Malia Has News

Now that Debra was growing up and was more aware of the world around her Malia and Carl loved sharing some of their favourite places in Hidden Springs with her, and Debra really seemed to enjoy being more a part of the 'adult' world

One place Debra loved was the Indulgent Bakery which was full of creamy baked delights and the very fanciest tea pots and cups.  Everyone was always so relaxed and cheerful, and it was a great place to take time out to chat with friends.

But, as much as she loved cream cakes and fancy tea, sometimes all the grown up chatter got a bit, well, boring.  It was at those moments that Debra loved to play with her favourite doll, Peaches.  Between them they would decide which was the best cream cake in the whole world and just what flavours of tea they would have in their own cake shop.

A few weeks after her birthday, it was time for Debra's first day at school.  She was quite looking forward to it, she enjoyed spending time with the other children she had already met and their could be new friends to make.

Even so, when the big school bus pulled up outside their home it suddenly seemed very real and just a little bit scary ...

But she, and her parents need not have worried. From that first day forward Debra loved school and, especially, getting back home to tell them all about her day.  The incredible new things she had learned, the games she and her friends played, all the gossip from the playground.

Carl was delighted to realise that Debra had really taken to school.  She already had a few good friends among the other children in the neighbourhood but she could be a little moody at times, often a result of over-thinking quite innocent things her friends might do or say.  But when she came home after school she always seemed excited about something that had happened during the day.

He particularly loved that she had an eagerness for learning and understanding how things worked - so much so that there were times when she really tested his own knowledge of some subjects.

It was about two or three weeks after starting school that Debra noticed here parents seemed to be whispering and giggling more than usual.  They would disappear into their bedroom for a while and when they emerged they would often be smiling or hugging or even kissing.

Not that she really minded, it was a bit 'icky' but they seemed happy so Debra didn't complain too much ... though she was sometimes distracted from her homework!

-- * --

Malia had her suspicions, her body was giving her those oh so subtle signals that the smallest of changes were happening.  Then she took a test, watching nervously for the indicators ... yes, now she could tell Carl ...

"Carl, honey, I've done the test again ... and ... it's positive!  I'm pregnant!"

"Oh Mal, that's ... wonderful!  It's going to be great to have a brother or sister for Debra."

Carl had started to wonder if they would ever have another child, it seemed that Malia had become pregnant with Debra so quickly, but it had taken so long this time.  So now that their next child (or maybe even children!) was on the way he was besides himself with joy.

The weeks passed and Malia started to show, enough for Debra to notice that Mummy was somewhat larger than usual.  As everything was progressing normally, and the scans and tests were all good now was the time to tell Debra the happy news.

"Debra, darling, Mummy's got something wonderful to tell you ... you're going to have your own brother or sister!"

Debra looked a little confused, before bursting into a broad smile ... "Oh, wow!  When?  Can I choose?"

"Oh darling, we have to wait a little while before they arrive - what we'll do is make a special calendar so we can count the days and make sure everything is ready and perfect for the big day.

"It's going to be a surprise; even Mummy and Daddy don't know if it will be a baby brother or sister.  You see they are growing inside Mummy right now, right here in my tummy waiting to get big and strong.  It's only then that we will know if we will have a baby boy or baby girl"

"In fact," Malia continued, " if you listen really closely, or if you rest your hand very gently on my tummy, you might be able to hear or feel them growing ..."

Debra thought for a moment then, very gingerly, reached out to put her hand on Malia's stomach.  Looking expectantly up at her mother she moved in closer and was about to place an ear over her hand when she suddenly pulled back ... "I felt it Mummy, like a little punch from inside!  Oh Mummy, I can't wait to see my little brother or sister!"