A Message From Pluto

CHAPTER 7: Claudia Harris

She sat up in bed, her hands hugging her knees, a small smile touching her lips. She felt a little confused by the way things were going with Jordan. She was not worried, just confused, not believing she was doing what she was doing. Jordan had swept her off her feet without even trying and she loved it. It felt right to be with him, a feeling that she was fulfilling a higher purpose. Something greater than herself and Jordan.

But it felt good. Something within her told her there was a catch, that it was unethical in the Company, as they fondly referred to the military. The problem was, she really did not care. She was in this position, with these stream of thoughts for God knows how long until she decided to check on Jordan. He had gone out and left a note, to get groceries at the grocery store. So she reached for her phone just as it rang, momentarily startling her.

It was her brother Clyde. Frowning slightly, she answered the call.

" Clyde, why are you calling me now?" She asked her frown deepening. It wouldn't do well if something happened to their father. He was feeling unwell recently, and as he got older some of his ailments intensified. Clyde chuckled.

" I was checking in on you. Am I not permitted to look out for my baby sister anymore?"

" You know that's not what I implied." Claudia said quickly, a smile replacing her frown. Then she added quickly. " Paps has not been too well recently so I was a little worried."

" That's why you should call home more frequently." Clyde said. He paused and seemed to be thinking before adding, " He misses you so much. You are his favorite."

Claudia sighed. " You are making me feel bad."

" Don't, just call more frequently. How are you?" He asked. It was obvious they loved each other.

" I am fine. How is Paps?" She asked.

" He is fine, he is also tired." He said in a somewhat different voice.

"There's something you are not telling me, Clyde. Tell me what it is." She was getting worked up being kept in suspense.

" Alright, alrighty. Paps has officially handed the company to me. The announcement will be made on Monday morning at the executive general briefing." Clyde said slowly.

" Awwwwn. Congratulations, that's wonderful news. So you are now the head of the family!" She quipped excitedly.

" Nah, Paps left the company to have more time for himself and the family. He gets to keep the family even though I thought otherwise." He finished.

Then something snapped in Claudia's head.

" That means he's worse than I thought." She asked worriedly.

" No, call him and talk to him. both of you will feel better." He said with a hint of finality.

" I will." She said.

" You know it could have been you." He said slowly.

" What?" She asked incredulously.

" We all thought you were taking over from Paps. It was what he wanted and you were good enough."

" You aren't bad either. It's your place to take, Thanks anyway."

" Very few people will ignore the chance to sit on a multi billion dollar conglomerate."

Claudia laughed, a small laugh but happily. She could feel her brother's smile at the other end of the line. She looked around the room, her eyes resting on the military emblem that was hung on a frame by the mantlepiece.

" I am happy where I am."

" You are seeing someone?" He asked realization finally hitting him.

Claudia nodded subconsciously and laughed again. She found that after she fell in love with Ted, her laughter came easily and naturally.

Clyde then said a bit too loudly, " Then I am ordering you to come home and bring him along." With those words he hung up the phone. Claudia continued to press the phone to her ear as she slowly got out of bed, the beep beep of a terminated call still ringing in her ear.

She gathered the sheet away from her and walked half naked into the bathroom. When she got out, she found Jordan was back, bustling in the kitchen. She walked into the kitchen and leaned on the wash tub as he smashed a few eggs into a bowl.

" You can go back to bed. I will bring your breakfast to you when I am through." He said without turning. He had sensed her entering into the kitchen.

" Alright, I will." She said and walked over to plant a kiss on his neck. As she tiptoed to reach him the aroma of what was frying assailed her and her stomach churned violently. She lost her balance and had to grab him to steady herself. Frightened, she clung to him as he carefully laid down the things he was holding and held her.

" What's wrong with you? Are you alright?" He asked with concern in his eyes.

" I was. Then I suddenly felt dizzy." She replied. " Just give me a glass of water and I think I will be just fine" She said when she was able to breathe normally again.

Jordan carried her lightly into the bedroom and laid her down, looking at her quizzically. She returned his gaze and frowned.

" Stop looking at me like that. I said I am fine. Get me a glass of water and I will be okay." She said forcefully. Jordan turned around to fetch the water when she retched loudly, messing up the bed and sheets. She turned pale and shocked. Jordan ran back in quickly and bundled her up to the only sofa in the room and placed her down carefully.

" Don't move, I will wipe you up. " He cooed.

Claudia's face was flushed.

" I am utterly embarrassed." She spurted.

Jordan consoled her. " You shouldn't be, it's only me." He produced a handkerchief and tucked it under her chin. " Here, hold this and I will bring you a cup of water in a jiffy."

Claudia was overwhelmed with the attention she received from him and started crying. When he returned he saw the tears in her eyes and questioned her.

" What is wrong now?" He asked, but she shook her head and cried.

" It's nothing, I am just so happy that you love me so."

Jordan swallowed hard, a lump in his throat, overwhelmed with emotion. He bent down and lifted her into a strong embrace.

".I am here, I am here. As long as you are here I will die here." He vowed.

Moments later of crying and kissing, he felt her pulse as he thought she should visit a medical facility. His expression changed.

" Maybe it's a bug." She tried to reassure him. But he smiled humorlessly.

" I think you are pregnant." He said watching her closely. Her eyes flared up.

" Stop talking nonsense." It may be just my stomach not agreeing with the food I ate." She said but her look said she didn't believe that to be the case." I...I.. I.. am I pregnant?" She stammered.

Jordan shrugged his shoulders. " Maybe." He said, but he was positive.

" Maybe not." Claudia countered.

" Maybe not."

Three days later, he held her hand and sat on the balcony watching the street as cars sped by.

She leaned into him and said, " I am carrying a Jordan.

Jordan shook his head. " He will be a Harris. Give him a family that is stable and with roots." He whispered softly his eyes distant.

" You know it will be a boy?" She asked, raising her head.

Jordan nodded. " It will be a boy and a Harris." He repeated.