Chapter 42

Perry stepped into her darkened bedroom, where Amelia laid, fast asleep. She approached the bed and gently tapped her shoulder.

"Amelia," she whispered, "wake up."

Amelia moaned in response, her voice muffled by the pillow she had buried her face in. Perry smiled to herself, knowing that she would have to be more persuasive.

She pulled the covers off her body, exposing her to the cool air of the room. "Come on, Amelia," she said, a hint of laughter in her voice. "You've been sleeping too much lately. Are you pregnant?"

Amelia groaned and turned over, facing Perry with bleary eyes. "You wish," she muttered, rubbing her eyes.

Perry grinned and leaned down to tickle her sides. "Wake up, Ame," she said, still laughing.

Finally, she gave in and sat up, pushing her hair out of her face. "Alright, alright," she said, yawning. "I'm up. You win."

Perry's eyes searched her face as she sat up on the bed, taking in her expression before speaking.

"Amelia," she said, her voice gentle. "It's been