Iris Part 13

Alice got off the train, and walked down to the boat harbour. After six years her mum had finally decided that it was reasonably safe for her to travel alone on public transport.

When she got to Dave and Iris' boat it was clear that something was going down, as there were several people she did not know aboard. Her mum was with them and when she saw her, waved, meaning everything was OK.

"Hi Mum! I thought you'd be at home, what's up?"
"I got called in for crowd control and to keep Indi company", she smiled, "Today's the day. These folks are selkies, and one of them is a midwife."

Alice's eyes went wide, and she darted into the cabin. "Indi?" she called as she ran.
"In here! Oh, Alice! They're all down in the galley!" Indigo was stretched out on one of the benches in the saloon, her tail slapping against the cushions in excitement.

Alice knelt and gave Indi a hug. "So, big sis Indi any time now, huh?"
"And Aunt Alice!"
"I will, naturally be the coolest Aunt."
"Yep! Oh! Wait! How did your graduation go?"
"Our school doesn't stand on ceremony, thank goodness. I've got my results. Number 16 in the year. Bang on the 76th percentile, just as we planned."
Indi grinned. Part of the plan Alice and her mum had was for Alice to do just well enough to get a good round of offers, but not so well as to attract attention. "Perfect! So when," Indi broke off as a pained groan came from below, followed by Iris shouting "DAVE, I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" and then, just slightly less loud "Kirsten! Give me that fucking jab!"

Alice looked at Indigo.

"Mum just went to water for me. The ultimate C-section. She can't do that with Elizabeth," Indigo explained.

Alice blinked "I never thought to ask. That would have been so strange to see. So she was alone for you?"
"Yep. Dave found out the following morning."
There was another pained groan from below. This time it sounded like Dave.

Looking a Indi's twitching tail, Alice decided a change of subject was called for. "What about your results, do you have them?"
"What, oh, yeah, my results came in earlier. 86th percentile. If I could, I could enrol in just about anything. Actually going to university with you would be so cool."
"Tell you what, I'll go external, too. That way we can still study together."
"Alice - but the whole " she broke off as a new sound came from below - the cry of a baby. Indigo's eyes go wet.
"Congratulations big sis!" Alice hugged Indi again.

Adele rushed in "Did I just hear?"
Indi grinned over Alice's shoulder "I'm a sister!"

One of the selkies came up from below, grinning. "Elizabeth Adele Chandler has entered the world. Mother and child are doing well. Father will, once he gets the use of his hand back."

Adele Ringly, former mob boss, stared in shock. "Elizabeth Adele?"
"Welcome to the family, godmum!" Indigo grinned, "Again."
Alice held Indi at arms length "You didn't tell her?"
"Nope! First name only."

#SF #SFF #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting #NereidIris #UrbanFantasy