Authors' note: Thank you for the reviews. We were going to do review replies, but the site was down for awhile and we figured you all would rather we go ahead and update instead of waiting for us to do replies and then update. So without further ado, here is the next chapter. Please tell us what you think!
And for those of you asking about the Sims - they have to be packaged up without any custom content and photographed so you can all see what they look like- plus I have to build a little website to store them in ;) I will work on it when I have a little more time and I'm sure that I will have at least some of them up before Christmas if not all! :D
Preparations for little Emma Weasley's first birthday were in full swing. Molly had taken over her grandson's kitchen and was making all sorts of food. Caroline was trying to keep Ron out of the kitchen by playing beauty shop with him. Allison was straightening up the house with Lizzy's help and wondering when Frankie was going to get here. Her sister promised to come over to help get things ready, but so far had been a no show.
Josh leaned back in his chair trying to catch his breath. "Jon, I can't blow up another one of these things. I think one of my lungs has collapsed."
"We still have another bag of these," Jon said tossing the balloon bag to his brother. "Come on, Joshie. They're for your niece."
"I think my niece would appreciate me breathing not dead," Josh grumbled, tearing into the bag.
"I'd rather blow up balloons then be doing this," Ron muttered from the sitting room where Caroline was putting some of Allison's mud mask on his face.
"Why?" Caroline asked rubbing some of the mud near his eye. "You're going to look really pretty; Grandpa and your skin will be glowing!"
Jon and Josh both snorted back their laughter at the look on their father's face. "The things you go through for the girls in this family Dad," Jon said.
"No one says one word to anyone else about this," Ron said. "No one says one word to anyone about this..."
His words were cut off by a flash of light as R.J. took a picture. R.J. looked innocently at his father. "I thought we could do sort of a before and after thing..."
"You are so dead R.J.," Josh said gleefully. "Wait until Dad gets a hold of you at home later."
"Can we get a copy of that?" Jon asked R.J. "We can put it in Allie's new scrapbook."
"Sure Jon," R.J. grinned wickedly.
Luna came into the room carrying Emma dressed in a set of pale pink robes that Molly had made for her.
"Da!" she cried out when she saw Jon.
"There's my baby girl!" Jon said happily, abandoning the balloons. "Look at my gorgeous one year old," he gave his daughter a kiss as she giggled up at him.
"She's getting so big," Luna said softly.
"I know," Allison said wistfully as Jon whirled around the room with Emma. "I can't believe it was already a year ago that... she was born and I..."
Jon looked at his wife remembering what he had nearly lost a year ago today. "I know, Al. I know."
"It doesn't matter now," Allison's expression cleared. "I'm fine, and we have a beautiful daughter who's as healthy as can be."
"That's right," Jon said smiling at her. "All three of my girls are happy and healthy and beautiful."
"Right," Allison gave him a kiss. "I've got to go check on the cake."
Jon nodded and sat back down with Emma.
"J-Jon," Josh wheezed. "I can't....do....anymore...."
Molly shook her head. "Where are Drew and Darla? I'm sure they'd be happy to help?"
"Where are Drew, Darla, Ethan, Maddie and Frankie?" Josh asked sarcastically. "Bloody hell, they all said they'd show up early to help."
"Relax," Jon said. "There's still a few hours to go and plenty to do. When they get there we'll kick back with some mead while they finish everything up."
"You do know we're talking about Drew and Darla, right?" Josh asked. "They don't get up before noon."
"Drew promised she'd have Darla here on time," Ron called out. Caroline was sitting in front of him making sure he didn't rub off the mud mask.
"Grandpa if you touch your face I'm going to have to paint your nails," Caroline threatened.
Luna stifled a laugh while Ron tried to keep being a good sport about this whole thing.
"Caroline baby, this stuff smells really bad and it's making my face itch," Ron said.
"You only have a few minutes before we can go wash it off," Caroline promised. "Then you'll be so beautiful Grandpa."
"Just don't tell Harry and Neville about this," Ron said. "I'll never live it down."
"Live what down?" Neville asked as he and Cho entered the house. Ron's eyes grew large and he made to get up and rush to the bathroom before they could see him, but Caroline plopped herself down on his lap.
"No!" Caroline said stubbornly. "NOT YET!"
"Why Ron," Neville said with a large smile. "What a new lovely look for you!" he turned so he could laugh and not hurt Caroline's feelings.
"You can be my next customer," Caroline said looking excitedly at her other grandfather. "You can get the hot wax treatment!"
Neville's smile disappeared as Ron's eyes lit up. "I think that's a fantastic idea Caroline," he said. "Your Grandpa Neville's eyebrows look like caterpillars."
Caroline smiled and walked over to Neville. She wore one of Molly's aprons around her waist and she led him over to the sofa. "Here's a magazine, while you wait, Sir."
"Uh.. thanks," Neville cast a panicked look at his wife.
"I'm sure she doesn't really have hot wax," Cho whispered sitting down beside him.
"This is not how I planned to spend my day," Neville grumbled as a crack sounded just outside the flat and Frankie, Maddie and Ethan appeared inside a moment later.
"Dad?" Maddie asked. "What on earth do you have on your face?"
"Magic Mud," Caroline answered for him.
"We're playing beauty shop," Ron informed his youngest daughter.
"Well make sure you use the tiara," Ethan sniggered.
"Tiara boy get in here," Josh said waving Ethan over. "You can finish blowing these bloody things up while I go and recover."
"Are you implying I'm full of hot air?" Ethan grinned.
"If you want my help to move Maddie in next week, you'll take over," Josh said handing him the bag.
Ethan snatched the bag away. "Come on and help me," he said to his girlfriend.
Maddie followed him into the kitchen and after giving her grandmother a hug hello, sat down to help him finish with the balloons.
"Hello Frankie," Neville said to his youngest daughter.
"Hello Dad," Frankie said. Her anger at her father had cooled over the past week but she had decided to wait until the party to see or talk to him. "How are you?"
"A little nervous to tell the truth," he said motioning over to Caroline and Ron. "I'm apparently due for a hot wax treatment."
"Come again?" Frankie asked with her eyebrow raised.
Neville explained to his daughter what Caroline had planned for him.
Frankie laughed. "Hey Caroline, how about I help you with Grandpa's wax treatment?" she asked.
Neville paled. "Francesca..."
"Do you trust me Dad?" Frankie asked.
Neville nodded. "Yes, but you've been pretty cross with me these past few days."
"I know," Frankie said. "I was pretty annoyed that you were in cahoots with Will but Chi told me you wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
"I wouldn't," Neville said sincerely. "I was only trying to help, Frankie. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten involved."
"I know that now," Frankie said, giving her father a hug, which he returned gratefully. "I guess what happened was for the best."
Neville wasn't so sure, but he didn't press the issue.
"You look beautiful today sweetheart."
"Oh thanks," Frankie touched the plum coloured jumper she was wearing. "You'll probably hate what I'm wearing tonight to the party I'm going to so I won't tell you what it looks like."
"It's not those robes your mother bought for you is it?" Neville asked and Cho looked away.
"Actually no," Frankie got up. "They're shorter than that." she headed for the kitchen,.
Neville looked at Cho. "Shorter than that?"
"I haven't seen what she's wearing," Cho shrugged.
Neville could only shake his head.
"Anything I can do to help?" Frankie asked.
"Could you take Em?" Jon asked handing the little girl to Frankie. "I need to go help Al."
"Sure," Frankie smiled at the baby. "I'd love to hold the birthday girl."
"Da!" Emma called after Jon who came back to kiss her on the forehead.
"I'll be right back sweetheart, I promise," he said before hurrying away.
"Who looks gorgeous today?" Frankie asked the baby who seemed to recognise her. She brushed Emma's reddish hair off her forehead and kissed her plump little cheek.
"Why thank you Frankie," Ethan said smiling sweetly at her. "I think I'm looking rather fabulous today myself."
"Oh sod off," Frankie said as she shared a glance with Maddie. The past week had actually brought them closer as she'd come over a couple of times to help Maddie with the decor of her future residence. "Maddie looks ten times better than you do."
"Nana Molly?" Ethan asked calling over his shoulder to her. "Do you think that's true?"
"What's that darling?" Molly smiled at her granddaughter and the man she thought of as a blood related grandson.
"That Maddie looks ten times better than me?" Ethan asked. "I'll admit she's beautiful and I'm one lucky bloke, but I'm not chopped liver, am I?"
Molly smiled. "You're as handsome as your father sweetheart."
"Thank you Nana," Ethan said grinning at her.
"Don't encourage him Nana," Maddie said laughing.
"Hey," Ethan gave her the pout that never failed to make her weak in the knees.
"You are pretty cute," Maddie admitted leaning in for a chaste kiss.
"You two are pretty revolting," Frankie joked, rolling her eyes. She and Will had rather been the same way- and she now mentally slapped herself as she'd managed to push him back into the deep recesses of her mind. He hadn't contacted her since Christmas Day and after the disastrous date with Jeff a few days later, Frankie hadn't made any attempt to go out. Until tonight that is- she was determined to have a New Year's Eve she'd never forget.
"Are you sure you don't want to come out with us tonight?" Maddie asked again. "We'd love to have you Frankie."
"No thanks," Frankie said, shifting Emma to her other hip. "I have plans and no, they don't involve that Jeff bloke."
Maddie smiled. "Good because you deserve so much better than him."
"Thanks Maddie," Frankie said, her thoughts immediately returning again to Will.
"What party are you going to?" Ethan asked conversationally.
"You know that club that wizard opened in Muggle London?" Frankie asked. "A friend of mine, Alicia, got us tickets to go."
"That sounds lovely," Maddie said. "I've heard some good things about that place."
"We'll have to go sometime," Ethan said to her as they finished off the last of the balloons. "Maybe some night in a few weeks after you've moved in."
Frankie recognised the goofy look they both got when they mentioned Maddie's impending move-in and she rolled her eyes. "Okay Em, they're about to start snogging so why don't we get out of here?"
Emma cooed up at her aunt and Frankie decided to take the baby back to the nursery. Making her way down the hall, she heard the sound of soft, muffled laughter. She turned the corner to see Allison and Jon kissing.
"What is it with everyone?" she grumbled. "The mistletoe should be down, Christmas is over!"
Jon and Allison abruptly pulled away from each other at the intrusion.
"Frankie," Allison said blushing. "We didn't see you there."
"Obviously," Frankie said with a smirk.
"I'm going to go and see if I can rescue Dad from Caroline," Jon said pecking his wife on the cheek before retreating. Emma reached out for Allison.
"Maaa!" she cried. "Eat!"
"Come here my girl," Allison taking Emma from Frankie.
"She looks so cute Allie," Frankie said, smiling at the one year old.
Allison smiled. "I know. Jon and I woke up this morning and just looked at her as she slept. I've been kind of emotional all day."
"Well a year ago was an emotional time for all of us," Frankie said, her eyes focusing on a faraway spot on the wall.
"What happened helped me see how we shouldn't take each other for granted you know?" Allison said thoughtfully.
"Yeah," Frankie said softly, knowing what her sister was probably referring to.
"I'm really glad you're here," Allison said smiling at her sister. "You've been a big help to us over the years. And the girls love you very much."
"I loved spending that weekend with them," Frankie admitted. "Despite the whole jasmine thing, I had a really good time. I even snuck in here a few times to watch this one sleep."
Allison laughed. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."
"I don't care," Frankie smiled. "So I'm a wee bit maternal... I guess things could be worse."
"You could be about to get a hot wax treatment from Caroline like Dad is," Allison said winking at Frankie.
Frankie laughed. "No thanks. Caroline likes me too much to torture me that way."
"Don't tell Dad, but we don't really have hot wax," Allison said giggling. "She just takes some old clay and pats it down on your leg and then uses a piece of parchment to rip it off."
Frankie nearly grew hysterical. "She's certainly got the beauty shop theme down pat."
"R.J.'s been taking pictures so we can have them for posterity," Allison said as Emma grabbed hold of her hair. "Come on little one. Let's go show you off to everyone. It's nearly party time!"
"Look at all the presents Emma got Mummy!" Caroline said excitedly to her mother.
"You're going to have to help her open them," Allison told Caroline. "She's not really going to know what to make of all of this."
"That's why she's so excited," Jon grinned, scooping his older daughter up.
Frankie decided to make herself useful by stacking the presents into neat little piles.
She was almost finished when she saw a name written in a familiar hand on one of the tags that made her freeze in her tracks.
To Baby Emma from Will, the plain white tag read.
"Allie?" Frankie asked.
"Yeah?" Allison called back. "What's wrong?"
"When did this arrive," Frankie asked, holding it up.
"He stopped by this morning," Allison replied. "He asked us not to tell you. He just said he remembered Caroline mentioning Emma's birthday..."
"I see," Frankie said slowly, sticking the box back in with other packages.
"Caroline didn't see him," Allison said. "She was still asleep when he stopped by."
Frankie shrugged but she felt hollow inside. "Why should I care if she saw him?"
Allison sighed. "I just thought...well, you know how she is with questions..."
"Don't we all," Frankie asked sardonically. "It's fine Allie. He doesn't mean anything to me. Not anymore." she could tell Allison didn't believe her and Frankie didn't even believe herself.
Harry, Hermione and Saffron arrived a few minutes before the party was about to begin.
"Sorry we're late," Harry said, handing off the gift they'd bought for Emma to Molly as they all shrugged out of their cloaks. "Saffy wouldn't get up."
"I was taking advantage of the holiday," Saffron said defensively. "I don't get to sleep in when I'm at school."
"Just every weekend," Harry muttered, earning an elbow jab from his wife.
"Don't try and peg your tardiness on your daughter," Cho teased. "I have a feeling I know what you two were up to."
Hermione turned red. "I rather like blaming her," she laughed. "In that case..."
"There are children present Hermione," Cho lectured. "Ron is very innocent and impressionable."
"And what's that splotch of greenish brown on his neck?" Harry asked.
Neville chuckled. "Go ahead, Ron. Tell Harry about your experience with Magic Mud."
"Magic Mud?" Harry asked with a smirk.
"Oh you missed it Uncle Harry!" R.J. said slapping him on the back. "Caroline had Dad play beauty parlour with her and she put this brown goop all over his face. She wouldn't let him wash it off...don't worry. I've got pictures!"
"Fantastic R.J.," Harry. "You're the son I never had."
"Gee thanks Dad," Ethan said sarcastically from the sofa where he was sitting with Maddie. "You've no idea how special that makes me feel."
"I only meant that you'd never take pictures of me with something disgusting like Magic Mud on my face," Harry said quickly. "Not that I'd ever wear Magic Mud..."
"Right," Ethan smirked.
Molly called everyone to the table since dinner was now served and Ron nearly mowed down the entire family in his rush to be the first served.
"I can't believe Emma's turning one," Saffron said as she hung back with her parents. "Was my first birthday anything like this?"
"Something like this," Harry said, mussing her hair. "Nana Molly made just as much food and your Uncle Ron ate it all."
Saffron laughed. She loved it when everyone got together like this. Tonight, she was spending the evening with her grandparents while her parents went out for New Year's Eve.
Frankie sat next to her father and Allison as they ate, and tried as hard as she could to keep her mind off the fact that Will had actually brought a gift over for Emma.
"Earth to Frankie," Allison said waving a hand in front of her sister. "You look a million miles away..."
"What?" Frankie jumped. "No I'm fine," she lied quickly.
"I asked if you wanted some more juice," Allison said sharing a look with Neville.
"Sure," Frankie said. "You just startled me is all."
Frankie had barely touched her food and had seemed lost in her own little world since she'd seen the package from Will. Allison wished she could knock some sense into her sister.
She looked across the table at Chiaki and saw that her older sister was thinking the same thing. "Hey Chi," Allison began. "Will you pass me the potatoes?"
"Sure," Chiaki said handing the bowl to her. "If you will hand me a bread roll."
"Of course I will," Allison said with a hidden grin. "It will taste better with some of that homemade jam on it."
"You two are so mature," Frankie said rolling her eyes. "I know what you're trying to do."
"What are you talking about Frankie?" Chiaki asked, the picture of innocence.
"Will this and Will that," Frankie said throwing her hands up in exasperation. "You're both very, very transparent."
"I was simply asking for potatoes," Allison said with a shrug. "And Chi wanted some rolls with jam on them. It's not our fault your mind is on him."
"I am not thinking about Will Barron," Frankie retorted. "I haven't given him much thought since Christmas to tell the truth."
"Sure you haven't," Allison muttered.
"I haven't!" Frankie argued.
"Will you give it a rest?" Cho asked her daughters.
"Not you too," Frankie snapped. "Knock it off, all of you!" she would never in a million years admit that she was near tears at the moment.
Sensing that Frankie needed some sort of relief, Chiaki decided to make her big announcement. "I have some good news actually."
"You do?" Cho asked. "Is it about the baby?"
Chiaki nodded. "About the babies, actually. Plural."
Everyone blinked for a moment and stared at Chiaki, who wore a huge grin. "Chi, sweetheart, you're having twins?" Neville finally uttered.
Chiaki nodded and shared a look with Toshio. "We found out yesterday."
Cho's eyes filled with tears. "That's fantastic news," she said, getting up. "Absolutely fantastic news!"
"Congrats Chi," Allison hugged her sister. "And you too Tosh!"
"Thanks," Toshio said. "We're going to have to buy two of everything now."
"Does this mean we have to throw you another baby shower?" Frankie asked, also hugging her sister.
"Double the gifts," Chiaki said laughing. "I like that."
"I'm really happy for you," Frankie said sincerely.
"Thanks Frankie," Chiaki said smiling at her. "But hey, this is Emma's party..."
"How about we open up Emma's presents?" Luna suggested. "And then we can all have cake!"
"Cake!" Ron's face lit up. "That sounds good to me!"
"Down boy," Josh said patting his father's head. "Presents first."
"I'll help," Frankie said, eager to escape her sisters' looks.
Josh and Frankie stacked the presents beside Emma who looked at the gifts in awe. "Da?"
"Those are all yours baby girl," Jon said, nuzzling her smooth cheek.
Emma giggled and Caroline handed her one of the presents. When Emma just stared at it, Caroline laughed. "Don't worry, Em. I'll show you what to do."
Everyone smiled as Caroline carefully ripped back the paper while Allison sat by with a piece of parchment to record who had given Emma what so they could send out thank you cards later.
Frankie momentarily forgot her problems as she watched Caroline help Emma open her presents. Emma was cleaning up quite nicely, Frankie thought.
"Those robes are from Lavender," Hermione said as Caroline handed a set of light blue, pink and yellow robes to Jon. "She's sorry she couldn't make it."
"She and Seamus were busy on set today," Harry added. "Now that they've started working together on films we hardly hear from them at all." he grinned. "I'm not complaining of course."
"Dad, I thought you were going to be nicer to Aunt Lav," Saffron reminded him.
"Saffy we've always talked about each other like that," Harry said. "Ask your mum."
"It's true," Hermione shook her head but smiled. "They love to hate each other."
"Kind of like you and me, eh Hermione?" Ron asked still chewing on a bread roll.
"Something like that Ron," Hermione laughed.
"Look Em," Caroline said putting a present wrapped in silver in front of her sister. Frankie froze. This was Will's present. She felt her breath catch in her throat as Caroline tore back the paper and opened the box to reveal a Classic Winnie the Pooh teddy bear.
"He remembered," she whispered.
The bear was soft and held a honey pot in his lap. Emma squealed and reached for it, and Frankie could hardly stand it anymore. The tears she'd been fighting all afternoon sprang to her eyes and she got to her feet and raced out of the room.
Everyone stared after her and Cho silently got up to go and check on Frankie. She found her sitting on the edge of Caroline's bed, sobbing into a pillow.
"Frankie?" Cho asked softly.
"Leave me alone," Frankie said through her sobs. "Just leave me the bloody hell alone!"
Cho contemplated doing just that, but she couldn't bear to watch her daughter like this and not do anything. She sat down beside Frankie and put an arm around her. For an awful moment, Cho thought she was going to run away, but Frankie just broke down in her mother's arms while Cho patted her back sympathetically.
"I miss him all right Mum?" Frankie bawled. "I hope Allie and Chi are satisfied now. I miss him so damn much it's killing me!"
"Oh sweetheart, no one wants you be unhappy," Cho said softly. "Allie and Chi were only trying to help. They don't like to see you in pain."
"No, we don't," Chiaki answered from the door, where she and Allison were standing.
Frankie looked up in surprise. Her first instinct was to say something smart or sarcastic, but there was no need now, was there? They all obviously knew how she felt.
"It's not too late Frankie," Allison said quietly. "If you really love him, it's not too late."
"He hates me now," Frankie wiped at her eyes, smearing her makeup in the process. "He even came by when I wasn't home and took all his things away. He left mine sitting in a bloody cardboard box in the middle of my sitting room." she buried her face in her hands and started sobbing again.
"He doesn't hate you," Chiaki said soothingly. "He's just hurt. You two just need to talk this out."
"I know he won't see me," Frankie accepted the tissues Allison held out to her. "I can tell he doesn't want to see me ever again."
"You don't know that," Cho said brushing back the hair from Frankie's face. "You can at least try."
"I'm scared," Frankie admitted with a shuddery sigh. "I'm scared of all of this..."
"It's okay to fall in love Frankie," Allison said quietly. "I always knew you would one day- and I don't mean that in a condescending way. I'm just glad it happened with a guy like Will."
"Me too," Frankie sniffed. "But you don't know him like I do. He was so hurt the other night when I turned him down. He said it was over."
"He was hurt," Cho repeated. "But it's only been a week. I bet if you went and talked to him, it's not too late sweetheart."
"I don't even know where he is," Frankie said quietly.
"I bet he's not too hard to find," Chiaki said. "Especially if you know him well like you said."
"He mentioned something about his parents having a family thing," Allison said smiling broadly at Frankie. "When he stopped by, Jon asked him what he had planned for tonight..."
"They're having a party," Frankie tried to wipe off the remains of her eye makeup. "He invited me, we were supposed to go together but now..."
"See you know exactly where he is," Chiaki gave her younger sister a hug.
"I can't just go over there," Frankie said hugging Chiaki back.
"Why not?" Allison asked. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?"
"Because," Frankie said. "I'm sure he's told everyone by now what a horrid person I am, turning down a marriage proposal on Christmas Day. They'd never let me in the house." she shook her head. "I'd be better off waiting until he cools down after the holidays are over."
"Will doesn't strike me as the type to do that," Allison said thoughtfully. "Frankie, he took a big chance when he surprised you on Christmas. The ball is in your court now."
That thought stayed with Frankie all night. It was now ten in the evening and she was in the midst of a throng of wizards, partying their fool heads off and waiting for the stroke of midnight.
"Frankie," Alicia came over. "Bloody hell, you look fantastic but your face says someone just killed your Kneazle."
Frankie gave Alicia a weak smile. "I guess I'm not in much of a party mood."
Alicia raised an eyebrow. "You? Not in a party mood? Please." she rolled her eyes and pushed her glass of champagne at her friend.
Frankie shook her head. "I shouldn't have come..."
"What are you talking about?" Alicia asked. She obviously had no idea why Frankie was in such a depressed mood. "We're at the best bloody party in London Frankie. People would have killed to get in here!"
"Then why do I wish I was somewhere else?" Frankie asked aloud.
Alicia stared at her. "I don't know," she said as if she was dumbfounded.
Frankie didn't want to ring in the New Year drinking champagne with people she didn't know. She didn't want to kiss some random guy at the stroke of midnight. She wanted to spend it with Will. Maybe Allison was right. If they really loved each other, it wasn't too late.
"I have to go," she said suddenly.
"What?" Alicia really was dumbfounded now. "Frankie..."
"I'm sorry," Frankie said grabbing her cloak. "We'll do lunch sometime this week. Happy New Year!"
"Frankie!" Alicia exclaimed as her friend disappeared.
Nearly a half hour later, Frankie found herself on the front steps of the Barron house. This was crazy, she thought. His family probably hated her as much as Will did. They'd crucify her and she'd be more humiliated than she already was.
Summoning every ounce of courage she had, she knocked on the door. A few moments later, a woman opened the door. Frankie had never met her, but she'd seen pictures of her at Will's flat.
"H-hi," Frankie stammered. "You're Mary right? Will's sister?"
"That's right." The woman looked at her appraisingly. "You're Frankie aren't you?"
Frankie nodded. "I'm sorry to stop by like this, but is Will here?"
"He's here," Mary didn't move from the doorway.
"Let her in," a voice came from behind her.