Chapter Thirty Nine
A Raven’s Cry
“Sorren, baby! Come on. We need to leave. We are late!” I yell from the bottom of the staircase. This boy! You would think a three year old couldn’t possibly be so naughty until you remember who his father is.
“Sorren!” I call again. Just then the door behind me opens and waltzes in my entire world.
“Sorry, Siren. We took a walk out to the garden to collect flowers and bird watch.” Ghost says with a smiling Sorren in his strong arms. I take notice that in my son’s hands holds a bouquet of flowers.
“Ready to go?” I ask them both.
“Mommy, are we going to see Baby there?” Sorren asks.
“Yep! Aunt Scar finally had the baby.” He cheers in response.
We head out to the car and once all buckled in, head towards the city.
After a short while, we arrive at the hospital and park in the parking garage.
Ghost and I each take one of Sorren’s hands as we follow the signs guiding us to our destination.
The maternity ward is quiet except for the occasional newborn cry as we walk the halls.
The sweet smell and nurture inducing sounds bring me back to when Sorren was born.
It was downpouring outside. The sky cracked with lightning and wind whipped the foliage around constantly.
Of course my first child would be born during a fucking nor’easter.
Ghost was in a panic that, honestly, was a bit comical.
He rushed around, eyes wide, attempting to smooth his internal fear.
Later, I found out that it was due to his fear of becoming just like his dad.
He could never be a quarter of how shitty that man was.
Good fucking riddance. The labor was rough and actually pushing him out was even harder.
Ghost was so attentive. He almost looked pained throughout the process like my pain was his.
Those first cries were unimaginable. So many thoughts.
A living and breathing representation of our love.
I would do anything to go back to that exact moment.
We shared tears and disbelieved laughs. It was perfect…
“Are you thinking about when he was born?” Ghost asked. I nod in response.
“Me too.” He smiles softly. I lean in for a quick kiss.
We find the correct room number and knock before entering. James' muffled voice comes from behind the heavy wood door, beckoning us in. Ghost pushes the door open and we are met with a privacy curtain. I take the lead and push it open just as I say, “hello,” in a melodic way.
“Hello,” I receive back from Lucas.
There stands James and Lucas, relaxing on the couch. They look freshly showered but tired. My sights cast across the room to find Ryon hovering over Scarlett’s frame while she clutches onto a small bundle.
“Oh yay, you are all here!” I cheer, like I missed them. Yet, I see or speak to them daily.
“Where else would we be?” Lucas chuckles.
“Good point” Ghost says from beside me.
“Baby!” Sorren whines loudly while pulling on my skirt.
“Come here, honey.” Scarlett calls.
Happily, Sorren obliges. Running to her side and climbing onto the bed. He looks down at her in awe.
“It’s so small.” He says.
“All babies start this small, son.” Ghost says while walking to the side of the bed. He leans down and places a soft kiss to the top of Scar’s head.
“She’s beautiful,” he says.
“She really is. Her blonde hair is so light. I was kinda hoping for a red head.” She laughs at the end.
“She? It’s a girl?” Sorren asks in an obviously annoyed voice.
“Are you disappointed?” I ask him.
“I can’t play with a girl.” He whines.
“Of course you can. Look at me and your uncles. We got along just fine.” I say while looking at the guys, them nodding in response. Sorren still doesn’t seem satisfied with this information.
“Would you like to hold her?” Scarlett asks. He softly nods.
We set him up in a safe position so that he can easily hold her. Gently, Scarlett places the baby in his arms. He looks down at her and seems to get lost in her features. Mesmerized with her like most people are seeing a new baby.
“Have you picked a name?” Ghost asks.
She shakes her head, “Not yet. We were waiting to see if one came to us but still nothing.”
“Raven,” Sorren mumbles.
“Ignore him, he’s been obsessed with birds this month.” I laugh.
“No. No. That’s actually a nice name. Raven..Ravenna. What about Ravenna?” James asked the room.
“Hmm, yeah. Ravenna… I like it.” Scarlett coos.
“Ravenna it is.” Lucas says with finality as he looks to Ryon who nods back.
Scarlett reaches for Ravenna, to retrieve her from Sorren's grasp. He swiftly pulls back, almost tightening his hold on the infant. On instinct, I rush to his side and pull the baby from his arms. He yells loudly and lunges for her, grabbing my arms roughly in the process.
“She’s mine! Give her back! I named her! She’s mine!” He screams in panic.
“Sorren! She is not yours. She is their baby. Also, she’s not an object. You cannot keep her.” I defensively say back, shocked by his actions.
“I will. She’ll be mine. All mine and no one else’s.” He says, never looking away from the baby in my arms.
THE END.