Delia and Goodwin
arrived back in Twinbrook and piled their bags into the “Wilburmobile”. Delia could no longer bring herself to call
it that. It would require an explanation
she didn’t have. And rather than make up
another lie to tell Goodwin, she just called it the car…simple as that. It was still a very cool ride. So big and roomy that you had to have a cell
phone to talk to anyone sitting in the way back if you were in the front
seat!
Reality set in sooner than later. Unbeknownst to Delia, Goodwin had spent his
entire savings on the wedding, the adoption and then the Honeymoon. They were broke. She had gone through her savings as well
while she was dealing with Alex’s ‘illness’ and hadn’t been able to get a
job. She barely made ends meet by consigning the fruit and 'crafts' as she called the potions she created.
Goodwin was working with law enforcement but wasn’t
officially on the payroll as he was what they called a “snitch” and worked
undercover. He told Delia he needed to study for an exam so he could get on the payroll. Goodwin spent almost all of his spare time studying and working
out at the gym so he would be able to pass the both the written and physical parts of the exam. He told her not to worry about the finances, he would deal with it. He told her the undercover assignments sometimes required him to work nights a lot and was often gone until the wee hours of the morning.
Delia had gained a little
weight in France so she went with Goodwin to the gym to workout. She did aerobics while he worked out on the
treadmill. It was exhausting. She tired way before he did so she went up
and made some protein drinks for everyone.
Goodwin was still studying for his exam every chance he got. Delia played chess with him to help sharpen
his mind a bit although she was quite distracted. It was one of those nights that Delia
dreaded. A full moon. She always felt a little weird and begin to
see things that she was pretty sure nobody else did. Like the ghost of her first husband! This was also the night the undead seemed to
lurk about no matter what town she lived in. She used to cure them but she was all out of the ingredients to make the
cure elixir since the hard winter had frozen all of her plants.
Right on cue, as Goodwin had had enough of chess for the night and was heading off to bed, Francisco appeared to her. She was pretty sure Goodwin couldn’t see or hear Francisco as he just walked on out of the room. Normally Francisco was a loving spirit, but this time he began to scold Delia. Well of course, she was now married to another man – a LIVE man. How dare he yell at her she thought - and in that ethereal voice? It was annoying!
But then Francisco looked at
her said, “You! You are in over your head Delia! You will suffer for this!" Then seeing the look of utter confusion on her face he continued, "Wait - you don’t
even know do you?” “Know what?” asked
Delia. “Delia” yelled Francisco, “Not
only are you married to a ghost hunter, you are carrying his child! How could you?”
“Don't be ridiculous. You are just jealous. You should go back to wherever it is you stay when you aren't haunting me. It has been more than 100 years Francisco. And anyway, he isn’t a ghost hunter; he works for the police department. He helped me cure Alex – your son - who was born with a curse you gave him” she shot
back. “No Delia," said Francisco in a much calmer tone, "That is why he is so
broke. He never had a job with the
police. He only just says that because sometimes they hire him as a consultant”
said Francisco. “He is freelancing as Ghost Hunter. He was only interested
in you because of Alex and his condition. He thought if he
got close to you he could find a portal to the spirit world and get rich. And, just so you know Delia, he did see me. He may come hunting. I have to leave. Be careful my love.” Then Francisco vaporized.
Why can’t Francisco leave her alone? Why does he insist on haunting her with his presence
and figuring out how to insert himself into her daily life? She hadn't seen him since he told her where to find the deathfish. But, he was right about one thing. She was probably pregnant. She didn't have morning sickness this time so she never really paid attention. She had to be the most fertile 150 year-old
in history! Delia didn’t believe anything else he told her. Francisco was a jealous spirit set on making her life miserable. But she did need to confirm the pregnancy and
tell Goodwin. Can’t she just plan her
children like normal people. But with
that singular thought, she knew she was not normal.
Delia did a pregnancy test and of course, she was pregnant. A baby...she was happy even though this was unplanned. A baby would bond them together even more. Time to tell Goodwin the news
she thought.
Delia went to him as he was
getting in bed and said she had something for him. She told him she had a French Souvenir to
share with him. He was expecting a
bottle of wine and wasn’t too unhappy with that prospect after just seeing what he was pretty sure was a ghost in their house. He could use a drink. He didn't want Delia to know what he saw so he left the basement and figured he would go back down after she was asleep.
When Delia didn't have a bottle of wine to share and instead told him she was pregnant, he was shocked and very upset. He got very quiet as the the thought sank in. "Goodwin," did you hear what I said? Say something," said Delia. “Delia, we didn't discuss this, said Goodwin, "Our children are teenagers, almost adults, and now you got yourself pregnant. I am not so young
anymore and you aren’t either. I am not sure I am prepared to start over. Plus we don't have any savings.”
As tears began to well up over his reaction, she felt the
baby kick. She asked Goodwin to feel which he hesitatingly did. He could tell Delia needed confirmation and didn't want to fight so he
hugged her tightly and told her he loved her and would figure this out. She knew then that Francisco was completely
wrong about Goodwin. He wasn’t with her because of Alex. He adopted
him for heaven’s sake! There was no
pressure for him to do that.
Goodwin said his exam was fast
approaching so they took a trip to the library for him to find some more study
materials. Delia took advantage and read
a few Pregnancy books to get some ideas.
Not like she hadn’t done this a bunch of times before, but new things
were always being discovered. Using the
library helped financially too as she could just borrow the books. 
Because they were still struggling financially, Delia
brought up the subject of her ‘crafts’. She had a few things she had grown indoors and could take some of these plants
and crafts and consign them at the Elixir store. This conversation didn’t have the effect she
had anticipated. Instead of appreciating the offer of help, Goodwin said absolutely not. In fact he was adamant
that she NOT go back into the Elixir store. He said there were people there that would take advantage of her - look what trouble she got them into with the Time Machine. She was more than a little surprised at his
sudden change in attitude.
Delia didn’t have long to think about what this shift in
mood might indicate. This baby was ready
to come into the world. Delia was in
labor. They would figure out finances
later.
Goodwin went to get the ‘car’. “Hurry up Goodwin” Delia yelled
between contractions, “We need to get moving or this baby is going to be born
in the ‘car’!” Delia climbed in and off they
went to the hospital for Delia’s 7th child – not counting
Humberto. But this baby would only be
the 2nd that Goodwin knew about or ever WOULD know about for that
matter.
Delia gave birth to another little boy. At that moment, she realized
how much she missed Francie; her only little girl. A silent tear slid
down her cheek as she remembered how close they were. Goodwin asked her if she was okay. Delia quickly swiped the tear away and smiled
and said, “Of course Darling. I am just
very happy and very emotional. What
shall we name him; something French perhaps?
What about Pierre?” “Sure –
Pierre – our little French souvenir” said Goodwin without much enthusiasm.
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