Ayla slept late the next day. She was well over half way through her pregnancy and was utterly exhausted. The constant worry of what people were thinking about her and the startlingly in depth talk with Kristina the night before has wiped her out. She had her first full nights sleep in what seemed like years.
She spent the day relaxing, she doubted she was capable of anything else, having been on edge for so long. She and Kris talked well into the afternoon. Kristina was desperate to fill Ayla in on al the news she had missed hidden away at Flint's.
"The girl's were surprised at first. I mean we'd kept it quiet so long, who the dad was. Of course they all think it's Flint now. And Sarah and me didn't know what to do for the best. And Flint said you weren't coming out of your room. So we just didn't say anything. It wasn't really for us to confirm or deny anything you know."
"I know, I'm sorry."
"Ah don't be sorry. It got fun, in the end, thinking of ways to change the subject."
"Well I'm glad you've been enjoying yourself."
"The twins haven't had any luck yet. Kate won't leave Wood alone with either of them for more than three seconds. But they're determined. She's gonna crack soon, she has to. I mean you would if you were constantly being followed by those two. Fred says she and Oliver are like twins joined at the hip and that he and George are their shadows."
"They're being careful though. I mean they know what she's capable of?"
"Oh yeah. But it's Fred and George. They're bound to have a few tricks up their sleeves, ready for her."
"Yeah, I guess."
"And Bubba's back to full health."
"Thank Merlin."
"Yeah Sarah was having kittens I swear. No one thought about poor old me, stuck here all on my own."
"Aw hon', I did think of you."
"Yeah I'll bet. Shutting yourself up like that I doubt you had nothing to do but think."
"I know it was stupid. But it felt like it was the only way I could take control of things."
"Well I'm glad you're out now."
"Me too."
"I'll bet Flint will be happy too. He was dead worried about you."
"Probably thought I'd gone mad and shredded all his clothes."
"I think he was more worried about you than his clothes."
Someone knocked at the door and Kris got up to answer it. Ayla was under strict instructions to put her feet up and relax. No more stress was what she and the baby needed most.
"Speak of the devil or what? You've got a visitor."
"Hey, you're downstairs! That's great." Marcus said walking into the living room, a huge grin graced his dark features.
"Yeah living in one room for the rest of my life wasn't all that appealing in the end."
"It doesn't surprise me. I think I'd probably go nuts."
"I'll leave you two to chat. I've gotta go back to work today. Even though I really don't want to."
"Ok bye Kris."
"Yeah bye guys."
"So how's everyone you know, taking this whole thing? I mean you apparently being an expectant father?"
"Don't know, don't care. My mum's probably pleased as pumpkin punch. But I haven't heard from anyone."
"Really?"
"Yup. How about you?"
"Well I still haven't seen my family. I just can't face them after all that stuff was printed about them."
"Yeah that Skeeter woman is a right bitch. I think the only reason she didn't write about me 'cause she's scared of my mum."
"Really, why?"
"Oh she thinks my mum will curse her. You know, wife of a death eater and all. Plus my mum said as much in a letter to the Prophet."
"Oh right." Ayla said laughing.
"Listen I've been thinking. Maybe we should play up to the whole thing?"
"What do you mean?" Ayla said slowly not quite taking in what Marcus had said.
"Well I was thinking maybe if we act like we are a couple and that this whole thing's really no big deal people will just drop it. I mean everyone gets what they want then."
"And by everyone you mean"
"Well Skeeter's got her story. You won't lose face in front of your family and my mum'll get off my back."
"I don't know Marcus."
"Look I'm not saying we're actually a couple. It's just convenient right?"
"But what about you?"
"What about me?"
"Well you're landing yourself with someone else responsibilities. It's not fair on you."
"Look it's not like I'm not getting something out of this. My mum's gonna be ecstatic. And I'm not saying we have to keep it up for any length of time. It can be just until the attention's off us."
"Still you'll be giving up a part of your life. This isn't going to stop until the baby's born. That's another three and a half months at least."
"Yeah, and it's not like I've got anything to do. I got fired remember?"
"But your social life. And what if you meet someone?"
"I have no social life anymore. So I won't be likely to meet anyone."
"I still think it's asking a lot of you."
"Look it's my idea. It's my choice. Will you just think about it? Please?"
"Well ok." Ayla said and paused for thought. "Hang on isn't it a bit late for Kris to be going to work? It's like six now."
"What time does that shop stay open 'til?"
"Five thirty."
"Think she's up to something?" Marcus asked.
"Oh without a doubt. But I'm too tired to care. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."
"I can barely wait." Marcus said sarcastically. "Want me to stay?"
"Not if you're busy. I'm sure I can handle her on my own."
"Ok well I'll let you rest. And think. Is it too much to expect you to make up your mind by tomorrow?"
"The day after?"
"Ok but seriously think about it. I really can't see any problem. But I'll bet you will. You women have a habit of creating them."
"Oh gee thanks! I'll bear that in mind when I make my decision."
"You better. Day after tomorrow. I'll be back and I want an answer."
"Or what? You'll poke me with your knitting needles?"
"Very funny."
"Well I try. Bye Marcus."
"Bye Ayla."
He let himself out. Ayla barely had a moment to take a breath when she heard half a dozen pops.
