Hi guys! So i've, as usual, been super busy. i've had my tech and art deadlines and I've had physics mocks and lessons testing whether twitter is appropriate for the classroom and that's only some of it! So i hope this is an alright chapter...
I woke up to a warm feeling surrounding me and I snuggled back into my warm and moving pillow, unwilling to wake up just yet. This drew a chuckle from my pillow as it shifted and pulled out from underneath me. I whined in protest and grabbed onto his arm, stopping him from leaving the bed.
"Don't go..." I pleaded in a sleepy voice. He chuckled again and I shivered as he pulled the sheets back and let the cold in.
"I need the toilet. I'll be back in a minute." His voice trailed behind him as he wandered into the en suite. I pulled the sheets back up and curled up in a ball, trying to regain the warm that the sheets had previously held. It was only when Tom came and climbed back into the bed that I did warm up. He curled around me and burried his nose in my hair. Just as we were settling again the bell rang, alerting us to the fact that breakfast would be served in half an hours time.
Yet again, Tom climbed out from the sheets. In response to the grumble this drew from me he shrugged and simply said, "I'm hungry."
Still grumbling, I followed him over to the dresser where I chose an outfit and changed into it. When I was finally done, I found myself being pulled to the dining room and we stepped through the door just as the bell rang again, announcing the start of breakfast. It was only when a gift was placed in front of me that I realised - It was my birthday, 31st July. I was officially an adult. I could leave, if I wanted to. Not that I did, I was happy here with Tom. I had almost completely forgotten. I had been so busy, what with all the drama, I had completely forgotten the date!
I looked up to see who had given the gift to see a smiling Sophie. When the other occupants of the table noticed that the gift-giving was now and not at dinner, they all pulled out gifts of their own and passed them down to me. I opened the one at the top of the pile which was wrapped in fancy ribbons and paper. This was obviously from Jessamine, which suprised me. I didn't expect a gift from her. I hadn't even told her it was my birthday. The only people who knew where Tom and Sophie, who I had told and Will who was my brother, so naturally, he would know. Tom and Sophie probably told. Wouldn't be that unusual.
I turned back to the box, which was small and pulled off the paper to reveal a small box. When I opened the box the gift inside was concelaed by tissue paper and I hastily pulled it aside to see an elegant and obviously expensive pocket watch. I picked it up and admired the cool shiny, silver metal case. The face was decorated with roman numerals and normal numbers and the hands ticked away, the time correct. I smiled up at her and thanked her as I slipped it into my pocket, ready for use.
Next on the pile was a long, thin package wrapped in a dark blue paper. I looked up to see Henry intently watching my face for a reaction and guessed this was from him and Charloote. That meant it was probably expensive. And I was right. I slipped the box out of the paper and opened it to reveal a fountain pen. It was a pale gold colour with vines twisting around the top and the bottom of the lid and the pen itself. In the middle of the pen was a flower carved into the metal. My mouth was open in shock. They spent so much just on a gift for me!
Tom chuckled at my reaction as I thanked them profusely before turning back to the last present. This present had a tag tied to a bow on the side that said,
Happy Birthday,
From Sophie xx
I eagerly tore off the paper, wanting to see what would come next after the last two gifts. I wasn't disappointed when I saw a leather journal with indian patterns that were all the rage now that India were part of the empire. I opened it up and ran my hands down the paper, inhaling the new-book smell. I reminded myself that I needed to go to the kitcheens and give Sophie a big hug. After we all had breakfast I stood up and pulled Tom out of the dining room and to my bedroom so we could sort out my gifts. We didn't get too far before and arm flew out and stopped me. I slammed into it and stepped back, rubbing my chest. I saw who had stopped me and asked icily, "Yes?"
Will hesitated before shoving something into my hand and walking off at a fast pase. I glanced at my hand to see an envelope. Opening it revealed a card that said 'Happy Birthday' on the front. The inside was signed and had one other, short message after,
I'm sorry
So, I had to end it there because well, major plot alteration. So, next chapter, Tom gives Harry his gift...
