OMI 21 (Side Story End)

Giving A Name

A few years after they getting married

“Congratulations. It’s been over a month. We can confirm the heartbeat.

The doctor’s words surprised me.

“Really?”

“Yes, there is no doubt about the pregnancy. However, we can’t be too careful until you reach the stable period. Your recent health problems are probably due to morning sickness. It is likely to continue for a while, so “hang in there.

“Ah, yes. I’ll do my best.” 

Recently, my appetite had decreased and I felt nauseous. Lumière had also told me to go to the hospital. He wanted to take time off work to go with me, so I promised him that I would definitely go today. I thought I was just feeling a little tired lately. 

After a blood test, I was referred to obstetrics, which was unexpected. 

“My child…” 

Even though they said there was a baby inside me, it didn’t feel real at all. 

“I think I should report this to Lumière first.”

Five years into our marriage, despite going through several mating seasons together, we had not been able to have a child. 

We had been told from the beginning that it might be difficult, so we were prepared for that. 

On the other hand, it also meant that I wasn’t ready to be a parent. 

“What! A child? Really?” 

When I told Lumière after he came home from work, he was overjoyed. 

“Our child, Éclair. You are here, aren’t you? Thank you so much.” 

“It’s been about a month and a half. They said my recent health problems were due to morning sickness.”

“Is that so? Can I come with you to the next check-up?” 

“I can go alone, you know?” 

“No, I want to hear everything. I want to cherish the time until the baby is born together.” 

Is that so? I always thought Lumière would make a great father, and this only confirms my belief. 

“Éclair… Are you feeling unwell?” 

“Huh? No, I’m fine now.” 

“Are you feeling anxious?”

“Yes… just a little. I’m really happy, but it was a bit sudden.” Lumière could see through me and knew that I wasn’t genuinely happy.

“The hardest part will be for you, Eclair. I’ll do everything I can to help you.”

“It’s not just the fear of giving birth… it’s more about what comes after. Do you think I can really be a good parent?”

That was my biggest worry. 

I had no memories of my mother, and my father was a terrible person. With no good memories of my parents, I had no confidence in my ability to be a good parent to this child. 

“It is my first child too. Nobody starts out as a perfect parent. We grow with our children.”

Lumiere said that, but I still felt that our foundations were different.

His parents were wonderful people. I respected both Shawn and Steak.

He grew up with their love and care.

The words spoken to him in his childhood shaped who he is today.

Lumière probably has many vivid and wonderful memories. He’ll probably recall each of these experiences and share them with our child.

But what do I have to offer this child?

It’s not that I didn’t want a child. But now that I’ve been blessed with one, the weight of this life feels incredibly heavy in my hands.

The nausea grew worse by the day, and the list of things I could eat became shorter and shorter.

Lumière’s overprotectiveness increased, and Ende, who I hadn’t called since I could take care of the house, started coming over again.

Having someone with me during the day was a bit of a relief. I could talk about how hard it was and hear about their experiences, which often comforted me.

I was often dizzy from low blood sugar and anemia, so I rarely went out into the garden unless I was feeling particularly well.

After a few weeks of feeling like an invalid, my condition finally began to stabilize a bit.

Lumière seemed relieved to see me improving.

As I began to feel the baby move inside of me, I finally realized that there was indeed another life growing inside of me.

It was around this time that I spoke to Renard.

“From now on, your belly will continue to grow. Your feet may swell and you’ll be more prone to cramps. It may be difficult to cut your nails, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

“I can feel my skin stretching. It reassures me that the baby is growing well.”

“Children are adorable, but it’s hard in many ways.”

“Have you felt the same way, Renard? There were times when I thought I couldn’t stand the nausea anymore.”

“Of course I did. It’s hard, and that’s okay. But the love for your child is separate from that, right? You’re doing great, Éclair. You’re in this together with your baby.”

Being reassured lifted my spirits a bit. 

“Weren’t you worried about that? I feel irresponsible, but I’m worried about being able to raise a child properly.” 

“Absolutely. I was worried too. Aubert was just overjoyed, and I wondered if he really understood.” 

“Did he? Lumière was very happy too. He said children were a blessing, but deep down I think he really wanted one.” 

There was no sense of urgency about not having children. Not from Lumière, not from his parents.

Seeing Lumière’s joy now, I realize he must have been very considerate, making sure I didn’t feel pressured. 

Of course, I’m happy that the day will come when he can hold our child. 

“Don’t worry. From the moment they’re born, they’ll be the most important thing in the world. Even if you feel like you don’t love them as much as you thought you would, Lumière will love them enough for both of you.”

Renard’s words made sense. Lumière will no doubt adore this child. He’ll love them enough for both of us. 

“He may end up spoiling them, so you’ll need to keep things in check, Éclair.”

“That’s true. I’m not raising this child alone…”

“Yes, that’s right, even if something happens to both of you and you can’t raise the child, Dad, Mom, Aubert and I will all help. We’ll all protect the life that was born. So, Éclair, don’t make such a gloomy face.”

Renard said as he gently tugged at my cheek.

“Lumière was quite concerned. He says you seem physically exhausted and have been thinking a lot.”

“Really? I see, so he noticed after all.”

It wasn’t easy to tell him that I was worried about loving our child when he was so happy. But I knew I had to talk to him about it.

“He loves this child, but he also loves you, Eclair. Nothing you say will shake him.”

Perhaps Lumiere had asked Renard to come by today.

“Renard came by, right? Did you talk about a lot of things?”

“Yes. Renard told me about the time he got so upset that he locked Aubert out of the house.”

“What… that happened?”

“He said it was a funny story. It was a little comforting to hear that even someone as cheerful as him had days like that.”

“Éclair, is there something you want to tell me?”

Lumière asked hesitantly.

“I worry if I can truly love this child. It took me a long time to respond to your feelings. So I want you to love her enough for both of us.”

“Of course, I can promise to love her more than anyone in the world. But I know you’re more loving than you think, so I’m not worried.”

“Me? That’s the first time anyone’s said that to me.”

“Lumiere, who receives the most love from you, says so, so it must be true.”

It’s hard to deny when Lumiere says so.

“Will the baby be born safely?”

For years I’ve been told that I’m underdeveloped as an Omega. I’m worried if the baby will grow safely inside me.

“As long as they are alive, I will be happy. Even if something happens, they’ll still be our precious child.” 

Yes, our child. 

“I hope they look like Lumiere. It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl.” 

“I hope they look like you, Éclair.” 

Lumière says that, but I think the child would benefit more from looking like him. 

“Let’s think of a name… a gift for this child.” 

It’s a little early, but it’s good to have plenty of time to think.

“Nice to meet you, Fraise. Finally, finally, we meet.”

I called out the name I had agonized over, wanting to say it the moment he was born.

It was a tiny life, not even the standard weight.

But it was crying loudly, full of life.

I thought to myself, people can cry out of sheer emotion.

“Éclair, thank you. It’s a healthy baby boy.”

Lumière cried too.

Of course there was tiredness and fear. This baby is so soft, small and fragile. I’m still not sure I can raise him right.

But I’m not alone. With you by my side, I feel like everything will be okay.

Let’s laugh, worry and think together and live as a family of three.

Until today there was only one person who was important to me. From today on, there is one more. That makes me incredibly happy.

I feel like I’ve grown to like the person I’ve become, if only a little.