Shaker by C. C. Prestel

Author:C. C. Prestel [Prestel, C. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure
ISBN: 9781733666312
Google: wQadyAEACAAJ
Publisher: Christopher C Prestel
Published: 2019-01-25T08:00:00+00:00

22

The birth of my son came to pass as smoothly as I could have hoped. Charles and the conscripted midwife performed admirably within the miserable conditions of the nursery, as did Leesheh and, of course, the baby. The color of his hair, skin, and eyes mirrored his beautiful mother, yet there was something in his appearance that brought back memories I had buried long ago. On the first night of his life, I held the child in my arms as Leesheh slept. In his eyes, I could see his half-sister looking back at me. I choked back the tears knowing that the two would never meet. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was better off than he was—better off than this poor child whom I had carelessly brought into this alien world in bondage. He would likely never read a book, ride a bicycle, or use a smartphone. He would likely take the life of another human being before he reached the age of sixteen.

“I’m sorry, little man,” I said to him. “You’re not supposed to be in this world. We’re going to take you to a better one—our world. But until that happens, we’re going to keep you safe and teach you how to survive in this one. And I’m not just talking about your mother and me. There’s Uncle Charles, Uncle Nick, Aunt Susan, Uncle Swag… oh, and Aunt Ying too. Aunt Ying is a badass. She’ll teach you how to defend yourself.”

“Shakespeare–” Leesheh said softly. I hadn’t noticed that she was awake.

“Here’s the thing, little man,” I continued, “As long as your mother and I are here, you’re safe. And guess what—we’re not going anywhere without you—I can promise you that. As long as–”

“Shakespeare.” She sat up in her bed and gently touched my arm. “You cannot promise him that. He does not belong to us,” she said softly.

I handed the baby to her and wiped my eyes on my shirt sleeve. I stood silently for a moment then sat down on the bed facing away from Leesheh.

“I’m his father.”

“You are. And I know that you will do everything in your power to keep him safe. As will I.”

“Everything in my power.”

“But we have to prepare ourselves—and prepare him—for the possibility that he will be taken from us. Some things we cannot control.”

I was upset that she said it but I knew she was right. There wasn’t much within my power other than fighting and trying to find a way home. The door opened and a soldier peered inside. He called to me in a loud whisper.

“Shakespeare, Dee sent me. You have to return to the barracks.”

In consonance with their reactions upon learning of Leesheh’s pregnancy, our friends were reluctant to congratulate us. I fully understood their reticence, just as I had nine months earlier. Despite the awkwardness surrounding the uncertainty of the child’s fate, they were eager to help in any way they could. Charles, of course, was a constant presence in the early days of the baby’s life.

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