Something to Fight For

Chapter 15.5

     [somehow I forgot to post this chapter. It happens before chapter 16] -nightsisterkaris

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   (three weeks later)

     Melinda cursed again.

    "You alright?" Lian waited on the couch where she sat reading the newspaper.

    "I'm deciding on whether or not I will ever need this shirt again." Melinda glared at the fabric that had fluttered out of the laundry basket and to the floor.

     "Just pick it up, Qiaolian." Lian rolled her eyes.

     "I don't like bending down." Melinda retorted, readjusting the heavy basket in her arms. Being pregnant meant that it was a pain to lean over.

     "Seriously, Qiaolian?" Lian sighed with exasperation, "You will not be littering my house with dropped items you refuse to pick up." Lian referenced the plethora of objects she had retrieved for her daughter.

     "Here, I've got it." Phil crept up behind Melinda returned the shirt to the rest of the clothing for the expecting specialist, and even taking the basket of laundry from her, and continued to follow Melinda out and to the living room where Lian watched them like a hawk. As soon as Phil sat down on the other couch with the basket and Melinda joined him, Lian frowned, obviously waiting for her suspicions to be confirmed.

     "You put that bra down this instant, Phillip. Melinda can fold her own laundry." Lian snapped. Phil dropped the garment. "You can fantasize about her rufáng once you marry her."

    "Māmā!" Melinda groaned. "He's just trying to help!"

    "It is your job to bear the children and to keep your home-"

    "Māmā!" Melinda sighed. She elbowed Phil. "Go. I'll take care of these."

    "Mrs. May, Is there any way I can help?" Phil asked, leaning forward. Lian pounced on the opportunity, "The house bushes needs a good trim."

    "No problem." Phil nodded to Melinda, and then stood up. Setting a reassuring hand on Melinda's shoulder, he asked Lian, "where is the gardening supplies?"

    "Garage." Lian says, not looking up from her own project.

    "Māmā, you don't have to  scare him off!" Melinda said as soon as the door shut behind Phil. "You know he's terrified of you."

   "Yes. Better for me." Lian looks up, and watches Melinda fold another pair of leggings. 

    "Still, please, go easy on him." Melinda sighs, going back to work. She'd rather be back at base, working where she's comfortable. Not here, sitting in her mother's home, useless to the world. Melinda is frustrated. She'll admit it.

    She never planned for a baby. So here Melinda sits as her mother gives her parenting advice and instructions on infant, toddler, and young child care. Finally, Lian gets the message ans shuts up.

    It's almost an hour later when her mother speaks again.

    "Qiaolian. . ." Lian pauses, "do not blame anyone for your unborn child. She is a gift."

    "I know." Melinda sighs.

    "You regret her?" Lian waits.

    Melinda wants to truthfully say 'no', but she cannot, when sometimes she wonders if she would have had an easier time if she had not gone on that mission to Turkey. Now, she worries about her body's ability to carry a child. Can she safely bring this baby to term? Can Melinda properly care for an infant at only a month and a half's notice? Would she be able to do this? What about Phil?