Graduation Day

- May 4699, Cardiff

Holly ran through the new apartment, clattering along and peering into the still empty rooms at this end of the corridor. The family had moved in the week before but were in rooms at the other end of the huge place; down here the rooms had not yet been furnished and noise echoed delightfully. Holly wondered why they needed so many rooms. She had her own room and Owain, her little brother, had one too. Tad and Dad had another and yet there were still these empty rooms. She stopped in the largest of them and span around making herself giddy before falling to the floor.

Owain had been toddling behind her, at fourteen months old he was only just able to keep his balance and could never keep up with her. When he found her laid on the floor, he immediately threw himself down across her middle, laughing.

"Owain!" she wailed. The boy may be small but he was solid and heavy. "Get off!" She pushed him and rolled him off her, sitting up.

The boy sat up beside her, grinning. "Lolly," he gurgled, unable to say her name properly.

"Holly," she said, stressing the first syllable. It drove her mad when he wouldn't say it right. "Holly," she repeated.

"Lolly." The boy thought it was a great game to follow his sister around and call her name. He didn't talk much but he knew some words and used these repeatedly. He stood up and waddled off around the room, exploring the large, empty space.

Both children adored their new home. There was room to run around, to play and even to get lost if they wanted. So much better than the suite in the Castle. Toys were now in a special room reserved for them and in there they could make as much mess as they liked, within reason. Holly also liked having her own room, especially as she had been allowed to decorate it her way; pink was her favourite colour and the room was the pinkest she had ever seen. It was so bright her dad had put on sunglasses when he'd first seen it!

The door to the room they were in swished open and Jack appeared. "There you are," he said, "I've been looking for you two." Owain toddled over to his side and grabbed one of his dad's legs in an firm grip. "Hey, tiger," said Jack, bending down to ruffle his hair.

"Tigah!" cried the boy, knowing his dad's pet name for him. He sat down with a bump when his legs gave way and crawled towards the door.

"Up you get, gorgeous, time to get ready for Konni's graduation." Jack held out his hands to Holly. "You've got that pretty dress to wear."

"I love my dress," she enthused, rising gracefully to her feet and slotting neatly under her dad's arm. The dress was, of course, pink, with white ribbons and a scattering of daisies embroidered on it.

"You're going look so pretty, everyone will think you're a princess," said Jack, walking to the door. "Come on, Owain," he said as he stooped and picked him up, resting him on his hip.

"Like in the story books?" pressed Holly. "Like Aurora?"

"Yes, like Princess Aurora." Jack couldn't remember which story the character was in, they merged together in his mind from constantly reading them, but recognised the name. They walked out into the corridor.

-ooOoo-

"Please hold still," said Jack for the tenth time, "these buttons are really fiddly."

"Hurry up, Dad, I want to see." Holly was in a state of nervous excitement, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

"Hang on, this is the last one. There, done." He leant back and Holly ran to the full length mirror to admire herself.

The reflection showed a healthy, five year old girl with black curls framing a small face that was open and trusting, having had no reason in her life not to be, and at this moment split by the biggest grin she could manage. She twirled to see the effect of the full skirt of her pink dress as it billowed around her. "Ohhh," she sighed as it made a crinkling noise from all the petticoats.

"You look beautiful," said Jack from his seat on the bed. Normally, Ianto would have insisted on practical clothes but even he had had to admit that every little girl should have at least one extravagant party dress. And this one was certainly that.

Impulsively, Holly ran over to Jack and hugged him. "I love you, Dad."

"Not as much as I love you, gorgeous," he replied in their time honoured ritual. "Now, stand up, don't want to crush all your finery." He stood up and shoved the clothes she had just taken off into a drawer while she admired herself once more. "Time to do your hair," he said, coming up behind her.

She turned round and he gently started brushing her hair, thinking of the other times he had done this for her. Her hair was as soft as it had been as a baby and it sprang back into its curls after each stroke of the brush, so like her tad's. When it was more or less how he wanted it, he fastened the white hair band in place and turned her back to look in the mirror. She smiled again and met his eyes in their reflection. Despite their different colouring, it was easy to see that these two were father and daughter.

"Time to go and find Tad and Owain," said Jack finally. "Don't forget your jacket." He waited as she picked up the soft, long haired, woollen bolero-type jacket and then ushered her from the room.

-ooOoo-

Owain was a fidget; some gene must have gone wrong in him, Ianto thought. He was getting more and more exasperated as the boy refused to sit or lie still so he could be changed into his new clothes. At this moment, Owain was in just his nappy, standing on the bed and reaching for a toy that was just out of reach. Ianto closed his eyes and counted to ten, then fifteen. When he opened them again, the boy was at the edge of the bed just about the step off. Ianto leant forward and grabbed him just as he started to fall. The boy laughed and held out the toy, oblivious to his near accident. He held out the toy to be admired.

"Very nice, I'm sure, but I've got to get you dressed," he complained. He lay the boy back on the bed but the moment his grip lessened, Owain was wriggling onto his front and was off. "Owain, stay still!" shouted Ianto, at the end of his patience. He had no idea how Konni, their nanny for the past five years, managed this every day. Owain looked over his shoulder at his tad, wide-eyed but unrepentant. "Come here," said Ianto, reaching for him once more. Then he had a burst of inspiration and started to croon a lullaby.

This did the trick and the boy lay and listened as Ianto got him into the all in one suit. He then fitted the boy's feet into the tiny shoes and lifted him onto his knee to brush his hair, which was just the same colour as Jack's. By then the boy was fidgeting again, having stayed still longer than he ever had before while conscious.

"Let me look at you," Ianto said, standing him up on his lap. "What a handsome boy." The boy gurgled, somehow knowing he was being complimented. "Off we go then." Ianto rose, Owain in his arms and, with the boy's outer jacket in his other hand, he walked out of the room.

-ooOoo-

The hall was large and full of people when Jack, Ianto and the children arrived. The annual graduation ceremony for those who had successfully completed the academic and practical training to become registered child carers attracted relatives of the graduates as well as the families with whom they had worked. Jack was carrying Owain and Ianto was holding Holly's hand, not wanting to lose her in the crush. The usher took the invitation Jack proffered and came to attention; this was a VIP. He immediately led them to a group of important looking people, introducing Jack to the Principal of the College.

"Director Harkness, I'm Principal Gerson. How good of you to come to our ceremony." The woman did not actually gush but she was close to it. Ianto, looking on, thought she still might curtsey.

"Pleased to meet you," said Jack, used to this reaction. "This is my partner, Ianto Jones, and our children, Holly and Owain." The woman shook Ianto's hand and smiled at the children.

"We're here for Konni," said Holly, never shy at coming forward. "She's our nanny." The girl was grinning and looked so proud.

"Yes, I know. And she's obviously done a wonderful job raising such a delightful child." The woman was gushing now and Jack met Ianto's eyes, stifling a chuckle. "Let me show you to your seats." She led the way to the front of the rows of chairs and indicated the four seats with reserved notices on them. "You'll have an excellent view from here."

"Thank you," said Ianto, helping Holly to sit in one of the middle seats. "We certainly will."

"And I hope that you all will join me in a small gathering after the ceremony. Just for selected guests, of course." Principal Gerson was simpering now. It would be a feather in her cap if she could introduce the Director of Torchwood to her College Governors.

"We're taking Konni and her parents out after the ceremony," said Jack smoothly, "so I'm afraid we'll have to decline."

"Oh but they're invited as well, of course." They hadn't been but Principal Gerson would make room for three more without any problem if it meant she could get Director Harkness to attend. "I'll be inviting them personally."

"Then we'd be pleased to come," said Ianto courteously. He had seen Jack was about to make another excuse and didn't think it was wise; a few minutes at this reception would not cost them anything. He could feel Jack's eyes boring into the side of his head but he refused to look at him.

"I'm so glad." The woman clapped her hands together, actually bouncing on the balls of her feet. She graciously bowed her head as she walked off, backwards.

"Ianto!" hissed Jack, sitting down with Owain on his knee.

"We don't need to stay long," replied Ianto quietly. "And we don't want to upset the woman, that won't help Konni." Although Konni had completed her training, placements were often made on the College's recommendation.

"Ten minutes," said Jack, removing Owain's jacket as he didn't need it in the warm room. He then put him on the seat next to him. "What's the matter with you?" he asked Holly; the girl was fidgeting. "Ants in your pants?" Owain gurgled with laughter; he did this whenever someone mentioned 'pants'.

"My petticoats are creased," said Holly, squirming a bit more.

"Here, stand up a minute," said Ianto. "Now, I'll pull them down straight and you sit down. There, no creases." He smiled down at the girl as she settled back in the seat.

The family sat watching as the rest of the guests filed in and took their seats. Konni's parents were seated beside Ianto, only given such a place of honour because of Jack's position. They had met on a few occasions over the years and now chatted happily. Benj and Marca Tulke were excited about seeing their daughter graduate and flattered at being asked to the reception, though relieved when they heard Jack and Ianto would also be there. Owain got a bit restless and Jack let him totter around in the space between the seats and the raised stage, burning off a bit of his seemingly limitless energy. When the College officials started taking their places on the stage, Jack gathered him up and sat him down with a fruit stick to suck hoping it would keep him quiet for a bit.

Holly watched and listened intently as introductions were made and Principal Gerson made a short speech. With children in the audience, the College had learnt to keep these ceremonies short and simple. Then the first of the graduates started filing onto and across the stage to collect certificates and badges; Holly was most impressed but anxious because she could see Konni.

"Where's Konni?" she asked her tad, whispering loudly.

"She'll be coming in a little bit," he explained as quietly as he could. "They're being awarded alphabetically and Konni will come towards the end."

Holly frowned at this. It didn't seem fair that Konni, who was the best nanny ever, should have to wait. Finally, after lots and lots of graduates had got their certificates, Holly saw Konni appear at the edge of the stage and grinned and clapped her hands in delight.

Owain took the fruit stick from his mouth – it had worked a treat – and called loudly, "Kon!" He clambered round to his feet on the chair. Jack took him on his knee to quieten him, flashing a grin at Konni as she waited to go forward.

Finally it was Konni's turn and she nervously walked up to Principal Gerson, shook her hand and accepted the certificate and badge. They waited a moment while a photograph was taken then Konni walked off the stage.

"Where's she going?" wailed Holly. She had expected Konni to join them.

"Shhh, sweetheart. We'll see her again when everyone else has got their certificates." Ianto shared a smile with Benj and Marca, they looked so proud of their daughter.

Luckily there were not too many more graduates after Konni and the Principal was soon rounding off the ceremony with a few words. Then all the graduates trooped back onto the stage and the audience clapped for them all as a rousing tune was played. Owain got rather excited at this point, he'd finished the fruit stick, and so Jack let him stand on the floor but kept a hand on his suit so he couldn't shoot off. The music ended and the graduates filed down the steps into the main body of the hall and joined their guests who were now standing and moving to greet them.

"Konni, Konni, over here!" shouted Holly, also on her feet and waving wildly.

"She's on her way, give her a chance," protested Jack. He was fighting to pick up Owain who wanted to be on his feet but the confusion of people made this impractical. Instead, Jack let him stand on the seat with a firm hand on him so he couldn't fall.

"Hello, hello," said Konni, coming up to join them all. She hugged her parents and then Holly and finally Owain. "I'm so glad you're all here." She was beaming at them all and Ianto realised suddenly what an attractive girl she could be when animated and in her best clothes. Normally she was in practical tunics and trousers with her hair scraped back but today she was in a close fitting dress with her hair loose and flowing down to her shoulders.

"We are so proud of you," said Marca Tulke, standing back to look at her daughter properly. "You'll be able to get any job you want now you're qualified."

"I hope she's not thinking of leaving us," said Jack, with a smile. "We couldn't manage without her." He moved closer. "Come here. Congratulations," he said as he hugged and kissed her.

"Well done, Konni," said Ianto coming forward to hug her once Jack had released her. "And I do hope you are going to stay with us."

"Of course I am!" she laughed. "I couldn't leave these two."

"We've been invited to the Principal's reception, dear," said Benj Tulke. "Do you know where we've got to go?" He was rather nervous of this honour. The Tulkes were ordinary, hard working people who rarely attended formal events. The man was tugging at his tunic, hoping it looked smart enough.

"We have!?" Konni was astounded, knowing the Principal well.

"My fault, I think," said Jack, pulling a face at her. "We're going too, thanks to Ianto here."

"We won't stay long. Just have a drink then it's off to the restaurant for lunch." Ianto smiled at the Tulkes, reassuring them. "You're still okay to join us?"

"Oh yes, we're looking forward to it." Marca Tulke beamed. She liked Ianto very much, having always found him to be courteous, thoughtful and polite. She didn't know Jack as well and was still a little reserved with him but today he was being charming.

A young man appeared at Jack's side. "Director? Principal Gerson asked me to escort you to the reception."

He stepped back politely and waited as the party gathered up their possessions. Ianto carried Owain while Holly walked between Konni and her mother. Jack and Benj led the way, Jack putting the man at his ease as much as possible. They arrived at the College common room and Jack was immediately pounced upon and borne away to meet the Governors.

Ianto and the others were left in the care of the Assistant Principal, a sweet woman, who made the Tulkes feel at ease immediately. They ended up towards the back of the room at the end of a table containing drinks and nibbles. Ianto sat Owain on the table and gave him a drink while Holly looked around at all the people and made forays up the table for things to eat. Other guests came by and exchanged a word or two and the little group were enjoying themselves very much.

At the other side of the room Jack was besieged by College officials and other notables; he was managing to be polite but the fawning attention was getting on his nerves. He met tutors and Governors but their names didn't register until he came face to face with Councillor Equass, one of those who had helped fashion a trade agreement with the Irridoo. Jack chatted to him willingly. Their discussion was monitored by Principal Gerson who wanted to ingratiate herself with them both if she could. She finally saw her chance and seized it.

"Councillor, I haven't told you of a wonderful new facility we've just established here at the College. I'm sure you'd be interested in this too, Director Harkness." The two men listened politely, hiding their annoyance at being interrupted. "We've added a coffee booth to the range of comestibles and beverages offered. It is really delicious, quite an extraordinary flavour. It's called Jones the Coffee, a strange name, but I believe a successful operation. It's talked about in all the best circles."

"Heard of it, my dear lady," said the Councillor in his bluff way. "We've had it in all Alliance buildings for some years now. Started at Torchwood, didn't it?" he asked Jack.

"Indeed it did." He turned to Principal Gerson. "My partner over there," he nodded to Ianto, "he owns the company." Jack could not resist a smirk when the woman's face fell as she stared at Ianto; she had misread the situation utterly and left a potential supporter to her deputy! "And if you'll excuse me, Principal, Councillor, I need to get back to him. Thanks for the drinks and the conversation." He nodded at both and wove through the crowd to Ianto's side. "Time we got out of here," he said, arm round Holly as she bounded across to him.

"What have you done?" asked Ianto, picking up Owain. He was ready to leave just wondered why Jack was in such a hurry.

"Nothing much. Just told the Principal that you own Jones the Coffee, which she was praising to the heavens."

Ianto looked across and saw Principal Gerson heading in his direction. "Let's go," he agreed quickly.

With a few goodbyes to those around them, especially the Assistant Principal, the group made their way through the people to the door and out into the empty corridor. The Principal had tried to reach them but had been detained by her other guests. Thankful at having escaped, the five adults and two children walked out of the College into the bright, blustery day. At the teleport station, they made the jump to the restaurant sector of the city arriving at their destination about ten minutes later where Glonnix, who had been unable to attend the ceremony, was waiting for them.

Ianto had booked a private room and they were soon settled enjoying an excellent meal. Conversation flowed freely and Konni laughed as Jack told outrageous stories of her time with them. It had been a wonderful five years and the girl appreciated how they made her feel part of their family; it hadn't happened with some of her fellow graduates. A lot of her contemporaries, once fully qualified, immediately moved on to another post at a higher salary but she didn't want that. She wanted to see Holly and Owain grow up and maybe there would be more children in due course; she knew Ianto wanted them and what he wanted Jack usually gave him. It would suit her to stay where she was for a while yet.

"I think a toast is in order," said Ianto. "To Konni who has been an invaluable addition to our family. Konni!" They drank the toast and Konni blushed.

Eventually, the food had been eaten and the group started to break up. Konni was returning home with her parents to complete her day off and the rest were going back to the apartment. Jack was talking to Benj and Marca while Glonnix chatted with Holly - Owain was asleep on the floor – when Ianto took Konni to one side.

"Konni, I wanted to say that we really hope you will stay with us a bit longer. The children love you and we'd all miss you so much. It's only right, though, that we recognise that you are now fully qualified and we will, of course, be increasing your salary." He looked at her seriously, "We can talk about exactly how much tomorrow."

"Please, you don't need to do that. I want to stay with you all, really I do. You've already been so generous, giving me my own suite of rooms." She drew in breath to steady herself. "I'm staying as long as you want me."

Impulsively, Ianto hugged her tight. "I so wanted you to say that and I am so pleased." He released her. "But you're getting the raise all the same and if you ever do get a better offer, we won't stand in your way if it what's you really want."

"Thank you." She blinked back tears, moved by such confidence in her. They hugged again.

Konni stayed with the family for another five years and two children.

I felt it was about time I explained more about how Konni fitted into the family unit. Hope you liked it.