Just as I was about to get into my seat, I spotted Liam's bag in the back, with a piece of paper sticking out the zip. I reached out my hand and pulled it out.
It was the Butterfly Museum form. I was meant to give it in today, but given… the.. uh… circumstances, I couldn't. There were 2 options: 1) Wait until tomorrow, or 2) Give it to Ginny, who would then give it to Mrs Haymann when she collected James. I weighed out my options and chose the latter.
"I'll be right back," I told my children, scooting out the car, the form clutched firmly in my hand. The front door to the Hollies had since been shut, and I only hoped that Ginny hadn't already settled down to feed Lily. The pebbles crunched under my feet, and when I reached the main door, knocked twice.
It didn't open instantly, but I was relieved when, after about 30 seconds, Ginny opened it, so be it looking slightly surprised.
"Oh, hi," she said, briefly glancing over her shoulder, "Is everything ok? Have you forgotten anything?"
"Uh, I don't think so," I replied, shaking my head, "But I wanted to ask you a favour."
"Sure, go ahead." She smiled, her attention back on me.
"I, well, I have the form for the Butterfly Museum here, but I was supposed to hand it in this morning. I couldn't, obviously, but…"
"I can hand it in for you if that's what you're asking." Ginny grinned, taking the rest of my sentence straight out of my mouth. I nodded sheepishly and held out the form for her.
"Yes, please, if that's alright with you?"
She agreed, taking the slip of paper from me, and placing it on the table beside the door.
"Is Harry going on the trip?" I blurted out, and Ginny grinned again.
"I hope so," she said, "I asked, well, persuaded him, and he said he'll try and get that day off work." She suddenly frowned, "But only if the Sheffield case has been closed."
"Any new leads?"
"No. None at all." She replied, furrowing her brows, as if she was in deep thought, "I hope they solve it soon, though. I think we all deserve a break."
I nodded slowly, taking into account Ginny's brash tone.
"Anyway," she continued, "I'll get this to school for you. I do hope Liam's alright."
"Thanks," I said, feeling slightly awkward, "Make sure James knows that Liam missed him loads."
She smiled, "Yeah. Yeah, I'll do that."
"See you tomorrow, yes?"
"Yes, I'll be there."
And so I turned around again, rubbing the back of my neck in confusion, as I walked back to my car, not really noticing the front door close once more.
That night, Liam was the fussiest I had ever seen him. He refused to eat his Toad in the Hole, and swirled his paper straw around his orange juice, his mind obviously somewhere else. Mabel, on the other hand, was giggling happily as she blew huge bubbles out of her glass of milk, the cloudy liquid spewing all over the table.
"Are you ok, Liam," I asked, standing up to grab a cloth, "You're awfully quiet this evening."
Liam shrugged.
"Does your head hurt?" I questioned, concerned, as I cleared up Mabel's mess. Again, Liam shrugged, continuing the swirling of his straw.
"Hey, Li, what's up?" I said softly, sitting back down opposite him.
"Nuffin'," he muttered, sighing, and placing his chin his left hand.
"Liam sad," Mabel said to me, taking the remaining sausage off my plate, and shoving it in her mouth. I nodded in agreement, and let her get down from the table. After she had gone, I shifted closer to Liam, and gently lifted his face, so our eyes met. He held my gaze for a moment, before predominantly looking away.
"Mabel's right, you know," I told him, "You're sad."
"Mabel's lyin'," he scowled, pushing his untouched plate away from him.
"She's not, and you know it," I said firmly, sliding his plate back.
"I'm not hungry." Liam insisted, forcing the plate back, yet again. I sighed in dismissal, and gathered all the plates and cups from the table, placing them in the sink.
"Maybe talk to Daddy, when he comes home," I suggested, taking the Fairy Liquid from the draining board, and beginning to clean the dishes.
"I don't wanna talk to anyone," Liam told me, tracing the faded mark of a coffee spillage on the wooden table.
"Is it about school?" I asked, determined to get to the bottom of this. Liam, however, shook his head.
"Do you feel icky?"
"No."
"Lonely?"
"No."
"Are you hurting?"
"No."
I sighed in defeat and turned back to the dishes.
Every once in a while, I chanced a glance at Liam, but his face was always impassive; his eyes unfocused.
10 minutes later, I heard the keys jingling in the lock, and heard Robert opening the front door, humming a song as he did so. I put down the sponge and went to greet him, running a hand through Liam's hair as I did so. My son looked up briefly, before letting out a disgruntled breath.
"Hiya, Katie!" Robert grinned, as I embraced him.
"Your son had a bad incident at school today," I told him quietly, leading him into the living room. Robert's smile faltered, as he sat down on the sofa.
"He's not in trouble, is he?" Robert said apprehensively as I took the seat next to him.
"No, no, no, no," I murmured, "I had to take him to the hospital."
"Oh." Robert replied, as his eyes noticeably widened, "Is he ok?"
"I… I… well, he was cleared by the doctor, but he's a bit off."
"What happened?"
"He, uh, banged his head pretty hard on the car door, then collapsed in heap onto my lap."
"Shit," Robert muttered, panic darting through his eyes. He began to get up before I tugged him back down.
"Hang on," I said quietly, "He's in the kitchen, but something's wrong. He didn't touch his dinner, and refused to speak to me."
"Shall I…?" Robert asked, and I nodded slightly.
"Just be… gentle," I warned him, "I don't think he feels too good about himself."
"Did he go to school today?" Robert asked, and I shook my head.
"That could be another reason," I explained, "He felt awful that he had left James by himself all day."
Robert thought for a moment.
"All day?" He asked, and again, I nodded, "But what did you do with Mabel?"
"Harry offered to take her back to his house whilst I took Li to the hospital."
Robert scowled.
"And you just happened to call him?" He growled, making me frown.
"No, actually, he was in the car park when it happened," I replied, folding my arms, "And without his help, Mabel would have been in a terrible mood all day, or she'd have probably run straight into a car."
"Oh." Robert muttered, slumping back into the sofa, "I suppose she's ok, then."
I nodded, "Yes, she's perfectly fine."
"Is Liam physically hurt?" He asked me.
"There's a slight bruise, but nothing more," I said slowly, "There wasn't any blood, either."
"You said he collapsed," Robert said, "What do you mean by…?"
"He fainted," I said simply, getting back to my feet.
"Must have been a hard hit."
"It was. It was terrifying." I replied solemnly.
"I'll speak to him, ok?" Robert said, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "Maybe I can get him to tell me what's wrong."
"Good luck." I said silently, watching as Robert heaved himself to his feet, "But don't pressure him. Let him say it in his own time."
Robert grinned.
"You're acting like I'm a new parent, Katie." He said, "I've been a Dad for almost 5 years, you know."
I stuck my tongue out at him. He mimicked me, before proceeding to enter the kitchen.
Liam was sitting at the table with his chin in his hands when his Dad entered. The 4-year-old felt terrible about himself. He swung his feet under the table, roughly wiping a tear that was threatening to fall.
"I'm fine." He whispered to himself before he suddenly began to choke up. He didn't even bother to wipe away these tears. They fell freely into his open lap, creating a sad little puddle on his school shorts.
The door to the kitchen suddenly opened, and Liam gave a start. He brusquely began to rub the streaks of tears that lined his cheeks, but his father spotted them.
"Oh, Liam," Robert said sadly, taking his son into his arms, and running a comforting hand through the boy's hair. Liam buried his head into his Dad's chest.
"I don't wanna be me," Liam cried, making Robert freeze, "I wanna be someone else!"
Robert's eyes widened in surprise, and his arms tightened around Liam.
"What happened, son," Robert said softly, holding Liam forcefully.
"I don't wanna be Liam!" Liam wailed; his cries muffled against Robert's shirt. Robert's heart broke right there, sitting at the kitchen table, holding his distraught son.
"Why's that?" Robert asked, trying to stay calm.
"I'm not very good." Sobbed Liam, clutching onto his Dad like he was a lifeline.
"You're perfect, Li," Robert said firmly.
"You have to say that, coz you're my Dad," Liam muttered, his grip slackening.
"I don't have to say anything." Robert protested, lifting Liam's face up, "Being your Dad doesn't mean anything, except that I get to love you more than anyone else. Me and your Mum, and your sister."
"You're making that up." Liam frowned, tears still pouring down his cheeks.
"Dad's don't make stuff up," Robert said, smiling a little.
"Yes, they do," Liam said, fisting the tears away.
"Excuse me," Robert chuckled, "I don't make stuff up."
"Liar." Muttered Liam.
"Hey, what made you not want to be Liam anymore?" Robert asked, his smile faltering, remembering what he was here for.
"I'm not very good," Liam repeated, looking down.
"Says who?"
"Says me," Liam replied, pointing his finger at himself.
"Why?"
"I leave all my friends alone, I'm a cry baby, I have to go to the hospital coz I'm cumsy, and no one likes me," Liam said, tears reforming as he recounted all his thoughts to his Dad.
"James certainly likes you." Robert insisted, thumbing away the ghost of a tear under Liam's right eye.
"But other people like him too."
"How many times do we have to tell you that, James likes you the best, Li?"
"He might have a new best friend coz I wasn't at school today. I was cumsy and fell over." Liam murmured, moving aside his blonde hair to reveal the growing bruise on his forehead.
"I think James was very sad today," offered Robert, "Because you weren't there to play with him."
"I bet he played with Luis and Joshua."
"Maybe he did, but I'm sure he really missed you, Li." Robert persisted.
"Maybe he didn't even notice I was gone." Sniffed Liam.
"Hey, don't start that." Robert said quietly, "And I don't really want to repeat myself."
"Don't tell Mummy," Liam whispered, looking imploringly at Robert, and completely disregarding his last sentence.
"Why ever not?" asked Robert, raising an eyebrow in surprise, "She's worried about you."
"I don't want her to know," Liam replied, looking immensely forlorn.
"Why, though?"
"She'll think I'm silly," Liam admitted, and Robert frowned.
"You're speaking about your Mother, here, Liam," Robert said, "Not the next-door neighbour. She won't think you're silly."
"Yeah she will," Liam replied.
"No, she won't. She'll want to help."
"I don't need help."
"If you say so," Robert shrugged, "But I'll have to tell Mummy, ok?"
Liam pouted.
"I'll take that as a yes, yes?" Robert stated, and Liam nodded begrudgingly. Robert smiled softly and pulled Liam in for a hug.
"I love you as you are, Liam," Robert murmured into Liam's hair, "Please don't change."
"I won't," Liam agreed, "I'll stay the same, for you."
"Not just for me," Robert replied, "No one wants you to change. Everyone loves you because you're Liam, not someone else."
"Fine, I'll stay the same for everyone, then."
"There's a lad." Robert muttered, standing up, Liam still clinging around his neck, "I'll carry to your bedroom if you like."
"Ok." Murmured Liam, snuggling into Robert's shoulder.
I came out of the living room just as Robert exited the kitchen, Liam curled up against him.
I silently mouthed, is everything ok? to my husband, and he nodded shortly, before making his way up the stairs, turning right into Liam's bedroom.
I shrugged to myself, and walked back into the living room, taking the Radio Times from the coffee table. I flicked through it absentmindedly, wondering how Robert had got through to Liam when I had failed so miserably. Anyone close to us knew that Liam was a Mummy's boy; certainly not a Daddy's boy. Sure, Mabel had Robert so tightly wrapped around her pinkie finger, but Liam? No way Jose.
I got to the last page of the thick magazine, and threw it back down on the table, sighing in confusion. I glanced at the door, tapping my nails impatiently on the lap.
I didn't wait too long until Robert came quietly back into the room, rubbing the nape of his neck, which I knew to be a sign of concern.
"Is he ok?" I asked, jumping to my feet at once.
"I hope so." was Robert's muttered reply. I frowned.
"What'd you mean?" I said quickly, falling back down onto the sofa.
"He, well," Robert began, before pausing; scratching his palm.
"Go on," I urged him, and he continued.
"Our son doesn't want to be 'Liam', I quote," Robert said sadly, flopping down next to me.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I murmured, feeling slightly ill.
"He was a watery mess when I walked into the kitchen," Robert replied, "So I asked him what the matter was, and he replied with 'I don't wanna be me anymore'".
"Oh," I said softly, looking down. A million questions were flooding my brain, but the main one…
"Is he ok?"
Robert nodded stiffly.
"I spoke to him, and he stopped crying, but I don't think I persuaded him enough," Robert explained sadly, rubbing his eyes.
"Should I…?" I began, but Robert shook his head.
"No," he said firmly, making me furrow my brows, "He didn't want me to tell you about any of this."
"Why?" I asked, feeling hurt, and slightly helpless.
"He said you'd think he's silly."
"You told him I wouldn't, didn't you?" I asked urgently, taking Robert's hand in my own, squeezing it tightly.
"Of course I did," Robert said with a small smile, "I told him that you'd want to help."
I nodded in confirmation but didn't let go of Robert's hand.
"Do we need to take him to a counsellor?" I asked quietly, resting my head on Robert's shoulder.
"I don't think it's anything we can't deal with ourselves, Katie," Robert said, resting his own head on top of mine. We didn't speak for a while; just making the most of this moment for as long as we could. Robert spoke first, glancing at the clock, and slowly relieving his head from mine.
"I'll take the morning off tomorrow," he told me, "I'll take the morning off, and bring Li to school with you."
"I think he'd like that." I murmured, placing my free hand on Robert's cheek, "And I think I'd like that too."
"What about Mabel?" Robert grinned, placing his hand on top of mine.
"Ah," I grinned back, "We both know she'd love it more than me and Liam combined."
"Speaking of Mabel," Robert continued, "We better get her in bed soon."
"Agreed," I sighed, "You deal with Mabel, I'll see to Liam, ok?"
"Ok."
We got up from the sofa and went to our children's rooms.
I pushed open the door to Liam's room, and saw my son curled up on his bed, facing the wall.
"Hey Li," I whispered, switching on his bedside lamp, so his previously dark room was filled with the yellowy hew of the lightbulb.
"Hi," Liam muttered, not shifting from his foetus position.
"Daddy told me what you said to him the kitchen," I said, "You ok?"
"'m fine." He said quietly, curling up slightly tighter.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I murmured, softly sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"I thought you'd…" Liam began, but he stopped.
"You thought I'd what, Liam?" I urged him gently, placing my hand on the top of his head. He shook it off and rolled onto his back, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.
"You think I'm silly."
"Why on earth would you think that, Liam?" I asked, lying next to him.
"Because… because…" Liam sniffed, "I dunno. But you do."
"Well, I don't, so why don't you tell me why you didn't eat your dinner tonight?" I reasoned, and he shrugged.
"Not hungry."
"Still not?"
"No."
"Alright." I sighed, "Why don't we brush your teeth, and then tuck you into bed." I suggested, and Liam begrudgingly nodded.
As Liam brushed his teeth, I got his Pyjamas out his drawer and set them neatly on his bed. I thought sadly that my baby boy was growing up too fast.
I walked out into the corridor, and let my fingers run over the photographs that adorned the walls. A thin layer of dust rubbed onto my finger, but for once in my life, I didn't care. Liam's first school photo lay directly in front of me, and I suddenly felt my chest tighten. The photo had been taken back in November, before Liam had any proper friends, and the sad smile on my son's face had made me visibly upset. I had hung the photo up anyway, seeing as it was his first ever school photo, but I was looking forward to his summer term photos which were taking place at the end of May.
I moved to the next photo – the first photo we had taken when Liam had first met Mabel. Mabel had been 1 week old, and Liam, almost 2. He had his chubby toddler hands clasped around the small bundle of blankets that were his sister. He had a toothy grin on his face, and I could distantly remember him telling me that he loved Mabel so so much. I missed my two nappy-clad babies, but the upgrade I had got when Mabel turned 2 was still just as good. As much as it pained me to say it, my children were growing up. Way too fast for my liking.
I suddenly heard Liam's soft footsteps coming down the corridor, and I snapped out of my trance.
"I brushed my teeth." He said quietly, pressing a balled fist to his eyes.
"Come on, you," I smiled tenderly, offering my hand. He accepted it, and we both trundled back to his room. I helped him into his PJ's and snugly tucked him into his bed.
"I love you, Liam," I whispered, switching off his lamp, and placing a kiss on his forehead.
"Love you," Liam muttered drowsily, his eyes already drooping.
The following day, the whole family left for school in the Galaxy, Mabel's feet already swinging in a rhythmic pattern, and Liam staring out the window. Last night, Robert and I had discussed our options and decided that we weren't going to ask for any help. Liam had always been shy, but it had never held him back from doing anything.
Robert parked up near the entrance – seeing that we had arrived 20 minutes early – and none of us made any movement to indicate that we were getting out.
After about 10 minutes, Liam suggested that we get out, and we mutually agreed.
"Come on, let's go," I nodded, stepping out the passenger door, and gathering Mabel into my arms.
"Down mama down!" she whined, wiggling with all her might. I carefully put her down, making sure she was well away from the shutting door, and then grabbed her hand.
"No hold hand!" She cried, trying to detach her fingers from mine.
"Nice try, Mabel," I said resolutely, "It's only until we get to the school gates."
"School gates." She confirmed, as she stopped wriggling, and began to walk properly by my side. We waited for Robert to get Liam and his bag out before all 4 of us headed to the gates.
However, before we got there, an ear-splitting screech wrenched the air, and we all stopped, looking around for the source.
It was James.
The black-haired boy was running over to us, dragging an older boy who was sporting luminescent turquoise hair.
"Oi, James!" yelled Ginny, who was halfway through picking up Albus from the car. James instantly stopped and turned around, so be it a bit begrudgingly.
"I'll walk." He promised, and when Ginny spotted me, she nodded.
"Be careful, please." She warned, placing Al on the ground, and reaching over to gather Lily.
"Yeah." James grinned, finally reaching us, and looking excitedly at Liam.
"Liam!"
"Hi," Liam said quietly, looking at the older boy shyly.
James' smile suddenly faltered, and he looked warily at Liam.
"Are you… ok, now?" He said nervously, and Liam nodded firmly.
"I banged my head, but I'm ok." He was still eyeing the boy closely.
"This is Liam, my friend!" James giggled, looking adoringly up at his taller counterpart.
"Hello Liam," he smiled, waving at my son. Robert was watching the boy with mild confusion that must have mirrored my own. Who was he?
"He's my big brother," James said happily, still giggling crazily.
"Oh," I said softly. The boy looked about 10 years old, and doubt filled me. James had mentioned having an older brother, but his name had slipped my mind.
Liam looked jealously on at James, and then swivelled his head so our eyes met.
"How come I don't have an older brother?" He asked, and James' older brother's smile faltered.
"Well, actually…" He began, but Ginny came over, carrying Lily, and holding Al's hand. She smiled at me, and then must have noticed everyone's confusion. She beckoned us all over to the gates – to be fair, we were standing in the middle of the car park – before she began to explain.
"Hi, Katie, Robert," She said, "This is Teddy, Harry's Godson."
"Ah, I see," Grinned Robert, smiling at Teddy. It made more sense now! I was doubting whether Harry and Ginny had had a child when they were supposedly still in school, but being Harry's Godson, made more sense.
"But he's still my Brother," James told Liam, and the latter nodded. Albus pouted, and pointed to himself, before announcing,
"My broder."
"But Al's my brother by blood," James continued, ignoring Albus, and rolling his eyes.
"Who had to tell him that?" Robert said, trying not to laugh. Ginny grinned.
"Harry did, a few months ago. He was furious."
"How come he's with you? And how come James thinks he's his biological brother?" Asked Robert, and I instantly knew that it wasn't the right thing to say, for a dark shadow of shame flooded over Teddy's face. He dipped his head, covering it from everyone else standing there.
"Hey, Teddy, don't be like that," Ginny said softly, taking Teddy's chin, and slowly lifting it back up, "You're acting like it's your fault, you know."
"I'm sorry if I-" Robert said, clearly panicked at the reaction, but Ginny gave him a look that plainly said, 'It's ok, don't worry'.
"Teddy sad," Al said knowingly, making Mabel giggle. Al widened his green eyes and looked away defiantly.
"Shall we go into the classroom?" Suggested James and Liam nodded his agreement. They darted off, and the rest of us followed, in silence.
The bell hadn't rung yet, so there were lots of children dashing around the playground, laughing in glee, and chatting with their friends. A group of year 6 boys goggled at Teddy's hair, and a few of them had envy etched all over their faces. It was pretty spectacular, and I wondered who had allowed it.
James and Liam were already bunched up between their friends, James' talk coming out more freely than Liam's.
We reached the corner where we liked to wait, and stood there.
"So, how's Liam?" Ginny asked, breaking the silence.
"He's fine, I guess." I sighed, not knowing whether I should keep Liam's words to myself, or whether I should share them with Ginny.
"James missed him loads," Ginny said sadly, looking down at Lily, who had her tiny hand over her face.
"What did he say?"
"He said that he felt lonely at lunch because Liam wasn't there with him." She replied, not taking her eyes off Lily.
"James can't be lonely!" Teddy said suddenly, "It's impossible! He makes friends wherever he goes!"
Ginny grinned, "I'll give you that, Ted, but those were James' words, not mine."
"Ha," Teddy said under his breath, making Ginny bite her lip to contain her laughter.
"Any news on the Butterfly Garden?" I wondered, and Ginny nodded.
"Harry got that day off, and I've got the slip here," she replied, indicating James' bag by her feet, "James can't wait."
"We found out on Monday that Liam has a phobia of butterflies," Robert told Ginny, who frowned.
"How'd you find out?"
"He came into our room and explained what he didn't like about them. He seems to be utterly freaked out." I told her, and she glanced over at Liam.
"He'll still be going, right?" She queried, looking nervous.
"Oh, yes, but I'll have to go with him." I grinned, but Robert looked at me in surprise.
"Since when?" He asked me.
"Uh, since yesterday morning," I said slowly, knowing I had forgotten to tell my husband my plans.
"What will you do with Mabel?" He asked, glancing at our daughter.
"I dunno," I shrugged, "Sarah?"
"I can look after Mabel if you like." Offered Ginny.
"It would be all day," I answered, but Ginny grinned.
"Mabel and Al aren't that much of a handful."
"But you'll have Lily." I reasoned, not wanted to burden her with my child yet again.
"By next month she'll be easier," Ginny counter-argued, and I knew then that I was fighting a lost battle.
"Fine," I smiled, "As you seem so desperate."
"Brilliant," Ginny grinned, eyes sparkling.
"We'll discuss the details closer to the day," I told her, and she nodded.
Just then, the school bell abruptly rang, making Mabel jump. She whimpered and clung onto Robert's leg. I grinned slightly before Liam ran back up to me.
"See you after school," I told him, bending down to embrace him. To my surprise, he didn't pull back, but rather clang onto me fiercely.
"Love you," he whispered, before letting go and grabbing his bag. He then proceeded to hold onto Robert with the same firm intensity.
"Bye-bye," giggled James, hopping from one foot to the other, "Can you come and collect me after school, Teddy?"
"I don't know…" Teddy said, looking thoughtful.
"You can if you want." Ginny shrugged, making James squeal with delight.
"Ok then," Teddy beamed.
"Go on," I said to Liam, "You don't want to be late."
"Neither do you, James," Ginny told her son, "Off you go."
"See you!" He called, grabbing Liam's free hand, and vanishing amongst the throng of children piling into the classroom.
"So you're Teddy, are you?" asked Robert and Teddy nodded shyly, "How old are you, buddy?"
"I was 10 in April." Teddy replied proudly, glancing up at Ginny, who grinned, "Harry and Ginny told me that Lily came as a birthday present." He added, returning Ginny's smile.
"She was born on your birthday?" I asked, but Ginny shook her head.
"Teddy turned 10 the day after," she explained, bouncing Lily up and down.
"Delember," Al announced, making everyone look down at him. He had his index pointed directly at his chest, and he looked immensely proud of himself.
"Yes, your birthday is in December," Teddy smiled, giving Al the thumbs up. Albus giggled and stretched his arms up towards Teddy. The latter responded in kind and bent down to gather the smaller boy into his arms.
"Daddy up!" Cried Mabel, clinging onto Robert's distended arm hanging by his side. Robert grinned and picked her up. She smiled sweetly at Al, who scowled. I shared a look with Ginny, and we both rolled our eyes.
"C' mon," I suggested, starting to walk, "Let's get going."
Robert and Ginny nodded their agreement, and we all trundled back to our cars, Robert breathing heavily. He leaned towards me, and whispered, "I swear she's getting heavier!" into my adjacent ear.
"Probably," I replied, not bothering to whisper. He shrugged and attempted to put Mabel down, but she made her refusal clear and hung tight onto his neck.
We reached the car and made our farewells to Ginny, Teddy, and Albus.
"I'll see you later, Ginny," I smiled, reaching out to brush my hand over Lily's downy hair. The baby adjusted her arm and grabbed a hold of my thumb. Ginny grinned at me and peeled Lily's minute hand off of me, but I was so touched at the small action, I was lost for words.
"Are you alright?" Robert asked in bemusement when I had removed my hand from Lily's head, "You look a bit distant."
"What? Oh, yes. Yes, I'm fine." I replied, giving a start, and grinning sheepishly at Ginny.
"She's charming, isn't she?" Ginny said, and I nodded.
"Get's you in a little trance," I responded, "I don't remember Mabel being like that."
"You're missing something then," Robert shrugged, placing a now content Mabel on the floor.
"That's alright for you to say," I told him, prodding him in the shoulder, "You're smitten."
"Hey," Robert frowned, glancing at Mabel, "You should see the looks she gives."
"I do," I retorted, folding my arms, "But I've got enough sense not to fall into them."
Robert cocked an eyebrow.
"Are you saying I'm oblivious to her mischief because I can tell you for a fact that-"
"Ha, yes you are." I grinned, watching as Mabel pulled out her pigtail.
"Hey," Robert scowled, "That's a tad controversial, anyway."
"Why's that?" I replied, trying to work out what was controversial about this particular topic.
"Starts with L ends with M." He said smugly.
"He gets enough discipline, thank you very much," I said, blushing slightly.
"Yes, from me." Robert nodded, making Ginny grin.
Just then, Lily let out a bloodcurdling scream, her face completely screwed up in an effort to make the noise last as long as possible. I was slightly surprised of how such a tiny baby could make such a huge racket, but then I remembered Mabel. However, Lily must have run out of breath, because after her scream died out, she resorted in making strangled gasps and whines.
"That's what you get, Lily." Grinned Teddy, placing Al on the floor, "You need to learn to control your screams, then you can do more."
"Don't tell her that," Ginny muttered, bouncing the disturbed baby, "We want another Al, not another James."
"Nother me." Al agreed, making me smile.
"It somehow amazes me how different siblings can be from one another," I said, and both adults nodded their heads in furious agreement.
"My family seemed to have made it a silent agreement to remind me that Al is more Harry than me," Ginny said, "Don't they Teddy?"
Teddy looked thoughtful for a moment, before answering.
"You know what," he said, "They always ask you 'are you sure he's yours?'. I've always wondered what it means. I asked Uncle Ron once, but he went all funny, and told me to ask Harry."
"Ah." Ginny replied, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, "Maybe he will."
"Yeah, I'll remind him to tell me." Teddy nodded.
"You do that, son." Robert grinned, and Ginny grimaced.
"Can you get Al into the car, Ted," Ginny asked, switching the subject abruptly.
"Sure." Teddy shrugged, "Come on, Al."
We watched as Teddy brought Al back to their car before Ginny turned back to us.
"Just you wait until Liam has to go through that talk, Robert." Ginny grinned, vanishing Robert's smile.
"You've got to do 2," Robert told her, and Ginny laughed.
"Oh, I've only got to do Lily," she said, "Harry's doing Teddy, James, and Al."
"We've still got ages, though." I reasoned, and Ginny nodded.
"Uh, Ginny," Robert said slowly, making Ginny look at him curiously, "I'm sorry if I upset Teddy earlier. I didn't think he'd have that reaction."
"No, it's fine." Ginny replied, looking down, "But his parents both died when he was a baby. He goes between our house and his Grandmothers. Teddy's the only thing she's got left, I'm afraid, so he spends most of his time there."
"How did his-" Robert murmured, nosy as he is.
"As warriors. His parents were both incredibly brave, but some people are just too powerful. Teddy doesn't remember them at all, and he feels like it's his fault."
"I'm so sorry," Robert whispered, looking ghostly.
"Honestly, he's fine." Ginny smiled sadly, giving a non-committal wave of her hand, "He just doesn't like telling everyone."
"How old were you when they died?"
"I was 16, and Harry 17. Harry broke down in tears when he held Teddy for the first time. Just kept repeating the same words over and over again, 'I'm so so sorry'." Ginny replied, brushing her thumb over Lily's forehead. Me and Robert both glanced at each other In mirrored confusion, before Ginny looked up, her eyes wide.
"Please don't repeat that," she said quietly, "I've let my tongue run away with itself."
"Of course not," I assured her, though my brain was whirring ferociously.
"Thank you." Ginny nodded, "Well, I better be off." And with that, she bid us a short farewell and strode off towards her car.
"Are you confused, because I am," Robert said to me, and I nodded.
"Something's happened," He continued, "I think they've all been involved in something horrific. The way Ginny was speaking made me think that it's not just Teddy's parents they lost that day."
"I have no idea, Robert, but I refuse to let you go and ask," I said firmly, taking Mabel's hand, and walking back to our own car.
"You know I wouldn't," Robert told me, and I rolled my eyes.
I lifted Mabel into her seat and then got in myself.
"Right," Robert announced, when we had got out of the car park and were back on the road, "I'll drop you off at home, and then I'll need to get to work."
"I come with Daddy!" squealed Mabel, before I saw Robert wince at the ferocious mound prodding him in the back.
"As long as you don't kick my seat again," Robert grumbled, making Mabel giggle.
"Mabel come with Daddy to work!" She cried, pushing her foot yet again into the back of Robert's seat. He groaned.
"But I told you not to-"
But he stopped. We all stopped.
Robert's jaw fell open as he flung open the door of the car, leaving the engine chugging.
