Lasts night rain had brought in a blanket of cold snow for the morning; however, Alena couldn't be bothered to look out the window and adore the fluffy whiteness that covered the ground out back. Instead, her mind was preoccupied with the letters in her hand. After her confession last night she had decided to owl James right away that way he knew what was going on.
Just like she had suspected, he wasn't happy with her. Which of course led to another argument between them both. Nowadays, it seems that is all they did. Argue. The love that once held them together had slowly begun to dissipate and they were starting to tear apart.
"Ugh," Alena groaned in frustration as she rubbed her stomach thoughtfully and pondered how she could make a decent reply to James' rant about loyalty and sticking to their 'word'. It's not her fault he lived so bloody far away and that he really couldn't just pop in whenever he wanted to. Magic may make traveling more convenient and a hell of a lot quicker but that didn't solve all the problems in the world.
"Everything okay?" Sabrina asked as she stuck her head in Alena's doorway and eyed her sister carefully. She had heard her sister groaning and complaining while she was on her way downstairs to grab a snack before going back to sleep. Late night adventures with a few of the Muggle kids had kept her out till three in morning and Sabrina felt dead tired. But she wasn't going to share that with her sister. A lecture was not on her plan of events for today.
"Kinda, my boyfriend is just a twat," Alena grumbled as she crumpled up the note and tossed it on the ground. A solution she found, quite easy too; she just won't reply. "Where are you off to?" Alena asked curiously as she looked over at Sabrina and noticed her disheveled appearance, the pale skin, and large bags under her eyes. "You look like shit, did you just get in?"
Sabrina snorted, "I'm going to get a snack, and no I didn't. Thanks though, you really raise my self-esteem," she bit sarcastically as she turned around and headed down stairs.
"Hmmm, do I want a snack?" Alena thought before her stomach growled loudly in agreement. Alena chuckled before moving towards the door, "Okay baby, we'll get some food."
"Are you talking to your stomach?" Paul questioned as he watched Alena come downstairs. To be honest, Alena was surprised to hear him talking to her. She was sure that the boys would at least avoid her for a couple days. Perhaps their father had a bigger impact in their decisions than she thought.
"Actually yes I am. I read that it's good to talk to the baby in the womb. Helps form connections before they're born. You should try it," Alena suggested playfully as she patted her brother on the shoulder and followed Sabrina into the kitchen. Paul gave a small laugh before following the girls.
"Yeah okay, I'll keep that in mind," he said softly as he looked at Alena carefully. All night Paul had laid in bed, thinking about his sister and how scary it must be for her to have a child on the way. He knew that if he was her, he would be scared out of his mind. Except, Alena had always been the strongest out of the four siblings. Hardly anything scared her and Paul couldn't remember a time where his little sister actually needed him. It was always the other way around when they were growing up. Somehow, Alena had taken over the maternal role when their mother left and to be honest, he doesn't think she ever left it.
"You okay Paul? You seem to be zoning out," Sabrina grunted as she leaned against the counter and bit into a juicy red apple.
"Yeah just thinking. When is this Potter bloke coming over Alena so I can be here on time to meet him," Paul questioned as he stepped into the kitchen and leaned against the doorway. Alena shrugged as she continued to rummage through the pantries.
"Not sure, haven't told him yet. He'll probably come over around noon to bicker with me, and then be here for dinner. Just be home by five and you won't miss him," Alena called out as she pulled out a box of pancake mix and syrup. It was definitely a food craving as her mouth began to drool at the thought of eating fluffy pancakes.
"Ooo save me some," Sabrina said as she moved towards the doorway, pushing past Paul as she made her way upstairs and ignoring his protests.
"Where is she going?" Paul muttered as he took a seat at the bar and watched Alena pull milk out of the refrigerator and pour it into measuring cups.
"Probably back to sleep, she looks like shit. I think she got in late this morning," Alena commented as she measured carefully and began to add the mix.
Paul looked at Alena with surprise, "In the morning? Where the hell did she go that kept her out till dawn? I thought she went to bed after dinner!"
Alena chuckled as she rolled her eyes and pulled out a frying pan, "Don't be ridiculous. That girl did not go to bed at nine thirty last night. In fact, I would have to slap you across the head if you really thought that. Just look at her face, it was pale and she looks slightly hung-over."
"How do you know this?" Paul asked peculiarly as Alena began to pour some of the creamy mix into the pan until it formed a circle.
"Because I'm her big sister and I was once fifteen and stupid. So I know what she's doing with those Muggles," Alena said casually as she waited for the cake to bubble.
Paul snorted with amusement, "Yeah and now you're just seventeen and stupid."
Alena looked up at him with a frown, "Is that how you see me now?"
Sighing loudly, Paul ruffled his dark locks, "I don't know what to think Alena. I mean I love you and all but you're not ready for a baby. You haven't even graduated yet and here you are, three months pregnant!" Paul said boldly as he watched Alenas' frown deepen as she flipped the pancake. "I know you're capable of taking care of the baby, and no doubt you'll be a great mum. I mean you practically raised us. I just don't want you to get overwhelmed and feel trapped."
Prying the pancake off the pan, Alena placed it onto a silver plate and began to pour the next batch as Pauls' words sunk in. "I know Paul. But I won't be doing this alone, James will be there no matter how much of a pain in the ass he is now. He loves me and this baby so I'll have support. Besides, there's nothing I can do to change what happened," she said softly as she looked up at Paul with a sad expression.
Quickly, Paul stood up and went around the counters to wrap his arms around her and hug her warmly, "You have us too. I'll be a waaay better uncle than Michael," he said teasingly as he felt Alena laugh quietly.
"Oh I'm sure you'll both teach him or her wonderful things," Alena muttered as she patted Pauls' hands and shrugged him off of her. "Now let me finish making my food before I start to feel starved."
Laughing loudly, Paul stepped away and grinned at his sister before moving back to his original spot. "By the way, when do you find out if it's a boy or a girl?"
"Uh sometime next month I believe. I'll be going to Mungo's for the ultrasound."
"Excellent. Do owl me when you get the results so I know what to buy for," Paul said with excitement as he glanced at the clock and decided he should probably go to class before he's late.
"Of course. See you later," Alena said as Paul waved goodbye and strolled out the kitchen to the fireplace.
Alena began to hum to herself as she continued to make more pancakes, her mind settling on the food before her as she rubbed her stomach absentmindedly. Thoughts of the baby and what it will be like waking up and having to make food for not only herself but for her child filled her mind. Everything she will do once the baby is born will revolve around their life. No more social life. Alena is against having sitters or asking her family to watch the baby just because she wants to go out. No, she put herself in this position; therefore, it's her and James responsibility to take care of the child.
Thinking of James, Alena decided now would be a good time to tell him to come over so they can talk before he meets her father for dinner. Even though they were slightly fighting, Alena still wanted to see him. Love is a powerful thing and somehow it keeps Alena always wanting James; even if she's annoyed with him.
"Come by noon, we need to sit and talk. Tired of doing it over owl. My father has also requested you for dinner, we'll prepare for that as well," Alena muttered to herself as she scribbled it down on a piece of parchment and rushed to the window. With a low whistle, the family owl came swooping in and immediately stuck out his leg. Tying the note swiftly, Alena stroked the bird then pushed it towards the window.
"Take this to James Potter. Don't wait for a reply," she called out as the owl soared out the window and headed north. Rushing back to the stove, Alena flipped her pancake before finally taking it out of the pan and turning the stove off. Tired of cooking, Alena was ready to eat her meal and then get ready for the day.
Four pancakes were plopped onto her plate as she began to munch on them thoughtfully, syrup dripping from each bite. A glass of water sat next to her plate to wash down the stickiness in her mouth. As she ate, Alena remembered that she needed to take her vitamins before heading upstairs; otherwise she'll never take them and really be in trouble. Fifteen minutes later, Alena was heading upstairs to get ready for the day and wait for James to come. She could only hope that James would come over in a good mood; if not, then there is sure to be trouble.
Noon had struck and Alena found herself pacing in the living room as she waited for her doorbell to chime or even a knock. James had sent his reply earlier saying that he would be there, so Alena knew he would show. She just wished that he was punctual with time.
"Stop pacing, you're going to make yourself tired," Sabrina commented from her sprawled spot on the sofa as she flicked through channels on the television set that is both Muggle and Wizard.
"It's a habit, I have to do it," Alena snapped as she stopped moving and folded her arms over her chest. The navy blue skirt she wore swayed against her legs.
"Yes, I do believe it's a family trait. We all do it enough to prove my theory," Sabrina mumbled as she gagged at the sight of a disgusting bug eat another bug that popped up onto the screen. "Lord that's ghastly, who would watch that?"
"Some sick creep or also known as someone you'd date," said Alena as she smirked at her sister and then jumped when she heard the doorbell begin to chime. "He's here!" She exclaimed as the rushed to the door.
"Him or the Chinese food that I ordered last week," Sabrina called out jokingly as she snickered at her own joke and continued to flip through channels. Alena chuckled as she swung open the door to reveal James.
"Hey you," she said softly as James stepped in and gave her a quick peck before hugging her tightly. "Missed you," she mumbled into his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Is anyone here?" James asked as he pulled away and looked down at her. He had a lot to say and get off his chest, but he wanted to make sure that her brothers wouldn't walk into the room and start beating him to a pulp.
"Just Bri, but she's practically a zombie and won't disturb us. Come on, let's go upstairs," Alena said as she laced her hand with his and pulled him toward the staircase.
"She's not going to tell your brothers that I was in your room, will she?" James asked nervously as they passed the living room and watched Sabrina smirk at him and then wave.
Alena couldn't help but laugh, "Don't be ridiculous James. We're not thirteen. I'm allowed to have boys in my room; plus you're the father of my unborn child. I'm pretty sure we're in the clear."
James chuckled as well as he realized how ridiculous he must have sounded. It wasn't his fault though, talking to Fred earlier had freaked him out and made him nervous. Leave it to Fred to make him worried about properly meeting Alenas' family.
As they went upstairs, James took note of all the pictures that hung on the wall and how none of them had their mother in it. James wasn't even really sure what Alena's mother looked like, only that they had a similar resemblance. Soon enough, Alena was pulling him through her bedroom door and quickly shutting it behind her and locking it.
"Sabrina likes to snoop in places she doesn't belong," Alena answered as she saw James raise his brow in question.
"Ah yeah Al and Lily like to be the same way. They'll no doubt be nosey buggers when you come to my place," said James as he looked around the room and realized it described Alena perfectly. Pictures were scattered across the walls, papers crumbled and books knocked over on the floor. The bed was huge and covered in several blankets. Overall, the room was quite comfortable and he wouldn't mind sleeping here a few nights.
"Sooo where should we begin?" Alena asked quietly as she fidgeted with her hands and looked at James with anxious eyes.
James sighed loudly as he fell back onto the bed and spread out his arms, then he patted the spot next to him so that Alena got the hint to join him. At first when Alena had told him about what happened last night he was mad. Only because they had promised to do it together and then Alena went behind his back and did it without him. However, the more he thought about it the more he accepted what happened.
Alena took the hint and quickly laid herself next to James and laced her hand with his as silence took over the room. "Please talk to me James," Alena said tenderly as she stroked the top of his hand with her thumb.
"You really made me mad Lena," James replied quietly as he turned his head and looked at her directly. Sunlight poured through the open window, hitting Alena at the perfect angle and making her look heavenly. Merlin he loved a beautiful woman.
"I'm sorry James, it just happened. And I couldn't keep it from my father any longer! They knew something was up, just by their looks. It was a lot easier to just do it right there and then," Alena tried to reason as she squeezed his hand and turned her head so they were looking right at each other.
"I know, which is why I'm not angry anymore. I talked to Freddy and he managed to calm me down. Telling me that it was better that you did this one without me just because you know your family better than I do and to be honest, your father and brothers frighten me," James rambled as he turned on his side and began to stroke Alena's face with his other hand,
Alena sighed with relief, "Don't be scared of them James. I won't let them do anything to you. They know how much I love you and what you mean to me. Plus I would never speak to them again if they did ever hurt you."
"You would ignore your family for me?" James questioned as he looked at Alena in awe. He knew family meant more than the world to her and that there really was nothing she wouldn't do for them.
Moving to her side as well, Alena nodded as she leaned close, "You're my family too James. And though I love them, I might just love you more. Merlin that sounds terrible but it's true," she whispered gently as James began to smile at her.
"I know exactly what you mean," he said as he closed the gap between them with his mouth. Things began to heat up between them as Alena kissed him fiercely and pulled him closer and practically pulled James on top of her.
James began to kiss her jaw line as he traveled his mouth to her neck, "I love you so fucking much," he mumbled against her skin as his hands traveled up and down her body.
"I love you too," Alena moaned softly as she pulled James' mouth back towards her own and kissed him passionately. The electricity she felt when kissing James was like no other and she knew from the moment that they first kissed that he would be her one great love. The man she would always want to be with.
"I could kiss you forever," James said as he pulled away and rested his forehead onto of hers. His voice was deep and husky as Alena began to stroke his cheek softly. She could feel small stubble coming through.
"I wish you would," she whispered as she grabbed one of his hands and placed it onto her stomach. "We both wish you would."
James grinned widely at her before pulling his face away and scooting down the bed so he was eye level with her stomach. Slowly, James traced hearts onto her stomach and left small pecks in random places. Alena laughed lightly as she watched James play with her stomach.
"To be honest, I hope our baby comes out looking like you," James commented as he continued to rub her belly slowly.
"Oh? Why's that?" Alena questioned as she perched herself onto her elbows and looked at James curiously. If anything, she hoped they would look like James if it were boy.
"Because you're beautiful and our baby deserves nothing but the best," James replied as he kissed her stomach one last time before scooting back up so he was face to face with Alena again.
"I really don't deserve you James," said Alena as she snuggled her body close to James', whom wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Stop talking nonsense Lena," James grunted as he sighed one last time with contentment. If he could, he would lay in bed all day with Alena and never worry about the real world. Unfortunately, life wasn't that easy and he had a lot to worry about and though they didn't talk about what he first planned, he was still happy. After all, he had Alena by his side and that is really all he wanted.