AN: Thank you again to everyone who reviewed- we appreciate ALL your comments and questions. We're also so glad you guys like Gabe :) He's been a lot of fun to write. In this chapter he meets Alexa and then we get some time with the Longbottoms :) As always PLEASE let us know what you think!! Reviews are our life (we're not THAT sad but we do love reviews :D )
Saffron picked Gabriel up and together the two of them set off to Alexa's mum's bakery. She had a nice conversation with him on the phone a couple of days ago and she could tell that his disposition seemed to have improved greatly since the last time she'd seen him.
"So you excited about meeting your grandparents tomorrow?" she asked him. "I've met them a few times and they're really nice, Gabe."
"Yeah I'm looking forward to it," he said. "My dad has been telling me all about them over the past few days."
Saffron smiled at him. "I'm so glad you guys are getting along. I told you Seamus was a great guy."
Gabriel smiled back at her. "So tell me more about your friend."
"Lex and I have been best friends since the day we met on the Hogwarts Express," Saffron said. At his quizzical look, she laughed. "That's how we get to school each term."
"Oh," he said. "And she works in a bakery during your summer vacation?"
Saffron nodded. "It's her Mum's bakery. She's worked there every year since she's been able to see over the counter. And even though I am biased, she's really one of the sweetest people you'd ever want to meet. She's a little shy around people she doesn't know very well, but once she knows you..."
"Sounds like a great girl," Gabriel said.
"You're about to find out," Saffron said grinning at him. She pointed across the street. "That's her mum's bakery."
"It smells fantastic," Gabriel took a deep whiff of the air.
"That would be her mum's homemade fudge," Saffron said. "I'll get you some- it's to DIE for."
"Thanks, Saffy," Gabriel said following her across the street. He quickened his step so he could hold the door open for her.
Saffron grinned. "Aren't you polite," she teased.
Gabriel opened his mouth to respond, but he caught sight of a pretty red-haired girl standing behind the counter helping a customer. Her hair was pulled back into a plait and she wore a white apron over her blue t-shirt and jeans.
"Saffy, I'll be right with you," the girl called out to Saffron.
"That's Lex," Saffron told him, waving back.
Gabriel nodded and felt his cheeks burn when the girl turned her attention to him. She smiled warmly at him and stupidly, he looked away.
"Lex can you wrap me up some of your mum's fudge before we leave?" Saffron was oblivious to Gabriel's discomfort.
"Sure," Alexa said. "I even have some of the white chocolate for you."
"Didn't I tell you she was great?" Saffron said grinning at Gabriel.
"Yeah," he mumbled, turning red.
"And I don't know what happened to my manners," Saffron laughed. "Lexie, this is Gabriel Boyd. Gabe- my best friend Alexa O'Leary."
"It's nice to meet you, Gabriel," Alexa said shyly. "Saffy's told me so much about you."
"Yeah, she's told me a lot about you too," Gabriel said, thrusting his hands into his pockets.
"How much longer until you're ready?" Saffron asked. "We have time to get something to eat before the movie if we leave soon."
"Mum," Alexa called out.
Karen O'Leary came out from the back. "Yes love?"
"Do you need me for anything else?" Alexa asked.
Karen shook her head. "No, it's nearly closing. Saffron! How are you?"
"Hi Mrs. O'Leary," Saffron hugged her best friend's mother. "This is Gabriel Boyd, my cousin." she introduced them.
"It's nice to meet you, Gabriel," Karen said warmly. "Alexa tells me you're from the States."
"California," Gabriel answered. "This is my first time overseas."
"I hope you'll enjoy yourself here," Karen said.
"I have so far," Gabriel said.
Alexa took off her apron. "I don't think we'll be back too late, Mum."
"Have fun love," Karen kissed her daughter's forehead. "Saffron, you come by more often and it was lovely meeting you Gabriel."
"You too," Gabriel replied.
Alexa grabbed her jumper from under the counter and followed Saffron and Gabriel out of the bakery.
"I apologise if I smell like icing and chocolate," Alexa told them.
"It's a nice smell," Gabriel said automatically.
"Thanks," Alexa said blushing. "I guess it could be worse, right? I could work in a fish factory..."
"Gross," Saffron wrinkled her nose. "That's where Christina Grant should be working now."
"Who?" Gabriel asked.
"You don't want to know," Saffron and Alexa said together.
"Okay then," Gabriel laughed as Saffron's mobile began to ring.
"Probably my dad," Saffron rolled her eyes. "Hello? Andrew! I thought you were at your party..." she held up her index finger and walked away a few steps.
"We may never see her again," Alexa joked.
"How long have she and Andrew been together?" Gabriel asked, trying not to stare at Alexa. She was the prettiest girl he'd seen in a long time.
Alexa looked thoughtfully at him. "Since Christmas, but he fancied her for quite some time before then."
"I hope I'll get to meet him soon," Gabe said, kicking at a stone on the street.
"You will," Alexa said. She too seemed at a loss for words. It was always hard around new people. "Um, Saffy tells me that you're going to be a doctor."
"Yeah," Gabriel nodded. "I start school in the fall."
"Must be nice to know what you want to do with your life," Alexa said thoughtfully. "I have no idea."
"Really?" Gabriel asked. "Not taking over for your mum in the bakery?"
Alexa shrugged. "I'm not sure. Everyone keeps telling me I need to make up my mind and I feel if I don't decide soon, it'll be too late. "
"You'll figure it out," Gabriel said. "You seem really smart..." he blushed and stuffed his hands in his pockets again, wishing he wasn't so tongue tied.
"I don't know about that," Alexa said, her own cheeks turning pink. "How'd you figure it all out?"
"I wasn't sure either until my mum died," Gabriel answered quietly. "And then I knew what I wanted to do- to try and save other people."
"That's really great," Alexa said admiringly.
"Yeah," he said. "I guess it is..."
"It is," Alexa said smiling at him. "I'm sure your mother would be very proud."
"I hope so," Gabriel replied, half hoping Saffron would come back soon.
"It's really a nice night," Alexa said looking up at the sky. She had a feeling that Gabriel might be uncomfortable talking about his mother and she decided to change the subject.
"I like it over here," Gabriel said. "Its warmer back home in California but England is just so different."
"I've never been to the States," Alexa admitted. "But I've always wanted to go. I've looked at some of the Muggle universities there."
"Which ones?" Gabriel asked her.
"Notre Dame," Alexa replied. "I have an uncle who went there, actually. And UCLA. They have a really great creative writing program."
"UCLA is right by me," Gabriel said. "Although I'll be going to USC- you'd be kind of close."
"I still have two years left at Hogwarts," Alexa said. "You'll probably have forgotten all about me by the time I'm ready for university."
"Nah," he said, turning red again.
Alexa couldn't help thinking how cute and nice Gabriel was. Perhaps she and Saffron could help set him up with one of their friends while he was here. Beth or Mimi would probably be completely head over heels for him, she thought.
"Sorry about that," Saffron was grinning widely. "But Andrew said he didn't want to go all night without talking to me."
"At least Andrew's calling you," Alexa said smiling at her friend. "I haven't heard from RJ since he left two nights ago."
"He's probably just so excited about being on the team he's not thinking of anything else," Saffron assured her.
"RJ's your boyfriend?" Gabriel asked trying not to sound disappointed. He'd forgotten she had one.
"Yeah," Alexa said.
"They've been together over a year now," Saffron told him. "Hogwarts poster couple."
"We are not," Alexa protested.
"Are too," Saffron grinned at Gabriel.
"How about we decide where we're going to eat?" Alexa asked.
"Sure," Saffron said. "You pick Gabe- you want good old fashioned pub food? Or something closer to home like fast food?" she laughed.
"Pub food sounds good," Gabriel said with a chuckle.
"Perfect," Saffron said. "I know where we can get the absolute best fish and chips you'll EVER eat."
"Lead the way," Gabriel said.
Fifteen minutes later they were settled in a corner booth. "We'll have to double with you while you're here," Saffron said. "Especially when we go to Brighton- Andrew and RJ are coming with. It's going to be so much fun."
"That's really nice of you, Saffron, but I think I'll pass," Gabriel said. "I won't have a date and I don't want to be a fifth wheel."
"We'll find someone for you," Saffron was determined.
"It's okay," Gabriel said. "I don't want to be a project."
"Don't be silly," Saffron was undeterred. "You're not a project. I want you to have a good time while you're here."
"You may as well give up," Alexa told him. "Saffron will wear you down until she gets her way. Comes from being the baby of her family." she grinned at her friend.
"She's right, Gabe," Saffron said grinning at him. "You're going to be in love by the time you leave England."
"Maybe," he mumbled, sneaking a glance at Alexa.
"She's actually pretty good at matchmaking," Alexa said. "She certainly helped me and RJ out."
"I did," Saffron said proudly. "And then I got my Andrew."
"Your Andrew," Gabriel teased. "Does he know this is how you refer to him?"
"He's a kept man," Alexa laughed.
There was a loud commotion from the front of the pub and everyone turned to see a group of rowdy blokes stumble into the pub.
Alexa and Saffron both rolled their eyes until they saw a familiar red head in the group.
"Is he wearing a dress?" Saffron asked in disbelief.
"You have got to be kidding me," Alexa's face was as red as her hair. "Saffy look at him!"
Saffron, Alexa and Gabriel watched as RJ's team-mates made him climb on top of the bar.
"Sing, Veronica," one of them shouted over the crowd.
"Veronica?" Saffron said incredulously. "Oh why don't we have a bloody camera?"
"Whazyouguyswantmetosing?" RJ burbled incoherently.
"Spell my Love," one of them taunted.
"I am so going to ask Maddie for a Pensieve," Saffron said gleefully. "I want to remember this always."
"Don't forget to dance!" another bloke called out.
"Is this some sort of initiation?" Gabriel asked.
Saffron nodded. "That's RJ and his new team-mates."
"You cast a spell," RJ began to sing, stumbling a bit as he tried to dance. "And I was enchannnnnnnnnnnnnnntttttttttted...."
Alexa shrank back. "I'm sorry to say I don't even want him to see me."
"This is fabulous," Saffron said gleefully.
"Shake your sexy bum!" one of his team-mates called out.
"I am so holding this over his head for the next century," Saffron said, shrieking in laughter as RJ stumbled over the words of the song.
At the end of the song, RJ received a round of applause from the crowd and a couple of his team-mates helped him off the bar.
"Now he has to do a shot," the captain of the team said. "In fact, we will all do a shot to welcome Veronica to the team!"
"So um... why are they calling him Veronica?" Gabriel was perplexed.
"His name is Ronald Weasley Junior," Alexa explained her head still in her hands. "And I'm sure that's their way of humiliating him."
"Pink really is his colour," Saffron said giggling. "Brings out the blue in his eyes."
"Saffy stop," Alexa pleaded. "This has got to be humiliating for him."
"He's too pissed to know what's going on," Saffron replied. "I think I'm going to go have some fun with him."
"Saffy!" Alexa called out but her friend was already heading for the bar.
"Hi boys," Saffron smiled. "You know, I can tell you some interesting things about old Veronica here."
RJ grinned drunkenly at her. "Look! It's my good send Faffy!"
"Little Veronica used to run around his house starkers," Saffron grinned wickedly. "And he used to tell everyone he was a fairy."
RJ's team-mates nearly fell over themselves they were laughing so hard.
"Ssss not true," RJ mumbled. "No fairy."
"Oh come on Ronnie Jr," Saffron laughed. "We've all seen the pictures."
RJ tried to focus on Saffron, but there were four of her dancing in front of him and he couldn't make out which was the right one. "Shlexie, she here?"
"Maybe," Saffron giggled.
RJ looked blearily around the pub and spotted his girlfriend talking to a bloke in the back of the pub. His eyes darkened as he saw the boy put his hand on Alexa's shoulder.
Saffron pushed at his shoulder, nearly toppling him over. "Come on Veronica- come meet my cousin Gabriel- not that you'll remember it in the morning..."
RJ waved her off and stumbled off to confront this guy who was making a move on his girl.
"RJ," Saffron recognised her friend's behaviour. "Stop right now, she pulled hard on his arm, making him stop. "Don't you dare create a scene with him." her eyes were serious and narrowed.
"I don't feel so good," RJ said feeling quite woozy.
"I bet you don't," Saffron said. "I've never seen anyone so pissed in my life."
RJ leaned on her. "I have two more days of this."
"You're going to kill yourself," Saffron told him as Alexa slid out of the booth and approached them.
"RJ?" Alexa asked hesitantly. "Are you okay?"
"Baby," RJ grinned at her. "I miss you..." he reached for her and nearly fell over.
Gabriel got up to offer his assistance. With his help, Alexa managed to steady RJ.
"Who you?" RJ slurred.
"Gabriel," Gabriel replied. "Nice to meet you."
"Ohhh...." RJ leaned on his girlfriend. "You here with um... with..."
"Alexa and Saffy," Gabriel said.
"Come on mate!" RJ's team mate called out. "Quit playing with the kiddies and come on. We're hitting the next pub."
"Kiddies..." RJ laughed. "He calls you kiddies..."
"Oh yes, it's really hilarious," Saffron said glaring at him.
"Love you baby," RJ smiled endearingly at Alexa. "I'll see you after soon..."
"Bye little ones," RJ's team mate said with a cackle. He took RJ's arm and led him out of the pub.
"What a wanker," Saffron said furiously. "Wait until I get on the team in a few years."
"I've never seen him pissed before," Alexa said sitting back down again.
"I have," Saffron said. "But never that bad."
"He seems... nice..." Gabriel said with a shrug.
"He is when he's not singing show tunes and wearing a pink dress," Saffron said. "You just haven't seen him at his best."
"Obviously," Gabriel chuckled.
"You think he's going to be okay?" Alexa asked. "Those guys didn't look very concerned..."
"I think they'll take care of him," Saffron said as their food was brought over. "It's like a code or something- they take care of their own."
"I hope so," Alexa said. She wondered for a moment if she would like hanging around with those people. If she and RJ stayed together, they'd have to hang out with his team mates.
"They're probably not normally that bad," Saffron assured her friend. "Frankie would never let them do anything to hurt RJ."
"Right," Alexa said wanting to believe her. She looked at Gabriel. "So, what do you think of the food?"
"Great," Gabriel said. "Best fish I've ever had and that's saying a lot."
Alexa smiled. "What's your favourite place to eat back home?"
"I don't really have a favourite place," Gabriel said. "I'll eat pretty much anything and everything."
"I hear that America has the best pizza," Alexa said.
"In Chicago they're famous for pizza," Gabriel said. "It's really good."
"I've never been there," Saffron said. "But I did go with my mum and dad to New York. That was fun. And I've gone to see Uncle Seamus and Aunt Lav loads of times."
"You two were so close and never even knew it," Alexa remarked.
"I had a whole family I didn't even know," Gabriel said quietly.
"Right," Alexa said softly. "Sorry, I put my foot in my mouth again..."
Without thinking, Gabriel reached across the table and put his hand on her arm. "Its okay, Alexa. You didn't do anything wrong." He caught the look on Saffron's face and he quickly withdrew his hand.
"I just sometimes say the wrong thing," Alexa pushed her chips around.
"No one's perfect all the time," Gabriel reassured her. He could feel Saffron's eyes on him and he quickly returned his attention to his food.
Alexa also caught Saffron's eye and gave her best friend a quizzical glance.
"Lex, why don't you go and put on some music?" Saffron asked motioning toward the juke box in the back. "Pick something good."
Alexa shook her head but got up and headed for the jukebox.
"This is really good food," Gabriel said evasively.
"Yeah," Saffron nodded.
"Look-" Gabriel began but she interrupted him
"Gabe, Alexa has a boyfriend," Saffron said. "A boyfriend who admittedly made a complete arse of himself tonight, but a boyfriend just the same. And she loves him very much."
"I know that," he said. "She's a nice girl Saffron- just like you told me."
"She is," Saffron said. "And you are a nice bloke. And I can see right through you, Gabriel Boyd."
"Look I just got out of a relationship back home all right?" he said a bit testily. "I like her- but I don't want to date anyone right now. So don't worry- I'm not the type of guy to come between a girl and her boyfriend."
"Okay," Saffron said visibly relieved. Gabriel was a great guy and if Alexa hadn't been dating RJ, she'd be all for them getting together, but she knew her best friend was head over heels for RJ. "So who was this girl that broke your heart?"
"Just this girl Emily," Gabriel said. "I don't really want to talk about her."
Saffron nodded. "Well, you have to ring me once you get back from Ireland. I want to hear how it went."
"Sure," he nodded as Alexa rejoined them.
Saffron groaned as she recognised the song Alexa had chosen. "Lexie, this song?"
"I like it," Alexa and Gabriel said at the same time.
"But it's so overplayed," Saffron complained.
"That doesn't mean it's not a good song," Alexa rolled her eyes good naturedly and smiled at Gabriel.
Gabriel found himself grinning back at her and despite what he'd told Saffron, he could see himself genuinely falling for this girl. But he knew that was crazy. He'd be going home soon and she had a boyfriend.
"So what film are we seeing?" Alexa asked them both.
Gabriel shrugged and looked at Saffron.
"I thought we'd just play it by ear," she answered. "Go to the theatre and see what's playing around the time we get there."
"What kinds of films do you like, Gabriel?" Alexa asked him.
Gabriel looked thoughtfully at her. "I love the old ones, best. The classics."
"I'm a big fan of Alfred Hitchcock films," Alexa said. "Rear Window is one of my all time favourite movies- remember when we watched that Saffy- we didn't sleep a wink the rest of the night!"
"Don't even get me started on Psycho," Saffron said shivering.
"The first time I saw that I think I was about nine," Gabriel laughed. "I begged my mum to never make me shower again."
"I did the same," Alexa giggled. "Saffron freaked out over The Birds."
"I did not!" Saffron said defensively.
"You did too," Alexa laughed. "When we saw those pigeons while we were out in London you about had a fit. I thought you were going to run all the way home without stopping."
Gabriel laughed. "Don't feel too bad, Saffy. It freaked me out too."
"We were only twelve," Saffron glared at her friend.
"Which wasn't that long ago," Alexa said giggling.
"You nearly had a coronary that time we went to the House of Wax downtown," Saffron pointed out. "And that was just two summers ago."
"Okay," Alexa said defensively. "Those things were scary. I had nightmares for days after that."
Gabriel laughed. "You two seem to be a little competitive."
"We're not really," Alexa said.
"We're like any best friends," Saffron agreed. "I'm sure you're the same way with your mates back home, right?"
"I guess," Gabriel said. Truth be told, he only had a few close friends.
Saffron's mobile rang again and she rolled her eyes when she saw the name on the screen. "My dad...I'll be right back you guys."
"Is her dad overprotective?" Gabriel asked as Saffron walked away.
"He's like any other dad, but because of who he is, I think he's got a right to be," Alexa said thoughtfully.
Gabriel shrugged. "Is he famous or something in... your world?"
Alexa smiled. "You could say that. It's a really long story, but he basically saved all of us from a really dangerous and violent man. If it hadn't been for him..."
"Wow," Gabriel was impressed. "You don't hear about that sort of thing anymore, at least not in the Muggle world."
"And you'd never know he'd done it by talking to him," Alexa said. "He's not the type to bring it up."
"I met him the first morning I was here," Gabriel finished his dinner. "Seems like a pretty cool guy."
"Saffy's whole family is great," Alexa said smiling at him. "Her mum's the Minister for Magic and she's just like any other mum."
"That's like... the prime minister only for your world?" Gabriel asked. "Like our president?"
"Exactly," Alexa said nodding.
"That's really cool," Gabriel said.
Alexa smiled at him. "You know I'm usually kind of quiet around people I don't know, but you're really easy to talk to."
"Thanks," Gabriel grinned at her. "You're easy to talk to as well."
Saffron came back to the table and she wore a huge smile. "My dad just told me that one of the theatres downtown is showing Rear Window."
"Oooh," Alexa grinned. "Should we risk it?"
"Let's be brave Gryffindors," Saffron said. "Even you, Gabriel. Tonight, you're an honorary Gryffindor."
"What's that?" he asked.
"One of the houses at Hogwarts," Saffron explained. "Lexie and I are in Gryffindor as was my father and yours. We're known for being brave."
"I see," Gabriel grinned. "So what would other Gryffindors say if they knew you ran away from a flock of pigeons?"
"They'd probably call us Hufflepuffs," Saffron said grinning back at him. "And never let us hear the end of it. So you can not tell another soul about what we told you here tonight, Gabriel."
"You were privy to things that must never reach the light of day," Alexa laughed.
"And if I were to tell someone?" Gabriel asked them.
"You'll be in trouble when we both turn 17," Saffron deadpanned.
Gabriel laughed. "So in other words, I should keep my mouth shut?"
"You catch on quickly," Saffron put her arm through his.
Alexa did the same on his other side. "I think this just might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
*** *** ***
Allison smiled as she looked over at her youngest daughter fast asleep on the sofa. She'd had a busy morning watching her Aunt Chiaki and Uncle Toshio practising. They'd even shown the little girl a step or two causing her to laugh and twirl in delight.
Allison had been working at the studio for a few weeks now and she really was enjoying it. She knew that Cho certainly had liked having easy access to her granddaughters.
"Allie," Cho said coming into the office. "I was just wondering---"
Her voice trailed off as she saw Emma. "She's out like a light, isn't she?"
"Chi and Tosh wore her out," Allison said with a quiet laugh.
Cho gingerly sat down on the sofa. "She looks like a little angel."
"She is," Allison grinned. "I feel so lucky that Caroline and Emma are such good siblings. Hopefully we'll be lucky with our little boy as well."
"I think you will," Cho said smiling at her. "And you are doing a fantastic job here. I was a disorganised mess before you came along."
"I'm glad I can help," Allison replied. "I should have come here long ago."
"I'm glad you're here now," Cho said.
"Gamma?" Emma said groggily.
"Yes baby girl?" Cho said smiling down at her.
"Hi," Emma said.
"Hi," Cho said softly. "You were sleepy, weren't you?"
Emma nodded as she sat up. "Eat, Mummy."
"Come here and you can have half of my sandwich," Allison said.
Emma slid off the sofa and rubbed at her eyes.
"Where's baby?" she asked.
"Silly girl," Allison said affectionately. "You ask me that every day!"
"In Mummy's tummy," Emma said laughing as she came around the desk. "Sissy said."
Cho laughed. "Look who's a smart girl!"
Emma beamed at her grandmother as she sat down with Allison. "Sammiches."
"Here you go love," Allison cut the crusts off and handed her daughter the sandwich. "Just the way you like it."
"Tanks," Emma said gratefully.
"Will you tell her she's nuts, Cho?" Toshio asked as he and his wife came into the office. "She thinks she's not up to par."
"Sweetheart, you were fantastic," Cho said to her as Chiaki sat down. "Everyone was glad to see you back."
"I guess," Chiaki rolled her eyes. "I just think I look so enormous when I see myself in the mirror, and my pirouettes are completely out of step. Even the five year old group is better than I am."
"You can't even tell you had twins," Allison said. "Chi, you are gorgeous and talented and you know it."
"I suppose," Chiaki wasn't reassured.
"You are beautiful," Toshio said offering her his hand. "Come on. And I happen to be crazy about you. Always have been."
Chiaki smiled. "That makes me lucky."
"How are the twins?" Allison asked. "I bet they're getting big."
"Teething," Chiaki said.
"And they have quite a healthy set of lungs," Toshio replied. "I think they're trying to outcry each other."
Allison and Cho laughed. "That'll be Josh and Lizzy in another few months then."
"They should invest in headache remedy potions," Chiaki said. "Loads of it."
"I'll make sure and tell them," Allison smiled as Emma reached for her little cup.
"How's Josh's book coming along?" Toshio asked conversationally.
"Pretty good," Allison set some crackers out for her daughter. "He's in the final stages of his first version and it'll go to his editor to be checked over and then sent back for any revisions."
Emma handed one of the crackers to Allison. "For baby?"
"Thanks sweetheart," Allison took the cracker.
"Speaking of baby," Chiaki grinned at her sister. "How are you feeling?"
"Good," Allison replied. "This has been an easy pregnancy, so far. Knock on wood."
"I hope it stays that way," Chiaki said. "And if there's anything I can do for you--"
"I know," Allison said smiling back at her. "I appreciate that."
"I can't wait to be a grandmother again," Cho said as Emma climbed into her lap.
"Have another baby to spoil," Chiaki teased.
"Yeah, Em won't be the baby anymore," Toshio said.
Emma shook her head. "Em still baby!"
Chiaki laughed and reached for her niece. "Only until your brother is born!"
"Em still baby," Emma said her lower lip trembling. "Don't want go away."
"You'll never go away sweetheart," Allison kneeled down by her daughter. "You'll always be our little Emma."
"Baby?" Emma asked.
"Well when your brother is born he'll be the real baby," Allison tried to explain. "But you'll always be the baby girl."
"Em not like baby," Emma said turning away from her mother and burying her face in Chiaki's shoulder.
"Emma," Allison said. "You'll love the baby when he's born. You and Caroline get to name him remember?"
Emma didn't say anything and Chiaki patted her back reassuringly. "It's fun being the big sister. You are going to love it."
Emma only shook her head as they all heard a knock at the door. A moment later Jon had poked his head inside. "Are you lot having a secret meeting or can Caroline and I listen in?" he joked.
"Come on in," Cho said. "Emma's just---"
Emma scurried over to her father. "Daddy!"
"Hi baby girl," Jon swung her up and kissed her cheek.
"Hi Mummy," Caroline said going over to give her a hug. "I missed you today."
"I missed you too," Allison kissed her forehead. "How was school?"
"Good," Caroline said proudly. "I had the best marks on my reading test."
"That's fantastic," Allison said, smoothing back her hair. "I bet you can't wait until school is over for the summer hols so we can go to Brighton."
Caroline nodded and looked over her shoulder where her sister was holding on to Jon as if she was scared he was going to disappear. "What's wrong with Emma?"
"She wants to stay the baby of the family," Allison said.
"Is that true, Em?" Jon asked her softly.
"Em stay baby," Emma insisted.
"You will always be our baby," Jon said smiling at her. "And we're always going to love you."
"Em love Daddy," Emma hugged him tightly.
"Daddy loves his Em very, very much," Jon said hugging her back.
"You and me are going to be big sisters," Caroline said. "We'll get to boss him around, Em. It's going to be fun."
"Boss?" Emma asked. "What's boss?"
Caroline smiled. "We get to tell him what to do and when to do it."
"Oh," Emma's eyes grew round.
"Caroline, that's not entirely true," Toshio said.
Caroline folded her arms. "It's working, Uncle Tosh. Be quiet."
Allison laughed. "Caroline be nice."
"Sorry," Caroline said to her uncle.
"It's all right Angel," Toshio grinned at her. "Are you ready for dance class? Your aunt and I are helping out today."
"You are?" Caroline asked excitedly. "You haven't done that in ages!"
Toshio picked her up and swung her around. "That's right princess, we are."
"Yay!" Caroline said giggling. "Do Katie and Mia know?"
"Probably not yet but they will," Chiaki stood up. "I should go stretch so I'm not so out of tune this time."
"You've never been out of tune," Toshio said. "Quit fishing for compliments, Chi."
"Aunt Chi you're fantastic," Caroline said loyally.
"Em dance too," Emma seemed to have forgotten about her plight as baby of the family. "Em want to dance!"
"Come on then," Chiaki said smiling at them. "You can help me stretch."
"Kay," Emma agreed, holding out her hand.
"What music do you guys want to warm up to?" Chiaki asked her nieces. "Classical? Rock? Jazz?"
"The Weird Sisters!" Caroline ran behind the partition to change into her leotard.
Chiaki laughed. "That okay with you, Em?"
"Kay," Emma said, twirling around in front of the mirror.
Chiaki smiled at her niece as she began to stretch in front of the mirror.
"Sissy," Emma said. "Watch!"
Caroline finished dressing and ran out from behind the partition carrying her ballet slippers. "Go, Emma!"
Emma did her little dance just like Will had showed her, making Caroline and Chiaki giggle.
"Let me see if I can do it too," Caroline said standing beside her sister.
Chiaki couldn't resist either and she mimicked Emma's movements.
Emma laughed as her sister and aunt danced just like her. "Get down bad self!" she said, giggling.
Chiaki giggled. "Emma!"
"Aunt Chiaki she's a good dancer isn't she?" Caroline was almost laughing too hard to dance.
"You both are," Chiaki said grinning at her. "And I'd better stretch before..."
"Would my wife care to dance?" Toshio asked coming up behind her.
"I have to stretch," she protested.
"Please dance for us?" Caroline begged.
Toshio smiled at his wife. "You gonna turn down those two sweet, adorable faces? Not to mention break your husband's heart?"
"Of course I can't," Chiaki said. "You're all getting too good at the guilt trips."
Toshio pumped his fist triumphantly. "So what shall we do? Tango? Mambo? Ballet?"
"Mambo," Emma echoed, clapping her hands.
Toshio grinned. "Mambo it is. Caroline, can you put on the music for us?"
"Okay," Caroline excitedly ran over to the CD player.
"I haven't done this one in awhile," Chiaki said in a hushed voice to her husband.
"I know you Chiaki Hanari," Toshio whispered. "And you remember every dance you ever did."
Chiaki shook her head. "I hope I don't trip over my own feet."
Toshio rolled his eyes. "Then I'll hold you up."
The music began and Chiaki looked into her husband's eyes. The moves came back to her just as Toshio said they would and she effortlessly moved with him.
Jon, Allison and Cho joined Caroline and Emma to watch.
"She's always had such a natural way about her," Cho said to Allison.
"Just like you," Allison whispered.
"I'm not as nubile as I used to be," Cho admitted.
"You've still got it, Mum," Allison said putting an arm around her.
Caroline watched with rapt attention. "I want to dance like that," she whispered.
Jon, who had never been known for his dancing abilities, tapped her on the shoulder. "Can I have this dance, my lady?"
"Daddy," she giggled.
"Please?" Jon asked kneeling before her.
"Okay," Caroline grinned at her father.
"Daddy is going to need a lot of help," Jon said as he took her hands in his. "How do we do this, Angel?"
"Well," Caroline glanced at her aunt and uncle. "I think we have to start like this..."
"Okay," Jon said following her lead. He looked down at his feet.
"No," Caroline told him. "Grandma says never to look at your feet, Daddy."
"I'm sorry Angel," Jon grinned.
"You're not that bad," Caroline told him.
"You should tell your mum that," Jon said. "She says I step on her feet too much."
"I'll tell her," Caroline said. "Can you spin me like Aunt Chiaki?"
"I can sure try Angel," Jon said, picking her up.
"Okay," Caroline instructed. "One, two, three..."
Jon did his best to imitate Toshio and Chiaki.
Allison smiled adoringly at them. "This is the sweetest thing ever."
"Jon's always been a good father," Cho put an arm around her daughter.
"He has," Allison agreed.
"And he makes you very, very happy." Cho added.
Allison nodded and laughed as Jon spun their daughter around.
"Looks to me like you still have it, Chi," Toshio said grinning at her. "Told you so."
"I suppose I do," Chiaki laughed as he dipped her back.
"No supposing about it," Toshio said pulling her back up.
"Em still baby, Mummy?" Emma asked looking up at her mother.
"Sweetheart," Allison picked her up. "Of course you're still the baby. But soon enough you'll want to be a big girl like Caroline."
"Still love?" Emma asked poking her bottom lip out.
"Always love," Allison kissed her cheek. "I'll always love my Emma."
Emma beamed at her.
Nick walked in with Katie and the little girl quickly checked her reflection in the mirror to make sure her hair was perfect.
"Hi Katie!" Caroline said waving at her. "Look at me and my Daddy!"
Katie grinned at her. "Did you show him what we learned last week?"
Caroline shook her head. "Want to help me?"
"By all means," Jon said letting go of Caroline. "I think I've embarrassed myself enough today."
"You did great," Caroline said loyally.
"Thank you Angel," Jon kissed his daughter's cheek.
Caroline grinned and skipped over to her best friend. "Let's show them," Caroline said. "Aunt Chiaki, you tell us if we don't do it right."
"Okay," Chiaki sat down. "Show me your steps girls."
Caroline and Katie both did the ballet routine that Cho had taught them last week. Chiaki, thinking to help them, walked over to Katie. "That's great girls, but Katie you're over extending..."
Katie glared at her. "It was fine."
"It's just a little too high of a lift in the leg," Chiaki explained.
"I think it was perfect," Katie said.
"Katherine Rose," Nick said. "Your Aunt Chiaki has been doing this a lot longer than you and she's only trying to help."
"But I've been practising!" Katie folded her arms.
"I know you've been working hard," Chiaki said gently. "You just need to watch your position is all. Will you let me help?"
Katie shrugged but didn't say anything.
Nick sat down beside Jon and sighed. "Why do I have a feeling that Jules and me are going to have our hands full with her more than we already do now?"
"She really likes to be right," Jon replied.
"That's an understatement," Nick said. "And to top it off, she's not doing that well in school. She thinks it's the teacher's fault. It doesn't help matters that Ashley's getting top marks."
"I wish I knew how to help you mate," Jon said. "You know if there's anything Al or I can do we'll do it."
"I appreciate that," Nick said with a slight smile. "How've you been?"
"Pretty good," Jon said with a grin. "I love working at the pub. You'll have to come by sometime with Jules."
"We will," Nick said. "You going to be able to come to Brighton still?"
"Yeah definitely," Jon answered. "I'm really looking forward to it."
"Me too," Nick said. "It's great having Jules back full-time."
Jon grinned at him. "I bet it is."
Emma tugged on Nick's arm. "Where's Joos?"
"Joos is at home," Nick lifted her onto his lap.
"Joos funny," Emma said leaning against him.
Nick grinned. "Emma's funny. In fact, I think you might be the most adorable redhead I've ever seen."
Emma giggled. "Em want to dance!"
"I've got it," Jon said taking her from Nick. "Come on, Em. Let's cha-cha."
"Cha?" Emma asked.
"Your Aunt Maddie loves this one," Jon said. "Come on, I'll show you."
"Kay," Emma agreed. "Where Mad?"
"Working, I imagine," Jon said. "But you'll get to see her soon, I promise."
"Dance," Emma told him. "Dance now!"
"Okay, okay," Jon laughed. "Okay, I'm going to hold you just like this and we move one, two, three..."
Caroline and Katie ran over to Nick. "Daddy when class if over can I go with Caroline for pizza, please?"
Nick shook his head. "You remember what we talked about?"
"Please?" Katie begged.
"No," Nick said firmly. "You only have two more days of school left, Katie and you have that big test tomorrow."
"But it's just pizza," Katie pouted.
"Maybe another time," Nick said. "But not tonight, Katie."
"But I have to have dinner," Katie persisted. "And I don't want anything but pizza!"
"You need to do well on that test, Katie," Nick said. "If you don't, we'll have to get you a tutor and you'll spend most of your summer hols inside a library. Is that what you want?"
"No," Katie said sullenly.
"Okay then," Nick said smiling at her. "You can have pizza with Caroline another night."
"Fine," Katie stomped across the room and behind the partition where the girls changed.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Nick," Caroline said. "I should have waited to ask you first."
"It's all right Caroline," Nick smiled at the young girl. "Katie's got to know she can't always have everything her way."
"She's not going to like that," Caroline commented.
Cho smiled as the rest of her class began to file in to the room.
"Hello, Mia!" she said warmly to the girl. "Hi, Claire."
"Hi Mrs. Longbottom," Mia smiled at her.
"You look very pretty today," Cho said. "I love that colour leotard."
Mia spun around happily- her parents had bought her the light blue leotard the night before. "Thank you."
"Mia!" Caroline exclaimed happily. "You're here!"
"Hiya, Caroline!" Mia said excitedly.
"Guess what," Caroline said. "My aunt and uncle are going to watch us dance today!"
"Your aunt is so good," Mia said smiling at Toshio and Chiaki who were now warming up in the front of the room. "And so pretty."
"I wish I was as pretty as her," Caroline said as she sat down and began doing her stretches.
"You're very pretty," Mia said loyally.
Caroline grinned at her as Katie came back out from the partition. She saw Mia standing by her and glared at the two of them, then turned her back and began warming up by herself.
One stupid test and she couldn't even go out for pizza with her best friend. It was so unfair, she thought. She bet if Ashley had wanted to go out for pizza, her parents would probably fall over themselves to make sure that's what she got.
"Katie I'm going to head out," Nick came over to his daughter. "Your mum's coming to pick you up all right?"
"You can't stay?" Katie asked him.
"I've got a meeting with my manager," Nick smiled at her.
"Oh," Katie said frowning.
"I'll stay next time, I promise," Nick said. "Love you Katie bear."
"I love you too, Daddy," Katie said softly.
Nick chucked her under the chin before leaving the studio.
"Come on, Emma," Jon said carrying her back over to where Allie stood.
"Hi you two," Allison said grinning at them. "Great dancing, by the way, Jon."
"Thank you dear," Jon grinned back. "I've improved haven't I?"
"Just a little," Allison teased. "How'd Daddy do, Em?"
"Good," Emma bounced happily in his arms.
"I kind of promised Caroline we'd go out for pizza when we're done here," Jon told his wife. "Sound good to you and my boy?"
"Sure," Allison agreed. "I'm hungry and so is he..." she patted her slightly protruding stomach.
Jon grinned. "We'll see what we can do about that then. Your mum was telling me what a great job you've been doing."
Allison smiled. "I love working here- it's perfect because we don't have to hire a sitter."
"Emma likes it too," Jon said tickling her side.
Emma laughed. "Daddy's silly!"
"Daddy's tired," Jon said. "I was wondering, if you would like to go to the sweets shop with me so we can buy something nice for your mum and sister? And maybe for you....since you've been such a good girl today? What do you say? We'll be back in time so you can dance, I promise."
"Em good girl!" Emma said. "Right Mummy?"
"Right," Allison said kissing her cheek. "Make sure Daddy gets Mummy lots of chocolate, okay?"
"Kay Mummy," Emma hugged her.
"We'll be back soon," Jon said giving his wife a kiss. "Is Em's jacket in the office?"
"Yes," Allison answered. "Come on, I've got a few more things to do while Caroline has class."
"Mind if we warm up with you, Katie?" Caroline asked tapping her friend on the shoulder.
Katie shrugged. "If you want..."
"We want to," Caroline smiled at her best friend.
"I can't wait until we go to Brighton," Katie said. "My mummy bought me this pretty pink swimming costume. It's kind of like the one you had last summer, remember?"
"I still have that one," Caroline said. "We should wear them together!"
"You guys are so lucky to go to the beach," Mia said. "I haven't been to the beach in ages."
"It's so much fun," Caroline told her. "You should come with us sometime. We could ask your mummy and daddy."
"She can't go," Katie said hastily. "She's not a member of the family."
"Well neither is Alexa, but she gets to come because she's best friends with Saffy," Caroline pointed out.
"Well yeah but--" Katie began.
"It's okay, Caroline," Mia said softly. "I'm going to Disney World this summer."
"You are?" Caroline asked, her eyes wide.
Mia nodded. "Me, my mummy and daddy and Aunt Mary and Uncle Tim and my cousins. So, even if I wanted to go, I couldn't."
"I want to go to Disney World," Caroline said wistfully. "You get to meet all the princesses!"
"I'll make sure to bring you back something," Mia promised. "You too, Katie."
"Really?" Katie asked. "You'd bring me something?"
Mia nodded. "We're friends, right?"
Katie didn't answer for a moment. "Sure," she finally said.
Mia smiled at her. "I'll get you both something really nice. I promise."
"And will you tell Jasmine I said hello?" Caroline asked.
"I will," Mia said giggling.
"Okay girls," Cho clapped for attention.
Caroline, Katie and Mia joined the rest of their classmates.
"Today, we have a special treat," Cho said. "You girls remember my daughter, Chiaki and her husband, Toshio, right?"
The girls nodded excitedly and blushed when Toshio grinned at them.
"They're going to help us today," Cho told the girls. "And I think I've persuaded them to dance for us before we get started. What do you think about that?"
The girls all applauded enthusiastically. "They showed me the mambo before everyone came in," Caroline whispered to Mia.
"That's so cool," Mia whispered back.
"Okay ladies," Chiaki said smiling at them. "You are going to have to bear with me. This is my first time back dancing. Luckily, I have a great partner...."
"Don't let her fool you girls," Toshio winked. "Chiaki's a wonderful dancer and we all know it don't we?"
The class clapped enthusiastically. Cho started the music and Toshio bowed to his wife. "Shall we?"
"We shall," Chiaki placed her hand in his.
The girls in the class stared transfixed as they watched Toshio and Chiaki dance. They oohed and aahed when Toshio effortlessly lifted his wife.
"They're so good," Mia whispered admiringly.
"They're the best," Caroline whispered back.
Katie watched, still feeling a bit sore that Chiaki would tell her she danced wrong.
Once Toshio and Chiaki finished, the class stood up and applauded.
"Thank you," Chiaki said smiling at them. "You girls just need to remember that you can't get anywhere without lots of practise. That's how Toshio and I were able to dance with our company."
"Can we be in the company someday?" a little blonde girl asked.
"If you work really hard and listen to my mum," Chiaki replied with a wink at her mother. "She knows what she's talking about."
"Thank you," Cho said with a grin.
"Does anyone else have any questions?" Toshio asked.
"Can we dance with you?" another young girl asked boldly.
Toshio chuckled. "Of course you can."
"Okay girls," Cho laughed. "Up to the barre please- and get ready for warm up exercises."
"Can I lead them through the positions?" Chiaki asked.
"Sure," Cho agreed. "Ready?"
Chiaki nodded. "I didn't realise how much I'd missed this. Thanks, Mum."
"Anytime love," Cho smiled at her daughter.