"Fallen Star" by Jessica D. McCollam

Gabrielle sat on the porch in the glow of several candles and lanterns. Ryan sat behind her, gently brushing her soft black hair with an ivory and ruby studded comb.

Gabrielle sang a soft Japanese melody. The moon had already set and the millions of stars fell slowly from the night sky. Gabrielle ceased her melody. "How can you make a wish on a falling star when there are so many?"

"You make one giant wish." Ryan smiled and kissed the top of her head.

"That makes sense. I wish that Rebbecca would never come back, these past six months of freedom have been a dream."

"And like all good dreams they come to an end. I already hear a carriage coming down the lane."

"Perhaps it's just a couple of visitors."

"Of course, our neighbors will come to call on you at two in the morning when they believe you to be a demon." Ryan pulled her hair up into a long braid. "Just as you will go calling on them tomorrow at noon."

"Ryan, be quiet. You are so arrogant and condescending. Why do you insist on irritating me so, and why do I put up with you?"

"Because I can and you love me."

The carriage stopped in front of the large house. The coachman carefully helped a woman out of the carriage. She had a veil over her face and a child held against her breasts.

Ryan stood, "Perhaps you were right."

The woman spoke, "Right about what?"

"Nope Ryan, you were definitely right." Gabrielle stood and took Ryan's hand. "Welcome back Rebbecca.'

Rebbecca looked back at the footman. "Why are you just standing there? Get the luggage inside. Now!"

The footman sprung to action running baggage inside. "Rebbecca where did the baby come from?" Gabrielle had pulled Ryan down the stairs.

"You always said how you regretted that you never had a child."

"That doesn't answer my question."

Rebbecca smiled and walked up the steps in silence.

"Rebbecca you kidnapped a child. How could you?" The white candles all blew out, leaving only the scarlet to light the steps as Gabrielle spoke.

Rebbecca spun around. "You little ungrateful brat. I bring you the one thing you needed to complete the family you've wished for all your life. But like usual you still want more. What do you expect me to do? You can't bear a child and you always were begging for one."

"I expect you to not go and steal children from their mothers. I would have my own child by now if you had honored my wishes and left me mortal."

"You'd be dead now."

"I'd rather be dead and mortal than this life."

"You love your life and would do anything to keep it. And who are you to tell me about stealing children away from their parents, atleast this one is still alive.” The stars and ceased to fall or perhaps they were just covered by the thick clouds that conquered the skies.

"I'm happy, because I've worked at being happy. And no one would be dead if it hadn’t been for you." The rain began to fall up them. "Give the child to me Rebbecca, before you kill him too."

Rebbecca handed the child over. "What are you going to name your daughter?"

Gabrielle walked into the house and laid the baby girl gently on the bed.

Ryan followed her and put his arms around her. "You're the only mother she'll ever remember in a few months. Take advantage of this opportunity."

"Ryan, have I ever told you that I love you?"

"Yes, you have and I love you too." Ryan kissed her neck then soft lips. "So what are you going to name her?"

"Skylita."

"How about if we just call her Sky."

"Call her what you wish, but her name is Skylita. Oh she's cold." Gabrielle carefully wrapped the sleeping babe in a violet sheet and rocked her, singing the lullabies her mother had once sung so many years ago.