Who: Lisa and Kyle What: Brother-Sister Chat When: Ren Plot (Thursday) Where: Kyle's home Status: Closed; Completed Gdoc
Dipping her quill in the ink, Lisa once more crossed out the words in her letter. It was supposed to be to the father of her unborn child, but no matter what she wrote, the words simply never came out right. Frowning, Lisa allowed the tip of the quill to rest in the ink bottle for a moment as she wiped any traces of ink from her hands on a nearby cloth. Truthfully, the brunette didn’t know what to say to the man who clearly wanted no part of her or their child. Perhaps it was a fool’s errand to even try.
Lisa sighed and her gaze shifted to the window. The sun was still shining despite it being well into the evening at this point. If it wasn’t for her brother’s compassion, Lisa would be watching this sunset from the streets. Kyle certainly didn’t have to take her in, but he’d opted to help her despite the shame that followed an unwed pregnant woman around. Again, she knew she was lucky for his kindness and that his future niece and nephew were too.
Not only did Kyle adore his sister, as a physician who swore a hippocratic oath, he couldn’t imagine ever leaving a pregnant woman alone in the streets. If the scoundrel that impregnated and abandoned his sister ever dared to show his face in town again, Kyle wouldn’t hesitate to break that oath and cause him harm though.
Besides, he liked having her around and it was good for Elizabeth and Amren to have her company. When he returned home, he saw his sister hunched over a parchment and suspected he knew to whom she was writing. “How are you feeling today?” he asked.
At the sound of footsteps, Lisa looked up and spotted her beloved brother walking in the door. She offered him a smile as he walked over and, like his usually compassionate self, asked how she was doing. Unable to help herself, Lisa stood and walked over, embracing Kyle in a brief, but tight hug.
“I am okay, brother,” Lisa replied softly, stepping back. “I think that horrible illness in the morning is finally over.” It was nice to not throw up as soon as she consumed breakfast. In fact, her fear of the illness had kept her from eating almost anything in the morning. It was only through her brother’s encouragement that she managed to make her way through a small meal.
“How was your day?” She asked gently, moving to pull out another chair for her brother.
“I am glad to hear that, darling sister,” Kyle said, gratefully taking the seat she offered. “It will feel like no time at all before we are meeting this little one.” It was something he was quite looking forward to as it had been some time since his Elizabeth was an infant and he and Amren had only been blessed with one daughter.
He was concerned that her sickness seemed to have lasted longer than he recalled his wife’s being, so there was relief in his voice at hearing that her appetite may be returning to normal soon. With the baby, she needed more nutrients, not less.
“I am eager to see him or her, brother. Even if I must be the bearer of bad news.” Lisa would have to tell the child that their father wasn’t a part of their life. That he didn’t want to be. It broke Lisa’s heart to even think of the details of that conversation, but she knew it was one she would need to have eventually. “I will eventually have to tell him or her about their father and that he doesn’t wish to be a part of their lives.”
Lisa claimed the seat across from her brother and reached for his hand. “But at least they will have a loving uncle in their lives along with a wonderful aunt and cousin to play with. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, brother. I only wish there was more I could do to return the favor.”
Kyle frowned a little when she mentioned bad news. “It is his loss,” he said. “Your child will be well loved.” And he wouldn’t allow either her or her child to be ostracized by the rest of the village. His status as the town physician afforded him a bit of social power and most people wouldn’t want to be on his bad side.
“Perhaps in another year or two, Elizabeth will give me a grandchild who can be a playmate for yours,” he added. His daughter was getting to that age and he supposed it was something he should discuss with both her and his wife soon.
Lisa appreciated her brother’s kind words. Yes, it was his loss and unfortunately, to a certain extent, the child’s loss as well. However, Kyle would be a prominent figure in his niece or nephew’s life and that was all that mattered. The child would have a loving family to grow up in with a possibility of a playmate in the future. It was perfect.
“I know and I am grateful to have such a wonderful family to help me through all of this,” Lisa replied honestly. “And obviously I would love a playmate for my child. If and when Elizabeth is ready of course.”
No matter what, Kyle wasn’t going to allow his sister and his future niece or nephew to struggle or suffer in any way. He knew that their parents would want him to take care of them even if they were disappointed by their daughter’s poor choice in men.
“You’re due for a checkup next week,” he reminded her. “Though everything seems fine from observing you.”
At her brother’s words, Lisa nodded. “I’ll be sure to be there of course. I am relieved everything seems fine though.” Pregnancies were always a risk to both the woman and the unborn child. She knew childbirth wouldn’t be easy and even after the baby could always become ill and die. Still, it was encouraging to hear that everything seemed fine. It put her mind at ease for the moment anyway.
“Perhaps we should have some dinner. I was waiting till you came home to eat,” Lisa added with a smile. “And I’m sure Amren would like to see her husband sometime tonight.”
“Yes, and I would like to see her and my daughter,” Kyle admitted. “I must say, it’s nice having my three favorite women under one roof. It will be a sad day for me when you and Elizabeth eventually strike out on your own.” He knew that day was inevitable and intended to enjoy this while it lasted.