Chapter Twenty-Four
Hester House, Christmas 2004
The twinkly lights hanging from every possible surface had two-year-old Ella entranced. Evergreens were twisted through the banisters, mistletoe in every doorway; the tree was tall, just as Hazel had always liked it.
Christmas music was turned up loudly, but her little ears could still pick up hints of the fight roaring in the kitchen. It was mostly her Mamma shouting.
Her Papa had come home from his last day at work elated, happy to be home for the holidays at last. His sister would be coming for Christmas supper, as was every other Weasley offspring, in-law and grandchild.
Amara had been sitting in the living room, watching Ella play with a set of blocks and admire the baubles on the tree.
“Hey,” he’d said. “Good day?”
Amara turned her cheek away from his kiss. “Uneventful.”
“Oh.” Andrew kneeled down and picked Ella up. “Has she had a bath yet?”
“No.” Amara snapped, getting up swiftly and heading into the kitchen.
Ella tugged on her fathers collar. “I don’t know Ella-belle.” He said quizzically. “We’ll have a bath in a second, okay? I’m going to check on Mamma.”
Following Amara into the kitchen, he turned the carols up and shut the door behind him on Ella playing. “Are you okay honey?”
Amara pressed the heels of her palms to her eyes and sighed, leaning against the counter. “I’m trying really hard to be happy, Drew.”
“You’ve been doing really well, Amara.” He went over and brushed a stray curl back from her neck and rubbed her back, something he knew soothed her.
“I don’t want to go back to that place, the dark one where I was.” she said, voice choked. “I can’t, I don’t want to do that to Ella ever again.”
“We’ll make it through Amara, we can do it – look how happy we’ve been for the past nine months, a year even! You’ve tried so hard.” He tugged her close, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Oh Drew…” she wrapped her arms around herself. “I’m pregnant.”
Andrew jerked back, staring at her. “You are?”
She nodded, eyes on the ground. “Eight weeks, didn’t even notice. The medication…it makes my mind so foggy sometimes, I couldn’t even remember whether I’d had my period or not.”
Andrew hugged her tightly, but she pushed him away. “I don’t know if I can do it again, Andrew.” She wiped her eyes furiously, but it couldn’t stop the tears streaming down her cheeks. “I wanted to live a little more,” her voice began to rise, and soon she was screaming. “Do more! Travel, work – but I’m twenty-six, a mother and pregnant. I’ll never get to set up my business, or work in the country or-or –”
Andrew grabbed her hands as she began to hit herself, trying to soothe her. “Shhhe, honey, just listen to me for a second, okay?”
“You can’t fix this Andrew, you’re not God –”
“After the baby is born I will quit work.” He said calmly, and she froze.
“What?”
“You can get a job, I’ll be a stay at home dad.” He explained, the words pouring out. He wanted her to be okay as fast as possible. “Honey, we’re really more suited for each others roles. I’m less social; I like being at home often. You can live out your dream.”
“You would do that for me?” she asked quietly, lowering her hands and her voice. “After all I’ve put you through?”
“Of course Mara,” he wiped her wet cheeks with his thumb. “I love you.”
“But I –”
“You have given me everything I have ever desired. Now it’s your turn to get exactly what you want.” He smiled, suddenly shy. “Would that make you happy my love?”
She nodded ecstatically, tears once again spilling from her sea glass eyes. “Yes, oh Andrew – yes.”
They clung to each other, and Andrew smiled into her hair. “I hope this makes it better,” he whispered. “I want you to be happy.”
Amara nodded and kissed his cheek. “I will be, I am, really. I am happy about the baby, Andrew.”
“Me too.” He said, holding her close. “Me too.”
Hester House was full to the brim of Weasley’s, but not one was happier than Andrew. Amara was glowing, and she seemed genuinely elated by the news of their baby now.
“You’re happy.” Sonia observed, sitting down beside him on the couch. Ella was playing with Amara on the floor across the room; Max was putting on a show for her with puppets, Teddy and Victoire helping.
“It’s Christmas.”
“No-o, there’s something else.” Sonia pinched his arm and cuddled close. “Spit it out lover boy, what’s up?”
He smiled and glanced down at her, then back at Amara. She caught his eye and smiled, nodding. “Mara’s pregnant.” He whispered, and Sonia let out a gasp.
“No! Really?”
“Yes really.” He chuckled. “And I think it’s going to turn out okay.”
“’Course it is.” Sonia said, smiling as Max pressed a gentle kiss to Ella’s forehead. “Amara’s doing well, isn’t she?”
“She’s coping, mostly happy.” Andrew turned to his twin, leaning in. “Can I tell you a secret?”
“Didn’t you already?”
“Another.”
“Sure brother dear, go ahead.” Sonia leaned in a well, wiggling her eyebrows.
“I’m going to quit my job.”
Sonia gawked at him. “Seriously? You love your job!”
He shrugged. “Amara isn’t happy being a stay at home mother, she needs something to occupy her time. I’m not very social, and I can always go back once this next little one is at Hogwarts, even do some work from home. Everyone will be happier.”
“Kingsley will be so angry to lose you,” Sonia practically giggled. “Wish I could see his face when you tell him you’re quitting to change nappies and play peek-a-boo all day.”
“That’s the life.” Andrew said and let out a happy gasp as Ella toddled over.
“Papa UP.”
Andrew put Ella on his lap and kissed her cheek. “Did Max give you a show?”
“Ya!”
“Was it funny sweetheart?” asked Sonia, smoothing out the little girls red velvet dress.
“Max show me dwagon.” Ella told her auntie. “Wed dwagon, bwu dwagon –”
The twins laughed, and Andrew knew that everything would be okay. His daughter was a smart, beautiful and healthy toddler, Sonia was happy – and Amara was smiling.
A/N: Another Bowen baby! And poor Amara, and how lovely of Andrew!
Question: Thoughts on what conspired here? Andrew quitting his job, yay or nay?
Rose<3