The Welcome Mat Lied

[Larissa Sedgwick]

The french afternoon had broken out with a bluish shade of light. It may have been spring, but the sun didn't seem to know that, and it remained hidden behind white clouds. In one of the many streets below, the odd muggle cycled by or put the chalk-board menu outside to attract customers, or even just went on minding their own business. A girl with platinum blonde hair and striking blue eyes, passed through the street in near-silence, but for the small click of her heels. She was smiling in an odd sort of way, as though she was doing something that would cause a stir. Nobody took note of her identity because she did not belong here; Larissa Sedgwick was on a break.

She continued along the stretching path which gave the place a rather scenic beauty, and finally came to a halt at the door of a pub. This pub was very different to all the other muggle pubs, and she knew it. Her eyes sailed across the menu fixed upon the wall. She smiled to herself and stepped inside: The pub was much unlike most others here, in that it was decorated in more of the style of an old English pub. Several people were sat inside, most of them nattering away to one-another in French. Larissa spoke only very broken, and often incorrect, French. This did not deter her from walking to the bar, and smiling at the man serving. His name was Alex and they had only met once before. At first, he did not appear to recognise her, and he looked back at Larissa with cheerful eyes, pleased to see a pretty face. An abnormally pretty one. It was when she spoke that she broke the 'spell' and revealed unto him who she truly was. "Bonjour, mon cherie."

Alex glared. "What the hell do you want?" He questioned with a frown. She had ruined his wedding day, and he was not going to forget that in a hurry. Larissa raised her eyebrows. "Oh, well.." She began in a flirtatious manner, "what are you offering?" She winked at him. She had no intention of stealing Liberty's husband, but she did enjoy teasing him. Alex was just staring at her as she flicked back her hair. He was like a very frustrated dog, wanting to attack, but restrained by moral chains. Just then, a familiar face approached them. Larissa turned to the young woman, and smiled. "Hello, Libby. Continuing your impersonation of a hippo, I see."

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

Liberty had been staring out of her bedroom window, looking but never seeing. She had spent the morning tidying up her house, as she was finally on her maternaty break. She didn't have to attend Beauxbatons anymore. She'd taken her exams early and left. She didn't mind leaving her education, she had other things to worry about. She turns and walked out of her room slowly, before decending the steps to the pub, the pub in which she and her husband owned. Their marrage was getting on well, and she knew that the new arrival would only bring them closer.

She turned into the bar, and caught sight of Alex washing the glasses before stacking them on the shelf behind him. It had been his dream to own a pub in the first place, but it hadn't taken him long to persuade Libby to join him. As she heard someone say her name she looked round. Of course some of the locals knew her, but none seemed to be looking in her direction. Her eyes stopped on a female who did have her eyes upon Libby, but it still took her a moment to recognise the face. "Larissa." she said startled. Not really hearing the greeting whilst trying to think what had brought Larissa here. She walked round and attempted to take a seat on one of the bar stools. Failing that she attempted to look casual and leant her side against the bar. She barely recognised Larissa in new style.. maybe it was just to fit in. "Qui.." she paused. Living in France had definatly made her talk more French. When her son was born, she wanted to teach him English first, then French, and then Italian, her own familys language. "What are you doing here?" she asked, knowing full well Larissa should be in Bulgaria or Germany.

 

[Larissa Sedgwick]

Larissa smiled that gleaming smile. She was there for many reasons, one of which was to stir things. "Oh, fine," Larissa said in a mock sulky voice, "I thought you'd be pleased." And then she winked and cast her eyes to Alex, then back to Libby. "You've got a good one, there," she said in a way which suggested that she may have meant it. "I did my usual thing, but he's very good at resisting.." She paused, looked back at Alex- who had, at that moment, glanced over- and made eye contact. She winked at him and turned away, only hearing the clatter of glasses as Alex lost focus momentarily.

Another reason she was visiting, was because she had heard about Cedric. She knew how it felt to lose a sibling- admittedly, only a much disliked one, but it still cut at the heart. She had no intention of confronting Liberty about the situation. Grief was not Larissa's strong point. One of the customers let out a sudden shriek of laughter, spraying half their glass of wine over their table. A sigh from behind found Alex grabbing the cleaning cloth and heading over to clean up the mess.

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

Libby glanced over at Alex rolling her eyes as he smashed the glasses. She knew Alex wouldn't cheat on her with anyone, however veela charms were particulary hard to look away from. Libby had found out about her brother only yesterday when her mother had rung. Her mother had been very irritating recently, and whether that was Libbys hormones or her mothers behaviour she wasn't sure. Coppellia had been ringing every few hours to make sure she was prepared. Libby was just at the point of throwing her phone out the window when she'd heard her brother had died on Phemonia the night before. He'd been ill when Libby had been in her first year, but had overcome it. This time he apparently had not been so fortunate. "You heard about Cedric then?" she asked Larissa, wondering who else her mother hang rung. Libby's brother Tobias was coming down to visit them, and even her grandparents and four-year-old Nat were coming to visit at the weekend. Libby wasn't looking forward to the funeral. She knew Cedric was her closest sibling, and now she'd lost him.
Just then, she frowned and her hand started to shake. "I don't mean to worry you guys, but i think ether my bladder has a mind of it's own or..." she looked worriedly up at Alex.

 

[Larissa Sedgwick]

Larissa's expression became an awkward one. The subject had been brought up, now, and Larissa knew a great motive for being here, was suddenly made obvious. She had received the message from Robert, who had been phoned up and informed and asked to give any support he could. Robert had then told Larissa via a letter. But for what to say, Larissa was stuck. She silently blinked in confirmation. Fortunately, she had to do little more in relevance to that topic, for the time being, as Libby suddenly said something very odd. "What?" Larissa found herself saying, though she had heard perfectly well. Her eyes dropped to Libby's stomach as her mind ticked over. She looked to Alex.

Alex looked directly at Libby. Everyone realised what was going on. "We've got to get her to a hospital!" Alex exclaimed, looking at Larissa for help. Larissa shook her head, stepping back. "Woah, woah, woah!" she said, holding up her hands in a sort of surrender. "What do you expect me to do?" She was fully aware that they couldn't use magic. Alex paused. "The car." He said, looking to Libby. He was only just learning how to drive, and he was terrible at it. But the only other person who could drive it, was Libby- And she was certainly in no state to drive. Larissa grabbed Libby by the arm. "Come on, now, Libs, deep breaths.." She's been present at only one birth, and that was in St. Mungo's. She attempted to escort Liberty out to the car, nodding to Alex to grab his coat and follow.

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

Libby nodded to the both of them as they said she needed to get to the hospital. A few locals looked round and one or two watched, but Libby was too busy trying to get the car keys out of her bag before throwing them at Alex. "You'll have to drive" she asked. She knew he had only just started learning, but she trusted him and knew he would be able to get them there alive. Grabbing her stuff, Libby took off after Lissy. It was justt the first stage, but even so she had to pause in the doorway to stop herself from falling over as a shot of pain was thrown through her body.

She looked out to see her black convertable mini sitting in the reserved parking slot. Next to it another silver mondao was parking, and it was now Libby was pleased to see that aweful car. She turned calling over her shoulder. "Alex, Tobias is here" she said, turning back to watch her brother jog up to the two girls. She hadn't wanted this, for her brother to be here now. She knew he'd hate it. Libby shut her eyes tight, before she felt another tug on her arm. Following Lissy she was bundled into the car, and watched as Tobias took the front seat so he could help out Alex.

 

[Alex Corvus]

Alex took his wife's hand and helped her from the car: They had reached the hospital and the situation was getting worse. A muggle ran over and offered them a wheelchair. Alex gladly accepted it, pushing his wife in it to the reception area. "Please," he managed to say to the woman behind the desk, "she's heavily pregnant.. Eight months, I think.." A member of the hospital staff snatched the wheelchair from his grasp, and Alex followed him to the elevator. Larissa and Tobias followed.

They were taken up to a large ward full of light and sound. The staff member guided them to a free bed, drawing the curtains around them. He handed Libby a hospital gown, and disappeared to fetch a nurse. A nurse arrived very quickly, suddenly declaring that Libby be moved into a private room. The group were guided to a private room, but Larissa and Tobias were asked to wait outside. Alex heard Larissa say something rude before she and Tobias went and sat outside the room. Alex helped Libby into her gown and held her hand as she lay on the bed. "You're going to be okay.. It's all okay.. The baby will be fine." He kissed her on the head as the midwife entered the room.

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

Libby went with it, and as she reached the hospital she was put into a wheelchair. She wasn't complaining dispite the fact she didn't like to be so dependant on others. She really wasn't in a state to walk right now. Everything else in the world was blanked out as she felt herself being propped up into a bed after getting changed. She was breathing deeply and she looked at Alex. "I don't understand. We've still got another month." she exclaimed, "Why isn't he waiting another month?" she asked, desperate to know everything was okay. She hoped a nurse would be in soon. A slight tear escaped her eyes as her nerves took hold of her. "I can't do this" she said quietly looking up at her husband.

Tobias and Larissa had been shuffled outside. Sure he'd be there for Libby but he didn't mind being in there. He knew Alex wouldn't be having the best time ever ether, but he was her husband. He took a seat next to Larissa and it was only now that the awequadness set in. "Come here often?" he asked her, admiring her hair and face features.

 

[Alex Corvus]

Alex brought his other hand to join his first, holding Libby's hand between them. "It's alright. It's going to be fine." He avoided her question. He was wondering the same thing, and worrying that the worst had happened, but he couldn't voice this concern to Liberty, not in her condition. So he sat there and held her hand as the midwife began to explain the situation, every word fluttering over the top of his head. The only ones which stuck were 'premature birth'. He jerked his head up to look at the midwife. ".. That means it's going to be okay, right?" The midwife said nothing, but simply nodded. It was not a definite nod, but a nod which told them quite clearly, not to grieve yet.

Besides, there had already been enough death in the family, and Alex was not losing his child, even if he had to break the law and use magic in front of muggles.

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

The pain in Libbys stomach was getting worse, quickly. She listened to the midwife and understood that the best chance their baby had was to be born now. The longer they left it the less chance it had of surviving. Libby didn't want chemicals or drugs. Her own mother hadn't with her and she didn't really trust the muggle potions. She lay her head back on the pillow and swore as another jolt of pain past through her. They were getting quicker and more often now, and she held onto Alex's hands tight. Her own were shaking, and she hoped this wouldn't go on for too long. The midwife checked that all was well for calling for a few more nurses. Libby knew what was coming, sort of. She hadn't been able to finish the book she'd been reading about this part. So many thoughts were going through her head, but as another shot of pain approached, she focused on the now. She gave a small cry and held onto Alex's hand tighter. She didn't know if she was going to be able to do this.

 

[Alex Corvus]

Alex had no idea how to help his wife, but he did feel her grip tighten on his hands. "Come on, Liberty, I know you can do this.. Just one great push." He had no idea how much it hurt to give birth, and he never would, so all he could do was encourage Libby, praise her and show that he cared. "Remember," he managed to say as he thought to one of the books he had read in preparation for this day. "Remember to breath." What a useless thing to say! Of course she wouldn't forget to breathe. The midwife spoke again, and Alex managed to hear the words 'nearly there'. Alex repeated these to Libby. "You're close. We're so close to meeting our little baby.." Alex almost seemed to freeze as the reality struck him. He was going to be a father. Very soon, he would meet his child, and he would be a daddy.

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

Libby nodded as she heard the words in her ear. "little baby.." she realized just how small he would be, and that if they had another month, this would be even harder for her. She continued to push, and cry, and breath. She didn't want to do this anymore. She couldn't. Why couldn't they just make the pain stop. It was running all through her body and she could barely move. She opened her eyes to glance into Alex's, and right now she couldn't care if her hand was hurting his. She knew he was fine, at least compared to her. She took a big breath, and gave one final push, everything in body doing everything it could, before she relaxed and sank back into the pillow. She watched half-dulled as a midwife took something away. Libby wanted to know if he was okay. Shouldn't he be crying? Libby looked at Alex. She didn't care about herself, the major pain had now gone although there was a low ache, but the thing that was most important to her now was that small bundle hidden behind one of the nurses.

 

[Alex Corvus]

Alex felt his fingers being squeezed, but he didn't make a sound. It probably hurt a huge amount more for Libby. It did. But suddenly, it was all over. Alex was staring at the nurses, avoiding Liberty's eyes. He stood up eagerly, momentarily forgetting he was still holding Libby's hand. He was forced to turn to her, a worried expression upon his face. He sat back down, giving her hand a light squeeze and hoping for the best. But he didn't have to wait very long for the answer..

There was a sudden, long, loud cry. The child was alive. Alex seemed to regain all the colour in his face. He turned to Libby and kissed her quickly on the lips, before a nurse came over to speak to them. She explained that he was okay, but that he should stay in for at least one night, and that both parents could stay. He. He. Alex nearly exploded with joy. He looked excitedly to his wife. "Libby!" He breathed, "Libby, it's a boy! We have a son!" The nurses stepped aside and the midwife brought the bundle forward, handing it to Alex, who fell in love with his son the moment he saw his face. He never wanted to let him go, but only a second later, he was handing the child over to his mother.

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

Libby watched and waited desperatly with Alex, wanting to hear that one sound. It seemed to take forever by finally she heard it. A baby crying. She grinned and kissed Alex back, watching as a smal bundle was carried across the room and into his arms. A boy. One lives ends and another begins. She knew Cedric would have loved to have seen this. Just then her son was put into her own arms, and she carfully took him and held him close. He was so tiny. The nurses said he'd be fine, and that they should stay one night to make sure everything was okay with their son. She lightly kissed his forehead before looking up at Alex. "Keanu." she announced. It had been their choice for a while now. "Keanu Corvus" she looked back at her son and another small tear escaped her eye, but this one was one of love. She wouldn't let anything or anyone hurt this little boy, and she knew she would do anything to make him happy.

 

[Larissa Sedgwick]

The screams of a baby, jolted Larissa to her senses. Her and Tobias had been in deep conversation about losing siblings, but now there was the sound of a new life. Alex opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him. He looked thrilled, but drained. "It's a boy," he began with a broad grin, "he's wonderful. We've decided to name him Keanu Corvus." The door was opened again as a few nurses left. "Oh," Alex suddenly thought about having to stay at the place overnight. "Could you.. I mean, would you both be okay with watching the pub until tomorrow? Only, Keanu's got to stay in for the night, and I don't want to leave him."

Larissa nodded without thinking. Her spirits had been lifted by this peculiar day. Alex disappeared back behind a closed door, where he could be heard mumbling something cheerfully to Libby. Larissa turned to Tobias and smiled. She was practically glowing. It was all a little peculiar for Larissa to be so cheerful, but she was learning how to truly act. It was difficult to tell when she really meant the way she appeared to feel. She nodded to Tobias. "Come on," she said, standing up, "let's get to the pub before one of the punters nicks a chair, or something."

 

[Tobias Barnett]

Tobias looked up as Alex announced the news. He had a nephew. He grinned and nodded in agreement about looking after the pub, and looked to Larissa. 'Yeah. we should be gettng off. These guys have important things to sort out' he said, leading her out of the hospital and back to the car park. 'get in' he said, opening the passenger door for her before getting in his own side. 'ive always wanted to own a pub' he grinned. He admired Larissa, and wondered whyever did Libby not want to be like her. He was pleased for his sister, but he hoped shed manage. Someone like Larissa surely wouldnt have made that mistake in the first place.

btw on phone hense short post nd bad grammer

 

[Larissa Sedgwick]

Out of Character:

It's fine

The journey back was a lot more relaxing, and Larissa was pleased to get away from all those muggles. However, when they arrived at the pub, the door was waving about in the breeze and the place was vacant of customers. Larissa stepped inside to double-check that this was true. She leant against the bar. "Well, I suppose keeping an eye on the place should be a lot easier, now." She spewed sarcasm. She used a nearby stool to hoist herself up onto the bar, where she sat and swung her legs.

 

[Tobias Barnett]

Tobias locked his car and sauntered into the pub. he watched larissa perch on a stool and took off his own jacket, throwing it on the bar. 'well, what do you want to do now?' he asked, stroking her blonde fringe out her eyes and staring straight into them. he knew this was wrong. she was libbys friend.

 

[Larissa Sedgwick]

Larissa smiled, took Tobias by the hand and led him upstairs. They were supposed to be watching over the pub, but why sacrifice a chance at fun when opportunities were so few? Besides, she'd only planned a flying visit before returning to Durmstrang to continue her study. If she was going to get in trouble for her actions, then so be it. It was about time her life got more violent.

 

[Liberty Kaelen]

We should start a norm topic for the Friday night before family come to visit where its just us three chatting..vair family-like