"Pixie, please be okay. Please don't leave me."
Abby's pleading words were breaking her mothers' hearts. She had been in the kitchen when Imogen broke the news and, still in her nightclothes, immediately ran outside to be with her pet.
"Honey, Stephen is coming, you know he'll do whatever he can to help her." Imogen crouched down and rubbed her daughter's heaving back. There had been no hesitation from her brother when she'd called him, he had simply told her to keep Pixie warm and that he would be there straight away.
"Here he is." Constance sighed with relief when she saw Stephen's jeep turning the corner.
Stephen jumped from the car and ran over to join his family. "Okay Abs, stand back for a moment while I take a look at her." He knelt down next to the distressed cat to examine her. "It's alright Pixie, I'm going to take you with me and we'll see what's happening with you."
"What's wrong with her? I want to come with you.", Abby begged him.
"I need to do some tests Abs but by the looks of it her back leg is damaged, maybe her spine. Let me take her, you get dressed and if it's okay with your mothers one of them can bring you over to the surgery. I need to go now but I swear I'll do everything I can for her."
Stephen knew, as did Constance and Imogen, that telling Abby to wait for news at home was absolutely pointless.
"Okay." Abby had tears running down her face as she gave PIxie's ear a final stroke. "I love you so much. So do Ava and Zara and Fleur needs to know how much fun you are and how good the nuzzles you give are. And Minnie needs her Mummy and Morgana needs her little girl. And I need my little familiar, remember that."
"She will." Constance held her daughter as Pixie was taken away. "She needs positive thoughts so let's make sure she gets them."
While Abby ran to get dressed her parents made a few decisions.
"You take her.", Imogen told Constance. "I'll have a quick shower, feed Fleur and Ava and Zara will need to be told what's happened as well. I'm just surprised they managed to sleep thorough the commotion. But phone me the second you know anything."
"I will.", Constance promised before grabbing the car keys and joining Abby who was waiting impatiently at the door.
"Honey, Mama's right, positive thoughts okay?"
Abby nodded sadly before hopping into the car, fear etched all over her normally bright features.
"Mummy, what's happening?" Ava and Zara were stood at the top of the stairs, both looking confused.
"Hello love bugs, come here, I have something to tell you."
While her Mum was answering the many questions her upset sisters had while at the same time wiping away their tears, Abby was entering the veterinary surgery Stephen was a partner in. Even though it was Sunday it was a working day for the busy practice and they were greeted by Amanda, one of the receptionists who worked there.
"Hi Constance, hi Abby. Stephen said to go into his office to wait. He's giving Pixie a scan and he'll join you as soon as he has news. Would you like some tea?"
"Thank you.", Constance replied while Abby just stood staring at what she knew was the scan room. She had visited here so many times and always felt bad for the sick animals and their worried owners. Now it was her pet who was the sick one and it felt worse than she could have ever imagined.
A few minutes later she was clutching the tea between her cold hands when the office door opened. "Well? Is she alright?"
Stephen's face was calm as he sat next to his niece and explained what he had found. "The good news is that she hasn't damaged her spine or tail."
"And her leg?"
"As I thought that's the main problem. Her leg is badly broken and she's going to need an operation to reset it, possibly I'll have to put a rod in it."
"Will that solve the issue?", Constance asked.
"I hope so but, well, if the bones can't be realigned we may need to amputate the leg." He debated whether to continue but he knew Abby well enough to know honesty was the best policy. "And you know any surgery has risks, it may be too much for her body to deal with."
"Oh." Abby's quiet response was even more heart wrenching than her tears.
"But she's strong Abs, she's well looked after and she's healthy, that's all in her favour. Your Mama needs to sign the forms but I'm going to ask you the question, do you consent for Pixie to have the surgery?"
There was no doubt in Abby's mind, they had to try. "Yes."
"I'll get the paperwork done and get started straight away. Do you want to see her before I give her the anaesthetic?"
"Please."
Along with her mother Abby entered the examination area where Pixie was waiting. The cat was barely awake but she opened her eyes slightly as she felt familiar fingers run along her head.
"You're going to have an operation Pix but when you wake up you'll feel a lot better.", Abby murmured. "And we'll look after you while you recover."
"We will.", Constance added. "You're a big part of our family Pixie and we all love you very much."
With that Stephen was back with the documents to be signed before wheeling Pixie into theatre.
"She's in safe hands.", the accompanying nurse told them.
"I know." Abby trusted her uncle implicitly, now all she could do was wait.
And wait they did. Time seemed to drag as they sat in Stephens office but they weren't alone for long.
"I've brought supplies." Imogen popped her head around the door with a tray of takeaway cups and a bag of snacks in her hands.
"Thank you." Constance gratefully took the hot coffee and a banana. "How are Ava and Zara?"
"Very upset, though Amelia told them that looking after Minnie and Morgana was the best thing they could do to help which gave them something focus on."
As soon as Tom and Amelia had arrived Imogen had showered, then come to join her wife and eldest daughter. "Honey, I got you a vanilla latte. How are you holding up?"
"Thanks." Abby took a sip of her favourite coffee. "I'm just so scared."
"I know you are." Imogen took the cup back, placing it on the desk so she could hug Abby. "But we're here for you."
"I'm sorry I was horrible to you yesterday.", Abby whispered into her Mum's jumper. "I'm so grateful that you rang Stephen."
"Oh honey, you don't have anything to be sorry about, I do. And of course I was going to ring Stephen, Pixie needs the best vet in the world doesn't she?"
"Thank you for the vote of confidence." Stephen had quietly entered the room. "We've just finished."
"And?" Abby was petrified to hear the answer.
"She's come through very well. She still has her leg although I did have to put a rod in and in all likelihood she's going to have a bit of a limp for the rest of her life. She's also lost the claws from that paw."
"But she's alive?" Abby was out of her seat and hugging her uncle tightly.
"She is, fast asleep still but alive. She's going to be unconscious for a while but you can pop in and see her again. Then I think you should go home for a bit and tell your sisters the good news. Maybe tell the girl who hit her as well."
It had been a neighbour's teenage daughter out for a driving lesson who had hit Pixie when turning the car a bit too quickly. The girl had been besides herself, only saying that she hadn't seen Pixie until it was too late. Her parents had asked to be updated as well as offering to pay the vets bills.
"It wasn't all her fault." Abby told her parents and uncle. "I should have known that Pixie would get excited if she was outside by herself, I should have been watching her to make sure she was safe. I should have let her out the backdoor, not the side door, I should have…."
"Honey, you weren't too know that this would happen. Pixie's been out by herself lots of times.", Imogen reasoned. "It was an accident, the main thing is she will recover and even if she does have a limp I can't imagine that will do much to stop Pixie and her crazy antics."
The parallels of what had happened to both Pixie and Zara were not lost on Imogen.
"Your Mum is right Abby. And as for the family down the road, tell them there won't be any charge. I'm guessing that girl will be a bit nervous about driving again though, hopefully this won't put her off but it might make her a little more cautious.
"Hopefully.", Constance agreed, not wanting to belittle what had happened but being grateful nonetheless that it hadn't been a child who had been hit. "How long will Pixie be asleep for?"
"A couple of hours but I'll stay with her and I'll call you when she's awake. I'll keep her here for a few days, then she can go home but her activity will have to be extremely restricted for the next few weeks. I know it will be difficult with such an active cat but she'll need to recover."
"We'll make sure she takes it easy." Imogen felt almost shy speaking to her brother. "Thank you so much for looking after her."
"It's my job.", Stephen shrugged before turning to follow Constance and Abby to the post op room.
"Wait, Stephen. I, well, would you like some company while you sit with Pixie?"
Stephen stopped dead in the corridor before slowly turning to face his sister. "I would but only if that company wants to be with me."
"I do." Imogen ran towards him and hugged him. "I also want to say sorry for how I've acted."
"Let's get Abby and Pixie sorted and then we'll talk."
It was difficult for Abby to leave Pixie but she agreed that there wasn't much she could do while her pet was sleeping so did what was suggested and went home to tell her sisters and their other pets that Pixie would be okay, slightly damaged but okay.
"You have no idea how much I wish I hadn't taken Zara out that day. Or that I had done something differently that would have stopped her from falling.", Stephen confessed when it was just he and Imogen left in the room.
In the same way she had with her wife, Imogen told her brother her feelings about Zara recently. She wanted him to know that in the same way he had , she was taking responsibility for her own actions. She was also determined that he would know her apology wasn't just as a result of what had happened with Pixie.
"It was an accident, I know that, I always knew that. I just wish I'd hadn't things differently. Not let things build up and caused all this hurt and fear during what was already an upsetting time. I'm sorry."
Stephen considered his next response carefully. "I think I understand but Im, you spoke to me as though I was still your ten year old brother who had messed up your bedroom. And just like back then you went too far and hit me below the belt. I know I've been irresponsible before but I've thought about what you said a lot and I don't think I am anymore. I have a house, a serious relationship, my own business and I've stopped running away from difficult situations."
"I was wrong.", Imogen confessed. "And you're right, I resorted to my old tricks and lashed out. I know how responsible you are, especially when it comes to the girls."
"I think they're part of what made me responsible." Stephen smiled ruefully. "When Dad was in Australia with me and you phoned to say that you were adopting Abs properly and that Constance was pregnant with Ava, I was just as excited as he was. And this may sound silly but I made a promise to myself that they would be proud of their uncle."
Imogen squeezed his hand. "That's not silly and they are."
"Thank you. And you know they're the main reason I stayed here. it wasn't the money, I could have bought a practice anywhere but I wanted to be with my family. Then when Zara came along, it's not like I loved the others any less but she just seemed to bond with me and somehow she became my little buddy. I remember the first time she said my name, well tried to. And the first time she looked for a cuddle from me, I was so happy."
"You make her happy too, she misses you so much. And I know that's my fault but please tell me you'll accept my apology and we can move past this."
Stephen leaned over to hug his sister. "If you'll accept my apology for what happened I'll accept yours."
"Deal."
They stayed chatting for a couple of minutes before Imogen's phone beeped.
"I need to go, Fleur's almost gone through the bottles I left and she'll need a feed soon. I hate that you haven't seen her for the past couple of weeks."
"So do I. Though Abby has been sending me pictures and videos every day, don't be angry with her."
"I'm not, that girl is far too level headed to let my stupidity stop her from talking to the people she loves." Imogen stopped as she noticed a movement from the table. "Is she waking up?"
"She sure is. Hey Pix, good girl, you're okay." Stephen soothed Pixie while checking her over. "You go back and look after Fleur, tell Abby she can come over for a little bit, I'm sure Dad will bring her. I know Ava and Zara will want to see her as well but tomorrow would be better. Oh wait, do you have to go back to the castle tonight?"
"No, Abby and Ava are both off school so we're staying here. I'd better go, will you come over later, once you're finished here?"
"Try and stop me. Gerry's on call tonight so this one will be well looked after." Stephen hugged his sister again, relieved that they were speaking and that he'd soon get to see his nieces, something he couldn't wait for.
Two hours later he got his wish.
"Sweetpea, look who's here." Imogen guided Zara into the kitchen.
"Stevie?" The three year old gasped before racing to where her uncle was standing, squealing with joy as she was lifted into his arms.
"Hiya Zee, I'm sorry I've been away." He stopped, feeling a fresh wave of guilt wash over him as he looked at the splint. "How's your sore arm?"
"S'ok."
Imogen wanted to stop the guilty thoughts she could see forming. "She's been doing so well and if the doctor is happy the cast is going to come off on Wednesday, isn't it Sweetpea?"
"Yeah and I can go for swims." Zara hugged Stephen again. "Absy said you made Pixie better. Thanks."
"You're welcome Zee." Stephen put her down so he could hug Ava who was eagerly waiting next to them. "I missed you too Ava."
"We missed you lots and lots. But we're happy you're back now and could help Pixie. Can we see her soon?"
"Tomorrow.", he promised, making an offer he and Imogen had already discussed. "I'll come and get you two and Abby in the morning and we can go together. And while your Mummy and Mama take Fleur to the doctor we'll go for lunch and you can tell me what I've missed. Then, if she's feeling up to it Pixie can come home on Tuesday or Wednesday and you can all help by being her nurses and making sure she doesn't do lots of crazy running around like she normally does while she gets better."
It was a plan that suited the three older Drill girls down to the ground but there was another family member that Zara didn't want to be forgotten about.
"Come with me." She took Stephen's hand with her good one and dragged him into the living room where Constance and Amelia were sitting with a very special someone.
"Look, it's my Fleur, she missed you too."
"And I missed her. Hello beautiful." Stephen whispered as he looked at his niece in the swing, feeling overwhelmed at how much she had grown in just a few weeks.
"You can pick her up if you like.", Constance told him with a proud smile. "She loves being held."
Stephen didn't need to be asked twice and he eagerly lifted the baby into his arms before sitting on the couch with Zara and Ava on either side and Abby perched on the arm.
She was exhausted after the day's events but Abby felt better far having seen Pixie again. Although she was very groggy she'd seemed to recognise her best human friend and had even given a little purr as she was gently petted which had helped ease her worries even more. Now, even though she was counting the minutes until she could go back, she was pleased that she had her family as a supportive distraction while she waited.
"Oh, she smiled at me.", Stephen exclaimed.
"She likes you.", Zara told him. "But she likes me the best."
"Does not.", Ava spluttered. "I read her a story earlier and she waved her hands at me so she likes me the best."
"No.", Zara replied with an air of authority unusual for most three year olds. "She loves me."
Stephen looked across to where his sister-in-law was rolling her eyes at what was clearly a common conversation.
"Welcome back to the madhouse.", Constance sighed before addressing the girls. "She loves you both equally. Now, I want you to both go and wash your hands before we sit down and have a nice, argument free, family dinner."
Abby stood up. "I'll help them." Then she bent down and kissed Stephen's cheek. "I'll never forget what you did for Pixie and I'm so glad you're back where you belong. We love you."
"Love you too Abs." Stephen blushed.
"Gaby will be here in a minute. Will you give me a hand serving dinner please pumpkin?", Tom asked his daughter from where they had been watching Stephen catch up with the girls.
"I'm sorry Dad.", Imogen told him as they dished up the food. "I know this has been hard for you."
"It has." , Tom agreed. "I hate when you two fall out, I always have. But the main thing is that you've made up and Stephen is back with all of us. And of course Pixie is getting better and Zara's arm is almost healed. And you, well you know we're always here for you don't you?"
"I do.", Imogen promised. "I don't know why I let things build up so much in my head."
Tom, who dealt with the same issues, could completely understand. "Recognising it is a good start."
"It is and while the girls go to see Pixie tomorrow Constance and I are going to take Fleur to see Dr Ravenscroft so I'm going to ask her for advice. I think I'm doing the right things to make sure I'm on track but I'll listen to what she has to say as well. "
"That's good. Pumpkin, things can get too much for anyone, even superwomen like you. But you know you have a family who adores you and will help you get through any dark days you have."
"I know."
"Good. And Amelia and I are dying to start proper babysitting duties again so we'd like to take care of the girls while you and Constance go out for a couple of hours. You just tell us where and when."
"Thanks Dad, maybe next Thursday?" Imogen gave her father a hug. "I don't think either of us are ready to go out for the night yet but a few hours together in the afternoon would be lovely. And maybe you or Amelia can look after Fleur if we can take the girls swimming on Friday afternoon?"
"We can do that. We'll go with you and one of us can take her for a walk while the other gives you a hand in the pool." Tom also knew that Constance intended to send Imogen and Abby off for some well deserved pampering the following Saturday morning so he and Amelia were planning on staying over again and giving her a hand with the younger girls.
The father daughter hug was interrupted by Zara who came running into the kitchen to ask a question.
"Can I sit with Stevie?"
"Of course you can princess." Tom ruffled her hair, thrilled at the ecstatic expression on her face. "You look very happy."
"I am. Pixie's better 'cept for her sore leg but I'm going to be her nursey. My Stevie's here and Gaby and Mummy's happy too so that makes me happy. Everyone together is very good."
For the umpteenth time in the past few weeks Imogen blinked back a tear, though this was one of the happy ones. Constance was right, when Zara loved people she went all out and they were all so lucky to have this little enigma in their lives.
"Well said Sweetpea."
"I know." Zara was always very sure when she was correct about things. Which led her to her next point. "Mummy, tell Ava that Fleur loves me most."
Imogen sighed as she carried plates of paella to the dining room with an insistent Zara hot on her heels, listing all the reasons she was the baby's favourite person. "So much for an argument free family meal."
"Get used to it Pumpkin." Tom spoke to himself rather than anyone else. "Your are and going to argue and break your heart at times. But even when they're in the wrong or not seeing things clearly you'll love them because they're still completely worth it."
A/N: Thank you to everyone for reading and to Princess Sammi for the kind reviews.
Next month's chapter, well let's just say it involves a trip to somewhere known as being magical. But the question is, who is taking it?