Hooks and Seashells

Chapter 9: Dresses and Dilemna's

             Uma groaned as Evie pummeled her with questions about her gown for the winter formal. "Haven't I told you enough? If I knew you were going to be like this I wouldn't have come to this fitting party." A fitting party was a slumber party Evie would throw before any big event and while everyone played games Evie would pull girls to do fittings and take measurements for their gowns for the upcoming event. Currently, she was retaking measurements to resize the dress to fit Uma's changing body. "If you wanted to look right I have to know what I'm working with." Evie chided.

               Uma sighed. "I know, I know. But Evie I'm 5 months pregnant, I need to sit down!" Evie chuckled as she finish pinning up the dress. "Alright, hold your sea ponies Uma and let me get you out of this dress. You look beautiful by the way." Uma smiled. "Thanks E. I really love the teal with the dark purple designs." Evie placed the dress back in its bag as Uma walked over and plopped down on Mal's bed. "Finally." She sighed in relief.

               "Hey Uma! Truth or Dare?" Mal asked. "Ugh. Truth, I'm too tired for a dare." Mal grinned wickedly. "So what was it like doing it with Harry?" Uma blushed as a chorus of ooh's and giggles filled the room.                 "Really Mal?" She groaned.

               "Come on Uma. It's a reasonable question." Mal chuckled. She sighed. Of all the questions Mal could have asked. "Fine. Doing it with Harry was like finding freedom for the first time. We didn't have to hide our feelings or pretend. Everything we wanted we became. I felt love and I felt special for the first time in my life. Despite now knowing the consequences, I wouldn't change that moment for anything." Uma placed a hand on her stomach as silence and engulfed the room.

               "I had no idea you felt like that. Despite everything you had against you on the Isle, you and Harry found love. You're both lucky." Mal smiled. "Thanks." Uma said. Evie walked over and collapsed on her bed. "Well girls after 9 fittings I. Am. Beat." Dizzy walked over and pulled her into a hug. "The hard work is worth it though, right? You love designing and we love your dresses!" She exclaimed. "You're right about that Diz!" She laughed. "I'm with Evie, let's sleep. By the way Mal, I'm stealing your bed. If I get on the floor I'll never get up." Uma added. Mal rolled her eyes, "Fine. Let's hit the sack." She walked over and flipped off the lights. "Evil dreams everyone."
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               Thump. Uma rolled over and snuggled deeper into the blankets. Thump. She moved to hand her stomach to catch whoever was messing with her. Thump. Uma shot up as the realization of what was happening dawned on her. She placed her hands on her stomach. Thump. Uma grinnef as excitement bubbled inside her. The baby was kicking. She crept out of the bed and made her way towards the door. She was just about to slip out when a sleepy voice caught her off guard. "Where are you going?" She turned to see Mal sitting up staring at her.

               "The baby is kicking and I want to show Harry." Uma told her. Mal got up and tiptoed over to Uma, placing her hands on her stomach. Thump. "Oh my gosh the baby is kicking!" Mal whispered excitedly. "I told you that." Uma sighed, pulling Mal's hands off her stomach. "I'll be back." She slipped into the hallway and made her way to the boys dorms.

                 After what felt like an eternity Uma made it to the end of the boy's hallway. She knocked lightly on the door and waited for a response. Shuffling came from inside the room and then the door opened to reveal a newly awoken Harry. His eyes widened when he realized who was standing in front of him. "Uma? What are ye doin' here love? Are ye alright? Is the baby alright?" He whisper-shouted, his voice laced with worry. Uma smiled. "Everything is fine, Harry. I just came to show you this." She took his hands and placed them on her stomach.

                 "Show me wha-" Thump. Harry went silent as he tried to make sense of what he just felt. Thump. He looked at Uma with wide eyes. "Is that the baby?" She smiled and nodded. "The baby is kicking, Harry. That's our baby moving inside me. Isn't it amazing?" Thump. Harry smiled as he felt the baby kick once more. "It sure is love." He whispered before giving Uma a peck on the lips. "But we really need to sleep." Thump.