Chapter Six: We Went For More.

 Narrated by Caroline Masterson

My latest gig was "Critters of the Mauven Forest", for which I needed to build my guitar skill. So, while Peter was at work, I grabbed his guitar and began strumming away. I sounded pretty dreadful at first, so I was grateful that there was nobody to overhear my playing. The twins were too busy playing in their bedroom.

When Peter came home from work, we had a chat in the bedroom.

"So, should we have more children?" he asked.

"I don't see why not," I replied. "We're doing well with our careers, plus you're gaining extra income by selling your dragon fruits. I'd be a little worried about space, but with a little more saving we can buy somewhere bigger."
"I wouldn't want to leave San Myshuno though. I love it here," he said.

"Yes, as do I. Perhaps we could look into one of those penthouses. The one in Torendi Tower even has a bit of garden space. It's not huge, but it's something. Or there's the Old Salt House."

"Very true," Peter smiled. "So... shall we?"

Then, whilst Peter was in the bath...

"YES! It's positive!" I exclaimed. 

"That's awesome, love!" came Peter's echoing voice. 

The following day was Saturday, and time for the weekly Finchwick Fair. Although we didn't own any cows to enter into the competition - nor any bottles of milk - Peter enjoyed going because he got an extra 10% when he sold his produce. We decided to bring the girls along too, as they'd enjoy looking at the cows. 

A little while later, I realised that I'd let Xanthe out of my sight.

Shit! I thought. I can't believe I've been so stupid!

I left Erytheia dancing to the music playing out of the pub loudspeaker, and told Peter to keep an eye on her before leaving the pub. I remembered that there was a river running right behind where the pub was, and I had a good inkling of where Xanthe might've gone.

Sure enough, I spotted Xanthe sitting in the shallows, happily playing by herself.

"Xanthe! You shouldn't run off like that!" I exclaimed. "Mummy was very worried. It could have been dangerous."

"Sorry, Mummy," she said. 

"I'm just glad you're OK. Next time, if you want to play in the river, please tell Mummy first and I'll be happy to come with you."

The next morning, before I had to go off to film the gig, Peter and I went for an ultrasound scan (having asked Salim to look after the girls, which he was fine with). I wasn't entirely surprised to find out that yes, I'd be expecting twins again. This time, it was one boy and one girl.

"You realise we're going to have to call them Artemis and Apollo, right, if we're sticking with the Greek mythology theme?" Peter laughed.

"Yeah, I like those names," I replied. "I feel kind of sorry for Apollo, though, being the only boy."

"Well, at least he'll know how to treat women," Peter said. "We'll raise him to be a great man."

Salim heard us talking outside, and brought the girls outside to greet us. He congratulated us on the pregnancy, and went back to his apartment. Peter took the opportunity to grab some strawberry yoghurt from the fridge.

"Guess what, girls?" I smiled. "You're going to be big sisters!"

"Baby!" Erytheia grinned. Some of her preschool friends had younger siblings, so she had an idea of what it meant.

"Well, actually, there are going to be two babies," I said. "They'll be twins, just like you and Xanthe are."

"Twins!" Xanthe echoed. 

Seeing their reactions was adorable. Despite the chaos that would soon be reigning, I knew it would be worth it.

Well, I was back in the bizarre purple rabbit costume as I took to the stage that afternoon. The set was some giant version of a child's bedroom, which didn't sound very much like a forest to me. The girls would probably like the large rainbow and the bubbles, I thought as I prepared to dance. Thankfully, the costume wasn't an impediment, and I busted out some cool moves.

The part I was most proud of, however, was being able to play the guitar with the giant paws blocking my hands. I had no idea how I managed, but of course the sound team would be there with a pre-recorded track if I messed up. 

The following evening, Monday, I was chatting to Xanthe in the living area when I felt a contraction grip my abdomen. 

"Are you OK, Mummy?" Xanthe asked, noticing my face.

"Yes, darling. I think the babies are coming," I replied.

"Cool! Babies!" she said.

"Do you want to go to your room? You can play with Erytheia," I said.

"Alright," she said, toddling off. 

Peter arrived home from work, and immediately understood what was happening.

"Just remember to breathe," he said. "You've got this!"

Artemis, the girl, was born first, followed soon after by Apollo. As I gazed at them, I felt the usual rush of love. Babies were utterly adorable, although I did find toddlers easier to deal with as they were able to talk. I knew that Erytheia and Xanthe would love their new siblings.