debi_do (debi_do) wrote in snark_n_bark, @ 2008-06-01 09:05:00 |
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Entry tags: | complete, debi |
Breakfast in bed
Characters: Debi, Lil
Status: complete
Lil finished fixing the tray and aimed a knocking spell at the bedroom door. Debi had recovered quickly from her ordeal, yes, but she still deserved a bit of pampering after what that horrid little man had nearly done, and who better than Lil to spoil her for a few days while Zach was at work dealing with the return of magic?
She waited for a sleepy "come in" before murmuring alohomora and stepping inside. Debi was still in the oversized Pittsburgh Pirates t-shirt and track pants she'd worn to bed last night as she emerged from the en-suite bathroom. Her hair was tousled from sleep, and the only thing that kept her from looking like the teenager she'd been was the obvious bulge at her waist.
"Good morning, darling," Lil said. She set down the tray on the bed. "I made silver dollar pancakes and bacon, just the way you like it. How are you feeling?"
"Okay. More like myself." Debi sat down on the bed, one hand rubbing her belly where she'd felt a kick. She could feel more and more every day, and every time she had to smile. Mum kept saying that she'd be ready to scream by the end when the baby would keep her from sleeping, but right now it was wonderful, knowing her baby was strong and healthy. "Silver dollar pancakes? Oh, Lil, you shouldn't have!"
Lil summoned paper napkins and poured Debi a cup of tea. "I need to earn my keep somehow. You and Zach have been so good to me, but I really can't sit around watching TV all day."
"You still shouldn't have." There was a small picture of the real maple syrup Debi had bought during her last visit home, and she carefully poured a small amount on the pancakes. "You're a guest, you know, and - "
"I can't stay with the two of you forever," said Lil. She leaned forward and quickly and grasped Debi's hand as her grand-niece's eyes widened in shock. "No, that's not what I meant - I'm not sure why I'm back, but I'm not planning to go anywhere, at least not right away!"
"But - " Debi set down her fork. Lil's hands were strong again, the way she'd been before the cancer had drained her, and she couldn't help clinging. "I know this is so rude, but - "
"I'm dead, or I should be." Lil gave Debi's hands a squeeze. "I'm not sure why I came back at all, unless it was to save you and your baby, and I'm not sure how long I'll be able to stay. I do know that I would have lived if I'd still been in the Wizarding World when I was diagnosed."
She looked pensive for a moment. "I was actually planning to take some of my lottery money and move away when I became ill. I'm old enough that living much longer would have made your mother and sisters wonder, and I'd always wanted to see Europe. There's a nice little cottage in Tuscany in my name."
"There is? It wasn't in your estate." Serenus had told Debi enough about Italy that she wanted to visit after the baby was born, and if there was already a place to stay -
Lil laughed and sat back on the edge of the bed. "It's a Wizarding house, darling. I have that, plus a vault at the Currie Road Magical Credit Union in Slippery Rock. I always intended to give you most of my winnings so you needn't worry about me taking it back - don't blush, I planned this for years!"
"But - "
"Deborah Anne. Eat your food before the warming charm wears off." Lil waited for Debi to pick up a slice of crisp bacon and start chewing before she continued. "I knew you were different from the moment you were born. If I'd had the money, or the connections, I would have paid for you to go to that Wizarding school. Since I couldn't, I did what I could to set you free when I did have money."
Debi swallowed past the tightness in her throat. Follow your heart, dear, Lil had said the night before she died, and Debi had. And now she had Zach, and her friends, and her baby, and -
"I never thanked you," she whispered. She waved at the bedroom, the apartment, Jane in her cage and Snitch sniffing hopefully at the breakfast tray. "Without you I wouldn't have any of this. Especially not - "
The baby moved again, this time almost as if it were turning over, and Debi shut her eyes against the tears. She reached out and brought Lil's hand to her belly so she could feel the kicks. "We'd both be dead if you hadn't arrived. I owe you so much!"
Lil smiled at the kicking. Debi had always wanted a family, and Lil had no doubt she'd make an excellent mother. "You have a strong little wit - one there. I wasn't about to let that awful man hurt either of you!" She summoned a cool, damp cloth and pressed it to Debi's face.
"Dry your eyes and finish your breakfast. You're eating for two, you know, and what will I tell Zach if you're hungry?" She waved her hand at the curtains, which swept aside to reveal a gloriously sunny day. "Don't worry about the dishes, I'll take care of them while you shower and get ready for your day."
"I - " Debi frowned at her to-do list. Web site maintenance, monitor the mailing lists, publicity for the next book, groceries, walk the dog, eat, take a nap - "I don't know what to say."
"Say 'thank you' and accept the help," said Lil. She shook her finger at the dog as Snitch crawled toward the bed, her eyes huge and mournful. "None of that, young lady. This is Debi's breakfast, not yours, but I'll take you for a walk if you behave."
Snitch whined but obediently flopped down next to the window. Jane hooted smugly and preened a bit before tucking her head under wing for a nap. Debi laughed and started in on her pancakes. "That would be great." She smiled at her great-aunt. It would be nice to have someone help out now that she was starting to get big, and if Lil could somehow stay until the baby was born -
"Lil?"
Lil turned in the doorway. "Yes, darling?"
"I'm glad you're here."
"So am I," said Lil, and set off to straighten the living room.