Page 21 of The Baby Dragon Bakery
“Hello Saphira, hello Sparky,” Dr. Quan said, giving them both a smile. “How are you both doing today?”
“We’re doing well, thank you,” Saphira replied brightly.
“Is there anything pressing I should know?” Dr. Quan asked. Saphira shook her head. “Wonderful.” He turned to Lavinia. “Lavinia, why don’t you begin?”
“Of course.” Lavinia began the visit, running through the usual check-ups. She took Sparky’s vitals and numbers, Dr. Quan watching. When she was done, she reviewed her notes, then turned back to Dr. Quan.
“Nothing out of the ordinary,” she said. She turned to Saphira. “Everything looks great.”
“Wonderful,” Dr. Quan replied. “Lavinia, I think you can handle it from here.”
Saying goodbye, Dr. Quan left, and Lavinia took over the rest of the visit.
“Everything is truly good, right?” Saphira asked, fiddling with the sleeve of her chunky cardigan. Gold bangles jingled on her arm. “Nothing to worry about at all?”
Lavinia laughed. Saphira could be a worrier, especially when it came to her baby. “Yes, our little munchkin is perfect,” Lavinia reassured her, scratching Sparky’s chin. He hummed, then licked her hand. “He’s a basalta dragon, so he is a bit bigger than other baby dragons, but perfectly normal for his breed. Heisa bit more mature, I would even say, but I am sure that’s due to your expert training.”
Saphira smiled, pleased, holding her left hand to her heart. Her massive engagement ring sparkled, the diamonds around the basalt stone catching the light.
Lavinia was sure Sparky’s maturity also had to do withthe fact that the Sterlings had the cream of the crop when it came to their basalta dragon eggs. Aiden’s father was on the Dragon Council as the basalta representative. There was one representative for each of the four breeds of dragons.
“Good,” Saphira said, releasing a breath. She came over to Sparky’s other side, and Sparky nuzzled against her side, sitting by her feet. Saphira absent-mindedly stroked Sparky’s head. “I’ve discussed this with the Sterling caretakers, but I want your opinion as well,” Saphira said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “Do you think I can saddle Sparky? I was thinking after his second birthday next week.”
Lavinia had a good idea of the answer, but she checked Sparky’s records and charts anyway, just to be sure. “That will be fine, especially if it’s only your weight that he’s carrying with the saddle. Of course, when dragons are fully mature, they can carry two to three adults, plus dead weight like luggage, but you’re not doing anything like that.”
“No, no, definitely not,” Saphira said “And yes, it’ll just be my weight. He’s eager for me to ride him, and I’m just as excited.”
“And you’ve discussed it with the Sterling caretakers?” Lavinia asked. The caretakers would know more specific information regarding the egg Sparky came from and his family history.
“Yes, I did, and they also said it was okay,” Saphira replied.
“Then I don’t see any issues at all,” Lavinia confirmed.
“Yay!” Saphira clapped, excited, and Sparky flapped his wings, catching onto her energy. He bounced, and the ground lightly shook. Luckily, the patient rooms were equipped for rowdy baby animals, so nothing fell over or broke. Lavinia laughed.
“Alright, alright, don’t get too excited,” Lavinia said, scratching under Sparky’s chin. “We still have to give you your vaccine.”
It was a yearly vaccination shot for Sparky’s immune system. At the mention of a shot, Sparky’s happy mood dimmed. He scowled, glancing back at Saphira with betrayal.
“I know, but it’s only a little shot!” Saphira coaxed. “Only a little one! And my golu-molu is so brave,” she said, speaking to him in her baby voice. Sparky wasn’t happy, but he acquiesced, settling down.
Lavinia administered the shot quickly and, while Sparky wasn’t the happiest baby dragon about it, he was a long way from how upset he had gotten during his first visit. Saphira, too, was much more confident and secure.
“See? That wasn’t so bad!” Saphira said. Sparky gave her what could only be described as a dirty look before bumping his head into her hip. Saphira stumbled. “Hey!”
That seemed to amuse Sparky, and he cheered up. His mood improved further when Lavinia gave them both lollipops: a big one for Sparky, and a small one for Saphira.
“I can chat for a few minutes, then I have to bounce, but tell me! How are things?” Lavinia asked.
“Good!” Saphira replied. “So good!”
“How has it been, officially being moved in with Aiden?” Lavinia asked.
“At first it was a little weird, even though I have obviously been at his place so much, but to properly move?” She sucked on her lollipop. “It’s only been two days, but it’s been so much fun! It’s like having a sleepover with your best friend every day. It’s just such a joy—to know that he’s always around. And evenwhen he isn’t, to know that he’ll be coming home to me, or that I’ll be coming home to him.”
“Aw.” How sweet. She loved that. She loved love! Even so, loneliness echoed through her, a dull ache. She yearned for that desperately.
“Sparky loves it, too, of course,” Saphira said, petting her dragon’s black scales. “He was getting too big for my old apartment, anyway, and now he doesn’t have to worry about that.”
