Léan didn't answer her. The bitterness he only had when he was angry, upset, or just plain felt like being bitter had reared its head, and wasn't going to go away for a while. He wriggled out from where he was, soundlessly, and disappeared into the depths, probably to be alone for a while.

Once Glory was inside and dressed in something comfortable, she curled up on her bed. Reaching over to her nightstand, she picked up her phone and texted Selena.

Busy at the moment?

Selena took a few moments to respond. She was probably busy with something...probably something appropriate that included Rand, since she was still checking her phone now and then.

I'm not too busy. Why?

Just wanted someone to talk to, Glory responded. Well, someone female that isn't my mother or my grandmother.

That's okay, Selena assured her, seeming sympathetic. I know how that is. Something in particular you want to talk about?

Sort of, Glory hedged. First, though... Why do you think I'm starting homeschool? Humor me. She needed to know exactly how much she needed to explain.

You don't like school? You want to spend time with your non-human friends? Home-schooling is easier? Something happened? Selena had been poking around at ideas, it seemed...but not enough to heavily suspect something.

Not quite, Glory replied. She fought with herself for a moment over whether or not to just tell her, and decided to get it overwith. I'm pregnant, but everything is going a lot faster than what normal people would expect.

Oh. That was all Selena sent until about forty seconds later, when she sent another message. Mind explaining that? I don't quite get you.

Simple terms: take nine months and crunch them down to two and a half, Glory replied. That's, what, ten weeks? Something like that. I'm already three weeks gone, with twins. I know it's a lot to take in, trust me.

Oh. Once again, this was Selena's only response for a bit, while she thought. Do you need any help? Like...supplies or something? My neighbor has a lot of old baby stuff she's been giving away for the past few weeks...

Ugh, don't remind me... I haven't had time to think about such things yet, Glory replied. I still need to do all sorts of shopping...

I'll go with you! Selena's excitement could almost be heard in her texts. I don't mind shopping. Erm...plus, Viktor won't want to go with you. I don't know if he said anything to you about it, but he can't stand kids under the age of nine for some reason.

I don't think your disturbingly infectious cheer is helping right now, Glory replied dryly. After a moment, she added, Léan and I had a bit of a...disagreement. I think we both need a bit of breathing room right now.

Doesn't he like kids, either? Selena asked, sounding a lot like Lleu...it was disturbing. Maybe he and Viktor should have a talk...Viktor's mostly over his dislike of kids...he doesn't fear 'em or anything.

I don't want to make things worse, Glory said. And getting two guys who don't like kids together to talk about it seemed very much like 'making it worse'. I just don't know what to do...

...Parenting classes?

Such a strange, outlandish suggestion... A friend of mine...her mother teaches parenting classes. Maybe you should take him to one...

Really? You would put him into a room full of overly-happy, overbearing people when he's already practically claustrophobic in public? Glory pointed out. She didn't see that one ending well. He's already almost constantly in a bad mood lately because of this, no need to make it worse.

I can talk to her...see if she has any small classes. The smallest class I've heard of her having is just two different couples, and that's it... Selena seemed to think it was a great idea.

I'll talk to him about it, Glory finally said, reluctantly. No guarantees, though.

All right. Maybe he'll come around to the idea...if that fails, then have someone who's raised kids before have a nice, long talk with him... Selena suggested, as a back-up plan.

We'll see, Glory said. I'm so out of my depth here... if you'll excuse that horrible pun.

Parenting classes might help you, too...ease some anxiety, Selena reminded her. She was out of her league here, as well...

Maybe... Glory mused. I don't mean to drag you into my problems. I just needed someone to talk to who isn't my mother or infuriatingly omniscient.

Oh, it's fine. I promise, Selena assured her, gently. Unfortunately, I've got to get going, though...I have to get home before my mother sends out a search party looking for me...