[ WP ] A couple is having their first child , when they admit to each other that they both promised their first born to a witch . It 's two different witches .

A week after the biggest argument we'd ever had, Glenna and I sat in the kitchen with Annie Hexam and Madge Blackhammer while our baby girl slept in her crib. 
 
 `` So you see the problem we've got here?'' I said, breaking the awkward silence that had followed the introductions. 
 
 `` Yes, we see the problem. We also see the solution, but you're not gon na like it.'' Hexam said. 
 
 Glenna sighed `` Well, do n't drag it out. Tell us what he have to do!'' 
 
 Blackhammer glared at her `` Do n't take that tone with us dearie. We aint the ones came askin' for help are we? It were you and your fella needed a hand out and was willing to pay the price down the road.'' 
 
 Glenna inhaled deeply. `` I know that. He knows it. But... is there really any point in making us twist in the wind while you act all dramatic and theatrical about it?'' 
 
 Hexam nodded. `` Girl's got a point Madge.'' She turned to Glenna `` Yer gon na have't'get another one.'' 
 
 We stared blankly for a moment. `` What do you mean'get another one'? Are we supposed to act like a brood mare and stallion and start shaggin' away until we've got another bun in the oven?'' 
 
 Blackhammer shook her head. `` No, that wo n't do at all dearie. We ca n't be having a second born, we was each promised a first born y'see.'' 
 
 My brain felt like a car engine that had failed to turn over. `` We can each only have one first born, how the hell are we supposed to have another kid that's also first born?'' 
 
 Hexam looked at me like I was a total prat. `` I did n't say you had to *have* another first born child. I said you need to *get us* another child. Madge's right though, it'll have to be a first born. Obviously it ca n't be another one born from your misses, and it ca n't be one that you've planted in another lady. You'll have to adopt one, or steal one or buy one from a desperate woman or something.'' 
 
 `` Do you have any idea the difficulty involved in that?!'' Glenna said. 
 
 `` That's for you two to sort out.'' Hexam retorted. 
 
 `` Well, we're certainly not going to do anything illegal! The adoption thing might work though. It'll take years to get through all the bureaucracy, but we can manage I suppose.'' 
 
 `` Years? Oh no dear girl...'' Hexam frowned at her. `` We're gon na need a much smaller time table than that. We're already being generous here, do n't go pushing it.'' 
 
 `` It's not a matter of me pushing. Breaking the law will risk us getting thrown into prison. I know that's'not your problem', but it wo n't get you another baby either, which is your problem. Then there's a limit to what we can do through official channels though. Do you have any idea what it's like to go through an adoption process?'' 
 
 `` Course we do n't. That's the whole point've bein' a witch innit? Being removed from the drudgery of the mortal world.'' 
 
 `` Well trust me, stuff like that takes a lot of time and patience. There's things that people need to check on and paperwork that needs to be filled out. It's a bloody nightmare. Still, it's the only way we can get you a second child that's also first born, so you can either take it, or figure out a way to share the one we've already had.'' 
 
 A strange look passed between Blackhammer and Hexam that I would n't understand until much later. The look did n't last as long on Blackhammer's face though. It brightened up with inspiration. `` Maaaaybe there's another way dearie. A bit've a loophole like.'' 
 
 Hexam looked at her. `` What're you thinkin' Madge.'' 
 
 `` Well Annie, it's like this..'' Blackhammer leaned over and whispered into Hexam's ear. 
 
 `` Hmm...'' Hexam seemed to be mulling something over. `` Well, I guess that cooooouuuuld work. It'd be one of them nicely fitting technicalities that would make for a good bit've balance. Yeah. I think we've got a winner.'' 
 
 Glenna sighed. When Hexam and Blackhammer glared at her she shrugged `` Whenever you're ready, but all this mysterious chatter is tiring, so I'd really appreciate if you let us in on this loop hole.'' 
 
 `` Well dearie'' Blackhammer began `` It basically involves holes. Rather, it's a matter of swappin' yer hole out for a rod and swappin' yer hubby's rod fer a hole.'' 
 
 We both looked dumbfounded at her. 
 
 `` What Madge means'' Hexam began `` Is that we can still keep to the terms of the original bargain, but it'll require the two of you switching sexes, or gemders or whatever you call it these days. If you'' She pointed out at me `` Agree to be turned into a woman Lyle, and your Misses gets turned into a Mister, she can get you preggers, you can give birth to a child, and it'll be the first child born from you, just as the one up stairs is the first child born from your Misses.'' 
 
 `` I do n't... I'm not sure if I can...'' I stammered for the right words. 
 
 `` Either you can, or I take back what I give to ya back when we struck the bargain, and Madge takes you wee one, keeping that bargain intact. Final offer, take it or leave it.'' 
 
 Glenna looked at me `` I think this is the only way Lyle.'' 
 

