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Hours Before Dawn

Disclaimer: I don’t own anyone except for the hospital, which in reality I don’t really own either because it belongs to the Emory Medical Group.
Author’s Summery: Treize is eighteen years old and is about to inherit a large amount of money when his father suddenly dies. But (here’s the catch) he has to be married in order to inherit the money. The only woman who can help him is in the hospital after a drunk driver collides with her brother’s car, killing one of her brothers, Rolph, injuring her severely, and not even touching the eldest of the trio. Together, they must find the meaning for life for themselves and each other.

Treize sat down in the large conference room in his father’s house, which he was about to inherit. “Now, young sir, you must be married in order to inherit the house, the everything. Your father even wrote down who you are to marry. Her name is Lady Anna Shoran. She is the princess of Atlantis….her mother, Sakura Avalon-Shoran was of the royal line of Atlantis.”
Lady Une sat down in her brother’s car in the front seat. Rolph sat down in the driver’s seat while Nicol sat down in the back. They were out on the highway when a drunk diver suddenly crossed over the median onto their side. He front ended them, killing Rolph and severely injuring Lady Anna. Nicol managed to grab his unconcious sister’s cell phone to call 911 and give them the location before passing out himself.
Treize nodded. “K’so, I have to be married to this Lady Anna Shoran in order to get my inheritance??” “Yes that is correct. She should be at her house on the coast of Spain.” Treize walked out into the living room and turned on the big-screen TV. “Well, well, well, looks like my chosen wife is in the hospital. Her brother’s car was wrecked.” He walked into the garage and requested that a car be brought up for him. “I am going to go see my future wife in the hospital.”
Lady Une was slowly coming ‘round in the private room at Emory Hospital. Nicol was standing next to her. “Good morning, little sister.” “Where am I?? Where’s Rolph??” “You’re at the hospital. We were in a car wreck. Rolph is….well, Rolph is dead.” “NO! Nicol, tell me this is just some nightmare that I can wake up from!!” “Anna, little sis, it is not. Rolph is really dead. You were unconcious/ sleeping when the drunk diver front-ended us. You need to calm down. You have some very serious injuries. You must rest.” Anna nodded and her eyes closed. Nicol kissed her forehead softly and left the room to go talk to the doctors about his sister’s condition.
Treize was just driving in as the sun rose, bright and clear. Treize took his left hand off the steering wheel and flicked off the sunlight. It would be better if it was dark and gloomy. That’s the way I feel right now. Treize asked the receptionist which room that Lady Anna Shoran was in and was told she was in room S777 on the 7th floor. Treize quickly thanked her and took the “S” elevator up to the 7th floor.
Nicol went back into the room and watched his sister as she slept. She was so peaceful looking that Nicol thought she was dead. He checked to see if she was breathing and then brushed her long brown-black hair out of her face. Anna is so peaceful. She cannot be disturbed while she sleeps. There has to be some way to keep people out of this room. But I must be able to see my young sister. She has to survive. Nicol straightened and walked over to the 6” wide window.
Treize quietly walked down the hall towards S777. He had never seen the young woman he was to marry. Is she pretty?? I am afraid to even go in there for the fear of her brother. I have met Nicol Shoran before and he’s one hell of a bastard. Maybe it’s best that I don’t see her. Just then, Nicol came out of the room. Seeing Treize, he waved him down. “Are you Treize Khushrenada?” “Yes, I am.” “My sister is awake….just keep your voice down….she’s not in the best frame of mind. Our brother is dead and she was very close to him.” Treize nodded and followed Nicol into the large room.
A young woman was sit-laying on a bed. “Are you…Treize Khushrenada?” Treize nodded and walked over to the young woman. “Are you Lady Anna Shoran?” She nodded, her eyes half-closed. A few seconds later, she was sleeping. “What do they have her on that makes her so tired?” “A morphine drip. It knocks her out for a few hours, but she talks in her sleep. Sometimes she even screams. They have to give her a sedative when she screams.” Treize looked puzzled. “Why does she scream??” “It’s because of the car wreck. She has injuries in her legs, back, and neck. Especially her neck. She was riding up front when the accident occurred. She had been sleeping and was thrown forward. She has major whiplash from the accident.” “The poor girl. Is she going to be alright?” “She should be. The doctors think the whiplash will disappear by next week or so. They’ve got her in pretty intense physical therapy. Hence the morphine drip that’s way jacked up. She’s got to rest.”
Treize nodded and sat down on the foot of her bed. “She’s pretty.” “Yes, she is. She’s very fair. She’s got our mother’s looks.” The young woman had woken up and was sitting closer to Treize. “I am the Empress’s granddaughter, the spitting image of my mother, and when the day is done, my brother’s still my biggest fan…” “It’s just what she said. She is the granddaughter of the Empress.” Treize gently kissed the young girl on her forehead and she snuggled closer to him.
Treize gently hugged the young girl. She fell asleep fell in his arms. “She’s comfortable I guess in your arms. That’s the first time I’ve seen her smile since Rolph’s death.” Treize cradled her slim body in his arms. “Was she a dancer?” Nicol nodded. “She was. She was a ballet dancer. She has been in Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty, Hamlet, Jorretan de Sindotra—Dance of the Angels.” “Will she be able to dance when she’s recovered??” “Yes. The doctors want her to dance. If she wasn’t able to dance, she’d go insane. She’s got dance in her blood.”
Lady Anna woke up suddenly, her dark eyes suddenly wild. Treize touched her shoulder, but she angrily shook him off. “Anna.” “Where’s Rolph.” Nicol bit his lip and sighed. “Anna, we’ve gone over this a million times, He’s dead.” Lady Une suddenly collapsed on the bed, the morphine kicking in. Treize gently brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead. “Is she going to be all right?” Nicol sighed. “I need to go talk to the doctor. She’s been on anti-depressants for a couple of months and they took them away from her. She needs them back. Stay here with her.” Treize nodded and sat down in the chair next to the young woman.
Nicol came back in holding a bottle of anti-depressants. “We’re lucky. Under normal circumstances, they won’t give them to me. I explained what was going on and they gave them back to me.” Treize smiled and gently kissed Lady’s face. Lady Anna slowly started to come around. “Rolph?” “Anna, it’ s just me….Nicol, your brother.” Her forehead furrowed. “Where’s Rolph?” “He’s dead. Here, take this.” Nicol pressed an anti-depressant into her hand. She dry-swallowed it and then took a sip of water.
Lady Une’s eyes closed in gentle sleep when Treize finally stood up. “I’m going to go.” Nicol shook his head violently. “No. Stay here with her. We’ll go on shifts. You take the first shift and I’ll be back in two hours so that you can get some sleep. I’m leaving her anti-depressant pills here on the table. If she asks for Rolph again, give her one. It’s best that she forgets that he’s dead.” Treize nodded and sat down again, watching Lady Une as she slept. Two hours passed and Nicol came back. “I’m staying in the 3rd room on the main floor of the Hotel de Ensa. Here’s the key. I told the desk that you were staying with me so…you can just use the room, too.” Treize nodded his thanks and went to go get some sleep at the hotel.
Lady Une was dreaming fitfully by the time Nicol got there. Rolph was standing in front of her in a rose field. “My dear sister….come!” Lady Une started to walk towards him and was stopped by a masked stranger. “Who are you?” “I am the one called Shinigami. It is not your time to die yet.” “Why?” “It is not your time yet. You must go back!” Lady Une started to run around him when a young man called out to her. “Lady! Come back!” His voice sounded far away, but Lady Une started to walk towards him. He started to walk towards her, his arms outstretched. She suddenly was knocked down onto the roses by some mysterious force. “NO!!! Lady!!!!” The young man ran over to her, his blue eyes full of concern for her well being. “Wake up. Lady, please. You cannot be dead.” Lady Une blinked to bring him into focus. “Treize?” “Shh. Here, take my arm.” Lady Une took Treize’s proffered arm and shakily stood up.
Some where in the distance, an orchestra was playing. “Would you care to dance, my Lady?” “I cannot dance anymore. The pain!” She slumped down to the floor, her long hair spread like a Japanese fan. “Lady! Wake up!!” Lady Une blinked again and stood up. She was still shaky, but Treize let her lean on him. Nicol was standing in the background, watching the two of them. Can one truly love the other? Or are they at play?, he thought, watching the two of them. Lady Une started to come around when two doctors came in. “How is she today?” “She’s delirious. She calls out for our dead brother. I think she’s relapsed into her deep depression. Do I need to get her a psychiatrist?” “No. Let her take her anti-depression pills and if they don’t work, them get a psychiatrist.” Nicol nodded and sat down. “Anna…” Lady Une didn’t respond. Treize came in a few seconds later. “See if you can wake her Treize.”
Treize nodded and gently touched Lady’s small features. After a few seconds of perilous waiting, Anna woke up. “Treize?” “Shh. It’s all right.” Nicol left the room to get a cup of coffee. Treize sat down on the bed carefully and kissed Lady Une full on the lips. “I love you Treize.” “And I thee, love.” Lady Une blushed softly and sat up. She rested her head on Treize’s broad shoulder. “Will you marry me, Lady??” “I will.” Treize kissed her forehead and she snuggled closer to him. A few seconds later, Lady Une was asleep.
Treize stood up after laying her against the pillow. “Nicol, I have to go and let my father’s lawyer know that I will be married hopefully soon.” “Is she the one your father told you to marry in his will?” Treize nodded. “You have my blessings. My sister deserves you. She needs a man who will encourage her along. But it will be tough and the road will be long.” Treize nodded and left the room. He maneuvered through the traffic back to his father’s estate. The lawyer was still standing in the conference room. “Young sir!” “I am getting married to Lady Anna Shoran. Leave me alone!”
Treize stormed out of the house and drove back to the hospital where his sleeping fiancé lay. He cautiously entered the room and sat down on the hard wooden chair. Lady Une’s eyes flickered underneath the lids, but she didn’t wake. Treize smiled and fell into a meditative trance. She is so fair. I love her. Treize woke out of his trance when Lady Une started to sit up in the bed. “You’re awake.” Lady Une murmured something under her breath. “Could you repeat that, sweetheart?” Lady’s eyes took on a far-away look as she sat in the bed. “There are so many hours to go before dawn. Will you be there in dawn? Or are we alone?” Her eyes closed as she sat. “Lady, I will be there in dawn. I will never leave your side. I love you too much to see you suffer alone.”
Nicol watched his sister and Treize from the shadows. They are not at play. One truly loves the other. One has determination, the other has the strength. They are perfect together. Lady Une fell asleep against the pillows. A few moments later, a hairdresser came in. Lady Une woke up and looked over at the hair dresser. “What do you want??” “I am here to give you a haircut.” “I don’t need one.” “Your hair was badly singed in the accident. The doctors want what was singed to be cut off.” Lady Une touched the long tresses defensively. “My hair is fine. Go away and leave me alone!” The hairdresser became frightened and bowed herself out of the room.
“Nicol?” Nicol stepped out of the shadows hearing his sister’s fragile voice. “What is it Anna?” “When can I get out of here?” “Uh…..hang on one second….” The doctors were standing outside of the room when Nicol came out. “When is my sister’s release day?” One of the doctors looked at the other. “Today.” “Can she go now? We kinda had an episode with a hairdresser a few moments ago and my sister’s still simmering about that.” “Now’s ok, but she needs to fill out the release forms. Nicol nodded and took the forms from the doctor. Lady Une sat up and quickly filled out the release forms in her easy-to-read fast cursive. All Nicol had to do was sign and they were out of there!
Treize gently took Anna in his arms to help her off the bed. Once she was on the floor, she quickly went from no pointe, to three-quarter pointe, to full pointe in rapid succession. “Thank god!” Nicol smiled. “Anna, you missed the call for Swan Lake!” Anna’s eyebrows beat a retreat into her hair line. “Are they still thinking of casting me??” “Yes. In fact… Treize, do you dance ballet??” Treize thought about it for a minute. “Yeah…I was in Swan Lake before.” Nicol nodded. “Cool! They were looking for a male to be the lead if he’s danced Swan Lake.”
Anna fell ill a few days after she got out of the hospital, missing Swan Lake. Treize looked after her for the days she was ill. It was raining outside. Anna forced herself to get up everyday and go to the barre to work out. Treize went down with her to make sure she didn’t hurt herself. If she fell, Treize carried her back up to the room where she could sleep.
A few days later, Anna was still sick. She rarely woke and didn’t move at all. Treize went to his house and brought over his two Siamese cats, Kao K’o Kung and Ja Ming. Lady Une woke up when Treize brought them into her room. “I have two Siamese cats, Shing Mei and Li Shing.” Hearing their names, Shing Mei and Li Shing jumped up on the bed. “They’re beautiful Anna!” Lady Une blushed softly and snuggled against Treize’s body. Li Shing, the female, quickly tried to jump Treize, but stopped at Anna’s quickly muttered German command.
Treize held Lady Une close as she slept in his arms. Li Shing snuggled close to her mistress’s body and she fell asleep. Treize laughed softly under his breath. Anna is so peaceful when she’s sleeping. I love her. He stood up and put on some classical music. Li Shing stood up and stretched. Lady Une coughed heavily. She tried to stand, but Treize put her back down on the bed. “You rest. Anna, you have to regain your strength. You must darling.” Lady Une fought Treize tooth and nail to get up. “Anna, don’t make me get Nicol.” Lady Une stopped struggling as she fell unconcious.
Nicol stepped into the room. “What’s going on? Anna!” Treize was sitting down stoking her hair. “What happened to Anna?” “She was trying to get up. I told her she had to rest. She fought me. She fell unconcious.” Nicol nodded. “She’s probably exhausted. She needs to rest. Don’t let her get up. Make sure she stays in bed even if you have to hold her down. Let me repeat again….don’t let her get up.” Treize nodded and continued stroking the now sleeping Anna’s hair.
Anna didn’t waken from her unconcious state until two weeks later. “Treize?” “Anna, you’re awake finally. I’ve been so worried about you.” “What do you mean sir?” “You’ve been sleeping for two weeks. I was worried you would never wake up.” Lady Une snuggled close to him and fell asleep.
Nicol watched them from the shadows. They belong together. Treize would be the perfect husband for her. Anna’s got to rebuild her strength. Treize stood up and walked over to Nicol. “She’s exhausted.” “Yeah, I’m just worried that she won’t wake up for two weeks again.” “If she does, tell me. I’ll speak to our family doctor.” Treize nodded and walked back over to the young woman. Shing Mei was guarding her while Li Shing slept. Shing Mei tried to jump him and stopped at Anna’s softly muttered command.
A couple of weeks later, Treize held a grand ball at his house. Lady Une watched him with silent eyes as he planned it out. On the night of the ball, Treize came for Lady Une. He quietly waited for her when Nicol told him she was still getting ready. A few moments later, she came down dressed in a dark blue off the shoulder dress. The stands were milky white that held it to her slender body, but Treize soon realized that they were pearls. “You look lovely Lady.” Treize offered her his arm and she slipped her arm through it and rested her hand on his forearm. “You too.” Treize couldn’t tell if it was a compliment or just nervousness that brought out her accent, but what ever it was turned Treize on.
Treize escorted her into the large ballroom. Milliardo quickly walked over to Lady Une. “Can I speak to you for a second? Alone?” Lady Une glanced at Treize. “Go ahead.” Lady Une walked off with Milliardo, her dark eyes downcast. “What’s wrong Anna?” “It’s nothing Milliardo.” “You don’t look like nothing’s wrong Anna. What is it?” “I’m fine Milliardo! Leave me alone!” Lady Une turned on her heel and walked away. Treize walked quickly over to her. “What’s wrong Anna.” “it’s nothing Treize. Milliardo needs to be taught some manners and needs to learn not to pry into a person’s private life.” Treize smiled and walked over to Milliardo. “Treize what’s wrong with Anna?” “Milliardo, you do not need to pry into her life.” “Why? What’s she got to hide from me?” “Milliardo I’m not answering your questions. If Anna chooses to hide her life from you then so be it!” Treize walked away and went to find Anna.
Treize found Lady Une on the garden path. Her dark hair was in her face and she was crying. “Anna, what’s wrong?” “Milliardo was prying too much. He’s got no right to be prying into my life.” “I told him that. He doesn’t understand.” Treize took Lady Une into his arms. She was still crying. “I’m sorry.” “Anna, there is nothing to be sorry about. Here, take my arm.” Lady Une took his arm and touched the side of her face. “What’ s wrong, sweetheart?” “It’s just a migraine. I haven’t taken the pills since the accident.”
Treize looked up at the sky. “Everyone’s left, darling. Look.” Lady Une looked up at the dawn sky. “It’s going to be a beautiful day.” “And I’ve got the beautiful woman to go along with it.” Lady Une blushed and leaned against Treize as they stood watching the sun rise. He stroked her long brown-black hair as they stood there. “Shall we go inside, honey?” “Yeah, I’m exhausted.” Treize gently took Lady Une in his arms and kissed her as the sun broke through the dark clouds of night.
A few weeks later, Lady Une and Treize were married in a small private ceremony. Only their closest friends and family members were there. It was the middle of October. Treize stood up and looked out of the window in their bedroom. “Anna, it’s a full moon tonight. Ya wanna….” “Yes.” Lady Une stood up and snuggled her way into Treize’s arms.
“Strip down Lady.” Lady Une slowly stripped down and wrapped her self in a sheet of plastic wrap when she was naked. Her bare nipples were erect under the sheet of plastic. “Oh Lady.” Treize started to breathe faster. Soon, he and Lady Une were under the sheets, trying to kill each other. Lady Une was still wrapped in the sheet of plastic when they went under, but Treize ripped it off. “put it back on and just sleep in it. Does it cover your…” “Yes. Do you like the feel of it? Does it make you erotic?” “Lady, you make me erotic. All I have to do is look at you to get turned on.” “Treize! Oh god!”
Nicol was sleeping down the hall and could only guess what was going on in the bed room. God, they’re getting passionate in there. I have a feeling Anna’s going to be pregnant before the week’s out. Treize touched Lady in places she’d only touched herself. “Oh Treize do it again!” Treize jabbed his penis up into her as she lay in his arms, lightly covered in sweat—both of theirs.
Lady Une and Treize didn’t leave the room for three days—leaving Nicol to guess what was going on in there. Treize kissed her forehead as they slept, now. They had made love for five straight days—never stopping to eat or drink. “Mmm.” Lady Ana was slowly waking up from her deep slumber. “Treize?” “I’m right here, my darling wife.” Ana smiled and fell asleep again.
Treize looked around the ornate bedroom and was surprised to discover that Ana’s life was one that had been full of sorrow. Everywhere he looked, he could see that she obviously had had a very troubled childhood and that her teenage years had stressed her beyond the point of return. He slid his hand under one of her pale cheeks and gently stroked it. Her deep brown eyes remained closed, however, and she didn’t even move when he kissed her softly.
A few hours later, Ana woke, looking up at Treize. He smiled softly and then kissed her. She yawned sleepily and fell asleep again. Treize went down stairs and got two cups of coffee for them. When he returned, Ana was still asleep. He set down her coffee cup on the bedside table. Treize went out onto the balcony and sipped his coffee. A few moments later, Ana came out, wearing Treize’s robe, carrying her coffee mug. She was staring off into space as she set down the coffee mug on the rail. “Ana?” “Treize, don’t call me that name. My true name is Céleste. It’s Latin for heavenly.” “It fits you my darling. You truly are heavenly.” Céleste blushed and rested her head on Treize’s shoulder.
A few hours later, Nicol walked into the room & saw his sister on the balcony with her husband. Really, I shouldn’t disturb them. They’re so happy together. I wonder what my darling little sister has told her husband all ready. I bet she’s told him her birth name. She looks a bit flustered. She probably did. I’ll leave them alone. Nicol walked out again with out being observed by either his sister or her husband.
Céleste looked up at the sky. “It looks like it could pour, Treize. We should go back inside.” “Yes, my darling.” They went back inside and sat down. Céleste looked so peaceful and yet, so unhappy about something. Treize noted that and turned around to ask her what is wrong. “There’s something wrong, isn’t there, my darling?” “No Treize. And if there was, I couldn’t tell you about it.” Treize’s brow furrowed for a moment. “Why couldn’t you, my Céleste?” “I am forbidden to reveal anything about my past, Treize.” “By whom?” “My brother. The only thing about my past that I am able to tell you is my birth name & that is it.” “Oh.”
Céleste still looked sad, but Treize didn’t ask why. He didn’t want to risk upsetting her. She fell asleep. Treize gently stroked her long brown hair as she slept there. Nicol was sitting underneath a willow tree out in the front yard. He was “lost” in thought. Treize went out to investigate why he was lying so still and found he was dead!! My good God! How long has he been dead?? What’s this? Treize found a piece of paper in Nicol’s hand. All Treize looked at was the first line, which read “The Last Will And Testament of Nicolas Jason Une-Shoran.” He took the paper in and gently shook his wife awake. “My darling.” “Yes, Treize?” “Your brother is dead.” “Nicolas?” “Yes, my love. I found him lying underneath a willow tree with his will in his hand.” “May I see it, Treize?” “Of course, my darling.” Céleste read it over slowly. “Treize.” “Yes, darling?” “All the will says it that it hereby bequeaths this house to myself & now I am allowed to tell you my whole history.”
Treize looked at her. “Is there something wrong with that?” “No. It’s just that I don’t know my history. But yet, my parents left a folder in a safe behind that picture on the far wall of our room. The combination is 17-7-17.” Treize opened the safe and pulled out the folder. “My darling, is this the folder?” “I think so.” Treize opened it. It contained Céleste’s entire past, including her adoption records. “My darling, did you know you were adopted?” Céleste bit her lip to keep herself from fainting. “I was, Treize?” “Yes, my darling.” “So that means Nicolas isn’t my brother, nor was Rolph.” “That’s right, darling.” Céleste looked sad, but at the same time, strangely happy.
A few moments later, the phone rang. Céleste picked it up. It was her doctor. After a few minutes, she thanked the doctor and hung up. Treize looked at her. She seemed peculiarly calm & her face seemed to glow with a sort of inner peace. “What’s up, darling?” “Oh nothing, Treize. I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Céleste smiled and then slowly walked out of the room.
A couple of hours passed & Treize went to look for her. When he found her, she was laying in her adoptive parents’ room, asleep on the bed. Treize smiled. I won’t wake her. She’s so happy right now, it wouldn’t be prudent. Rest well, my darling. Treize smiled, and then left the room. When Céleste finally woke, it was well past midnight. Treize is probably asleep. I won’t wake him with the news that I am pregnant. It would just make him rest uneasily. She yawned. I’m so tired. I’ll just go back to…. She drifted off before she could finish the thought.
When morning came, Treize went to find her again. She was in the same room, except she was awake. “Buenas dias.” “Buenas dias a tú, tambien.” Céleste looked him straight in the eyes. “Treize, I just found out yesterday that I am pregnant.” “Really, my darling?” “Yes, but my doctor is worried because of the accident and because I am so slender that there will be complications. She’s got me on bed rest and has told me to stay in dark places. That’s why I came here, because it’s dark & familiar to me.” Treize hugged her gently, avoiding her stomach. She leaned into the hug, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’ll stay with you here, my love.” “There’s no need for you to, Treize. I’m used to being on my own in darkness. I have always loved the darkness. It’s my friend.” “But what if you need me? I should be close by.” “I’ll be fine Treize.” “All right my darling.”
Treize left the room, feeling a little upset. She’s so gentle. I’m worried about her. What if she needs me? Suddenly, Treize heard a blood-curdling scream. That’s Céleste! Treize sprinted out of the room, down the hall, and into the room where Céleste was. “Darling?” Céleste was lying on the bed, unconscious. OH my God!! Treize walked over to her, checking to make sure she was all right. When he sat down on the bed, he noticed how pale she was. Oh God!! She miscarried!! Treize picked up the cordless phone and quickly dialed the local emergency number. A few minutes later, an ambulance pulled up into the driveway and two EMTs ran inside with a stretcher. Treize was standing at the head of the stairs, waiting to lead them to where his wife was laying unconscious.
They gently loaded her onto the stretcher and then carried it out to the ambulance. Treize was thankfully allowed to ride with her. The EMTs said it was because he was her husband, but Treize knew the real reason—it was to keep her calm when she woke. Oh darling…oh God, I wish you had told me earlier! Then this would have never happened, I could have gotten you the best medical care possible. But you never told me anything! You never asked, darling. An…Céleste?! Yes, Treize? Darling, why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant? It would have been doing you an injustice. I keep my health problems to my self, pet. Céleste! Yes? (Ok, I realize y’all are probably lost. I got this idea from a book called The Redemption of Althalus by David & Leigh Eddings. I can’t tell you much more so you’ll have to read the book ^-^) Since when have I become your “pet?” Since the day I met you, love. That’s sweet, darling. You should have told me. Treize, I didn’t want you to worry about me. I’m able to take care of my self. I’ve literally been on my own since my parents died. Oh, darling… A sharp poke on his shoulder brought Treize away from his thoughts. “Mr. Khushrenada?” “Yes?” “We’re at the hospital. You might want to get out before we unload your wife. We don’t want to risk bumping her—it might kill her.” Treize nodded and unfolded his 6’5” frame from the “Indian-style” way he had been sitting. When he was out, the two EMTs carefully unloaded Céleste and carted her still frame down to E.R. “Mr. Khushrenada?” “Yes?” “You can go to the private waiting room, it’s just down the hall. As soon as your wife is out of surgery, the doctor will notify you.”
A few hours later, Treize was woken out of a sound sleep when the door to the room he was in opened. “Yes?” “Mr. Khushrenada?” “Your wife is out of surgery. She’s currently in ICU.” Treize nodded. “By the way, you have a beautiful baby girl.” “You mean…” “Yes. Your wife didn’t miscarry. She just went into premature labor.” Treize’s face must have shown his surprise. “I wasn’t sure she’d live through natural birth because she was already so weakened, so I did a C-section to remove the child without harming your wife further. Both mother and daughter are doing fine.” “But you said that my Céleste was in ICU.” “She is. But that’s only because she’s so weak that she might collapse.” Treize nodded. “May I see my wife and daughter?” “No. She’s too weak & emotionally unstable.” “When may I see them?” “I’ll come and get you when I’ve had her moved to a room.” Treize nodded. A few hours later, Treize was told that Céleste was in a private room on the fifth floor. Treize went up to the room and found Céleste sleeping in the bed. Their tiny daughter was lying beside her. Oh, my Céleste. How peaceful thou art. I love thee with my whole heart. A few moments later, Céleste was awake, her dark brown eyes tired. “Hello, my darling.” “Hello, Treize.” “How doest thou feel?” “I feel stiff, mine Lord.” Treize sat down on the bed beside his tiny wife.
Céleste was starting to drift off. “There are so many more hours before dawn…. wilt thou best there with me?” “Mine darling, I wilt best there with thee. Thou art the only one I love with mine entire heart.” Céleste looked up at him, and then closed her beautiful brown eyes. Treize gently kissed her forehead and then went back to their house. After a few hours, he went back up to the hospital. His wife was still sleeping, but when she heard his footsteps, she woke. “Hello, my darling.” “Hello, my lord.” “What will we name our daughter?” “I…I have chosen a name.” Céleste blushed. “What is it, my love?” “It’s Kyra Elizabeth. Kyra is Greek for ‘ladylike’ and Elizabeth is Hebrew for ‘oath of God.’” “That’s a beautiful name, my darling.” Treize bent to kiss his wife on the cheek, but she moved away. “Darling, what’s wrong?” “Treize, why did you put me through this? All this pain? Don’t you realize you could have killed me?” “Shh, darling. Shh, it’s all right. You’re going to be all right! It’s going to be all right.”
Treize took his wife in his arms and kissed her lips softly. In the crib beside the bed, Kyra started to cry. Céleste got out of the bed…and out of Treize’s arms and went to change the tiny newborn. “Couldn’t she be hungry darling?” “She just ate a few minutes before you came in.” “What do you mean?” “I’m not able to breastfeed, husband. It’s extremely painful.” Treize took her in his arms and kissed her. As she fell asleep, Treize gently laid her on the bed and soon was asleep beside her.

Is it over?? Can I come out now?? I don’t have to sit in this icky, stinky, gross, dark, claustrophobia-inducing closet hacking away at this typewriter any more?? Ok, well anyway, this piece is called Hours Before Dawn and it’s by my very bestest friend, Lady Khristina María King. The little bit from “Is –more” is by her & she says she’d really appreciate it if you’d read & review & if you don’t she’s given me permission to go out after you with my swords & beat you up!! Any way, her e-mail address is silverwinggundam07@juno.com [actually, that’s my e-mail address, she just uses it!]
Thanks,
Mia Lei Iscantarou,
Pilot of 07,
Silverwing Advanced Gundam,
Defender of Moon Colony 415Z,
& Lady of All the Asias,
All in the anime by Lady Vivian Anne Kristunchan.