Snake in the Grass – Part I

“You’re gonna have to, honey.”

“I ain't doing it.”

“Every time I see you go up or down that ladder, I'm afraid you’re gonna slip and fall, and apart from the mess that’d make it’d be somewhat hard on my son.”

“You can talk all you like – it ain't happening.”

Hank got up from the pilot’s chair and took hold of Zoe by the arms, making her sit down. She could feel his warmth still in the seat. “It isn’t something you get to choose. Freya did it. Kaylee would’ve done it if she hadn’t already been sleeping in Simon’s room. So you’re going to as well.” Zoe opened her mouth to complain but he put a finger on her lips. “No. We’re moving into the lower quarters.”

“Am I allowed to speak now?”

“Only if it’s to agree with me.”

For a moment Zoe looked down at her belly, swelling even more at her waist now she was entering her seventh month. The soft, swirly patterned top was pulled tighter across it than before, and she let her eyes trace the design before lifting her head again. “I ain't broke, Hank,” she said softly.

“I know that.” He sat down in the other seat. “And you’re blooming, like all pregnant women should be. But right now, at this point, it ain't safe to use the ladder.”

“I know.”

He sat back a little. “You’re agreeing with me?”

“I don’t want to, I’ll admit. But …” She put her hand flat on the curve of her stomach. “I did knock him this morning.”

Hank’s mouth fell open and he went down onto his knees in front of her. “When?” he asked, his hands cupping her. “Is he okay? Did you see Simon? Does it hurt anywhere –“

“After breakfast, he’s fine, no I didn’t, and no it doesn’t.” She smiled at him. “He was a bit fractious for a while, moving around, but he’s settled again.”

“See?” He looked into her face, his grey eyes full of concern. “See what happens when I ain't around, when you do crazy things like this?”

“Climbing down the ladder? That’s crazy?”

“Yeah, well, it is starting from now.” He shook his head.