171. Dreaming of Momma

 Cris dreams of a very important woman missing from his life, but not his memory, and a rekindling moment of romance is short lived for Cris and Alaia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It has been such a peaceful night for Cris, and for a long time, a loving night that reminded him of the evenings in which he would spend his nights with Alaia, sleeping on the floor, while he heard her breathing in her sleep on her bed. It was in the serenity that he drifted away in dream and where he saw the only other woman, aside from Alaia, who matters to him.

He found himself walking in Tirisfal Glades, looking at the forest and the sun peeking through the treetops. Every step he took was followed by two more steps. A soft hand slipped into his hand, gently holding him, and he was at peace. “Listen to the world around you, my little one,” a voice said softly. Cris closed his eyes for a moment and listened, trusting the hand he held as he continued to walk. “You need to remember that the world does not revolve around you. Remember that you are merely a member of this incredible life.” 

Cris opened his eyes when the woman released his hand and wrapped her arms around him. He sighed and leaned against her, listening to her soft chuckle. Her red hair fell over his shoulders and he turned his head to the side, finding her cheek, and kissing it gently. “I miss you,” he said softly.

“I know, but you’re doing so well.”

“Even though I’m a pirate?”

“Your father was a pirate.”

“You never told me.”

“You didn’t need to know and besides, he left that life behind so that you and your sister could grow up in a different world.”

“You loved father?”

“Very much. We had even talked about having another child together. You would have been a brother again.”

“I’m going to be a father.”

“I know. I’m proud of you, but you must promise me that you must behave, little one.”

“I’m trying.”

“I always thought your father went back to his old ways, but I trust he never did. He was a wonderful man in your life. Follow in his steps.”

“I’ll try, momma.” Cris turned around and smiled at his mother, who looked at beautiful as when she was alive. He embraced her tightly, squeezing his eyes shut as he cherished the feel of his mother in his arms once more. 

“I’ll always be watching you, little one. Never doubt that.”

“Thank you, momma.” He would have held her longer except he felt her hands grip at his arms. “Momma?” He released her and saw the look of terror on her face, her blue eyes widened as she gasped for air. “Momma!”

“Cris…” she manage to say. He looked around and couldn’t see what could possibly be hurting her. 

“Momma!” It was then that he saw an undead appear behind her, pulling her from his arms. “Momma!”

His mother gasped once more as she was dragged away, her arms reaching for him, but unable to get to him. “Cris!”

That second time, he opened his eyes, startled and heart racing, except he heard Alaia breathing hard and sounding panicked beside him. He lifted his head off the pillow and looked at  his alarmed wife. “Alaia? Alaia, what’s wrong?” He looked at her belly and realized that it was time and Alaia was possibly in labor.