I decided since it had been so long since my last update to give you another short chapter! REview and I will update!
I assumed that Vinny's first birthday was going to be a quiet affair with my father traveling for work, my cousins in Italy again for the holidays, and my grandparents looking around for signs of war. ...My grandfather feels guilty for not participating in the early stages of the last war, and has decided to do as much prevention as he can.. no one knows I know, but I heard my grandfather flooing Dumbledore shortly before they left on 'vacation.'
Little did I know, that Ella's whole family was coming to England for the party, along with Sophie, and Kevin's team. The night before, as I helped Ella decorate the entire house and bake a cake, I realized what tomorrow was going to bring.
"Jeez El, do we really need this much cake for just us?" I asked as I continued to mix the batter. She was attempting to find the puppy cake pan she bought last week.
"Well, my family all loves cake, and goodness knows how much dessert those boys can eat after a practice." Ella sounds frustrated. Sometimes she thinks she's organized, when it's really just chaos in her cabinets.
I pause as I see her nervous glance my way, "Wait, what?"
"You didn't expect my son's first birthday to be just like any other day, did you?" She asks in mock horror.
"I guess I should have realized." I trail off as Ella begins to outline the fact that her mum, dad, aunt, and 3 brothers will arrive tomorrow afternoon and will be staying until Christmas. I know it's only 5 days, but this would have been nice to know before... Not that I mind. Ella's family is great!
The more concerning part of this revelation is that the qudditich team was all invited to the party. This means Oliver could be here, and I haven't seen him since... last New Year's. I decide I can't think about this anymore, and realize this is probably why Ella avoided telling me. She knew I would get stressed out over it.
We finish baking the cake, and decorate it to look like the puppy Kevin bought for Vinny. It super cute, and we are proud of our hard work when we head up to bed exhausted.
..
The next day begins like every other day. Vin is a bundle of energy. He is in love with his puppy after Kevin and Ella give it in the morning. Right now the puppy "Cooper" is small, but since he's a bernese mountain dog, he will be growing into a big dog.
I know I'm biased, but my nephew is the cutest little guy. He has very light brown hair and green eyes. He's walking quite well for his age, and seems to understand things going on around him. He is a momma's boy when he doesn't feel good, but always wants to play with Kevin when he's home. I will say he really loves me as well. It's quite an honor considering his 6 words are mama, dada, baal, no, bye, and Kay. The third one is supposed to be ball, and the last one meaning me.
Throughout the day we were busy getting ready and playing with the puppy. When Ella put Vin down for his nap, I got nervous. Ella acted like she wasn't sure if Oliver would come, but we both knew he would. He's a close family friend, and on the qudditich team.. plus Timmy will be here.
It was a welcome distraction when Ella's mother, father, and aunt Clara arrived while Kevin was at practice. Shortly after her three brothers arrived. Adrien, Charles, and Louis all looked like Ella, but in a more masculine, handsome way. We had met briefly at the wedding, but hadn't gotten a chance to get to know each other. They all seemed like nice guys, and I was excited they would be staying with us for the holidays. Adrien is a year older than me, Charles a year younger, and Louis is three years younger than Charles. Ella is the oldest by 3 years.
They were all catching up when the birthday boy woke up. I smiled at Ella reassuringly. "I'll go get him up and dressed."
Ella looked conflicted, "Are you sure?"
"No problem," I wave her off as I head up the stairs.
As I reach the top of the steps, I hear Kevin arrive home. Good timing. I open Vinny's door, and he immediately stops crying. "KAY"
I smile at him, and begin to talk to him as I take him out of his crib, change his diaper, and dress him in a green onsie and black pants. "Your grand-mere, and grand-pere, and uncles are all here to see you. Even though today is all about you, you need to behave and be your normal cute self, young man. You have no excuses today, since you had a long nap today." I pick him up and kiss his cheek. He starts to laugh when the door opens.
Louis walks in and looks around nervously. I smile at him and he walks over to see Vin. "Oh wow he's so big!"
I laugh, "Babies grow really fast in the first year. Do you want to hold him?"
He looks very nervous now, "Oh no, not yet." He then lowers his voice, "I just came up here because Ella wanted me to tell you that the baby monitor is on so we can hear you. Not that anyone is really listening, but she just wanted you to know because everyone has arrived."
I try not to get nervous, "Oh okay. Thanks Louis. Let's get the man of the hour down to his adoring public. But how's school?"
Louis is talking about all of his classes and friends, and I can't help but like him. I also notice the volume of voices from the kitchen and family rooms. Vinny notices as well, looks at me warily, and tightens his grip around my neck. I rub soothing circles on his back as we enter the kitchen. Ella, her mum, and aunt are all getting the food out as Timmy, her brothers, and the qudditich players grab food. Kevin is sitting at the table with Monsieur Fontaine, which is the direction I decide to head.
About half way there, Cal notices me and smirks. "If that isn't the most attractive thing I have ever seen, I don't know what is. Katie, have my babies."
I can't stop the blush, but I laugh off his comment as Timmy responds, "You wish Man. She's way out of your league."
Vinny is surveying the room, as I bring him to his dad. Kevin reaches for his son with a huge smile on his face, "Hey Big Guy! How was your nap?" Vinny reached out for his dad, but looked back at me as if waiting for something.
Ella from across the room started to laugh, "You know Katie, he only ever does that when you pass him off. It's a good thing I'm not a jealous person, or I'd think you were the most important woman in his life."
I smile self-consciously as I lean in and kiss my nephew's cheek. Then I turn to his mom, "You're the one he wants when he really needs something though. He knows you're the most important."
Suddenly Cal is walking over and looks as my expectantly, "Does it work for anyone with a y chromosomes?"
I hear Kevin make an annoyed noise, but I respond quicker than him, "Only the good looking ones. Sorry." I bend down to give Timmy a kiss on the cheek since he had just sat at the table with a mountain of food on his plate.
The room laughed as I maneuvered my way around him to get some food before it was all gone. Ella leaned over to whisper, "He hasn't taken his eyes off of you since you walked in the room. That's how Cal realized you came in. In case you were wondering."
I glare at her and whisper back, "You're just as bad as Alicia sometimes. He probably thinks I'm about to keel over. This is the first time he's seen me since the accident. I'm as pale as a ghost, and too skinny to have much muscle."
She shakes her head and walks away as I grab some food. Luckily there is a seat between Timmy and Adrien at the table. The conversation is pleasant and surprisingly appropriate for the time being. After everyone is done eating, the party moves into the family room for Vinny to open presents. Really, it's Ella holding Vinny while Kevin opens up the toys getting way too excited.
I decided to stand in the far doorway because the room and furniture were crowded. I was so busy watching Kevin react to the presents, that I didn't notice who came up behind me until it was too late.
"Hey Kates, it's good to see you." Oliver said quietly as he leaned on the opposite side of the door frame.
I glance over, but then look back at my brother, "It's good to see you too Oliver."
He smiled at me sadly, "I finally grew out of Ollie? How did I manage that?"
I smile trying to act natural, "Well you are a big, strong, professional qudditich player now. It doesn't seem to fit anymore."
He searches my expression as I look at him, "I don't know. Maybe it still does. But only for you."
I shrug, "I wouldn't know.. I haven't seen you in a long time. How have you been?"
He watches Kevin for a moment, "Busy. Work has taken over my life."
"That sounds perfect for you then. Qudditich was always your whole life."
He smiled, "There used to be time for other things and people."
"Actually that reminds me. I do need to thank you for coming to visit me. I know how busy your lifestyle is. I'm sure my Grandmum needed the company and loved having you stop by the hospital. I really appreciate it."
He frowns, "That's not the only reason I visited. I just- Well she- uh, how are you feeling? Kevin said you are getting your strength back slowly?"
I shake my head, "I would be if I was allowed to fly, but Healer Kevin has decided I am still too weak."
He looks shocked, "You haven't flown yet?"
I laugh, "No. It's probably the longest since I was a baby."
"I'm sure he can't keep you off your broomstick for much longer."
Suddenly Cal appears in front of me and slides his arm around my waist, "Come on a date with me babe, and I will take you on a ride on my broomstick as soon as you want."
Bryan the other beater on the team rolled his eyes, "Dude, you're asking for trouble."
Oliver stiffened, but I just laughed. "Well, I don't know.. You have a Firebolt, right?"
Then Kevin cut in from across the room, "Don't even think about it Kate. You aren't getting near a broom yet, but you would be more likely to fly then go on a date with Bonner. Now back off from my sister."
I look hopefully at my brother, "When then?!"
He looks sulky, "When it gets warmer."
I pout, "But we could go to the indoor Puddlemere practice gym! It's warm there!"
He narrows his eyes, "Don't push me."
Ella's voice comes from the kitchen, "IT'S CAKE TIME!"
The group all begins to move back into the kitchen, when Oliver gets my attention again. He grabs my elbow to have me hang back. I turn back in surprise. He smirks at me, "Now that I've put on weight from practice, I could take on Kevin if need be. Maybe Timmy and I could go flying with you sometime soon?"
I beam at him, "You wouldn't be too busy?"
He looks happy, "No, I will make time. I've missed you Kates."
I can tell Ella notices my blush as we enter the kitchen. Thank goodness she is distracted for the rest of the party serving cake and cleaning up Vinny after he destroyed his individual cake.
..
Everyone had either left or was in bed besides Ella and myself. That's one of the perks on being part of the clean-up crew. I looked over at Ella, and frowned. She looked exhausted. "El, you need to go to sleep. I can finish up on my own."
Ella sat down at the table and signed, "Do you think we could do this again?"
I laughed, "Of course, we will do this next year and every year after till he gets too old."
"No I mean another first birthday," she looks at me with a smile, but I frown in confusion. "I'm pregnant Katie. A little sooner than I had hoped, but I'm 2 and a half months."
"Really?!" I asked with a squeal. I hurry over and hug her.
"So you don't think it's too soon? Kevin is excited but I wasn't sure what your family will say," She asks nervously.
"No way. Grandmum has probably been lecturing Kevin about him being the only Bell heir. You know how she is with tradition and keeping wizarding names strong. She probably hopes you have 4 boys like my uncle." I reassure her as I send her up to bed.
I stay back to just finish the last bit of cleaning. It has to be cleaned tonight since we have guests here. Plus the events of today would keep me up if I tried to go to sleep anyways. My head is full of my conversation with Oliver. It was a totally normal conversation, but it made all the difference to me. If only I hadn't fallen in love with the boy from my childhood, then I could maybe get over the man who makes my heartbeat quicken with only a glance.
PLEASE REVIEW! Next chapter will be good. Promise. Will update next Sunday if I get reviews
~Grace
