Here it is- the big audition for the lead part of the recital. There's also some Gabe/Alexa in there ;) Next chapter has Saffron trying to move on with another certain bloke :D
Caroline spent the days leading up to the recital tryouts practising every chance that she had. In her head, she could see herself performing the routine flawlessly, but she just wished her feet would cooperate. It didn't help that she felt her stomach turn whenever she thought about dancing in front of all those people. It wasn't so bad when she was with her group, but as the lead, she'd be up front and centre. All eyes would be on her and the thought of it terrified and excited her at the same time.
"Ready sweetheart?" Allison asked her daughter. "You're going to do fine."
Caroline nodded and slung her dance bag over her shoulder. "Okay, Mummy."
"Just know that you're up there doing your best," Allison smoothed Caroline's hair back. "That's all you can hope to do."
Caroline looked up at her mother. "I hope Grandma sees how hard I worked."
"She knows, Angel." Allison told her. "And me, Adam and Emma will be there to watch."
Jon came into the sitting room carrying Adam. "He's all ready to go. In fact, I think he'd like to dance given how he did everything he could to get off the changing table."
"Are you being silly for Daddy?" Allison asked her son with a grin.
Adam made a gurgling sound and Jon laughed. "Don't let that innocent look fool you." He called out for his youngest. "Emma! Come along, sweetheart."
"Coming!" Emma came running into the room. "Em's all ready!"
Allison smiled. "You remember that you need to be quiet while Caroline's dancing, right?"
"I know Mummy," Emma nodded. "No talking!"
"I'm really glad you're all coming," Caroline said softly.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Jon said affectionately.
"Sissy you're going to be the bestest," Em announced.
"Thanks Em," Caroline hugged her sister.
"Let's go dancing girl," Jon said. "We want to get a good seat to watch you try out."
"Okay," Caroline said, butterflies nervously fluttering in her stomach.
Katie was already at the studio, but she wasn't worried. She knew that she was a better dancer than her competition.
"Twirl," she whispered to herself, mentally going through the steps.
"You've got this in the bag," Lindsey Gill told her. "You're better than everyone else here." "You really think so?" Katie asked.
"You're better than Caroline, at least." Lindsey offered. "I bet she'll chicken out."
Katie felt a little anger at Lindsey. It was one thing for her to say something like that about Caroline, but it was quite another for someone else to.
"She's not even here yet," Lindsey pointed out. "You came in early to prepare."
Katie shrugged. "Well, I think it's a little harder for her to get here with her sister and brother."
Lindsey rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You're still going to win the role."
"Good luck today, Katie," Marina Dunham, one of the other girls trying out for the part.
"Thanks, Marina," Katie said. "You too."
Caroline had just arrived and was walking over to Mia who was sitting near the front of the room. "Hey," Caroline greeted her cousin. "I'm so nervous."
"You worked really hard this summer," Mia reassured her. "You're going to be fantastic."
"Thanks," Caroline felt a little reassured.
Caroline sat down and put on her ballet slippers and caught sight of Katie and Lindsey watching her. She hadn't spent that much time with her best friend these past few weeks.
"Don't worry about her," Mia caught her glance. "Just pretend you're at home doing this in your room."
"Thanks, Mia," Caroline said gratefully. "I'm---I'm going to do my stretches."
"I'll do them with you," Mia said. "I really hope I can be in the chorus."
Caroline smiled at her friend. "You'll get it, Mia. I know you will."
Caroline and Mia started their stretches while Allison, Jon, Emma and Adam settled in beside Julie.
"He's gotten bigger since I saw him last," Julie commented.
"I don't think I have," Jon said patting his stomach.
"I meant your son," Julie laughed, swatting at him.
"He has," Allison agreed. "And he wants to crawl everywhere!"
"He doesn't like sitting still," Jon said bouncing Adam on his knee.
"Has he started talking yet?" Julie asked.
"He talks to Em all the time," Emma said proudly.
"What does he say?" Nick asked her.
Emma thought about this for a few moments. "Adam talks to Em about food and toys and baths!"
"Baths eh?" Jon tickled his daughter. "Does he tell you he doesn't like baths?"
Emma giggled. "Yes!"
"Em!" Adam pointed to his sister.
Emma's eyes grew large. "Adam! Mummy! Adam said Em's name!"
"Yes he did," Allison said, beaming. "That's my smart boy!"
Cho and Chiaki came into the room and Emma ran for her grandmother. "Gamma! Adam said Em's name!"
"Adam said your name?" Cho scooped her up. "That's wonderful darling!"
Emma nodded and gave her grandmother a hug. "Love you, Gamma."
"I love you too Em." Cho kissed her cheek. "You'd better go sit with your mummy and daddy."
"Kay," Emma said as Cho set her back down.
Cho and Chiaki went over a few notes before Chiaki took the floor.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Chiaki said. "Today, we are casting the recital for The Swan Princess. Everyone will have a part in the production."
Lindsey nudged Katie with a knowing smirk.
"We have four girls trying out for the lead part, Princess Odette," Chiaki continued. "The four girls are: Katie Malfoy, Marina Dunham, Madison Arrington and Caroline Weasley. Now, we've put four numbers in this hat. Each of you girls are to come up here and draw a number to determine the order of your audition."
Katie ran forward and plucked a number. "Two," she read with a slight scowl. She wanted to be first.
Caroline drew her number. "Four. I-I'm last."
"One," Marina read off with a smile.
"Guess that makes me three," Madison laughed.
Caroline took her seat beside Mia and felt the butterflies in her stomach return. She'd hoped to go first so she could get it over with, but now she'd have to sit here waiting and worrying while the other girls danced.
Mia reached for her hand and squeezed it. "You're going to do great," she said. "Last- so everyone can remember what an awesome dancer you are."
Caroline wanted to believe her cousin, but she wasn't so sure. She turned and looked at her mother who gave her a thumbs-up sign.
"Sissy," Emma whispered loudly. "Break leg!"
Caroline blushed and smiled at her sister. Emma always did know what to say. "Thanks, Em," she whispered back.
Marina was in the middle of the floor and Caroline watched as she began to do the rehearsed dance. "She's really good too," she whispered to Mia.
Mia nodded. "She is."
Caroline swallowed over the lump in her throat as Marina stumbled a bit. "I hope I remember those last few steps."
"Just remember right...step...left...step...turn," Mia whispered.
Caroline nodded as Marina finished and Katie confidently hopped up and strode to the middle of the room.
The music began and Katie began the dance. She smiled brightly at Chiaki and Cho as she performed the steps.
It was all too perfect, Katie thought. She could already visualize the applause after she finished dancing the lead role.
The last steps were the most difficult and Katie held her breath as she did the turn. She finished slightly before the music ended, but other than that, she'd done perfectly.
"Very good, Katie," Chiaki said before making some notes on her clipboard.
Katie curtsied- she figured a little added touch couldn't hurt and went to sit down again.
Julie shared a look with Nick. "She isn't shy at all, is she?"
Nick chuckled. "Not at all. She did great."
"She's so much like you- wants to be in the spotlight," Julie said with a grin.
Nick squeezed her hand and they both watched as Madison began her dance. She messed up on the last couple of steps and was almost in tears when she'd finished.
"And fourth," Chiaki said with a smile. "Caroline Weasley."
Caroline gulped. It was now or never, but all she wanted to do was run over to her parents.
"Good luck, Caroline," Mia encouraged her. "You can do it."
Caroline nodded, not trusting her voice. She walked to the middle of the dance floor and gave her grandmother and aunt a trembly smile.
The music started and Caroline took a deep breath.
She closed her eyes and did as Mia had told her- pretended she was at her own barre, doing the steps by herself.
Katie watched her best friend and couldn't deny that she'd come a long way. If she was being honest, Caroline was quite good.
"Remember the last steps," Caroline told herself silently. "The last few steps..."
She couldn't hide the bright smile that came over her face as she did the last complicated steps just as Mia had reminded her.
She finished just as the music did and opened her eyes.
"Very good, Caroline," Chiaki said smiling at her.
"Thank you," Caroline blushed as she hurried back to her spot next to Mia.
Mia beamed at her. "You did great, Caroline!"
"Thanks," Caroline beamed.
Cho stood up. "We'll now move on to the other parts. Now let's have..."
Caroline couldn't believe she'd done it. She'd actually made it through the dance.
Mia got up when Cho called her for the chorus audition. "Good luck," Caroline whispered to her.
Mia nodded and took her place in between two other girls.
Caroline sat back as Emma slipped over to sit next to her. "Sissy did good," she whispered.
Caroline gave her sister a hug. "Thanks, Em."
"What is Em's part in dance?" Emma asked.
"Your class is having their own section, Em," Caroline said. "And I bet you're going to be great."
"Em break leg too?" the redhead asked.
Caroline giggled. "Yes. Come here, sit in my lap and we'll watch the others."
"Kay," Emma sat back against her sister.
Mia finished her audition and then took her place beside Caroline.
"You did great," Caroline whispered to her. "When do you think they'll announce the results?"
Mia shrugged. "I'm not sure."
Twenty minutes later, everyone had auditioned. Chiaki and Cho retired to the back office to go over their notes and the girls returned to their parents.
"Daddy, how did I do?" Katie asked giving her father a hug.
"You did wonderful, Katie bear," Nick gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, Daddy," Katie grinned.
"So what sorts of flowers do I need to bring my Angel girl?" Jon was asking Caroline. "Roses? Tulips? Sunflowers?"
Caroline blushed. "I like sunflowers best."
"Sunflowers it is," Jon kissed her cheek. "You did a great job."
"You both did a great job," Julie said to the two girls. "Chiaki and Cho have a tough decision to make."
Katie had a feeling she'd be the one up there dancing but she nodded. "Good job Caroline."
"You too, Katie," Caroline said smiling at her friend. "You really did great."
"I know," Katie replied. "Thanks though."
Caroline didn't know what to make of that so she just sat down on her father's lap. "Can we go to the pub later, Daddy?"
"For a celebratory dinner," Jon nodded. "Either way, you did a great job out there Angel."
Caroline grinned and leaned back against her father.
"Daddy can we celebrate too?" Katie didn't want to be outdone.
"Absolutely," Nick said. "Where did you want to go?"
"Somewhere fancy," Katie replied.
"Somewhere fancy, eh?" Nick asked chucking her on the chin.
"What about that place all the celebrities go?" Katie asked. "The one in Muggle London?"
"The Ivy?" Nick asked
"Yeah!" Katie said excitedly.
"Katie, you want to go to the Ivy?" Julie teased.
"Uh huh," Katie nodded. "Cause when I'm a famous model and dancer I'll eat there every day."
Nick tweaked her nose. "You know being a famous model and a dancer is a lot of hard work. It's not just going to cool places, Katie."
Katie shrugged. "I just want to go to The Ivy."
"I'll call and see if we can get a table," Nick promised.
Katie squealed. "Thanks Daddy!"
Chiaki and Cho emerged from the back and stood at the front of the room. "We had a hard decision to make. You've all worked so hard and we're proud of each and every one of you for the effort you've put forth," Cho announced.
Caroline crossed her fingers behind her back. She really, really hoped she'd won the part but she decided she would be happy if Katie, Marina or Madison got it as well.
Cho smiled. "The part of the lead, Princess Odette, will be performed by...."
Katie held her breath and waited to hear her name.
"Caroline Weasley," Cho finished.
Mia squealed. "You got it!" she hugged her best friend. "You got it Caroline!"
"C-Caroline?" Katie asked, her jaw dropping. "But---"
Nick put a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "You should congratulate her, Katie."
Katie could only shake her head. How had this happened? She'd danced much better than Caroline. Everyone had said so.
"The understudy of Odette," Cho continued. "Will be Katie Malfoy. You'll go on in Caroline's place if she can't dance the night of the performance."
Julie smiled at her daughter. "Understudy, Katie. That's great..."
Katie shook her head again. "That means that I'm second-best...."
"It does not," Julie soothed.
Tears welled up in Katie's eyes as she watched their other classmates congratulate a still in shock Caroline.
"Thanks," Caroline was so happy she couldn't stop beaming. "I can't believe it!"
Lindsey made her way over to Katie. "This is so unfair! You know exactly why she got that part!"
"She did better than me," Katie answered dully.
Lindsey rolled her eyes. "I imagine if your grandmother and aunt were the judges, you'd have gotten that part, too."
"You shouldn't say that about her," Katie said softly.
"Look," Lindsey said pointing to where Chiaki was talking to her niece.
"You really did a great job, Caroline," Chiaki said giving her niece a hug. "Mum and I were so proud of you."
"Thanks Aunt Chiaki," Caroline said. "Was I really, really the best?"
Chiaki nodded. "You were and we knew how hard you worked. You've improved so much."
"Thanks," Caroline hugged her again. "I'll dance perfect, I promise."
"I know you will," Chiaki said.
"Sissy!" Emma came running towards her. "Sissy is Princess and Em is a fox!"
Caroline grinned. "I heard, Em. You're going to be a great fox!"
"I get a tail," Emma was delighted. "And Han is... Han is..."
"A chipmunk," Hannah joined them.
"Congratulations, you guys!" Caroline told them. "That's fantastic!"
"We have to practise," Hannah said. "Em you'll be such a cute little fox."
Emma beamed at her.
Caroline walked over to where Katie was talking with Lindsey. She felt bad for her friend knowing how much she truly had wanted the part.
"Are you here to gloat, Caroline?" Lindsey asked.
Caroline shook her head. "No, of course not!"
"Then what do you want?" Lindsey asked coolly.
"I wanted to see how Katie was doing," Caroline said gently. "Katie, you did really well."
"Too right she did," Lindsey said haughtily. "And I imagine if her grandmother had been choosing, SHE'D have gotten the part."
"They didn't pick me cause of that!" Caroline was growing angry at the other girl. "And I didn't come here to talk to you anyway!"
Lindsey glared at her. "Right..."
Katie wiped at her eyes. "What do you want Caroline?"
"I just wanted to tell you that you did really good," Caroline fidgeted with the sleeve of her leotard.
"Not as good as you, obviously," Katie said quietly.
"I just practised a lot," Caroline said. "Um... maybe you and me can learn the dance together."
"Maybe," Katie said looking away. "Um...I have to go."
"What?" Caroline was confused. "Katie..."
Katie hurried away to where her parents were gathering up her belongings.
Lindsey smirked at Caroline. "You're going to freeze up, Caroline. Like you always do..."
"I'm going to be the best Odette ever," Caroline glared at her. "Better than you. You didn't even try out!"
Lindsey just laughed and walked away.
Caroline couldn't believe that Lindsey would think that she was just given the part because of her grandmother and aunt. Grandma Cho and Aunt Chiaki were fair judges and they wouldn't have picked her if they didn't think she was capable of the part.
She watched as Katie left the studio without a backward glance. She felt bad that they both couldn't do the part, but she had worked really hard for it.
"Caroline, are you ready to go?" Allison called out to her daughter.
"Yes Mummy," Caroline nodded.
"That's my girl," Jon said picking her up and twirling her around. "We are going to have a big celebration at the pub in your honour."
Caroline forced a smile. "Can't wait."
"And maybe," Jon said tickling her side. "You can show me how to do that routine..."
Caroline smiled for real. "Daddy you're silly."
"But I am not---I repeat----not going to wear a tutu," Jon said tweaking her nose.
"Daddy wears a tutu," Emma began dancing around them. "Daddy wears curlers in his hair!"
Allison laughed. "Only for you, baby girl."
Jon set Caroline down and scooped Emma up. "And that's our little secret."
Caroline wandered over to her mother. "Mummy? Do you think Katie's mad at me?"
"I think she's happy for you," Allison said, hoping that wasn't a lie. "She knows how hard you worked for this."
"I hope so," Caroline said. "I just can't believe I got it, Mummy."
"You did a beautiful job," Allison said. "Daddy and I are so proud of you Angel."
"Thanks, Mummy," Caroline said beaming up at her. She hoped that Katie was happy for her and that they'd work together to learn the dance steps for the recital piece. They'd been best friends all their lives. They couldn't let this get between them, no matter what Lindsey said.
*** *** ***
Alexa had Flooed over to the Los Angeles area for Gabriel's grandparents' anniversary party. It was her first time overseas and she couldn't stop looking everywhere. California looked so different than England.
"And I'll take you down to Hollywood Boulevard tomorrow," Gabriel was saying. "And I'll bring you to my campus so you can check it out too. See if there's anything you like."
"Slow down," Lavender teased from the front seat of the car. "You're going to overwhelm her."
"I'm fine," Alexa said, her eyes still skipping over the scenery.
Lavender consulted the directions. The party was being held at a reception hall in one of the downtown hotels. It was where Louis and Margaret had been married. "You take a left at the next light, Seamus."
"I've got it," Seamus replied.
"You look gorgeous," Gabriel squeezed her hand.
Alexa smiled at him. "I'm nervous about meeting them."
"Don't be," he reassured her. "They're going to love you. Especially my grandmother."
Alexa hoped he was right. She knew how important his grandparents were to him and she wanted to make a good impression. She still couldn't believe she was actually here in the States.
They arrived at the hotel a few minutes later. "The ballroom is just through here," Gabriel linked their fingers together. "Come on- I can't wait for you to meet them."
Alexa felt her nerves getting stronger as they walked into the ballroom.
Seamus, too, hoped that Gabriel's grandfather would be okay with him being there. Gabriel and Margaret had invited him and Lavender to the party, but Lewis had merely muttered something unintelligible before leaving the room.
"Relax," Lavender murmured. "They wouldn't have invited you if they really didn't want you here."
Seamus didn't say anything as they followed Gabriel and Alexa over to where Lewis and Margaret were chatting with some friends.
"Grandma," Gabriel said with a huge grin. "Grandpa. I want you both to meet Alexa O'Leary."
Margaret smiled at the young girl. "Alexa, you are every bit as beautiful as Gabe told us."
"Thank you," Alexa blushed. "And thank you for inviting me to your party. Congratulations on your anniversary."
"We're very happy you could join us," Margaret said giving her a hug.
"Lovely to meet you, Alexa," Lewis said.
"It's nice to meet you too sir," Alexa shook his hand. "Gabriel's told me loads about you both."
"Most of it is true," Margaret said giving her grandson a hug.
"Happy Anniversary, Grandma," Gabriel said.
The other couple that had been standing beside Margaret and Lewis looked expectantly at Lewis for an introduction.
"I'm Lavender Finnigan," Lavender told them when Lewis didn't speak up. "And this is my husband, Seamus."
"Walter Murphy and this is my wife, Ramona," the older gentleman said shaking her hand. "How do you know Lewis and Margaret?"
"Um..." Seamus seemed at a loss. "I'm Gabriel's father. I used to... to know Sam."
"The one that----" Walter started to say.
Margaret coughed. "Walter, Ramona....it was lovely to see you. We'll catch up later."
"Of course," Ramona dragged her husband away.
"Thank you for coming," Margaret kissed Lavender on the cheek. "It's always lovely to see you both."
"We wouldn't have missed this for the world," Lavender told her. "And you look beautiful tonight. That mauve is a wonderful colour on you."
"Thank you," Margaret was pleased.
"Lewis," Seamus nodded. "You're looking well. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Lewis said quietly. "Maggie, we should take our seats..."
"Yes," Margaret said. "We'll catch up to you four in a little while."
"That went about as well as could be expected," Seamus said watching them go.
"Thanks for trying," Gabriel said to his father.
"Let's get our seats," Seamus said.
"There's a table over there," Lavender said.
Gabriel took Alexa's hand but was surprised when someone slapped him hard on the back.
"I am so glad you're here," a familiar voice said behind him. "I've already been hit on by three old ladies."
Gabriel turned around and laughed. "Nico..."
"About time you got your lazy ass here," Nico answered
"I had to spend some quality time with Alexa," Gabriel said squeezing Alexa's hand. "Nico...this is Lexie."
"It's nice to meet you Nico," Alexa smiled. "Gabe's told me all about you."
"I could just listen to you talk all night," Nico said with a grin. "Those accents..."
Alexa blushed and Gabriel hit him hard on the shoulder. "Smooth."
"So where are we sitting tonight, Mr. F?" Nico asked slapping Seamus on the back.
Seamus chuckled. "Right over there Nico. I can't believe I missed you."
"Did you drive the SUV tonight?" Nico asked. "Because if you did..."
"You're not driving it," Seamus finished.
"How come?" Nico asked.
"Quit while you're behind, Nico," Gabriel told his best friend. "I can't believe I've been friends with you for this long."
"You miss me when you're over there," Nico scoffed. "One of these days you have to bring me with you. I'll find myself a hot looking fox like you did."
"I'm starting to see why you don't have a girlfriend," Alexa said dryly.
Nico stared at her, open mouthed as Gabriel doubled over laughing.
"That was harsh," Nico said pretending to be affronted.
"That's my girl," Gabriel pulled her close and kissed the side of her head.
"Come on," Lavender told them. "We should grab that table."
"Right," Seamus nodded. "You go sit down and I'll get you a drink. What'll you have?"
"Club soda for me," Alexa said. "Thank you, Mr. Finnigan."
"Club soda," Seamus nodded. "I know my wife will have champagne- Gabe?"
"You could grab Gabe and me a beer," Nico said.
"Nice try," Seamus said. "How about sodas?"
"I guess," Nico replied.
"That's fine Dad, thanks." Gabriel shook his head at his friend.
"Can't blame me for trying," Nico said taking a seat.
At the table, there were pictures of the happy couple throughout the years and Alexa eagerly took the photo album. "Your grandmother looked beautiful on her wedding day!"
"Yeah," Gabriel nodded. "My mum looked just like her."
"And your grandfather looks so handsome," Alexa said.
"And now we have proof that he does actually smile," Gabriel said showing the photo to his stepmother.
Lavender grinned. "They make a lovely couple."
Seamus placed the drink orders at the bar.
"Do you know that Gabriel's father had the nerve to show up here?" he heard someone saying. "After what he did to Samantha..."
Seamus turned slightly to listen a little better.
"Callously left her when he found out that she was pregnant," the woman was saying. "And then he shows up out of the blue after she dies..."
"Excuse me," Seamus broke into their conversation. "I think you have your story wrong. I unfortunately didn't know about Gabriel until a little over a year ago. And Samantha and I cared about each other very much, but it just didn't work out. Any other questions?"
"I beg your pardon?" the woman asked.
"Seamus Finnigan," Seamus replied. "I'm the bloke you were just speaking about?"
The woman looked as if she wanted to run in the other direction. "I---I apologize."
He nodded. "Nice to meet you lot." he collected the drinks and headed back to the table.
"Everything okay?" Lavender asked her husband when he returned to the table.
"I'll tell you later," Seamus took his seat.
"I'm supposed to go up and say a few words to start," Gabriel whispered to Alexa.
"You are?" she asked. "What are you going to talk about?"
"I'm not sure," Gabriel admitted. "But I'd better think of something fast, eh?"
"Gabe," Alexa shook her head. "Come on, I'll help you."
"Only kidding," Gabriel reassured her. "I know what I'm going to say. I just want you to give me a kiss for luck."
"That I can do," Alexa leaned in.
Gabriel kissed her tenderly. He was happy that she was here with him for this special occasion.
He gave her hand a squeeze before standing up and walking to the center of the reception hall.
"Hello, everyone," Gabriel said. "We're all here tonight to celebrate my grandparents' 50th anniversary."
Gabriel waited until the applause died down before continuing. "I've lived with my grandparents for most of my life. They've always provided for me, and for my mother, without a word of complaint. They're the two most amazing people in the world and I'm so glad they're my family."
Lewis and Margaret smiled at each other and then turned their gaze on their only grandson.
"Fifty years ago tonight, the two of you shared your first dance as husband and wife on this dance floor," Gabriel said smiling at them. "And I know that we'd all like to see you dance again..."
"Oh no----" Lewis said shaking his head.
"Come on Grandpa," Gabriel said with a grin. "Show everyone you've still got it."
"Come on, Lewis," Margaret said standing up. "One dance..."
"For you Maggie," Lewis grunted.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Gabriel announced. "I give you, Lewis and Margaret Boyd."
Alexa grinned at her boyfriend as he stepped down. "That was lovely, Gabe."
He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm not that good at public speaking..."
"You did a great job," Alexa rested her head on his shoulder as they watched Lewis and Margaret dance together in the middle of the room.
"Fifty years," Lavender said watching the couple. "That's amazing."
"Think you and I can make it?" Seamus nudged her.
"Absolutely," Lavender said grinning at him.
"How many years is it now?" he asked, sliding his arm around her.
"Seventeen," Lavender replied.
"Best seventeen of my life," Seamus said softly.
Lavender rested her head on his shoulder. "Mine too."
Alexa smiled as Lewis and Margaret headed back to their table. "This is a lovely party. And I'm so happy to finally meet your grandparents."
"I'm glad your parents let you come," Gabriel said. "I've been wanting you to meet my grandparents and my friends for ages."
"I'll tell you a secret," Alexa said. "I really came just so I could spend more time with you."
Gabriel grinned. "Alexa O'Leary...you had an ulterior motive!"
"Can you blame me?" she asked with a grin.
Gabriel shook his head. "Not at all..."
Alexa reached for his hand. When Gabriel had left a few days after Brighton she didn't think it was possible to miss someone so much.
He gave her hand a squeeze. "Would you care to dance?"
"I'd love to," Alexa said happily.
Gabriel led her out onto the dance floor and pulled her close.
"This is right where I want to be," Alexa closed her eyes.
"Me too," Gabriel said. "I just wish you could stay longer than the weekend."
"Soon..." Alexa said. "I have this great feeling that in a year I'll be preparing to come to USC."
"Are you a Seer now?" Gabriel asked. "Like Maddie?"
"Hardly," Alexa laughed. "It's just a hunch."
"I was wondering how that would work?" Gabriel asked her. "It's not like you could have transcripts."
"I'm sure there's a way," Alexa replied. "Julie's helping me. She went to a Muggle University as well."
"Saffy told me about that," Gabriel said.
"They basically take my marks and transfer them onto Muggle transcripts," Alexa said. "At least, that's what I understood from what Julie told me."
Gabriel smiled down at her. "I learn something new about your world every day."
"I want you to learn everything about me and my world," Alexa said with a grin. "Because you're a huge part of it now, Gabriel Boyd."
"And you're a big part of mine," Gabriel said leaning in and kissing her.
She leaned into the kiss as he pulled her even closer.
Margaret looked on at her grandson and couldn't help smiling. "I haven't seen him look this happy in quite some time, Lewis."
"She's a very pretty young lady," Lewis agreed. "And she seems to care about him a great deal."
"Samantha would have liked her," Margaret said.
Lewis nodded. "I think our Samantha would have liked Lavender too," he admitted.
Margaret smiled at him. "Yes she would have."
"She'd be angry that I haven't warmed to Seamus," Lewis continued.
"Yes, she would," Margaret said squeezing his hand.
"I'm trying," Lewis said. "It's just... I remember how hurt Sam was when they broke up..."
"He's not a bad guy," Margaret told him. "And he loves Gabe."
Lewis nodded. "I'll try harder Maggie."
Margaret kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Lewis. That's the best present you could have given me."
"Love you," he said gruffly. "50 years and going strong."
"We've been through quite a bit," Margaret said. "But I love you just as much today as I did then."
"What do you think?" Alexa asked. "Could that be us in 50 years?"
Gabriel grinned at her. "I hope so. I really, really do."
Alexa rested her head on his shoulder and let her mind wander for a few moments. Her feelings for Gabriel were deepening day by day but she still wasn't sure whether or not she could let go and fall in love with him.
She knew though that they had time to figure everything out and she knew that he wouldn't rush her. It was one of the things she loved most about him.
That revelation made her smile before she gave him another quick kiss.
On the other side of the room, Seamus approached Margaret and Lewis. "Lewis, do you think I could have a dance with your lovely bride?"
Lewis looked like he was going to refuse for a moment but nodded. "I think she'd like that."
Margaret took Seamus' hand and grinned at him. "I'm so glad that you could come tonight."
"Thanks Margaret," Seamus replied. "I'm glad to be here- that you wanted me here."
"Lewis really is trying," Margaret said. "He promised he'd do better."
"I understand," Seamus said. "It's not easy for any of us. But there's no way I'm backing out of Gabe's life."
"We wouldn't ask you to do that," Margaret said. "I'm just glad that Sam told him about you before she---"
"I am too," Seamus said softly. "I do miss her, Margaret. Sam was a wonderful, wonderful woman."
Margaret smiled. "Yes, she was."
"I see so much of her in Gabriel," Seamus looked over at his son. "And he's just the best thing I ever had a part of."
"She used to say the same about you when she looked at him," Margaret admitted.
"He's got the best of both of us, I guess." Seamus spun her around gently.
Margaret laughed. "You know Lavender was telling me that you didn't like to dance, but you are actually quite good."
"She makes me practise," Seamus said ruefully.
"Practise makes perfect," Margaret teased.
"Sam used to say that all the time," Seamus said with a grin.
"I taught her well," Margaret said as the music came to an end. "Thank you very much for the dance, Seamus."
"Thank you," Seamus kissed her cheek.
Margaret led the way back to the table where Lewis was talking to Gabriel, Alexa, and Lavender.
"We honeymooned at Yosemite," he was saying. "Maggie was a good sport about it."
"We didn't have that much money," Margaret said sitting down beside her husband. "But I wouldn't have cared. It's not where you are, but who you're with that matters."
"I agree with that," Alexa said with a smile.
Gabriel squeezed her hand.
"And then a few years later, Samantha came along," Lewis said proudly.
Gabriel smiled. "I really miss Mum," he said, a bit unexpectedly.
"She'd be real proud of you, Gabe," Lewis said to him. "Real proud."
"I hope so," Gabriel answered fervently.
"I know so," Lewis said. "And she'd be really happy that you found your dad and that he's a part of your life."
Seamus looked at the older man in surprise. "Thanks, Lewis."
Lewis nodded. "And I'm glad you're here today."
Seamus reached across the table and shook Lewis' hand.
"Thanks, Grandpa," Gabriel said grinning at his grandfather.
"Just want you to be happy, Gabe." Lewis replied.
"I am," Gabriel said putting his arm around Alexa. "I'm very, very happy, Grandpa."
Lavender raised her glass of champagne. "To Lewis and Margaret," she said. "May they have many more happy years together."
"Here, here!" Seamus said raising his glass. "And I'd like to thank them for welcoming us to their family."
"I second that," Gabriel raised his glass of soda.
"And to our beautiful daughter, Samantha," Margaret said. "For bringing us all together."
"Hear," Gabriel echoed.
Alexa smiled at her boyfriend. She knew that having his father get along with his grandfather was very important to him. Now it seemed as if Lewis really was going to try.
A few minutes later she and Gabe were dancing again together. "It really was the best day today," he said. "I mean, you're here, and then my grandfather's finally making a real effort with my dad."
"Well, they both have something big in common," Alexa said smiling at him. "You. They both want you to be happy."
"And I knew my grandparents would love you," he grinned at her.
Alexa was pleased to hear this. "I'm glad that they do. I like them very much, too."
"I know you don't feel the same way yet," Gabriel said softly. "But I do love you Lexie."
"I'm just---" Alexa started to say.
"I do understand," Gabriel said quickly. "I really do. And I understand that you're not ready. I'm okay with it."
Alexa hugged him tightly. "Thank you for being patient."
"I'd do anything for you," he said softly.
"You make me so happy," Alexa whispered.
"That's my goal," he said with a grin.
"You're very good at it," Alexa said giving him a kiss.
"I can't wait to show you around," he said.
"Neither can I," Alexa said. "And I have to bring Saffy back a really good souvenir."
"They have these Oscar statues they sell on the Boulevard," Gabriel said. "They say things like Best Friend, or Best Teacher, things like that. I bet she'd love one of those. Good and tacky."
"That'd be perfect," Alexa laughed.
"So what do you really think of Nico?" Gabriel asked in a low voice. "Crazy, isn't he?"
"He is that," Alexa replied. She also knew what a great friend Nico had been to Gabriel over the years, especially when his mother had been sick. "But I like him."
"I was thinking of asking him to come with me to England next summer, at least for a few weeks." Gabriel said.
"I don't know if England is ready for him," Alexa giggled.
"No one is," Gabriel grinned. "But we'd have a lot of fun."
"I think so too," Alexa said. "Um...does he know about----well, about us being magical?"
"No," Gabriel answered. "I don't think he would react well to it."
"Really?" Alexa asked.
"He'd always want you to do something," Gabriel explained. "It's not that he would hold it against you, but he would always be asking you to do some sort of trick."
"Ahh," Alexa said nodding. "That would be kind of tiring..."
"A little bit," he answered.
"I have a cousin who was like that," Alexa told him. "When she found out who I was, she wanted me to show her all these tricks and she thought I was being mean when I told her I couldn't do anything out of school..."
"You can now, right?" Gabriel asked.
Alexa nodded. "Since I turned 17, yes."
"Want to magic me a car just like my dad's?" Gabriel joked. "The Jag?"
Alexa poked him in the ribs. "It doesn't work like that, Gabe!"
"I'm just kidding," he laughed.
"Very funny," Alexa said.
He hugged her again tightly. "Our next few days will be a lot of fun," he promised.
"I can't wait," Alexa said. She had been looking forward to this trip since he'd suggested it and she was glad that they'd be able to have this time before school started.
"And I know I'll be busy, but I plan on writing you as much as possible once school starts back up." Gabriel said.
"Me too," Alexa promised.
"And I want to take a million pictures of you to keep nearby," Gabriel added.
"So, we're going the full-on tourist thing, right?" Alexa asked.
"You'd better believe it," Gabriel said with a grin.
Alexa grinned back at him. "Sounds perfect to me."