly delighted with the mobile, "[What a wonderful gift.]"

"I laser cut the animals out after the children drew them on pieces of wood," explains Erin.

Eve stands and gives Erin a big hug, "Thank you." She sits back down on the edge of her seat so she can thank each child with a hug and a kiss. And the children hug the bump, which kicks for them as if to say thank you itself to the children. Evma gets an extra hug and kiss from Evan, who is equally pleased with the gift.

"I did not know what would be appropriate gift," Vor speaking up, "But John helped me. I am not good at knitting. These are from me and John." Vor nervously hands Eve her gift.

It's a knit cap. Inside the cap is a pair of booties, a pair of thumb-less mittens and a little vest that all match the cap.

"They're darling," Eve delighted with Vor and John's gift.

Vor bends down to receive a warm hug from Eve. The hug makes Vor feel accepted and loved. But for Evan, the exchange is a customary polite bow and Evan bows in return with no hurt feelings. Hugging Vor would have made Evan very uncomfortable. John, on the other hand, is happy to hug both Eve and Evan. And smiling brightly, John reseats himself next to Vor, who wears her own satisfied yet modest smile.

"Our gift is of a different nature," Everant standing up.

Alma stands also, "It is not oriented toward the baby. We thought it would be nice if as life-mates you had appropriate symbols of your union."

"So, we made you matching ionnume'," Everant holding out matching neck chokers, the Malyon equivalent of wedding bands.

Eve takes the ionnume' from Everant as she stands, "They're beautiful."

Evan places the gifts Eve has been handing him on the corner of the picnic table. Then he kneels before Eve. Alma points to the ionnume' meant for Evan. Eve nods and hands the other choker for Alma to hold.

Evan pulls up his long shiny raven hair and holds it out of the way. Eve places the ionnume' around his neck and secures it. He stands and takes the ionnume' for Eve from his mother. Eve's hair is in a bun, so there's no need to pull it up out of the way. Evan secures the ionnume' around Eve's neck.

"[Thank you]," Eve knows this gift is also a gesture of their acceptance of her, "[We will wear them with pride. Only removing them for cleansing as tradition dictates.]"

"[We know you will]," Alma bending down to hug Eve.

"[Thank you]," Everant stepping before Eve as Alma steps over to hug Evan, "[for not exiling an old fool from your life and for making my son and us also very happy.]" It's almost comical to see Everant bending down to hug Eve.

"[No one is perfect]," Eve says into Everant's ear. Everant rubs the bump. Then he hugs Evan before he and Alma sit back down.

"Well, great minds think alike," Ben says as he and Jude stand up and come forward.

"Our gift is wedding bands," Jude smiling as Ben pulls the bands from his shirt pocket.

"Normally," Ben explains, "the bands are made of gold, silver or platinum, earth metals. But we don't have those here. We were able to find an appropriate metal here. Its properties are very similar to platinum." Ben holds up the rings, one in each hand. The metal the rings are made of is tri-colored: golden with a reddish tint, silver and jade are swirling around one another and shining brightly in the morning sunlight.

"This ring," Ben explains to Evan, "is for you to place on the ring finger of Eve's left hand. The finger next to the smallest finger," realizing Evan wouldn't know which would be the ring finger.

"The rings are a symbol of your union with each other," explains Jude, "and just like your ionnume', lets other people know you are united with one another."

"The tradition," Jude continues, "is for each of you to place the rings on each other's fingers."

Eve takes the initiative in stepping forward first and taking the ring for Evan's hand her father is holding up. She takes Evan's left hand. And as she slides the ring onto his ring finger, she looks him in the eyes, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Evan takes the ring for Eve, takes her left hand, "With this ring, I thee wed," as he slides the ring onto her finger.

"You may kiss the bride," Ben announces with a big ear-to-ear grin.

"My kind of tradition," Evan says as he leans over to kiss Eve, who pushes up onto her toes to kiss him. Then they accept their hugs from Eve's parents and thank them for their gift.

Veioray stands as Ben and Jude retake their seats, "Evan is my rahtek. Godchild in your language. He is as precious to me as my own children I seeded myself. Eve, you are most wonderful infection. You inspire happiness and laughter. And I know how grateful Evan is to be a washed by you. My gift to the two of you and your unborn is not one that can be worn on the body nor put on display for others to see. My gift is one to be kept in one's hearts," placing his hands over his own two hearts, "My gift is a traditional blessing from my hearts."

Eve and Evan stand together as Veioray chants the old Malyon blessing over them and their unborn. It's a blessing that only a historian like himself would know. It's rarely given because nearly 100% of Malyon mates are arranged by their parents and this blessing is for those who have discovered each other despite odds they would not have found each other except for a small miracle that brought them together. And together they bring forth a new life.

The last part of the blessing is specifically for the unborn. The blessing ends with Veioray down on one knee before Eve and Evan with his head and hands on the bump. Eve and Evan's hearts are touched by Veioray's heart felt sincere blessing for them and their unborn.

Eve places her small right hand affectionately to Veioray's cheek. Veioray opens his eyes and pulls his head back away from the bump and looks up into Eve's round tan face. Her brown eyes are softly looking down upon him. She leans forward and kisses his forehead, "Toe kar."

It's Veioray's first kiss. He touches his forehead thoughtfully as he rises to his feet. He didn't know such a simple show of affection could have so much meaning. Then Evan puts his arms around Veioray and kisses Veioray's cheek. "Toe kar," Evan giving Veioray a squeeze just before releasing him. Veioray is teary eyed as he returns to his seat.

"Thank you all so much for such a thoughtful event," Evan very grateful, "But I sense Eve isn't feeling well. Her sleep was restless last night."

"Are you feeling under the weather, Sweetie," Jude asks concerned.

"Just a little tired, Mom," Eve not sharing that she's in labor, "Evan."

Evan gathers up their gifts, "[Gin nok]," good day, and he turns and follows Eve into their dwelling.

Evan sits their gifts on the kitchen table and Eve sits across from them. "Lock the door and close the window blinds," she tells Evan.

Evan complies. They have never locked the door before, but Evan doesn't asks why. Even though, everyone usually knocks before entering, Eve wants to be alone with Evan. This next event is theirs and theirs alone. Eve feels a little guilty for not wanting to share it with everyone, but that is simply the way she feels.

"[You are not being selfish]," Evan returning to Eve. He puts his hand over their enormous bump, "[Are the contractions very close?]" he asks. He is amazed when he looks upon her in this state, full of new life.

"[Close,]" Eve answers, "[and getting closer. Get the scanner. We need to know how close.]"

Evan scans Eve for fifteen minutes; "[Contractions are less than four minutes apart and getting closer. You are also dilated six centimeters.]"

"[Four more centimeters]," Eve smiles despite being afraid. She kisses and hugs Evan. Feeling his arms around her is re-assuring. Eve gets up and gets a cold cup of water. As she's drinking a strong contraction hits her. Eve drops the cup while putting her hands on her swollen contracting stomach.

Eve says a distressed, "Oh," as lilac colored water escapes from between her legs on to the smooth warm grey colored floor. Eve stares in amazement as the lilac water spreads out across the floor. Evan is just as amazed as Eve as he steps in the water to get her. "[Amniotic fluid]," he says almost as if his eyes deceive him.

"[Yes]," confirms Eve. Then she confesses, "[Afraid I am.]"

"[Do you desire me to fetch] Dr. Matos," asks Evan.

"[No]," Eve shaking her head. The answer Evan knew she would give.

A few hours later Evan exits their dwelling. It's very quiet. Everyone must be at Ben and Jude's. But Evan is only concerned with finding one person right now; even though, it may upset Eve. Evan is relieved when he happens upon Dr. Matos and no one else is nearby.

"Would you come with me, please," Evan asks Dr. Matos.

Dr. Matos instantly recognizes worry in Evan's eyes, but he doesn't ask any questions, "Yes, of course."

Dr. Matos follows Evan back to the dwelling. Stepping inside Dr. Matos immediately notices the lilac colored water on the floor to his left.

"Amniotic fluid," explains Evan, "I haven't had a chance to clean it up yet. Please, follow me. They are in the bedroom."

The word "they" stands out in Dr. Matos' mind as he follows Evan into the bedroom. There in the bed sleeping is Eve curled around a sleeping bundled up baby.

"I've scanned them both," explains Evan. His voice is barely a whisper, "He is a good strong healthy male." Evan has tears in his eyes, "My concern is for Eve. I've never seen her so weak and tired. There are dark discolorations under her eyes."

Dr. Matos pats Evan on the shoulder reassuringly as he pulls out his own medical scanner. He scans the new born first, "You're correct. He's in good health. Two strong hearts like his father. He'll never need an appendectomy…This is probably going to sound like a stupid question, but I'm still learning about Malyon anatomy. I know very little about your sexology. But his genitalia are supposed to be inside his body, right?"

"That is where mine are," answers Evan. "Ahh," Evan remembering a lesson from Eve, "for human males the reproductive organs are hanging outside the body… It must be a bit of a weakness, because it doesn't seem very safe."

Dr. Matos admits, "Sometimes it's not safe at all."

"You have to use the same organ for urination as for mating," Evan recalls out loud with a slightly grossed out look on his face. Then he shakes it off glad for his own body.

"Well," Dr. Matos not offended, "I have a lot to learn in order to make sure I can care for everyone properly," scanning Eve now, "mmm."

"What is it? What did I miss," asks Evan, "Is she alright?"

"She's lost a little more blood than is normal for a human during child birth," Dr. Matos explains, "But after a couple of days of resting, she'll be fine. Why didn't either of you say anything about her being in labor during breakfast?"

"Eve and I are private people," Evan hoping Dr. Matos will understand, "We were not trying to be selfish by not sharing."

"It was a good decision," Dr. Matos replies, "She needs rest and it's hard to rest with people fussing over you."

Eve lifts her head and opens her eyes, "Dr. Matos," pleased to see him, "[Beautiful he is, yes.]"

"Yes, he is," agrees Dr. Matos, "Has himself a head full of black hair. So, what's his name?"

Eve looks at Evan, at their new son and back at the doctor, "We haven't discussed names yet. It never came up. Can't keep calling him the bump."

"You'll think of something," Dr. Matos sitting on the edge of the bed, "How are you feeling?"

"Tired and thirsty," Eve answers.

"I'll get…" Evan ready to do whatever Eve requires.

"No," Dr. Matos stops Evan, "I'll get some water. You stay with her and your new son."

Dr. Matos returns with a pitcher of water and a cup. Eve is sitting up in the bed leaning back against Evan with the baby in her lap.

"Here we go," Dr. Matos pours Eve a cup of water and hands it to her. He sits the pitcher on the nightstand and sits on the edge of the bed. The baby has begun to squirm and he uses a finger to move the blankets he's wrapped in to have a better look. The baby grasps his finger and a big smile spreads across Dr. Matos' face, "Nice strong grip. Any ideas on a name for him yet."

"My people usually create a name for their offspring which is usually a form of one or both parents' names blended or rearranged," Evan explains, "Sometimes a shorter version, other times longer. Sometimes a deceased relatives name is used. Eve informed me it's common for your first born male to be named after the father or you try to choose a name from a list of names others have used in the past."

"We don't know what to name him," Eve clarifies, "Any suggestions?"

"Well," Dr. Matos thinking, "a couple of names Nina and I were considering are Eugene, Ashton and Dwight."

"Ashton," Evan says thoughtfully, "I like that one."

"Ashton," Eve repeats looking at her son, "I think Ashton will do nicely for a first name. Now for a second name," she thinks for a moment, "Eve and Evan, Evan and Eve, Evevan, Evaneve, Vaneve…Ok, Ok…Ashton Vaneve or Ashton Evevan."

"They both sound good," Dr. Matos undecided.

"I prefer," Evan giving his opinion, "…Ashton Evevan."

"Then Ashton Evevan he is," smiles Eve. She swallows the last of her water and places the cup on the nightstand next to the pitcher."

"Congratulations to the two of you on the birth of your new son," smiles Dr. Matos, "and happy birthday to you, Ashton Evevan," caressing Ashton's cheek with a finger, "Oh," with a chuckle, "He seems to be hungry. That's your job Mom," emphasizing mom toward Eve.

Eve exposes a breast and lifts Ashton to it. He latches on to the breast and suckles. Eve smiles broadly. Evan rests his head against Eve's head and wraps his arms around her and Ashton. A tear escapes one of Evan's deep green cattish eyes. The tear runs down his cheek and drops off down onto Eve's cheek.

"Evan," Eve putting a hand up to his cheek. His response is to plant a few kisses down the side of her face.

"You're to take it easy," Dr. Matos tells Eve, "I'll inform everyone about Ashton and explain that you two will need privacy until you're up to company. I'll clean the amniotic fluid from the floor for you.

"Thank you," Evan appreciative.

Dr. Matos stands up, "You just care for Eve and your new son."

"I will," Evan running a hand over Ashton's head.

"I know," Dr. Matos pausing in the doorway to smile back at them.