Authors' note: Big chapter last time. This one also has something big happen in it, too. We hope you enjoy reading! Again, we have to say "Trust us". There is a method to our madness!
Ashley had spent a good deal of the night worrying about her aunt, who had not come down to dinner or breakfast that morning.
Ashley wished there was something she could say or do to help. Usually painting or sketching helped keep her mind off of things, but no matter what she did she kept thinking about the situation. Ashley sighed and leaned against her pillows. She was contemplating checking on her aunt when she heard a knock on her door. She looked up to see Brittany standing in the doorway. Her friend looked very upset.
"My life as I know it is over," Brittany announced.
"What?" Ashley sat up. "What's wrong?"
"Braces," Brittany replied shaking her head. "Braces, Ashley. Awful, silver metal all over my teeth!"
Ashley bit her lower lip. "It won't be that bad, Brit. Think of what a great smile you'll have once they're off."
"Two years," Brittany whined. "Two years of my life. I begged and pleaded with my parents. They wouldn't listen."
"Two years will go by so fast," Ashley tried to reassure her.
Brittany buried her face in a pillow. "It's over!"
Ashley wished there were a way she could cheer up her friend but she didn't even have the energy to do it. All she could think about was her aunt.
"I'm sorry for just barging in here," Brittany asked sitting up.
"It's okay," Ashley said. "What's Zander up to?"
"Oh, he's in a fantastic mood," Brittany rolled her eyes. "He's already started calling me 'metal mouth'."
"I'll tell him to stop," Ashley promised.
"He's not going to stop for you," Brittany protested.
"Yes he will," Ashley pushed herself up.
Brittany shrugged. "My date with doom is next week."
"I think you'll look gorgeous," Ashley said loyally. "And Evan will too."
"Do you think?" Brittany asked hopefully.
"Absolutely," Ashley squeezed her hand.
"Thanks, Ash," Brittany said.
"Come on," Ashley said. "Let's go to the beach."
Brittany nodded. "I should enjoy my metal-free days while I can."
"Is Zander out there?" Ashley asked. "I haven't talked to him since yesterday afternoon."
"Yeah," Brittany replied. "But if he says one thing..."
"I promise to tell him to knock it off," Ashley said.
"Thank you," Brittany said as the two girls headed downstairs.
"Mum?" Ashley poked her head into the kitchen. "I'm going to the beach with Brittany."
"Oh, okay," Julie said. "Hello, Brittany."
"Hi Prof-- Mrs. Malfoy." Brittany said.
Julie smiled. "It's good to see you. You girls have fun."
"Thanks," Ashley said. "Um... did Aunt Saffy come out of her room yet?"
Julie shook her head. "I brought her some tea and toast."
Ashley nodded, not meeting her mother's eyes. "I'll be back later."
As the two girls walked down the beach, Brittany continued to complain about her braces. Ashley tried to listen, but she couldn't stop thinking about Saffron.
"And I can't believe they're expecting me to wear them for two years," Brittany said. "And to get them right before school starts too!"
"Yeah," Ashley said distractedly.
"Are you all right?" Brittany asked her. "You're so quiet today."
"What?" Ashley asked. "Oh, I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind. I'm sorry, Brit."
"But we're on holiday," Brittany said. "And aside from my dire situation, nothing could ruin it!"
Ashley forced a smile. "Right."
Brittany caught sight of another girl standing beside her cousin on the pier. "I was wrong. There is something else that could ruin it."
Ashley caught sight of Lucy standing quite close to Zander.
Brittany groaned. "Every single time I turn around there she is. This morning, she woke him up at seven to play some stupid game. I know because her stupid cackling woke me up."
"She was over at your house?" Ashley asked.
Brittany nodded. "She's always over there. She's so bloody annoying."
Ashley bit her lower lip as they got closer to Zander and Lucy.
Zander had been splashing water in Lucy's direction, but he stopped when he saw Ashley. His whole face lit up as he came toward her.
"Hey Ash," he said with a grin.
"Hi," Ashley said softly. She had missed him so much these last couple of days. She wished she could tell him what was going on, but she had promised her aunt. Brittany caught sight of Lucy making a move to interrupt them and she grabbed Lucy by the arm and tugged her in the other direction.
"Ow!" Lucy yelped. "Brittany, you practically pulled my arm out of the socket!"
"So?" Brittany asked.
"So, I was waiting for Zander," Lucy said trying to step past her.
"And he's waiting for Ashley," Brittany blocked her.
"We're friends," Lucy said defiantly.
"And that's how it's going to stay," Brittany told her.
"You're such a bubble brain," Lucy said rolling her eyes.
"Whatever," Brittany looked back at her cousin and Ashley.
Zander sat down on the edge of the pier. Ashley sat down beside him and started out at the water. "Ash?" Zander asked. "Did you finish your painting?"
Ashley nodded. "Last night. Mum took it home for safekeeping this morning."
"I wish I could have seen it," Zander said. "But I know it was brilliant."
"Thanks," Ashley sighed.
Zander squeezed her hand. "Are you okay?"
"Not really," Ashley said.
"What's wrong?" Zander asked. He tugged affectionately on her ponytail.
"I can't talk about it," Ashley said quietly.
"Did Katie blab?" Zander asked.
Ashley shook her head.
"What is it?" Zander asked. "Come on, Ashley Beth. You can tell me. Maybe I could help."
"I can't tell anyone," Ashley said.
Zander looked at her. "Ash..."
"I just can't, okay?" Ashley asked.
Zander let go of her hand. What was so bad that she couldn't tell him?
"I think I'm going back inside," Ashley said.
"But, you just got here," Zander protested.
"I can't explain what's going on," Ashley said.
"Can I see you later?" Zander asked, standing up.
"I don't know," Ashley said.
"Ashley," Zander reached for her hand, but she was already walking away.
"Ash!" Brittany yelled. "Wait up!"
Lucy smiled to herself as she watched Brittany hurry off after her friend. This would leave Zander all alone.
"What's wrong?" she asked, feigning concern.
Zander shrugged. "I don't know."
"Maybe she's angry with you," Lucy said.
Zander shook his head. "I haven't done anything. At least, I don't think I have."
Lucy shrugged. "I'll stay out here with you."
"I'm just going to head back to the house," Zander said.
"But--" Lucy began.
"I'm not going to be very good company," Zander told her. "I have a lot on my mind."
"You can talk to ME," Lucy said.
Zander looked over at her. Perhaps she could give him an idea as to what was going on with Ashley. Zander knew he could ask Brittany but she'd just take the Mickey out on him. "Okay, I guess."
"Good," Lucy took his arm.
Zander pulled away. He knew that Lucy fancied him a bit, but he didn't want to give her any false hope. "Ash and I have always been able to talk about anything."
"Not this time," she said.
"You know our parents kind of freaked out when they found out we wanted to be more than friends," Zander confided. "And Ash's little sister caught us snogging. She's been holding it over our heads."
"Really?" Lucy asked. "That makes me glad I don't have any siblings."
"Me too," Zander agreed. "I just...I can't help wondering if maybe Katie told and that's why Ash is acting like this."
"Maybe you should steer clear for a few days," Lucy suggested.
"You think?" Zander asked.
"Probably best," Lucy said, hiding a sly smile.
"Maybe," Zander said thoughtfully.
Lucy leaned closer to him. "Maybe we can go fishing later."
"I think I'm just going to practise," Zander said.
"Practise what?" Lucy asked. "You think you're going to beat me next time at Ninja Death Warrior?"
Zander laughed. "I don't think. I know."
"Yeah right," Lucy nudged him playfully.
"Maybe we can play later," Zander said. "I wanted to work on this song. If you wanted to come by in a couple of hours, we can play."
"You're working on a song?" Lucy refused to give up.
Zander nodded.
"I want to hear," Lucy said,
"Maybe later," Zander told her as they approached the house. "It's still in the developmental stage."
"Oh," Lucy looked deflated.
"I'll let you hear it when you come over later," Zander promised.
"Okay," Lucy impulsively hugged him.
Zander was taken aback by this and he awkwardly patted her back. "Thanks for listening."
Out of the corner of her eye, Lucy saw a flash of blond hair at the window- Ashley. She pulled back and quickly pulled Zander to her, kissing him hard.
If Zander had thought he'd been surprised by the hug, the kiss surprised him so much, he just stood there for a moment. "Lucy," he pushed her away. "Why did you do that?"
"Because I wanted to," Lucy said.
Zander wiped his mouth. "Look, I'm with Ashley. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea..."
"I think you liked it too," Lucy said boldly.
"I like Ashley," Zander retorted.
"And she couldn't wait to get away from you," Lucy told him.
Zander glared at her. He did not have time to explain this to Lucy. He should have never have stayed behind like this. If he'd used his head, he would have followed her back to her house and made sure she was okay.
"I'll see you later," Zander said.
"Zander, come on--" she tried once more.
In the beach house, Ashley was telling Brittany what she'd just seen. But, she stopped when she realised Katie was hovering just outside the door. Without a word, Ashley slammed the door in her sister's face.
Katie stared at the closed door in shock. "Ashley!" Katie exclaimed.
"Get out and stop spying on me!" Ashley said angrily. "I'm tired of it Katie!"
"I don't spy!" Katie retorted.
"Just go away!" Ashley snapped.
"Fine!" Katie shot back. She kicked the door with her foot for good measure. Ashley wanted her to go away, well, Katie thought to herself. She'd go away---straight to their father and tell him all about what Ashley had been up to with that stupid Zander.
"Dad!" Katie called out. "Daddy!"
She barged into his studio without noticing that the recording light was on.
"Katherine Rose," Nick said setting his guitar down. "Did you notice the red light above the door?"
"But I have something important to tell you," Katie said.
Nick walked over to his youngest daughter. "This had better be important."
"Ashley's been sneaking around with Zander," Katie revealed. "I saw them snogging."
Nick folded his arms and levelled his gaze at her. "Katherine..."
"I swear!" Katie said. "She and Zander were kissing. A lot!"
"When?" Nick asked her.
"I saw her a few days ago," Katie reported.
"Ashley!" Nick walked past Katie and called out to his oldest daughter. "I need to see you. Now."
"Just a minute Dad!" Ashley called back.
"Want me to go with you?" Brittany offered.
Ashley sighed. "No... I'll talk to you later, I guess."
"I'll have a few words with that Lucy," Brittany said with a grin. "Don't worry."
Ashley managed a tiny smile.
Brittany gave her best friend a hug before she left.
Ashley wiped at her eyes and then headed toward her father's studio. She rolled her eyes when she saw Katie standing beside her father with a smug look on her face. "Dad, I only slammed the door in her face because she was eavesdropping...as usual."
"Have you been sneaking around with Zander after we told you we didn't want you to date?" Nick asked her directly.
"We only went swimming a couple of times," Ashley replied but not before shooting another glare at her younger sister.
Nick raised an eyebrow. "Don't lie to me Ashley."
"Dad, I'm not lying to you," Ashley said.
"Yes, she is," Katie said in a sing-song voice.
"Have you and Zander been kissing?" Nick asked.
Ashley blushed and looked down at the floor.
"Katie, go get your mother," Nick said.
"Of course, Daddy," Katie said happily.
Ashley shook her head as Katie skipped out of the room. "Daddy--"
Nick held up a hand. "No more until your mother comes in here."
Ashley had thought the day couldn't get any worse, but she had a feeling she was about to be proven wrong.
Julie came down a few moments later with Katie right at her heels. "Nick? What's going on?"
"Our daughter has apparently been sneaking around with Zander," Nick told Julie.
"What?" Julie stared in disbelief first at Nick, then at Ashley.
"You and Daddy snuck around too," Ashley pointed out.
"Ashley that was completely different," Julie said. "You are thirteen years old and we specifically asked you NOT to do this."
"I'll be fourteen soon," Ashley argued. "We just kissed a couple of times. It's not really a big deal, Mum."
"It was a big enough deal that you had to go behind our backs to do it," Julie told her.
Ashley looked at Katie. "Does she have to be here, Mum?"
Julie looked at her youngest daughter who was pretending not to be interested. "Katie, go wait for us upstairs."
"I can tell you a lot more," Katie protested.
"How about how you blackmailed me?" Ashley asked sarcastically. "Made me do your chores."
Nick and Julie both raised their eyebrows at that.
"I guess you left that out, Katherine," Ashley said bitterly.
"Katie, go wait for us in your room," Nick said with a sigh. "We'll be up in a bit."
Katie stalked out of the studio.
Julie rubbed at her forehead. "Ashley..."
"I didn't do anything wrong," Ashley said quietly.
"We told you that you were too young to date," Nick told her. "We let you go out with Zander the one time, and then you continued to fraternize behind our backs."
"We like that you're friends with him, Ashley," Julie said in a softer tone. "But we don't appreciate you snogging him like this."
"Well, you won't have to worry about it anymore," Ashley said remembering what she'd seen out the window just a few minutes ago.
Nick's eyebrows knit together. "Why's that?"
"Nothing," Ashley said looking away from them.
"Your father and I are going to talk," Julie said. "Wait for us in your room, please."
Ashley nodded and walked out of the studio. A couple of days ago, everything had been fine and now it was all crumbling down around her.
She headed upstairs to the room she was sharing with the babies. She caught sight of Katie sitting on the bed in the room she shared with Caroline and Mia.
"I hope you're happy," Ashley hissed at her.
"You shouldn't have slammed the door in my face," Katie retorted.
"If I had wanted you to know, I would have told you," Ashley said, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. "You make it really hard to like you, Katie."
Katie shrugged.
Ashley just shook her head and went into her own room. She curled up on her bed and hugged her pillow to her.
She didn't know what her parents were going to do about this. Nor did she know what she was going to do about Zander, or what Brittany was going to say to him.
In the grand scheme of things, Ashley knew that this was nothing compared to what Saffron was going through. But, it still hurt her to think of what she had with Zander ending. But, then again, she'd hate it even more if she lost his friendship.
She buried her face in her pillow and tried hard not to cry. How had everything become such a mess?
Downstairs, Zander knocked on the door. He hoped Ashley would answer. But, since luck wasn't on his side, it was Caroline Weasley who opened the door.
"Hi," Caroline said brightly.
"Hi," Zander said. "Um... is Ashley here?"
"She's upstairs," Caroline said, standing back so he could come inside. "In her room."
"Oh..." Zander said. "Think... think you could call her down for me?"
Caroline shook her head. "I'm playing with Adam. You can go up there. See you!"
"Wait--" Zander said but she'd darted out of the room.
Zander needed to see Ashley and he figured it would be okay if he just walked upstairs to talk. There was no harm in that.
He started up the stairs, hoping he would remember which room was hers.
"Ash?" Zander called out uncertainly.
Ashley sat up on her bed. "Zander?"
"Ash," he appeared in her doorway. "I'm glad I found you. I --"
Ashley grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into her room before Katie could see him. "What are you doing here?" she asked him.
"I wanted to make sure you were okay," he said, unaware of everything that had happened.
"You looked a little preoccupied," Ashley said.
"Preoccupied?" Zander asked, confused.
"Yes," Ashley said. "Maybe you're not sure who you like better, me or Lucy?"
"What are you talking about?" Zander asked. "I like you best. You know that."
"You kissed her!" Ashley said. "I saw it!"
Zander couldn't believe she had witnessed that. He shook his head. "She kissed me, Ash. I pushed her away..."
"No you didn't," Ashley turned away from him. "Just go, Zander."
Zander didn't move. "Ashley, I have fancied you for so long I don't even remember when it started. I don't think of Lucy as anything but a friend. I didn't kiss her. She kissed me. I've never lied to you. You know that."
Ashley closed her eyes. She was too ashamed to admit that she was awaiting punishment from her parents.
"Ashley," Zander said reaching for her hand.
"Just go AWAY," Ashley said. "I knew this would happen."
"Knew what would happen?" Zander asked.
"This," Ashley said. "We're fighting."
"Our first one," Zander said trying to make her laugh.
Ashley shook her head. "This is why we should have just stayed friends. You need to go, Zander."
"Ashley, what's really going on?" Zander asked, just as the door to the bedroom swung open. Julie and Nick Malfoy did not look happy at all to see him.
"Professor," Zander said nervously. "Mr. Malfoy..."
"What's going on here?" Nick asked, his grey eyes stormy.
"Zander, I think it's time that you went home," Julie said to him.
"Go," Ashley wouldn't look at him.
"And seeing as Ashley and her sister are grounded for the rest of the holiday, you'll see her next on the train to Hogwarts," Nick told Zander.
Zander gaped at him wordlessly.
Ashley couldn't imagine not seeing him or Brittany the rest of the summer. But, she just did not have it in her to protest or argue. She knew they'd never change their minds.
Dejectedly, Zander nodded and with one final look at Ashley which she did not return, he left.
Julie closed the door behind him and turned her disappointed gaze to her daughter.
"I didn't know he was going to be here," Ashley said quietly.
"Nevertheless," Julie said. "Your father and I are terribly disappointed in you, Ashley."
Ashley nodded.
"And if we find out that you're still sneaking around to see him," Nick started.
"I won't," Ashley said quietly.
Nick nodded. "I need to go and deal with Katie."
"I'll be there in a minute," Julie told him.
"Fine," Nick said before leaving the room.
Julie sat down on the edge of Ashley's bed. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Ashley shook her head.
"I know this isn't easy," Julie said. "But, it's really for the best. When you're older..."
'I'm not going to do this again for a long time," Ashley shook her head.
Julie put her arm around her. "I wish I could tell you it gets easier."
Ashley only shrugged.
"I'll leave you to it," Julie said. "I'm around if you do want to talk, love."
Ashley turned over on her bed and buried her face in her pillow as she began to cry.
A dejected Zander slammed the front door of his own house.
"Zander Murray," his mother chastised him. She was having tea with Brittany and Brittany's mother. "You're not to slam the doors around here!"
"Sorry," he muttered.
"Do you want tea, dear?" Brittany's mother asked him.
Zander shook his head. "I'm going to my room."
Brittany glared at him. "Wait a minute," she said, following him out into the corridor.
"Go away, Brit," Zander told her.
"How come you kissed Lucy?" Brittany hissed. "Ashley saw it you know!"
"I know," Zander snapped. "And for your information, Lucy kissed me. I didn't kiss her. I pushed her away."
"Not fast enough apparently," Brittany shook her head.
Zander sighed. "I went over there to check on her, but her parents caught me in her bedroom. They told me to leave, but not before they said she was grounded for the rest of the summer and we won't see her until we go back to school."
Brittany gaped at him.
"I'm not going to go all summer without seeing her," Zander said determinedly.
"You can't do anything if her parents grounded her," Brittany pointed out.
"I can," Zander said. "I don't know how, but I will."
Brittany raised an eyebrow. "If she'll even see YOU. She was pretty upset."
"What did she say?" Zander asked.
Brittany shrugged. "If you're going to see her, I'm sure she'll tell you."
Zander put his head in his hands. "How did this happen?"
Brittany shook her head. "I'm going to finish my tea."
"Brit," Zander called to her. "I didn't kiss Lucy. You believe me, right?"
"I don't know," Brittany answered.
Zander looked at her in disbelief. "Brittany, you know how long I've fancied her. I spent all this time and it finally happened. Do you really think I'd snog some other girl?"
"It's none of my business," Brittany said.
"You don't believe me," Zander said shaking his head.
"I know what Ashley saw," Brittany said.
"I. Did. Not. Kiss. Lucy," Zander said slowly. "And if you don't believe me..."
"I'm going to finish my tea," Brittany said. "Right now I don't know what to believe."
Zander watched her go. He couldn't believe that Brittany didn't believe him. If she didn't, he knew Ashley didn't either.
He sighed as he headed up to his room and threw himself onto his bed.
Stupid Lucy, he thought to himself.
He didn't want to see her again, especially not this summer. She probably cost him his relationship and likely his friendship with Ashley.
The girl in question was currently knocking on the door. Brittany answered it and rolled her eyes when she saw who it was.
"Come to see the damage?" Brittany asked sarcastically.
"What?" Lucy asked. "Zander asked me to come over and play games with him."
Brittany looked over her shoulder. "Mum? I'll be outside for a moment..."
Lucy stared at the other girl. "I don't know what your problem is--"
Brittany closed the door behind her so her mother and aunt couldn't hear. "My problem, Lucy...is that you've hurt someone I care about. I don't like when that happens."
"It's none of your business," Lucy informed her.
"Well, you see, Lucy," Brittany folded her arms and glared at the other girl. "I've made it my business. You're not going to come over here anymore and try to play video games or act like you're drowning...I mean, really..."
Lucy sneered at her. "You can't tell me what to do."
"Do you think he's going to want to see you now?" Brittany scoffed.
"Only one way to find out," Lucy went to push past her.
Brittany had never wished she could do magic outside of school more than she did at that moment. She grabbed Lucy by the arm. "I wouldn't push me, Lucy."
"What are you going to do about it?" Lucy levelled a stare at her.
"Oh," Brittany said loftily. "I don't know..."
"I'm not scared of you," Lucy told her. "Never have been."
"You do anything to hurt my friend or my cousin again and you will be," Brittany warned.
"Oh sod off," Lucy retorted.
Brittany opened her mouth to say something else, but she thought better of it. This girl wasn't worth her time. If Lucy wanted to push the matter, Brittany wouldn't hesitate to deal with her. Brittany usually abhorred fights, but she wouldn't hesitate to defend her best friend or her cousin. Though she would never tell this to Zander, she thought of him more like a brother.
"Just get out of here," Brittany said.
"Tell Zander I'll see him tomorrow," Lucy said.
Brittany turned without a word and went back inside, shutting the door in Lucy's face.
"Who was that, dear?" her mother asked.
"Stray dog," Brittany replied, sitting back down.
"What?" her mother asked.
"Nothing," Brittany said. "Mum, I was thinking...maybe we could talk about my braces, again. I really don't think..."
"Brittany," her mother shook her head. "You need them. End of story."
"Do you have any idea what this is going to do to my social life?" Brittany whined.
"If someone only likes you for your looks then they're not a good friend to begin with," her mother told her.
Brittany rolled her eyes. "Mum, you don't understand at all."
Brittany's mother and her aunt looked at each other and laughed, making Brittany even more annoyed.
"I had to get braces when I was your age," Brittany's mother pointed out. "And I still managed to land your father...who I must say is quite the catch."
"Eww," Brittany made a face.
Brittany's mother laughed. "I'm sorry, love. But, it's not going to be as bad as you think."
"Whatever," Brittany muttered.
At the beach house, Saffron was finally emerging from her bedroom. She had hoped to find the house empty, but to her dismay, she ran into her older sister. "Jules."
"Hey Saffy," Julie said. "I'm glad to see you're finally up."
"I was thirsty," Saffron said. "I, um, I thought you'd be on the beach."
"I'm just headed there now," Julie said. "Why don't you come out? I'm sure some fresh air will make you feel better."
Saffron shook her head. "I'm still feeling bad. Maybe later..."
"Are you sure?" Julie pressed.
Saffron nodded and walked over to the icebox. She poured herself a glass of juice knowing she was under the watchful eye of her sister. "Don't worry, Jules. I'm fine. It's just a bug."
"Are you sure?" Julie asked.
"Yes," Saffron replied. "Have a good time out there for me."
Julie smoothed her sister's hair back affectionately. "Okay."
Saffron took her glass of juice with her and headed toward the stairs. To her dismay, Andrew was just coming downstairs. "Hey, Saf," he grinned at her.
"Hi," she avoided his eyes,
"I was just checking on you," Andrew said.
"I'm going back to bed," Saffron said.
"Want some company?" Andrew asked.
"I think I have the flu," Saffron tried to walk past him. "You shouldn't get too close."
Andrew reached for her hand. "I don't mind. You're worth the risk."
"I really can't do that to you," Saffron said quietly.
"Come on," Andrew said taking the glass from her. "At least let me tuck you in."
"I'm really fine," Saffron tried to take back her glass.
Andrew held it away from her. He laughed. "Come on, Saffy." She reluctantly followed him upstairs to their room.
"Come on," he said. "Into bed with you. I'll get you some toast."
"I'm not hungry," Saffron said. "I just had a snack downstairs. Really..."
"You need to keep your strength up," Andrew said firmly. "You'll never get over this if you don't eat."
Saffron got into bed. She pulled the covers up around her. "Toast...toast would be great."
"Okay," he smiled at her. "You just rest. I'll be right back."
Saffron nodded and waited until she was alone before she started to cry. He was being so sweet. She didn't deserve his kindness.
She got out of the bed and pulled up her shirt to inspect her stomach. It was still flat, but she knew in a few months she wouldn't be able to hide this anymore.
"A baby," Saffron whispered.
A part of her still clung to the hope that it was Andrew's child she was carrying.
It had to be Andrew's. It just had to be.
She heard him coming back up the stairs and hurried back into the bed, pulling the covers around her body again.
"Toast and jam," Andrew announced as he carried the tray into their room.
"Thanks," Saffron said.
"That's part of the vows, right?" Andrew grinned. "Sickness and in health and all that."
Saffron coughed. "Right..." she managed.
Andrew set the tray down in front of her. "And even sick, you're the most beautiful woman in the world."
"No I'm not," she turned on her side.
Andrew moved the tray. "Watch it."
"Sorry," she managed, trying to stave off her tears.
Andrew climbed into bed beside her. He put his arm around her. "I love you, Saffy."
Saffron closed her eyes tight. "I... I need to kip, Andrew."
"I can kip with you," Andrew said softly.
"I don't want to get you sick," Saffron choked out.
"I won't," Andrew said. He closed his eyes. "I just want to be close to my girl."
Saffron wiped at her eyes.
"You should have seen RJ out there this morning," Andrew told her. "We were out there for two hours and all he caught was a boot."
Saffron managed a small, trembly smile.
"I promised I wouldn't tell anyone that," Andrew grinned. "Okay, well, I said I wouldn't say anything to YOU."
"I won't tell," Saffron whispered.
"If you're feeling better tomorrow, I was thinking we could go into town," he said. "Have dinner. Just the two of us."
"I don't think so," she said quickly. "I mean... I do feel pretty sick."
"Well, if you aren't," Andrew said. "We can just hang out here. Watch a movie."
Saffron shrugged one shoulder in response.
Andrew knew her well enough by now to know that something else was troubling her. "Saf?"
"What?" she asked.
"What's wrong?" Andrew asked. "Hmm?"
"I'm sick," she said.
"I know, but I can't help feeling that something else is going on," Andrew said. "And I really wish you'd turn around and look at me."
"I'm tired," Saffron hedged.
Andrew sighed. "Well, if you do want to talk, I'm here, okay?"
Saffron nodded without saying another word.
"It's great about your brother and Maddie, isn't it?" Andrew asked.
"Sure," Saffron said hoarsely.
"That will be us someday," Andrew said with a grin. "I was thinking about that when we were on the boat. Taking my kid out there, showing him or her how to cast a line..."
Saffron couldn't bear hearing another word and she pulled away, getting out of bed and hurrying to the loo.
"Saffy," Andrew called out to her.
She held her stomach, hoping she wouldn't lose whatever she'd managed to put into it.
Andrew came up behind her. "It's okay, baby."
"Don't," she said.
"Don't what?" Andrew asked.
"I told you I don't want to get you sick," Saffron pulled away.
Andrew stood back. "I just want to help."
"I'll be fine," Saffron said. "I just... want to be alone."
Andrew studied her for a few moments. "Okay," he said quietly.
Saffron closed the door and sank to the floor.
She knew that she wouldn't have any peace of mind until she knew for certain whose child she was carrying.
Andrew headed downstairs into the kitchen. RJ was there digging in the icebox.
"Mate," RJ said nodding at him.
"Hi," Andrew muttered.
"Saf feeling better?" RJ asked, grabbing the carton of ice cream.
"Not really," Andrew replied. "Something's wrong with her."
"Well, she did agree to marry you," RJ joked, but Andrew didn't laugh. "Sorry."
"There's something really wrong," Andrew insisted. "She's like she was when she first came back last year."
RJ looked at him. "Oh."
"She won't tell me what's wrong," Andrew said.
"It's not anything with O'Neal is it?" RJ asked. "I mean, he's in Azkaban..."
"I don't think so," Andrew said thoughtfully. "I mean... how could he even contact her?"
"He couldn't," RJ replied. "But maybe...maybe being back here is affecting her more than she's letting on."
"That's probably it," Andrew nodded.
"The surprise engagement party is just what she needs," RJ said. "You just make sure you have her at The Sand Dune tomorrow at eight."
"I'm glad you told me about it," Andrew said. "This should perk her back up."
"Lexie and me worked really hard on this," RJ said.
"Thank you," Andrew said sincerely.
"We expect eternal gratitude and glory for this," RJ said with a grin.
Andrew laughed. "Because being best man isn't enough?"
RJ shook his head. "You know me. I live on praise and worship."
"Among other things," Andrew replied.
Alexa walked into the kitchen and laughed when she saw RJ scooping ice cream into a big bowl. "Why don't you just eat out of the carton instead?"
"I got yelled at for it," RJ told her.
"Well, if you're practically eating the entire carton, you'd save yourself the trouble of having to wash a bowl," Alexa pointed out.
Andrew laughed. "She's got you there mate."
"How's Saffy?" Alexa asked.
"Not too good," Andrew said. "Maybe she'll talk to you."
"Oh," Alexa said. "I, um...I know this is probably nothing, but I saw her at the chemist's. It looked like she was hiding something. I didn't want to push..."
"She was at the chemist?" Andrew asked.
Alexa nodded. "Maybe it's because she was coming down with the flu. I don't know. I just felt like something was up."
Andrew sighed. "I wish she'd let me in. She was doing so well..."
"I'll go and talk to her," Alexa offered. "She and I don't keep secrets from each other."
"Thanks," Andrew said gratefully.
Alexa gave his hand a squeeze before she headed upstairs. She knocked on Saffron's door.
"Go away, Andrew," Saffron called out.
"It's me, Saffy." Alexa said. "Can I come in?"
Saffron didn't answer right away. "Yes," she finally said.
Alexa slipped inside. "Tell me what's wrong."
"I've got the flu," Saffron said wiping at her eyes.
"You have more than the flu," Alexa sat on the edge of the bed. "Tell me what's going on, Saffy."
"I can't," Saffron shook her head.
"Yes you can," Alexa urged.
Saffron looked down at her lap. She had always been able to tell Alexa anything. "I'm--I'm---"
"You're what?" Alexa asked.
Saffron took a deep breath, trying to get control of her emotions. "The other day, I was holding Kiera. You know, how she was able to tell that Darla and Maddie were...that they were pregnant?"
Alexa nodded.
"She did the same for me," Saffron whispered.
Alexa stared at her.
"When you saw me at the chemist's yesterday, that's what I was doing," Saffron said. "I was buying tests. I took them back here and they were both positive."
"Oh Saffy," Alexa reached for her hand. "Why didn't you just tell me?"
"I didn't want to tell anyone," Saffron replied looking at her friend with tears shining in her eyes. "I was hoping it wasn't true. And now..."
"But I'm sure Andrew will be thrilled," Alexa told her.
Saffron's lower lip trembled.
"It's... not?" Alexa ventured.
"I don't know," Saffron wailed.
"It might be Daniel's?" Alexa tried to conceal her horror.
Saffron nodded. "I don't know what I'm going to do, Lexie."
"We'll get through this," Alexa said firmly.
Saffron hugged her best friend.
"It's going to be okay, Saffy." Alexa told her.
Saffron pulled away and looked at her. "Promise me that you're not going to tell anyone."
"Saffy--" Alexa began.
"Promise me," Saffron said pleadingly. "Not Gabe. Not Andrew. No one."
"But they'll have to know," Alexa said.
"Not until I'm sure who the father is," Saffron told her.
Alexa sighed. "I won't tell anyone."
"You and Ashley are the only ones that know," Saffron told her.
"You told Ashley?" Alexa asked.
"Yesterday," Saffron replied. "She caught me in the loo."
"What did she say?" Alexa asked curiously.
"She didn't really know what to say," Saffron answered, putting her head in her hands. "I shouldn't have told her."
"Probably not," Alexa agreed cautiously. "But I don't think she'd tell anyone."
"She won't," Saffron said. "I trust her."
Alexa nodded. "I'm glad you told me."
"I can't keep anything from you," Saffron said with a slight smile.
"You never could," Alexa hugged her again.
"Andrew's really worried about me, isn't he?" Saffron said softly.
Alexa nodded. "Very."
"I can't lose him," Saffron said.
"You won't," Alexa said.
"But if the baby's not his," Saffron started to say.
"Do you really think that'll matter to him?" Alexa asked.
"You really think he'd want to raise Daniel O'Neal's child?" Saffron asked.
"It would be your child," Alexa told her firmly. "Not Daniel's."
"And how would I feel raising a daily reminder of what happened to me?" Saffron asked.
"Are you saying you don't want it?" Alexa asked.
Saffron shook her head. "No, of course not."
Alexa was quiet for a few moments. "Whatever you decide to do, you know I'll be here for you."
"I know," Saffron said. "I appreciate it, Lexie."
Alexa squeezed her hand. "Any morning sickness?"
"A little," Saffron admitted.
"You should tell Andrew," Alexa said.
"How?" Saffron asked.
"I don't know," Alexa said. "But he should know about this. He wouldn't be angry, Saffy."
"I just need to give this a few days," Saffron said thoughtfully. "I can find out when the date the baby was conceived and then I'll know for sure."
"If you're sure..." Alexa said doubtfully.
Saffron nodded. "I'm positive."
Alexa hugged her. "If you want me to go with you--"
"Would you?" Saffron asked.
"Of course," Alexa replied.
"Thank you," Saffron said, hugging her again.
"In the meantime, what do you want me to tell Andrew and RJ?" Alexa asked. "They know something's up and I don't think they're buying this flu thing."
"Why can't RJ be clueless like he usually is?" Saffron asked.
Alexa smiled. "Just lucky I guess."
"Maybe I could say I have food poisoning?" Saffron asked.
"Okay," Alexa replied. "That will just buy you two or three days, tops."
"That's all I need," Saffron said. "I can't lose Andrew, Lexie. Not now."
"You couldn't get rid of him if you tried," Alexa said.
Saffron gave a slight smile. She wished more than anything that she could confide in her mother about this, but Saffron did not want to disappoint her mother.
"Everything will be okay," Alexa said reassuringly.
There was a scratching sound on the door and Alexa got up to answer the door. Puddles scampered into the bedroom and hopped up on the bed.
"Hi, baby," Saffron said hugging him to her.
Puddles whined and licked her face.
Alexa smiled. "He knew what you needed."
"He always does," she said.
"Saffy, promise me something," Alexa said.
"What?" Saffron asked.
"Promise that you're not going to do anything stupid like push him away if it turns out that baby's Daniel's," Alexa said. "Andrew will not care one way or the other. You know that. The two of you got past this when it happened."
Saffron looked away from her.
"You know that I'm right," Alexa said.
"I don't know what I'm going to do," Saffron said.
Alexa squeezed her hand. "No matter what, you have me, Andrew, your family..."
"Thanks," she said softly.
"I'll let you get your rest," Alexa said.
"Thanks Lexie," she said gratefully. "Thanks for being my friend."
"Of course," Alexa said, closing the door behind her. She found RJ and Andrew downstairs, eating.
"What did she say?" Andrew asked Alexa.
Alexa bit her lip. She really hated lying to Andrew, but she'd promised Saffron. "Food poisoning, possibly."
"Did she eat some of her mum's cooking?" RJ joked.
Andrew and Alexa both gave him disapproving looks.
"Sorry," RJ apologised. "Liz should take a look at her. I'm sure she could give her a potion..."
"She's just outside," Andrew said starting to stand.
"No!" Alexa exclaimed.
"Why not?" Andrew asked.
"Um, Saffy doesn't think it's very serious," Alexa said. "And she doesn't want anyone to make a fuss."
"Yeah but this is our holiday," Andrew said. "I hate that she's up there sleeping it away."
"She's going to be fine," Alexa said. "In fact, I'm sure she'd love it if you went up there and just sat with her."
"Or hold her hair back when she pukes," RJ said cheekily.
"RJ," Alexa shook her head.
"Sorry," RJ said. "Come on, Lexie. Remember...we were going to go shopping for decorations for the party."
"Right," Alexa agreed. She swatted at his shoulder. "And we're not stopping at the ice cream parlour."
"Audrey will let me," RJ retorted playfully.
Alexa grabbed him by the ear. "Say goodbye, RJ."
"Goodbye RJ," the redhead replied as Alexa pulled him from the kitchen.
Andrew sat by himself in the kitchen for a long time. He could not shake the feeling that Alexa was lying to him and there was something wrong with Saffron. She had seemed so distant earlier which was not like her at all.
He thought about what she'd said- about going upstairs but decided against it. His fiancée wanted to rest and he wasn't going to intrude on her space right now.
Andrew decided to go for a walk to clear his head. But the moment he stepped out on the patio, Aidan and Noah Weasley launched themselves at him, grabbing hold of his legs.
"Oh no!" Andrew exclaimed dramatically. "I've been hit! The monsters have got me!"
"Monster!" Noah exclaimed with a roar.
"You monsters are no match for me," Andrew said boldly, grabbing them both. "To the sand dunes with you!"
"No!" Aidan screamed, laughing.
Lizzy laughed. "Boys go easy on Andrew. He's a rookie."
"No," Noah replied.
Upstairs, Saffron was opening her window to let some fresh air into the room. The sound of Noah's laughter and Aidan's squeals carried up to her and she looked down to see Andrew playing with the two boys.
A tiny smile touched her lips as she saw Andrew carry them over to a large sand dune.
"An-drew!" Noah exclaimed. "Put down!"
"No way," Andrew laughed. "You two are going to get it!"
"Uh-uh," Noah said hiccupping as Andrew put him down.
"Maybe a swim in the ocean?" Andrew asked.
Aidan shrieked. "No!"
Andrew laughed. "Well what should I do with you two?"
Saffron couldn't help herself. "Tickle monster!" she exclaimed from her perch at the window.
Andrew looked up along with the two boys and grinned. "You heard her boys..."
"No!" Aidan squealed, laughing. "No tickle monster!"
"Tickle monster!" Andrew roared.
Saffron had to smile as Andrew tickled the two little boys, who fell into the sand laughing their heads off.
He would be a great father, Saffron thought to herself.
It strengthened her resolve that the decision to keep this baby was the right one.
Instinctively, she touched her stomach with her hand.
"You have to be Andrew's," she whispered. "You just HAVE to be."
*** *** ***