AN: I am sooo sorry it took so long. I was going to put this and the next chapter up together but I've been so busy and seeing as I have this chapter typed, I thought I would put it up anyway. I know Christmas has been and gone but it hadn't when I wrote this. Enjoy and a belated Happy Christmas guys xxx
Chapter 26
Kittie's POV
It was Christmas Eve and Uncle Simon, and Auntie Sue had come to stay with my cousins Noah, Ellie and Bethany. We'd rearranged rooms so that there was room for everyone, plus room if Uncle Max, Aunt Jessica, Johny, Abbey, Jason and Damien wanted to stay too. We'd even invited Uncle Tristan tomorrow for dinner which surprisingly he'd accepted – I hadn't thought he'd want to be around this many people. Unfortunately neither Granny and Grandpa, Nana and Pappy or Nana and Grandad, Aunt Niamh, Aunt Hayley, Jake, Willow, Aunt Amelia, Uncle Seb or Adam were able to come and there had been no word from Jack so we were missing family, well immediate family anyway. Nevertheless it was still Christmas and we had to celebrate. I was a little worried about it being the first Christmas without Mum and Dad but everyone had chipped in and tomorrow was going to be fantastic. It was England so there was no snow for Christmas day and there probably wouldn't be unless there was a Christmas miracle. But the only Christmas miracle I wanted right now was my family home safely. We had no idea if Alec was going to turn up. Apparently he was still mad over something that happened years ago and wasn't likely to stop being mad anytime soon so he probably wasn't here. Pretty much everyone was in bed except for me and Oscar. The two of us were still sat in the lounge wrapping up Christmas presents. We hadn't gotten very far – more time had been spent with stolen kisses but right now we really had to get on and finish so we could get to bed. I knew for a fact that all the kids would be awake by 6, even Henry and Ellie who are 17 and 13. So, if I wanted much sleep, I had to finish the presents before midnight. Luckily I wasn't cooking else I would get very little sleep, and very little cuddling time with Oscar.
So we were sat wrapping up presents in front of the Christmas tree, the room lit by Christmas lights. It should have been really romantic but I was very quiet. I had a lot to think about. What with all the family arrangements, things for Christmas day, family AWOL and it being the first Christmas without my parents, not to mention Charlie's first Christmas, I had a lot on my mind. Oscar was really sweet and kept smiling at me reassuringly but didn't try to get me to tell him what I was thinking. I missed having a proper family where I didn't have to be the grown up, the one in charge, the parent. I had to be in control since Mum and Dad died, more than normal. At least with my aunts and uncles here, I could act like a kid a bit. I didn't have to be so grown up all the time. In truth, I missed having my older brothers around. I missed being their baby sister.
A noise behind me startled me and when I looked at Oscar I could see that he was started too. It probably was one of the kids. They had gotten pretty good at sneaking up on us and I had been pretty wrapped up in my head only moments ago.
"Hey sweetie, what's up? Can't sleep?" I asked, turning around. I stopped and stared. "J-Jack? You're here, you're alright you…" I got to my feet and hugged him.
He wrapped his arms around me slowly like he was unsure about my sudden display of affection. "Hey baby sis. Yeah I'm here and I'm safe. Leo said I should take a few days off before we start the plan properly next week."
I let go. "Next week? Jack, that's –"
"I know, I know. It's not ideal but you knew this was going to happen eventually. It'll be fine. But right now, I'm here for Christmas and a couple of days after."
"I guess you're right," I sighed. "At least you're here. We set up a spare bed in Lexi's room for you in case you did come. We weren't sure if you were staying so we gave Ellie and Abbey your room."
He smiled. "That's fine. I guess I'll leave you two alone. Goodnight." He lingered in the doorway. I could tell he wasn't sure what to do. As much as I missed my family, I had kind of replaced them with Oscar.
"Why don't you stay and help us wrap up presents for tomorrow?"
He smiled, gratefully. I could tell he'd missed spending time with me as much as I had. "Thanks." He sat down next to me and began wrapping up presents from the pile in front of Oscar and I. "I'm sorry I missed your birthday but I couldn't get away."
"I know," I replied. "It's alright. You're here now," I smiled at him.
He smiled back. "And that's what's important. Family comes first." He glanced over at Oscar then looked away quickly. I watched the two of them for a second and noticed neither of them made eye contact. Jack obviously knew and was being over protective. Oscar was trying not to overstep any boundaries. Tomorrow was going to be fun.
I awoke the next morning to find none of the kids had come in. I wriggled my feet under the duvet, enjoying the warmth and was surprised when my right foot hit something solid or at least more solid than a duvet. I sat up and looked at the foot of the bed. There on the end by my right foot was a stocking – something I hadn't expected to see this year or any year following. Glad that the magic of Christmas was still alive, I carefully began to unpack my stocking. Whoever had filled it had packed it pretty tight. My hands shot to my ears as I heard delighted shrieks from the main part of the house. Seriously, did my family have to be so noisy? I rolled my eyes and took my hands from my ears as the shrieks died down. Under my breath I counted backwards from 15, knowing that's how long it would take my younger siblings to burst into my room. Sure enough that's what happened.
Their faces were a-glow as they poured into my room carrying their stockings. I smiled and patted my bed, gathering up the things that had come from mine so they wouldn't get mixed up. "So what have you got?" I asked as they bounced on my bed. They all began chattering at once and I held up my hand. "You two," I said pointing at Cal and Sophie, "know the rules, even if Tom doesn't. Youngest first."
Tom stuck his tongue out at Sophie and Cal who stuck theirs out in return but Tom didn't notice. He was too busy emptying his stocking to show me. "I got coclate, cars, trains and lelicopter," he grinned as he clutched something in his right hand.
"What have you got there?" I asked, tilting my head trying to see what he was holding.
"Tom opened a present," piped up Sophie slyly and I glared at her.
"I did not!" he retorted crossly. "I didn't, honest Kittie." His bottom lip quivered causing me to smile.
"I know you didn't baby. You got that with your stocking?" He nodded. "Let's have a look then. What is it?" He passed me the book and I looked at the title, grinning. "Ooh The Gruffalo. Maybe it's a bit too scary for Tommy. Maybe I should just keep hold of it."
"Nuh-uh Kittie!" he cried, his eyes brimming with tears.
I laughed and handed him the book. "I was only joking. You're my brave little soldier." I looked at Sophie who was bouncing up and down on my bed easily. "Alright munchkin, what about you? What did you get?"
Her eyes sparkled as she emptied her stoking onto my bed. I was glad it was a double else everything would have got mixed up really quick. She picked up several things and waved them around. "I got sweets and stickers and Barbie clothes and a teddy. Look, look!"
She shoved the teddy into my hand and I smiled. "Hey Soph, what's that on your head?"
She reached up to touch her head and smiled. "A tiara. It's soooo sparkly. I feel like Rapunzel."
"Such a girl," sneered Cal quietly. Sophie glared at him and whacked Cal around the head with one of my pillows.
I took the pillow off her before anything else could happen and looked at Cal. "So kiddo, what did you get in your stocking?"
Thankfully he ignored Sophie. "I got chocolate too, some cars, some top trumps and a transformer."
"A transformer huh?" I smiled.
"Yeah it's so awesome! It has lasers and folds up and I can make it fly!" He began moving it around in the air like it was flying, making whooshing noises.
I laughed. "Well aren't you guys lucky. Alright, you know the rules. Go and get dressed and then you can play with the toys from your stockings."
"Aww, but I wanna stay in my pjs. It's Christmas." Sophie, Cal and Tom looked at me with big puppy eyes and I had to admit it was quite hard to resist.
"No. We have church, just like last year, and the year before, same as every year, besides, you know pjs day is Boxing Day unless there's snow."
"It's England. We don't get snow at Christmas."
I looked at Sophie, a little surprised at the bluntness in her voice. For a little girl of 4, she sure knew how the world worked, well at least part of it. "Who cares about snow? It's Christmas. Christmas isn't about snow."
"It's about presents," piped up Cal eagerly. I could tell he couldn't wait to open his presents.
"Baby Jesus," retorted Sophie, elbowing him. Of course she had to show him he was wrong.
"Family," said Tom quietly, crawling into my lap.
I wrapped my arms around him, trying to protect him from the world. I sighed, knowing I couldn't protect him forever and that we had things to do. "Alright, Soph, Cal, go get dressed. Tom, if Michael's not awake, go wake him up and get him to dress you and Charlie. Cal, Soph, once you're dressed, you can …" I glanced at my clock and laughed. No wonder they hadn't come in when I woke. It was half 6 in the morning. "Alright, let's not get dressed yet. Go and play in the playroom quietly so you don't wake anyone else up."
They got up excitedly and ran to the door. As Sophie and Tom left, Cal stopped and looked back at me. "Kittie, what are you gonna do?"
"Me? I'm going back to sleep," I said, moving all the stuff off my bed onto the floor.
"So you're not going to play?" he asked a little sadly.
"I will," I replied. "Just at a more sensible time. Tell you what, go and see if Lexi's awake. He might play with you."
Cal ran out of my room and bounded up the tower stairs. He was going to be really excited Jack was here. I lay back down and grinned. Christmas.
7 hours later, we were sat eating Christmas dinner in the dining room. Behind us, in the kitchen, the surfaces were covered with sauce pans and trays that had been used to cook enough to feed a small army – which we were what there being 22 of us in one room. It was a bit cramped but it was my family and it was Christmas. The lounge and the play room (as we made the kids take their presents upstairs before dinner, just to clear a bit of room) were filled with piles of presents and wrapping paper scattered pretty much everywhere. It was so nice my family being here together. Everyone was happy and having fun. Charlie was having a great time holding carrot sticks and bashing his hands on his high chair before shoving the mashed carrot into his mouth. Down on the kids table, they were having a great time pulling crackers, playing with the toys and decorating each other in the coloured paper from the party poppers. At the adult table – we were counted as adults – my family were doing their best to make Lexi and Oscar feel included, even Uncle Tristan, despite his comment "So you're the one who's leading my niece astray."
Michael chocked on his drink and whilst he was coughing and being thumped very hard on the back by Henry, Oscar looked Uncle Tristan straight in the eyes and with a smile replied "Yes sir but I've been told as long as I don't keep her from her family, no-one will have a problem. The kids have already done a thorough background check and have deemed me well enough to look after them and not have to change any dirty nappies."
Everyone was silent, waiting to see how Uncle Tristan would respond until Uncle Max roared with laughter. "You've got spunk kid. Take good care of her or…"
"Or my head will end up on a plate or so I've been told hundreds of times by everyone."
Uncle Max clapped him on the shoulder. "I like you kid. You're a good hearted lad." He steered Oscar towards an empty chair and looking back over his shoulder, he saw me following. "I think you've got a keeper here Kittie. Don't you ever let him go."
I blushed furiously and when I sat down, I turned my attention to the dishes of food in front of us. Under the table, Oscar's hand found mine and gave it a comforting squeeze. I smiled back and began putting food on my plate before all the gannets ate it all.
So there we were all enjoying Christmas dinner, when out of the corner of my eye I saw something float past the window. You could tell all the spies in the room (which were quite a few) because immediately they all looked up and stared out the window at the small white flakes of what must have been snow. The wind picked up, blowing a flurry of the tiny flakes past the windows, catching everyone's attention. The kids began squealing excitedly all except Charlie who nagged his hands on the tray confused about what was going on.
"I hope you remembered to bring gloves Sy," chuckled Uncle Max with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"You bet I did. I'm never gonna miss out on a chance of beating you at snow games wherever we are."
The noise at the kids table steadily got louder until, unable to bear the noise anymore, Aunt Sue threw popping candy onto the fire behind her, causing everyone to jump. "Alright, can we finish this meal in peace? All dishes must be rinsed, cleaned or left to soak before anyone goes out in the snow, understand?"
Everyone nodded meekly even though the kids fidgeted excitedly.
We carried on eating and I had just finished when Charlie began screaming. Quickly I got up, lifted him out of the highchair, careful not to get mushed up carrot all over me and took him upstairs to get him cleaned off. Once he was clean, I sat on the windowsill with him in the playroom and we watched the snow fall out of the sky, settling on the ground. Charlie was fascinated and kept putting his hands on the glass, trying to touch it, then pulling them off because they were cold. Downstairs I heard the clatter of crockery and cutlery being loaded into the dishwasher and pans and trays being washed and dried up. Soon the clattering stopped and the kids ran into the playroom all bundled up in coats, hats, scarves and gloves. I smiled and took Charlie away from the window. Laying him down on the sofa, I began putting him into his snow suit which Sophie had brought up. I was a little surprised as its snugness, but then again he'd grown so much recently I was surprised it did fit. Once I'd got Charlie all wrapped up, I smiled. "Shall we go and play then?"
We had a great time playing in the snow. The kids made snowmen and wandered around trying to catch falling snowflakes in their mouths, kicking piles of fresh snow. Everyone ended up falling over, including the adults, but the funniest was Tom who must have tripped over a log that was buried and he ended up face first in a pile of snow. When he sat up, he began bawling but stopped when Ellie pointed at the shape he'd made when he fell. She brushed the snow off his face and then joined in with them all, seeing what shapes they could make. Charlie loved it, wrapped up in his snowsuit, his hands covered in mittens and the bear hood that was keeping his head warm. He crawled around not really feeling the cold because he was so warm. Oscar and I kept an eye on him to make sure he didn't eat the snow or anything else which he tried several times. He was a fast crawler which meant I couldn't take my eyes off him for a second, so I didn't see the figure at the gate. I didn't notice him come into the garden until he stopped right in front of me and picked up Charlie who was once again trying to eat a mitten-full of snow.
"I don't think you want to do that," he laughed, brushing the snow out of Charlie's covered hand. He looked up at me and smiled. "Happy Christmas Kittie."
"Happy Christmas John," I replied. Oscar came up behind me and stared at John confused. I looked between the two of them and my eyes widened as I began to make connections in my head.
"Hello son," said John, handing me a squawking Charlie who proceeded to bury his head in my chest.
Oscar's eyes darkened. "My father's dead. You must be mistaken." His voice had darkened too. I guess it still was a sore topic for him.
I held Charlie on my hip and touched Oscar's arm. "Uh Oscar…"
The resemblance between them was shocking and I couldn't believe I had only had my suspicions before. Why hadn't I realised? He'd told me a different name, and told me he was his Uncle, but the two of them together was enough to make anyone realise.
"Yes, I'm sorry about that but as far as SKUL, as far as anyone is concerned, I died. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner and Kittie, I'm sorry I lied to you about who I am."
Oscar looked at me, anger beginning to bubble up inside him. "You knew?" he asked angrily, his eyes flickering with anger across the steely glint.
I took a step back in case he struck out. "I suspected but I wasn't sure. He told me his name was John. He said he was your Uncle."
"He is not my Uncle and he is not my father. My father is dead." He walked away, his feet crunching heavily on the snow. I was half-tempted to leave him alone, but I wanted to be there for him.
"Your third birthday," called Edward causing Oscar to stop. "You got a train, a real wooden one. You love it. You would spend hours setting it up in your room and playing with it. You loved the little wooden steam engines, said they were much better than Thomas. Even after you'd been moved into a safe-house, I found it and kept it, hoping I would find you again so that you could give it to your children when you're older."
Oscar turned to face him slowly, his anger fading. "I remember that. Mum hated it because I would run the track through the whole house." He paused, unsure. "You're really my dad? You're really Edward Dixon-Halliday?"
"Just Edward Halliday now. After I found out about your mothers betrayal, I filed for divorce and got my name changed back to what it was before the double barrel."
"Why did you abandon us? Why did you leave me with mum, to be raised like this?"
"It wasn't by choice. It took me 9 years to escape from Africa. Everyone thought I had died it had been that long, well nearly everyone. As soon as I heard where you were I wanted to reveal myself, to tell you, but I couldn't risk anyone finding out I was alive. This was never the life I intended for you. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, dad," Oscar replied, his voice a little stiff, and his body and I knew it wasn't from the cold.
"I'd love to talk to you properly, catch up on all that I missed but I should get back and I don't want to intrude." He glanced at me holding Charlie who was peering shyly at John, Edward – it might take me a while to get used to that. "Would you like to come over tomorrow?"
Oscar hesitated and looked at me, fear in his eyes.
J-Edward must have picked up on it. "Kittie can come too if you want." I could tell he wasn't best pleased about that but he knew it was probably the only way to get Oscar there at all anytime soon. I mean he did abandon his son for 12 years so there was bound to be some trust issues on Oscar's part.
Oscar smiled weakly, gripping my hand tightly in his. "That would be great. Uh where…"
"Just next door. If you can come about 2 o'clock that would be great."
"Alright then."
"Bye son, Kittie. Happy Christmas Jack," he replied, nodding at my brother as he left.I saw Jack next to me and my mind began to make connections I hadn't thought of before. I looked at Oscar. "You alright?" I asked quietly.
"You'll come with me?" he said, ignoring my question.
"Of course," I replied, kissing him. "Hold Charlie for me, will you," I whispered into his ear, handing him my baby brother. "I need to have words with Jack."
Oscar took Charlie, not really understanding what I meant. I turned around and launched myself at Jack, knocking him to the ground. I sat on top of him, refusing to let him move.
"You know Edward?" I asked.
"No, of course not," he replied, struggling to move.
"Tell me the truth. You work with him, don't you. That's why no-one could know you were alive. He's part of your group."
He sighed, realising it was pointless to lie. "Yes, I work with him. I knew he was alive, I knew he was next door and I knew that 'John' is really Oscar's dad."
I got up from him in disgust. "Why didn't you say?"
"It wasn't my place to say, it was his."
I thought back to my dreams I'd been having, not really listening to what Jack was saying. John, Susan, the boy… That was Edward, Jade and… I looked at Oscar who was trying to stop Charlie from eating his coat. "I know you."
"Uh of course you do. I'm your boyfriend, Oscar, remember? Did you hit your head when you tackled Jack?"
I flapped my hands at him. "No, from before. I knew you from before."
"Wait, what?" Oscar looked at me, clearly confused.
"I've been having these dreams about when I was younger. Your dad was there and a little boy but now I think they're memories. Oscar, I think the little boy is you."
"But… you're the girl next door?"
He put Charlie down who crawled over to Jack who was still lying the on the ground and sat on his chest. Oscar ran his hands through his hair in disbelief. "So you… the girl… when I met you and thought I recognised you, it wasn't just you as Honey, I recognised you from before?"
"I… I don't know." I looked at Jack who was now standing up, holding Charlie. "Jack, is this true? You're older; did we used to live next door to Oscar?"
"I – I think so," he replied.
"You think so?"
"I'm only a year older than you, but I think so. Looks like you two are destined to be together."
I glared at him. "Doesn't put you in the right for lying." I turned to face Oscar. "Are you alright?" I asked worriedly.
"Are you kidding me? This is great! My girlfriend is the girl next door, will be the girl next door if I decide to go and live with my dad."
I hugged him. "So you're okay with this?"
"Not remotely but I do know one thing."
I looked up at him. "Hmm? What's that?"
"I love you," he replied before kissing me.
I broke away as I was hit by snowballs that kepy coming. I turned round and saw the kids pelting me and Oscar with snowballs, led by Luke. I scooped up a handful of snow and grinned at Oscar wickedly. "Shall we?"
"We shall," he answered and we began throwing snowballs back at them. Delighted shrieks filled the garden as full out war began, snow flying everywhere beneath the pale glow of the winter sun.
3rd POV
Oscar stood waiting in the hallway, shifting nervously from foot to foot. "Hurry up Kittie. We're going to be late."
"Keep your hair on," she called back down the stairs. "It's not my fault Sophie has been sick." She stuck her head over the banister. "I thought you didn't want to go."
"I don't, not really" he replied repeatedly clenching and unclenching his fists. "Doesn't mean I want to be late though."
"You're impossible."
"You love me," he retorted.
"Yes, yes I do," she said, coming down the stairs, wiping her hands on her jeans. When she reached the bottom, she smiled. "You ready?"
"No, not really," he replied quietly, fear showing on his face.
Kittie hugged him. "It will be alright, I promise."
"I'll have you there with me so of course it will be."
They turned to go when a yell came from the top of the stairs. Kittie turned round hurriedly, scared something had happened to her family. She saw Tome and rolled her eyes. "Tom, you know full well not to scream like that unless something's wrong."
"Something is wrong," he insisted, his small mouth screwed up in a frown.
Kittie looked at Oscar by the front door, then at her little brother again. "Look, I'm busy. Get Michael or Jack or someone to sort it out. I'll be back later baby."
"No!" he yelled, stamping his foot. "I want you here. It's Christmas. You promised you'd stay. You said no more going."
"Tom, I'm only going next door. I won't be long. Oscar needs me."
"I need you too. Family first."
Kittie sighed exasperatedly. "Tom, I'm probably not going to be more than an hour or two. Alright?"
"No." Tom's bottom lip began to quiver and he hurled himself down on the carpet, screaming, crying and rolling around at the top of the stairs.
Kittie looked at Oscar, unsure what to do. Oscar took a deep breath. "Sort him out then come, just don't be long, please."
Kittie smiled gratefully and kissed his cheek. "Thanks. You're the best boyfriend ever."
He smiled back weakly. "I know. Don't be long."
"I won't," she called as she headed up the stairs. "Don't worry, just try to stay calm."
"East enough for you to say," muttered Oscar as he left and closed the front door behind him.
Kittie knelt beside Tom. "Alright, you've got me. So what do you want to do?"
Tom's sobs stopped and he looked up. "Can, can we make Christmas cookies?"
Kittie stared at him, looking decidedly unimpressed. "You kicked off because you want to make Christmas cookies?"
Tom nodded uncertainly and began fiddling with his top, rolling it up and unrolling it again and again.
"Tom, Oscar needs me. He doesn't want to talk to his dad alone. His dad abandoned him for over 10 years. I will only been gone for a couple of hours at the most," she said, getting to her feet.
"But it's Christmas." Tom looked up at Kittie mournfully with wide eyes, his bottom lip quivering.
"And we have lots of family here that we don't see all the time. I'm here with you every day. They're not. Go and make cookies with Ellie or Jack seeing as he's here."
Tom screwed up his face, still not satisfied. Kittie sighed. "Look baby, Oscar is family too even though he is my boyfriend. He doesn't have much family so he needs me to go with him to see his dad. I won't be long, I promise."
Tom made a wailing sound and clung to Kittie. "I want you. Don't go. Please stay." He paused for a moment, absent-mindedly tugging at her jeans. "Can… Can I come too?" he asked quietly, looking up at her wistfully.
Kittie sighed and rolled her eyes. "Alright, just be quiet. Any sound from you, I take you home, understand?"
Tom nodded happily. Kittie looked down at her pocket as her phone went off. She looked at the message, thinking it was from Oscar telling her to hurry up. When she read it, she scowled. "Tom, I have to go and meet someone else about work. Do you still want to come with me?"
Tom nodded, clearly confused. "But what about Oscar? I thought he needed you."
"If we can be quick, then I'll go to him. I don't like it but I need to go and talk to Crowley."
Tom looked at Kittie, puzzlement showing on his face. "Who's Crowley? Isn't he a demon?"
Kittie stared at him, a little surprised. "You've been listening at my door again, haven't you?" she laughed when Tom tried to hide. "It's alright. The Crowley I'm going to see is a real person. Uncle Tristan knows him. He's given me a time and a place. It's non-negotiable."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I can't change it. Right, go and get your coat off your peg and I shall grab mine. Make sure it's your warm one and you have your gloves and your hat as well."
Grinning, Tom jumped down the stairs, pleased at getting his own way. Kittie shook her head and went down more carefully, muttering under her breath about stupid MI6. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Lexi came out of the lounge holding Charlie. He looked at Kittie in surprise.
"Oh, I thought you and Oscar had gone."
"Oscar has, I… I have to go out, somewhere else."
Just then a huge crash came from the living room, followed by the sound of breaking glass. Lexi looked at Kittie, his eyebrows raised. Kittie said nothing and helped Tom with his coat.
"Really? You're not going to find out what happened? You're not going to go and clean up?" Lexi asked, switching Charlie to the other arm.
"No I'm not. I'm late as it is. I'm taking Tom with me, Sophie is upstairs in bed, and should be asleep, which leaves you with Cal and Charlie. Have fun and don't break anything whilst I'm gone." She looked towards the lounge. "Well anything else. Clear it all up and leave no glass on the floor."
Michael stuck his head around the door. "Lexi we need a hand. Give Charlie to Kittie and bring the hoover." He disappeared back into the lounge, leaving Kittie staring at where his head had been.
Lexi passed Charlie over to her. Kittie took him reluctantly, unsure what to do. "Lexi, you can't… I'm not even supposed to have Tom with me."
"Now you have Charlie too. Good luck."
One handed, Kittie ran a hand through her hair. "Alright, Tom, get your wellies on and make sure they're the right feet. We have some walking to do and I don't want to get there and find you've been complaining 'cause your wellies are on the wrong feet again."
Tom grabbed his crocodile wellies and checked inside them, searching for the L and R as Kittie put Charlie's coat on. Tom pulled the boots on and wiggled his feet to check they were the right way round. When he was sure, he stood up and flicked the hanging tassels of his hat. Kittie sighed and held Charlie who was wrapped up in his coat and a blue fleece blanket to stop his getting cold. "Let's go."
Kittie's POV
I stood in the park, watching Tom playing in the snow as I held a squawking Charlie, He wanted to get down and play too but it wasn't practical. I knew Tom wouldn't stray too far and would come back when I called whereas Charlie wouldn't. He was just too little. I looked around, trying to spot Crowley and then I saw him coming from the north-west. Despite the snow, he was still in a crisp black suit and tie with a beige trench coat. He approached slowly, most likely with caution but possibly because I had Charlie with me. I was supposed to be alone.
"Good afternoon Miss Swan," he said a little frostily. He looked down at Charlie, his mouth forming a tight line.
Tom ran up to me, a frost covered leaf in his gloved hand with a few small icicles hanging off it. "Look Kittie, look!" he cried excitedly, waving it in my face.
I smiled and Crowley looked disapprovingly. "I didn't realise you were bringing family," he said bluntly.
"I didn't have much choice," I retorted, smiling down at Tom. "Everyone seems to forget I have a family to take care of." I rocked Charlie gently as he began to fall asleep. Crowley said nothing.
"I've come to accept your offer, but before I do, I have conditions."
"I'm afraid that's not part of the deal."
"Then make it so." I stared at him, not backing down. "Or don't you want me. I thought I was desirable, much sort after in the spy world." He said nothing. "I guess we're done here."
I cradled Charlie in my arms and looked around for Tom. "Tom, it's time to go."
He ran to my side and didn't question me. He knew I would explain later. We began walking away, leaving Crowley standing alone. I counted backwards slowly from 10, knowing he would call me back.
"Wait," he called. I stopped and turned, staring at him pointedly. "What are your conditions?" he asked.
I walked back over to him with Charlie and Tom. "You'll accept them?"
"I will hear them first and then we'll see."
I knew that was the most I was going to get right this second. "1. You can't just summon me without warning and expect me to come. If I can, I will, but I have a family to take care of and they come first. 2. You must promise that if I accept, my family will be safe. I will not work for you if they are going to get hurt. 3. You will not send me out of the country or on missions for long periods of time without letting my school know and arranging someone who I deem acceptable to look after my family. If any of my conditions are not met then I will stop until they are corrected or you never bother me again. Those are my terms."
He stood still for a moment, not moving, probably thinking. "I think they can be accepted. Mrs Jones is much more flexible than Mr Blunt, and she understands that you are just a child."
"Way to be patronising," I thought sarcastically. "Have them written in a contract and I will sign it. Until then, I give verbal agreement based on the acceptance of my conditions, which I may withdraw at any point. I can also withdraw from the contract at any point I choose."
"You drive a hard bargain Miss Swan," he said, a twinkle in his eyes, though the rest of his face gave nothing away.
"Then it's agreed?"
"Yes. I will get it done. You will be contacted with further details either by one of our operatives, through mail or media communication such as texting. I hope you enjoy working with us and Alex Rider for the next year. Good day Miss Swan, and Master Swans." I was a little surprised that he acknowledged my brothers, but then maybe I had begun to bring him round to my way of thinking. Crowley turned and walked back the way he had come, disappearing across the park.
When he had gone, I breathed a sigh of relief. I sat down on a park bench and gently placed a sleeping Charlie on my lap. Tom climbed up onto the bench next to me and turned around so that his short legs and wellington covered feet were dangling off the edge. I rubbed my hands over my face, glad that was done.
"Are you alright Kittie?" piped up Tom, looking at me worriedly.
I smiled. "Yes, yes I am Tom. That honestly went better than I thought it would. Are you ready to go home trouble?"
"Can we stay a bit longer, please? The park is bigger than home."
I looked at his face, the big puppy dog eyes, then at my watch. 3 O'clock. Oscar probably wasn't going to be there
much longer. "Alright, just not too long, and not a word to Oscar. We should go back soon, before it's dark."
He squealed happily and went off to play. I smiled as I watched him, not really meaning in. I'd learnt how to make it look like I was happy and smiling. I knew when I got back Oscar would be mad. I just knew there was no way of avoiding it. I let him down but at the same time, I had things of my own to do. I could tolerate him being mad at me for a bit but it wasn't completely my fault. I never chose this, I was just trying to get the most out of the situation I was in. I didn't want to go back, but I knew I would have to eventually.
