Oh, you all look so gorgeous." Imogen beamed as her daughters entered the sitting room.
Abby shifted Fleur in her arms before winking at her Mum. "You don't look too shabby yourself birthday girl. I told you that green dress really suits you."
It was the day of Imogen's fortieth birthday. A party was happening the following evening but there was also a special family meal to mark the occasion. And thanks to some adjusting of remaining holidays, the students had gone home for a long weekend so they could celebrate freely.
"You look absolutely beautiful Darling." Constance bent down to kiss Imogen's upswept blonde hair.
"Thanks Sweetheart."
"What's wrong Mummy?" It wasn't just that Imogen's smile wasn't quite reaching her eyes, Ava could feel that something wasn't quite right.
"I'm fine poppet, just a bit sorry that Jamie, Sarah and the boys couldn't make this evening." She gave Ava a hug. "But I'll see them tomorrow won't I?"
"Yes but….", Ava started to answer before her older sister cut her off.
"But we should go, Granny and Granddad are waiting."
"Food!" Zara had her priorities in order and led the way downstairs.
With such a small number Imogen had assumed they would be eating in the staffroom, so Constance walking towards the dining hall caught her off-guard. "Sweetheart, where …..?"
"Surprise!"
Imogen stood in the doorway, her jaw slack as she took in the scene before her. Far from the plain dining hall she was familiar with the large room was beautifully decorated with fairy lights, balloons and flower arrangements. Also, the tables had been arranged in a "U" shape where some important people were waiting.
"You said you couldn't come.", Imogen gasped at Jamie before crouching to catch Fionn and Cillian who toddled towards her on unsteady feet. "Were your Daddy and Mummy telling me fibs?"
"Mmmm." Fionn gave her a sloppy kiss in response.
"We were under strict instructions not to spoil any surprises.", Sarah confessed. "Otherwise we would have had to deal with the wrath of Abby."
Imogen looked to where her eldest daughter was watching with a nervous but proud grin on her face. "Honey, you did this? But I thought my party was tomorrow?"
"I had help.", Abby shrugged. "And your party is tomorrow and all your other friends from Uni, home and the village will be there. This is a dinner party and it's only for your really special people."
As she took in the rest of the room Imogen knew exactly what Abby meant. Her father, Amelia, Stephen and Gaby were beaming in her direction. Meanwhile, Davina, Elizabeth, Fenella, Griselda, Maud and David were hanging back slightly to allow her Aunt Margaret and Uncle John to give her a hug.
"I didn't think you were coming until tomorrow." Imogen threw her arms around her mother's sister.
"We couldn't miss this could we?", Margaret grinned. "Happy Birthday love."
There was no time to talk as Abby, Ava and Zara clambered to say hello to their great-aunt and uncle before dragging them to see a curious Fleur.
After greeting all the other guests, an overwhelmed Imogen sat as directed at the head of the table with Constance on one side and Abby at the other. Meanwhile, Ava and Zara were ignoring any seating plan and hopping from chair to chair, or rather lap to lap, between their mothers and sister.
"I can't believe this.", Imogen whispered. "Everyone has gone to so much trouble."
"It's no trouble Darling, not when it's for you."
There was another big surprise coming but like the others, Constance knew better than to risk ruining what Abby had spent the past two months working on.
While there were many amazing cooks in their midst, Abby wanted everyone to enjoy the evening and not spend it in the kitchen. She had been stumped about what to do, that was until her Granddad stepped in.
"My daughter only turns forty once so you let me look after the menu princess."
After consulting with Constance he had contacted Imogen's favourite restaurant who had been happy to cater for the event. He and Abby had also spoken to Kathleen Cosy who, as well as supplying party food for the following evening, had produced the most delicious looking chocolate and strawberry cakes for the dinner party.
"Mummy, I'm SO hungry." Zara rubbed her stomach and opened her brown eyes widely as she looked at the food choices.
"We can't have that, can we? Let's eat." Imogen took the three-year old's hand and guided her to the buffet table while everybody else followed.
Ten minutes later everyone was in their seats with plenty of food and drinks in front of them. Meanwhile, Imogen was sipping her own non-alcoholic option as she looked around the room.
Margaret and Amelia were deep in conversation as were Tom and John. David was next to Stephen and Gabrielle and the trio seemed highly amused by whatever they were discussing, as were Maud, Fenny and Grissy who were giggling with Davina and Elizabeth.
"Are you having fun?" Abby needed to be completely sure.
"Are you kidding? I have this delicious food, my friends and family here and my best girls next to me. Suddenly being forty doesn't seem so bad."
"Well, I'm having loads of fun." , Ava piped up from where she was sitting on her Mama's lap. "Birthdays are great."
"Mmmmm.", Zara agreed around a mouthful of prawns.
Abby was enjoying her food but also watching until everyone was finished their main courses. She was nervous about this part of her plan but after an encouraging look from her Mama she stood up and cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.
"Before we have dessert there's another surprise. Well, everyone here knows about it but Mum, you don't. Tonight is about getting together and showing you how much we love you but, I, well we, wanted to make sure that you have something to look back on. Just in case you ever needed a reminder. I thought of a book but that's Mama's thing and I didn't want to steal your idea, so I went with a different type of delivery. So this is for you."
Before Imogen could form the "What?", that was on her lips, the lights dimmed and at exactly 7:53 PM a video appeared on the wall.
"Imogen was born at seven minutes to eight.". Tom's voice could be heard over the picture of his baby daughter on the screen. "There weren't scans like now but Rose was sure the entire way through her pregnancy that it was a girl. She had chosen the name Imogen before we'd ever met and luckily it seemed to suit this little baby perfectly."
The picture changed so it was Tom addressing the camera. "Imogen, I can't believe the years that have passed. Sometimes I'll see Zara playing and it could be you. You have no idea how proud I am of you, as your mother would be if she was here. You have been an incredible daughter. You are talented, thoughtful, kind, understanding and through the toughest times possible, so resilient. Now, you have daughters of your own and I know they'll agree how lucky they are to have you as their Mummy."
While Ava, Zara and Abby nodded in agreement, Imogen watched through teary eyes as more pictures and videos with her parents flashed across the screen.
"And I am very, very lucky to have you as my little girl. Happy Birthday, Pumpkin. I love you." Tom's face disappeared from the screen to be replaced by more photos and the sound of Stephen's voice.
"When people used to comment about how shy Imogen was, I didn't know what they meant. As far as I was concerned she was my bossy big sister who used to make me play "Little House on the Prairie" against my will. Or the scatter brain who was always forgetting where she'd left her toys. It was only later I realised what they meant and I remember wishing that everyone could see her like I could. That they could see how much fun and how good a listener she was. And I was so happy when that started to happen, when she met Jamie and then later when she started to open up more.
"Imogen, you are one of the bravest people I know. And even though we'll probably always bicker and wind each other up, you're the best big sister I could ever have wished for."
The camera panned out to show Gabrielle sitting next to her boyfriend. "You were always so welcoming when I visited Auntie Amelia. Then when I came to teach you helped me find my feet. Even when Ava and then Zara were tiny babies you invited me for dinner or to chat over tea or the odd bottle of wine and we built a friendship that I treasure."
Stephen spoke again, "And you were at your bossy best getting us together. You and your other half clearly took inspiration from a certain stepmother and helped give us a push. We're very grateful for that and for the incredible nieces that you brought into our lives. We know they're going to spoil you rotten for your birthday and we want to say that you deserve every single minute of it because you're amazing."
Next, it was Margaret and John's turn to be on-screen with John starting off. "Whenever Imogen used to come and stay with us she was always very keen to help out on the farm. She'd be up at the crack of dawn, singing away to herself as she collected the eggs and do whatever else needed doing. It seemed to make her feel good and I was very happy to have a willing helper, unlike her cousins who just wanted to stay in bed."
Margaret took up the story. "You were such a quiet little girl Imogen but I remember we used to have special chats in Nanny's kitchen. It was then I knew that Nanny and your Mum were right, one day you'd bloom into someone very special. And I'm sure that wherever they are they're both very happy that they were correct. And we're very happy to be part of your birthday celebrations."
Constance saw the tears flowing down her face and reached for Imogen's hand. "Darling, do you need a break?"
"No." Imogen squeezed back. "I'm okay."
Luckily the mood brightened as the next person appeared on-screen.
"Pushing Imogen off her swing was one of the best things I've done in my life." Jamie grinned at the camera. "I don't even know why I did it but it brought me my best friend so it must have been a good idea. Im, our friendship has brought us both much. It brought our careers, the chance to travel. And of course, a certain little curly-haired dynamo that appeared in our lives fourteen and a half years ago."
Everyone laughed as a picture of toddler Abby, along with a younger Jamie and Imogen flashed across the screen.
"And now as well as each other, we have a friendship that works across our families and that's something I know we're never going to lose."
The picture changed so this time it was Jamie sitting with Sarah, each with one of their sons on their laps.
"Imogen.", Sarah smiled. "I'd heard so much about you that I was a little nervous to meet you. Looking back that was ridiculous because when we did meet, straight away we were friends in our own right. You've also taught me a few good tricks for putting up with this partner of mine which I am very grateful for. And you are a brilliant Auntie to these two isn't she?"
Fionn and Cillian laughed at the camera. "Yeh."
"I still can't believe that our Abby came up with such a soppy idea but I'm so glad she did." Jamie adjusted his hold on Fionn on-screen. "We love you Im, happy birthday."
"Thank you.", Imogen mouthed towards her friends before getting distracted by the next message, this time from David.
"I think it's safe to say that at times neither of us thought that me being a part of this would ever be possible. But let me say I am delighted that it is. Imogen, I've known you for over twenty years. I remember the nervous but excited teenager I met in University and how you pushed yourself to become the young woman I saw graduate and start her career.
"You and Jamie were such a massive part of mine and Claire's life during those years. And I know she was so happy that I'd taken pity on you both and brought you home for a proper meal. We had no idea what would come from that simple invitation, did we? And while there are many, many things I would change, fate brought you into our lives for a very important reason."
The screen changed to a video that Imogen had completely forgotten about. She gasped as she saw herself and a heavily pregnant Claire appear.
"So Immy, what do you have to say to your future godchild?"
The younger Imogen thought for a moment. "Well, I'm very excited to meet you and be a part of your life. I hope you'll know that I'll always be there for you, to have fun with and to talk to about anything at all. I promise I will always listen to you and help in any way I can. Oh and one more thing, remember, I'm way cooler than Jamie is."
As the image faded Abby appeared on the screen. "I do know that. And I know that back then you had no idea what was going to happen between us, but you have more than lived up to your promise. That's all I'm going to say, for now. I'll be back later though. Oh, and by the way, you are cooler than Jamie, though probably not as cool as you think you are sometimes."
"Cheek.", Jamie muttered loudly in a way that relieved the emotional atmosphere in the room.
Next up were Amelia, Davina, and Elizabeth who shared the first time they met Imogen.
"I knew she was special the moment she arrived.", Davina enthused.
Elizabeth scoffed in response. "I seem to remember you saying she looked like we were going to hex her to Outer Mongolia."
"I did not.", Davina huffed. "I said Inner Mongolia."
Amelia sighed before addressing the camera with twinkling eyes. "Davina is right, we did see something special in you. You are a wonderful teacher, we could tell that straight away. And you were a friend to us all from your first day here, you still are.
"Now, I also have the privilege of being a part of your family, something that makes me extremely proud. I'm very thankful that you took my advice and persevered when it came to a certain Potions teacher. Though I never imagined my gentle nudge would end up with me married to your father and us being the proud grandparents of four marvellous girls who we adore. I hope you know what you mean to us and how much joy you bring into our lives every day. Happy birthday my dear."
"Happy Birthday." Davina and Elizabeth echoed.
On the subject of Imogen being a good teacher, there were a couple of people who wanted to echo that thought.
"I'm not sure we imagined that the pupil/teacher relationship we had would turn into this friendship, but I know we're so glad it did."
Maud nodded along with Grissy's words. "You helped me so much when I went through tough times as a teenager. You listened to my problems, gave advice when I needed it and helped me find an outlet through exercise, something that changed the path of my life. Now you're my friend, my running buddy, my mentor and always such an inspiration to me.
"It's the same for me and Gris, we look up to you so much. You've always been there for us, first as a teacher and now as a friend and peer. We'd have been lost without you through the tough times. And now in the good times, as we plan our wedding, we're so grateful for your support and we're excited to celebrate your birthday with you and your family."
From their seat to her left, the girls raised their glasses to Imogen, a gesture that she returned before looking at the photographs chosen to depict these friendships.
"I told you I'd be back." Abby was on the screen again, a massive smile on her face. "I've already said, you've always been part of my life. Even when we weren't living together, although I didn't understand why, I knew you were still my person, the one I could tell anything to because you were my Mummy. And while I missed you so much during the time we were apart, looking back I know why you came to Cackle's. And if I could go back and tell my seven-year-old self anything, it would be to be patient and wait for the magic that was to come for both of us."
There were no words coming from Imogen. She felt arms wrapping around her shoulders while Abby whispered in her ear, "I know you want to be super soppy with me now but just wait a minute, you won't want to miss this."
She was right. As Constance appeared on the screen, her hair loose, wearing a navy cardigan and fuchsia top that Ava insisted she buy, Imogen thought her heart was going to jump out of her chest.
Being on camera wasn't something that came naturally to Constance and that made this gesture all the more meaningful.
On the screen, Constance looked up for a moment and allowed the memories to wash over her.
"I didn't realise that on the 28th of August, almost eight years ago, I was going to meet the person who would change my life."
"How did Mum do that?", Abby prompted off camera.
"In so many ways. Firstly, when she arrived at Cackle's she changed the dynamic of the school. And while I was slightly resistant at first…", Constance smiled wryly. "I could see the benefits that having a non-witch on staff brought. She looked at things differently, asked questions that made us think and consider new ways of doing things."
"And when you became a couple, how about then?"
"Then my life really changed. It became full of feelings, of music, colour and laughter and experiences I can't even begin to describe. Imogen was the catalyst to these changes. She introduced me to new people and made me closer those I had known for years. She made me part of a family, she shared you with me and then together we brought your sisters into our world. None of these things would ever have seemed possible before I met her, and are all part of the reasons I love her so much."
Everyone in the room appeared teary-eyed as they listened to the heartfelt words and watched pictures and clips from the couple's years together appear on the screen.
"Sweetheart, I…." Imogen started.
"I know Darling." Constance pressed her lips to her wife's forehead. "There's more."
Everyone grinned as Ava and Zara appeared on-screen. They were sat on the couch, both bouncing up and down with excitement.
"Happy Birthday Mummy.", Ava exclaimed loudly while waving at the camera.
"I'm going to ask you a couple of questions. Ready?"
Both nodded at their big sister's words from behind the camera.
"What do you love most about Mummy?"
Ava pulled her typical thinking face while Zara shrugged. "Everything."
"Yeah, everything. Mummy's great."
"Okay." Abby decided to rephrase the question. "What are things you like to do with Mummy?"
Ava didn't need to think about this for too long, and as she spoke the picture changed to show images of Imogen and her daughters doing exactly what she was describing.
"We read stories, sing songs, play games and we have our Italian nights and yoga classes and we make cakes and go for walks and swimming. And shopping with Mummy is always fun. And we like when she paints our toenails and rubs our backs. Oh and we have special talks and snuggles, we love them don't we?"
"Snuggles are good.", Zara's head bobbed happily. "I like when Mummy gives me a big hug and lots of kisses, that feels very nice."
"Oooh, THAT'S the best." Ava agreed.
As the scene faded Imogen hugged and kissed her middle children while they giggled with joy. But there was another special person who needed a bit of help to say her piece.
Constance appeared on the screen again, this time with Fleur cradled against her.
"Well little one, even though you are growing far more quickly than we would like, you can't quite tell Mummy what I know you'd like to. But that's alright, I'll tell her for you. You are such an incredible mother to our daughters. You are completely selfless when it comes to their needs. You spend time with them and create worlds full of fun and adventures. You listen to them, you teach them so much. And you make them feel safe and loved every single day. And this beautiful little girl thinks that the sun shines from you don't you?"
Fleur reached up and tapped her tiny hand against her Mama's face before letting out a little giggle, something that was still very new and a sound that nobody could get enough of.
The scene cut to Imogen's five girls sitting together, Constance with Zara on her lap and Ava curled against them while Abby held Fleur so she was facing the camera.
"So, in case you haven't figured it out yet, we think you are incredible.", Abby started.
And very beautiful.", Ava added.
Constance agreed., "Both inside and out."
"Exactly." Abby nodded. "So all that's left for us to say is…."
"Happy Birthday.", the family cheered in unison before the video ended with Zara running up to plant a kiss on the camera.
As the scene faded away there was a split second of silence before the applause started.
"Well done princess." Tom was beyond proud of what his granddaughter had put together.
"Thanks, but everyone helped.", Abby blushed.
"Darling?" Constance could tell how overwhelmed Imogen was.
Imogen stood on shaking legs. "I just, wow, I don't know what to say."
"Bad luck because we demand a speech.", Stephen piped up from his seat while everyone clapped again.
It took her a moment but eventually, Imogen gathered herself enough to grant the request.
"It was a bit surreal to see forty years pass by in a fifteen-minute video. Surreal but incredible. Thank you everyone, I'm going to treasure it always." Imogen could feel herself getting emotional again but cleared her throat and carried on with what she wanted to say. "That video reminded me of something I already knew, I've had an amazing life so far. And all those kind and generous words that you said about me, I hope you know that the feelings are more than reciprocated and I am so grateful for how these relationships have evolved over the course of my life.
"There have been sad times too, there are people who aren't here that I truly wish could be. But I know I need to look back and be grateful that I had them, even for a short time in some cases. And I also know that they brought so much into my life, including my beautiful, headstrong, talented and creative eldest daughter here."
She looked at David who smiled in agreement. When Abby had come to him with her idea he knew the clip of Imogen and Claire would be perfect for what she wanted. And although it had been bittersweet for all of them, he was glad that he had shared it.
Imogen carried on, "Honey, you have no idea what this means to me."
"As long as you liked it.", Abby whispered from her seat.
"Liked doesn't even come close and it reminded me of how lucky I have been and in the past seven years, I just seem to have gotten luckier. I used to dream about having a family, I just didn't know how it would happen. And I never thought that by the time I was forty I would have four beautiful children and the most amazing wife I could imagine."
"And three kitties." Zara pointed out to everyone's amusement.
"And three kitties Sweetpea, I definitely didn't picture them but I can't imagine life without them just like I can't imagine life without any of you. I love you all very much and I'm so glad that you're here for my birthday celebrations. Thank you and now, I think it's time for some cake."
"And dancing. Mama said we could practice for tomorrow's party." Ava eagerly looked to her Mummy for approval.
Imogen lifted her almost-five-year-old so she was sitting on her hip. "It wouldn't be a Drill party without dancing, would it? And I'm sure you and your sisters have some moves you want to show off."
Once the cake was eaten there was, of course, plenty of time for dancing. Also, Imogen was keen to speak to everyone and thank them for being there.
"We're all staying here tonight.", Jamie told her. "It will be a proper birthday weekend."
"And I get to spend time with everyone all together. Including this one before she leaves us all for America."
"It's only two months." Maud, who had just finished University was going to the US to work in a summer camp. "Though I'll miss everyone like mad, the kids will be so big by the time I get back."
"They will, and they'll miss you too.", Imogen agreed. "But we'll send you pictures and FaceTime as much as you want."
"And you'll be having far too much fun to miss anyone too much." Jamie, who had also built a friendship with Maud over the years had been a big help in her securing a summer job.
"I think you might be right. And it works out well with Andrew taking extra classes over the summer. We'll miss each other but now is the right time before I come back and start looking for a job." Maud's boyfriend was a medical student and very serious about his studies, although he was even more serious about his girlfriend.
"Any idea of where you'd like to work?", Imogen asked nonchalantly.
Maud bit her lip, she wanted to say Cackle's but it seemed a bit cheeky.
"Because.", Imogen continued. "Georgia is only here for another two weeks, then she's off to Australia to join her boyfriend."
She had the feeling that even if that had not been her substitute's intention all along, she would have moved on regardless. The young teacher was very nice, good with the students and tried her best but she did struggle somewhat with the magical aspect of the school. It was something Imogen could relate to, although clearly what had made things different for her was not an option for Georgia.
"Do you mean cover the end of your maternity leave?" Maud's face lit up. She knew Imogen was planning on taking leave until Fleur was at least one, even six months would be a great experience.
Imogen shrugged., "A bit longer than that. I'm looking to make some changes, I love P.E. but there are other things I think I can bring to the school. I miss teaching a language and I'd like to work with Constance a bit more on the curriculum. Everything is early stages now. Obviously, Fleur and her sisters have been our main priority over the past few months, but we will be looking for a P.E teacher come September. No pressure and I understand if you want to go in another direction, but if you're interested, have a chat to Constance and Amelia. I know they're planning on talking to you but there's nothing wrong with being proactive is there?"
Maud could hardly speak. She was so excited at the prospect of teaching at her old school, not to mention living and working alongside her friends. "Yes, I mean no there's not and yes, I will definitely speak to them. Oh, thank you." After another hug, she scurried off to Fenny and Grissy to tell them what had happened.
"I take it we'll be having a conversation with a prospective staff member soon." Constance's eyes were bright as she watched the younger women deep in excited conversation.
"I think so.", Imogen confirmed. "I'm not saying this because she's our friend but she'd be perfect."
Like her wife and Amelia, Constance had no qualms about welcoming Maud Moonshine back to Cackle's. "I know our girls will be pleased as well, especially Abby."
"Oh yes." Imogen's mind flashed back to when even before they could imagine she would become their daughter officially, Abby had paid a visit to the castle. "Maud was so kind to her. Don't get me wrong, so were Fenny and Grissy as well as Mildred Ruby and Jadu but I know Maud stands out to her most from that time."
For a moment the name Enid Nightshade passed through their minds but both chose to let the thought go. Enid was no longer a threat. As she had stated the last time they had seen her she had never looked to get her magic back, apparently she was happier without it. The last they heard she had achieved her wish to become an actress and was starring in a long-running TV show that neither could ever remember the name of.
Deciding to refocus on the festivities, Imogen turned to see Ava and Zara who were showing no sign of tiredness and living up to their promise to show off their dancing skills along with their big sister.
"It seems bedtime is out of the window tonight and tomorrow.", Constance mused.
"It's a special occasion and with any luck, they'll tire themselves out so much that they sleep late.", Imogen laughed as she pulled her wife towards her. "Though I'm guessing they won't be in their own bed tonight."
"No, Ava was clear that she wanted to spend as much of today with you as possible. However, I'm hearing rumours of a sleepover with Abby and Lily after tomorrow's party."
Imogen moved closer and lowered her voice. "Ahhh, so do you think I'm in for a repeat performance of earlier?"
They had taken full advantage of a few hours alone that morning. The memory of Constance dropping her silk robe before slowly sinking to her knees in front of her was one that Imogen knew she would be replaying in her mind for a long time to come.
"That depends, do you think you'll have the same stamina now that you're in your forties?" Constance teased.
"You've done well enough over the past few years haven't you?" Imogen smirked, leaning in for another kiss before pulling back. "I guess I should give Fleur her bedtime feed."
"Before you do….." Constance guided her wife over to join their dancing girls. "I don't believe we've had a family dance have we?"
"We can't miss out on that.", Abby grinned.
As Imogen danced with her family she cast her mind back to when she had been Abby's age. Forty had seemed so old, so impossibly far away. Now she knew that her younger self had been wrong, forty wasn't old, not based how she felt inside. It felt like the start of a new chapter, partly due to what she had discussed with Maud but also because she knew there were more milestones to be experienced as a family.
"I like this feeling.", Ava whispered as they swayed together. "It makes me feel very good when you feel good."
"That's because of everyone here but especially Mama, you and your sisters." She leant over Ava to give Abby another kiss. "Thank you for giving me one of the best evenings of my life."
"The soppiness was completely worth it. Happy birthday Mum."
A/N: Hope you enjoyed a bit of birthday fluff. Thank you for reading/reviewing and as always, let me know if there's anything you would like to see, including any extra scenes or dabbles. (And, yes, I will definitely do Fenny and Grissy's hen!)
Next month, perhaps not all couples are meant to be together forever…