His Little Lettie

The bedroom felt really hot, despite the air conditioning being turned on and set on the lowest.

Shit. Scarlett cursed. And she did feel like crap, having just thrown up her supper, possibly tea, and definitely her breakfast.

“We might just have to go to hospital if you don’t feel any better by tomorrow, Lettie.” Isabel, her older sister was saying, checking her temperature by placing a hand over her forehead. “Feck,” She exclaimed, “Hot as a kettle.”

Scarlett paused for a millisecond then turned to retch into the bucket Isabel had brought into her bedroom when she’d first heard her complain.

“I cannot miss the installation ceremony, sissy.” she whimpered, pulling herself back up and pointing at the invitation on her drawer, “Of all times for this to happen, damnit.”

“I doubt you’d be able to go to the Ceremony looking like this.” Isabel said calmly, rubbing her back. “You’re pale and you haven’t gone ten minutes without vomiting.”

“I really do have to go regardless. Erik is expecting me.” Scarlett replied, her voice soft. “He invited me specially.”

“You’ll ring him later then, won’t you? He must be very busy right now.” Isabel said, bringing the bucket up as Scarlett vomited again. “And apparently, so are you.”

The bedroom door opened and Ayla, their oldest sister peeked in.

“Still vomiting?”

Isabel nodded.

“Um, Can I ask you something, Lett,” Ayla said, walking over to the bed and sitting on the other end of her sister. She held her hands gingerly and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Have you and Erik—yunno…”

Scarlett immediately blushed, turning her face away and closing her eyes.

“It’s nothing to be shy about, really.” Isabel nudged. “We are your older sisters after all.”

Scarlett opened her eyes. Both her sisters were peering expectantly down at her.

They really weren’t going to let this go.

“Yes.” She sighed finally, breaking eye contact. “We did–we have.”

“Pregnancy test it is.” Ayla concluded. “I’ll get it from the shop and be back up in a few minutes.” She made to get up and smoothen her house dress– a pale, checkered print that was once bright yellow but was now a dull, well worn shade.

“Well what if I’m not then? What if I’ve caught something instead?” Scarlett suddenly asked, alarmed.

“Well it is better safe than sorry.” Isabel replied, putting the bucket down and passing her the glass of water on her dresser, “In any case, If you are pregnant then luckily for you he’ll have no other choice but to marry you.”

“But that’s not supposed to happen at all!” Scarlett cried. “It was simply a mistake.”

Ayla rolled her eyes. “Swear then. Swear it only happened once, Lettie.”

Scarlett blushed again.

“Scarlett!” Isabel cried, realizing.

“So you see, hmm?” Ayla raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been observing you, you cheeky nugget.”

“That’s really not funny at all, Ayla.” Scarlett gasped.

“You know what else won’t be funny?” Ayla replied, walking towards the door. “If you’re actually carrying his child.”