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Well hey! I guess I will do another chapter! A Christmas chapter wouldn't be complete without Christmas morning, now would it?

I'm sorry this chapter took so long to put up. I worked at a day camp for a couple weeks, and with me being so tired and not having as much free time, I hadn't paid much attention to it.

Not only that, but I get to watch my kid brother for the rest of my summer (sarcastic yay)!

So I apologize for the wait (I know that doesn't mean much considering the numerous times you've heard it everywhere else, but please know that I never intended such a long delay).

I would like to address the frenzy of comments that ensued when I said I didn't want negative comments.

I meant don't totally beat it down. Constructive critisism is always welcome, just try not to be too negative.

So anyway, here's the Christmas morning chapter.

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Chapter Nine

Christmas Morning Brings Mixed Feelings

"Mum! Mum, wake up! Father Christmas came!"

Susan blinked drowsily. Caspian's arm was around her waist and her head was leaning against his neck. She felt Leo tugging at her arm.

"Caspian," she said. He stirred.

"What?"

"Your son is awake," said Susan, her eyes still closed.

"Mmmmmm..." Caspian went back to sleep.

"Why are you laying on Dad, Mum?" said Leo, his brown eyes staring innocently into his mother's pale blue ones.

Susan opened her eyes. The sky outside was rosy pink and the sun had not yet risen. Peter and Mirabelle lay on the floor, both sleeping. Lucy lay in her bed with Jack next to her. Julius was sleeping next to Lucy and Jack.

Edmund and Lyric were not present, so Susan assumed they were up.

Susan suddenly realized they were all in nightclothes and her hair had been taken down out of its bun. Then she remembered that they had all decided to sleep in the infirmary after Lucy had given birth because it had been such a perfect moment and they had wanted to preserve it.

"I guess it just happened that way, sweetie," said Susan, adjusting herself slightly and sighing.

"Dad!" said Leo. "Wake up!"

"Five more minutes," muttered Caspian.

"Not now dear," sighed Susan.

"Pleeeeease!" said Leo. "Father Christmas came and left presents!"

Both Susan and Caspian secretly knew that there was not going to be much more sleep for either of them. Leo would pester them until they gave in.

"I'm going to get up," said Susan to Caspian. "You can stay here."

"Mmmmm," was Caspian's reply.

Susan got up, took her son's hand, and padded softly out of the room, her nightgown floating gracefully above the floor. Lily was waiting outside the room.

"Mum," she said. Susan let go of Leo's hand and picked her daughter up.

"Come see!" said Leo, showing his mother to the lounge.

Susan gasped when she saw the magnificent sight in front of them.

Under the tree lay an enormous amount of presents, all wrapped in sparkling paper. The ribbons tying them were the finest silk.

"Oh my," said Susan.

"Can we open one?" said Leo.

"Yes Mum, can we?" said Lily.

"Wait for everyone to wake up," said Susan. "How about some breakfast?"

"Uncle Ed is making breakfast," said Leo.

"With Auntie Lyric," said Lily. "He told us to not wake you or Dad or Uncle Pete or Aunt Lu."

"Or Aunt Mirabelle or Uncle Julius," said Leo.

"Oh did he?" said Susan, smiling at her children. "Well, let's go see what they're making, shall we?"

They made their way to the kitchen, where the sounds of conversation and laughter could be heard. Susan opened the door to see Edmund at the stove and Lyric at the pantry, waiting for Edmund to tell her what he needed.

"Merry Christmas!" said Edmund, putting the spatula down. He gave Susan a kiss and picked up his niece and nephew.

"Who wants some pancakes?" said Lyric.

"Me! Me!" cried Lily and Leo, struggling for Edmund to let them down and crowding around her.

Susan smiled. "And how long have you two been up?"

"We rose with the sun," said Lyric, now smiling at the two energetic four-year-olds bouncing at her feet.

"Could you make them breakfast, Ed?" said Susan. "I have to go wake Caspian."

"Of course," said Edmund, who looked only too happy to do so.

"Thank you," said Susan. She watched Lily and Leo for a couple more seconds, then went quietly back into the infirmary.

"Caspian," she said, kneeling down and shaking her husband gently. "Caspian."

"Mmm, what?" he said.

"Get up dear," said Susan. "It's Christmas and your children will not let you sleep if you stay here."

Caspian got up and kissed Susan's cheek. "Merry Christmas."

"Now you get up," said Susan amusedly. "Peter! Mirabelle! Julius! Breakfast!"

Mirabelle and Julius awoke right away, but Peter awoke slowly, blinking his eyes.

"Ooh, breakfast!" said Mirabelle. "Come on, Peter!"

"Don't talk so loud," said Peter, wincing. His voice sounded sluggish and his eyes were glazed.

"It looks as if King Peter has a royal hangover," said Caspian, who looked extremely amused.

Mirabelle looked disapproving again and she dragged Peter out of the room.

"Come on Julius," said Susan, taking Caspian's hand and starting after Mirabelle.

But Julius was staring down at his sleeping wife and son.

"Look at them," he said, and Caspian and Susan turned around. "I just can't believe we have a son."

The words were sweet, but Susan thought she detected a little negativity in his voice.

"Your life will never be the same," said Caspian, leading Susan over to the bed.

"It feels phenomenal," said Susan. "Come on, we should let her sleep."

"I'm going to wait on breakfast," said Julius, sitting down.

"Of course," said Caspian. He put his arm around Susan's waist and they left.

On their way out, Caspian saw Susan's face.

"You're crying!" he said.

Susan smiled and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"I love babies," said Susan. "I know-and you know-how badly Lu wanted this."

Caspian hugged her tightly.

"Let's eat," he said. "Our own children are most likely waiting impatiently for us."

They went into the dining room to find everyone else sitting there. Edmund and Lyric were on their feet, serving the breakfast.

"It looks delicious," said Mirabelle, pinching Peter's arm. He gave a yelp and jerked his head out of his food.

"What's wrong with him?" said Edmund.

"He has a hangover from all of the wine," said Susan shortly, taking her seat.

"Well, we have pancakes and eggs for breakfast," said Lyric. "Everybody dig in!"

They all ate in sleepy silence, then Lily and Leo finished and left the table as soon as possible.

Peter, Mirabelle, Caspian and Susan followed.

"Can we open one now?" said Lily.
"All right," said Susan. "You can go first, sweetie."

Lily seized a present with her name on it and ripped the paper open.

"A bear!" she squealed, rolling over on the rug and hugging her new bear. It was a soft brown bear with a green and red bow around its neck.

"I got a bear, Mum and Dad!"

Lily leapt onto her dad, who said "Oof!"

"You can open one now Leo," said Susan. Leo gratefully obliged.

"YES!" he yelled, jumping up and surprising his mother and Lyric, who had just walked in with Edmund. "A sword and shield!"

He jumped on top of a chair and waved the thankfully plastic sword at their faces.

"Avast!" he said, standing on the chair only to fall off the other side. Susan instinctively ran to her son.

"Be careful!" said Susan, picking him up off the floor.

"I'm all right Mum," said Leo, who looked a little disoriented but otherwise fine.

"Hey," said Caspian. "Look who's up."

They all turned around to see Julius walking into the room, supporting a very tired Lucy, who was holding Jack.

"Lu!" said Edmund and Susan, going over to her. Peter stood and then sat down again, rubbing his head.

"Good morning," said Lucy faintly, smiling.

"Are you all right?" said Mirabelle.

"You don't have to get up," said Lyric.

"I want to spend time with my family," said Lucy. "It is Christmas."

So Lucy took a seat on the chair.

"Congratulations," said Caspian to Julius. Julius gave him a small, rather forced smile.

Lily and Leo went over to their Aunt Lu cautiously, staring down at Jack.

"He's cute," said Lily.

"Can we say hi?" said Leo.

Lucy nodded. "Of course."

"Hi," said Leo, looking down at his cousin.

"Hi!" chirped Lily. She looked at her aunt.

"When did he get here?"

"Last night," said Lucy. "He wanted to meet us."

Slowly but surely the pile of presents dwindled down to just a few. Susan got a new dress from her children and husband, Caspian recieved a new sword (a real one), Peter got a stronger set of armor, Edmund got a pair of pajamas, Lyric got some hair embellishments, Mirabelle got some gloves (for fancy occasions), and Julius got a new robe. Leo and Lily got everything they asked for, which included the pony that was waiting outside. They were told it was to be for both of them, but they didn't care. Lily was so ecstatic she ran in and out of the castle, squealing, with Leo laughing uproariously at her.

The horse was named Roan, and he was a fine little brown colt with a spot on his head.

Soon there were only two presents left under the tree, and Leo was making sure that none of them were for him.

"Mum?"

"Yes darling," said Susan, who was sitting next to Lucy and Jack (she had been admiring her nephew).

"I think Father Christmas got a present wrong," said Leo.

Susan frowned. "Why would you think that?"

"It says "Jack" on here, but we don't know anybody named Jack."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh! Father Christmas remembered Jack!"

"Didn't we tell you?" said Susan. "Jack is your cousin. He's right here."

"Open it up, Leo!" said Julius.

Leo did, and he showed them a blanket with a note attached.

"Bring it here!" said Lucy.

Then Lucy read the note:

Dear Jack,

I don't expect you to be old enough to read this, but I shall address you anyway. This blanket will keep you warm whenever you need it, wherever you are. To a fine prince it should be quite useful.

I must say, it really was a Christmas miracle that you arrived that soon, or I would have missed you!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Father Christmas

P.S. That other present is for you, too. If you don't mind me spoiling it for you, it's a small stuffed bear like your cousin has, only with a gold bow. See if Leo knows who you are this time.

Leo and Lily's eyes were wide.

"Wow!" said Leo. "Father Christmas knows who I am!"

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As the day went on, activity in the main room slowly ceased. Caspian took Leo and Lily outside with their new horse. Mirabelle took Peter to see her family. Lyric and Edmund went upstairs to do only heaven knew what. Julius joined Caspian outside to make sure that neither of the twins would become too reckless and hurt themselves. Lucy sat with Susan, watching Jack.

"He's perfect," said Lucy.

"I would have tried to describe what motherhood feels like just now," said Susan. "But you really can't describe it at all."

"Do you want to hold him?" said Lucy. "I'm going to get a drink."

"I thought you'd never ask," said Susan. Lucy placed Jack in Susan's arms and got up. After swaying slightly for a moment, she disappeared into the kitchen.

Susan looked down at her nephew. He had his mother's warm brown eyes and his father's wispy blond hair.

Maybe it had been what Susan called later "the feel of the moment", but seeing Jack awoke old feelings of love and the pure joy of being a mother.

It brought her back to the day Leo and Lily were born. She had felt different, of course (Leo and Lily being her children and not nieces and nephews), but it felt just as wonderfully fulfilling.

And just then, Susan came to her own realization. She wanted to become a mother again.

But should she? One could not be irrational and sudden with these things. And she would have to discuss it with Caspian.

What an idea!

Lucy came back in with a glass of water and saw Susan's expression.

"Did you have some sort of epiphany while I was gone?" she said. "Or did you always have that look?"

"No, no..." said Susan distractedly, giving Jack to Lucy and walking to the window.

Susan watched her husband and children play, now caught up in the idea that had popped into her head while she was holding Jack.

"Su," said Lucy. "What are you thinking about?"

"While I was holding Jack," said Susan slowly. "I got an idea...well, more of a possibility than anything..."

Lucy's expression changed; she knew exactly what Susan meant.

"Really? You'd do that again?"

"Of course," said Susan, looking at her sister. "Holding Jack made me feel like I wanted to. But I'm not sure if Caspian will like the idea. You know how he was the first time I told him about this happening."

"How could I forget? He wouldn't talk to you at first."

"I'm not yet, of course," said Susan. "But I want to be so badly."

"That's settled then," said Lucy. "You're his wife. If you want it bad enough, he'll let you."

"I'm nervous, Lu! What do you think he'll say? What if he doesn't want me to?"

"You're his wife," Lucy repeated. "That should be enough."

Both women were silent for a few minutes, then without warning, Lucy began to cry a little.

"What's wrong?" said Susan, coming over.

"I don't think Julius is happy with me," she said, wiping her eyes.

"Oh," said Susan bracingly. "Post-partum depression's already setting in. Not to worry, Lu, that'll pass."

"No," said Lucy. "I know what I'm talking about, Susan. He's...avoiding me. I can certainly tell."

"He's probably just-" Susan began, but Lucy waved her down.

"Don't make excuses. Julius doesn't even want to spend time with Jack. Whenever I ask if he wants to hold him, he just kind of waves me off and leaves."

Lucy sighed and went on.

"He's been acting this way ever since I told him I was pregnant. He's been drifting away from me. He acts nice because he doesn't want to lose me.

Julius seemed happy at first, but now...I don't know."

Lucy looked down at Jack.

"What if he acts this way around Jack?"

"You need to talk to him," said Susan. Then Caspian came in.

"And I need to talk to you," said Susan, meeting her husband. Caspian looked a little confused but followed her upstairs.

Edmund came in the room with Lyric.

"Hey Lu," said Edmund, sitting down next to her, Lyric joining him.

They were looking at Lucy in a way that told her they had heard everything.

"You heard," said Lucy, keeping her eyes and trying to fight her tears.

"We're sorry," said Lyric.

Lucy wiped her eyes. "It's all right. I have to talk to him anyway."

Lucy turned her large brown eyes to her brother.

"Will you send him in? I have to settle this once and for all."

Edmund nodded. "Sure."

Then he got up and went outside. Lyric put her arm around Lucy.

"Lyric," said Lucy. "Will you take Jack upstairs to the playroom?"

"Of course," said Lyric, taking Jack from Lucy.

"Thank you," said Lucy.

"It's what family does," said Lyric, heading upstairs.

Edmund came back in with Julius, Lily, and Leo following him. Lucy stood up and beckoned for Julius to follow her to their room. He followed wordlessly.

Leo and Lily cast curious eyes up at their uncle.

"What's going on, Uncle Ed?" said Lily.

Edmund knelt down and faced them. "I don't know, but how about we go upstairs to the playroom and we can play with your new toys?"

"Okay!" they said. They started racing up the stairs, their shouts of "I'm going to get there first!" and "Maybe Lilygloves is up there!" echoing down the stairway.

Edmund sighed. As he was looking around at the rooms his sisters had entered, he had a feeling that this was going to be a long night.

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Whew! Long chapter! I hope your eyes didn't get tired.

Stay tuned! There will be more!

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