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“I can’t lie, Gale. I am absolutely terrified .” Xiomi swallowed thickly, pressing her shaking hands over the curve of her stomach, her entire being feeling like it was drenched in cold water. It had been quite the day. After many months of trying again for a child, they had decided to see a local healer after noticing Xiomi’s stomach growing a bit faster than it had in her previous pregnancy. They were beyond shocked to be told that they were expecting not one, not two, but three new additions, instead. Hearing the word ‘triplets’ was enough cause for Gale to pass out, leaving Xiomi to process the brunt of the news by herself. Of course, he apologized profusely, doing his best to make up for it by getting her a massive bouquet of flowers, her favorite snacks, and most of all, his endless support. And as they sat in bed, cuddling up close to their four year old, Alaria, Gale was for once at a loss for words. She had absolutely every right to be petrified, and it broke his heart to know that even despite his best efforts, it was an experience he could not truly understand going through.
Gale’s lips were pressed into a thin line, his mind running at a million miles an hour as he too processed everything. He hadn’t the slightest idea of what to say, but he would be a fool not to try. “ Muñeca , I can’t possibly imagine what this all feels like for you.” He said quietly, breaking the thick wall of silence, eyes shifting between his distressed wife and his daughter, who was blissfully unaware about how drastically her own little life would change. They both knew twins were definitely a possibility, a big one at that, given Xiomi was one. However…triplets were something that never once crossed their mind.
Xiomi sighed as she shook her head, unable to find her voice, and began to braid Alaria’s hair as the toddler sat playing with scattered toys across the bed, her silent way of controlling the overwhelming stress running through her veins. Her usually rosy pink hair now had white streaks forming, shooting down from her roots like rays of frost. Snow even began to fall around her, and in a matter of seconds, she went from sporting her usual sweet and budding spring personality, to succumbing to the misery and sorrow of a cold winter's night. Gale felt his heart crack more, feeling as if icicles were being staked through his core. So he did what he knew best; he quickly reached over and brought Xiomi into a hug, pulling his daughter in too. Even Alaria began to take note of her mothers distress, a small pout on her chubby little face, her brown and pink eyes brimming with mirrored sadness.
“Xiomara…” Gale whispered, shivering slightly from the fridgidness of the snow that descended from the air around his wife. He hated saying her full name, it felt like calling her something that lacked personality, it lacked warmth . It felt almost wrong. But it felt needed, somehow. Pulling away just enough to cup Xiomi’s face in his hands. He gently ran his thumbs along the skin of her cheek. Hearing her full name be weaved into such a serious tone, Xiomi couldn’t help but finally let the tears that she had been holding back the entirety of the day drip down her face. Gale wiped them away as quickly as they fell, pressing kisses across her forehead, onto the tip of her nose and finally, on her lips.
“S-Sorry…I hope I don’t come across as ungrateful. I’m over the moon about this! I am so excited to give Alaria more siblings! It’s just…” Xiomi paused, taking in a deep breath as she tried to compose herself again. “I’m just scared that I can’t do it.” She finally admitted, breaking into choked sobs again as she covered her face with her hands, a meek attempt to hide herself. Gale nodded, realizing now this was more so about her capabilities as a mother than anything else. “Don’t feel ashamed for feeling something so normal, my love.” Gale said softly, gently prying Xiomi’s hands away from her face, dragging a knuckle lovingly down her cheekbone. “In fact, I’d be quite concerned if you didn’t react this way!” He joked, hoping to lighten the mood a bit. And luckily, it worked. Between sobs, Xiomi let out a faint laugh, rolling her eyes at how dumb his quip was.
“Motherhood is terrifying. It is absolutely okay to be scared, my love. You had these same worries with Alaria, do you remember?” Gale asked, gently rubbing Xiomi’s shoulders and arms, tilting his head to the side as he pulled at the memories himself. They were as clear as day to him. “Your anxieties left you certain you wouldn’t be a fit mother, but look at you. And look at Alaria.” He gestured to their toddler who was gazing lovingly up at them, not a care or worry in the world. All that mattered to her were them. Xiomi nodded, looking down at Alaria with equal adoration. “You overcame that very fear. Alaria is a wonderful child who was lucky enough to be taught kindness, compassion, and love. All from her darling mother!” Gale praised her, his sincerity tugging at Xiomi’s heartstrings.“Though, I’d like to think she got at least some of my exuberant traits!” He laughed, placing one hand on Xiomi’s cheek and the other on Alaria’s, feeling a sense of pride wash over him as he felt the warmth of their faces radiate into his fingertips. How lucky he was to not only have such a wonderful and resilient wife, but a daughter who mirrors both of their best qualities?
Xiomi, feeling herself calm down ever so slightly, leaned into his touch, closing her eyes as she repeated his words in her mind. He was right; despite all her fears when it came to Alaria, she overcame them, the brine of terror that was motherhood was not as bleak as what her mind had previously convinced her. “I promise you, my spring angel, if you can do it once, you can do it again. And don’t think you’ll do it alone, either. I vowed to you that I would be at your side through thick and thin, and I intend to stick by that.” Gale swore, dramatically dragging his finger across his chest in an ‘X’ shape. Despite how silly his theatrics were, they did soothe Xiomi’s worries. “It will be a lot of work, that much is irrefutable, but we can do it. So long as we have each other, we can move mountains, muñeca .” He grinned.
As the panic began to dissipate, parting like the clouds after a thunderstorm, Xiomi took in a deep breath, and for a moment, she sat in silence appreciating the sight in front of her; a loving husband who would split the universe in two for her happiness, and a daughter, who shined so bright, that the constellations were surely jealous. She was truly a blessed woman, and her blessings would only grow as she brought three more new stars into their night sky. “Thank you.” Xiomi said softly, finally flashing her signature smile at Gale. The white strands in her hair began to disappear, the snow melting little by little, until all that was left was his favorite version of her: a smiley, rosy, and elated Xiomi.
“I’m truly lucky to have you.” She said earnestly. She looked down at Alaria, gently stroking her hair before meeting Gale’s gaze again. “You’re right. If I can do it once, I can surely do it again.” She felt her worries finally subside, reassured confidence now taking its place. Though she knew it would be no easy feat carrying three babies. But with Gale at her side, she knew she could conquer the universe. As the two simply stared at each other, hearts forming in their eyes, Alaria looked from one parent to another, before she wrapped her tiny arms around Xiomi’s, nuzzling her head against it with a smile. She seemed eager to say something.
“
Amá
, why is your tummy so big?”