Rediscovering You

one

note: I know I said this would be posted tomorrow but I got a tad excited. I have realised that I'm not good at having chapters sitting ready to post and not posting them so here we go, buckle in cause this could be quite the ride 🙈

23rd January 2023 - one year old.

Tears silently stream down her cheeks as she stares down at Rory who is peacefully sleeping next to her. Throughout the entirety of this month, she's struggled to comprehend just how they're already here; one whole year of her little Aurora Berny Williamson. She was awake until god knows what time decorating their little apartment to celebrate the fact that her baby is one. The past five months have been strange to say the least but somehow they've made, she made it to the other side. Reaching up she quietly wipes her cheeks as she watches the little girl begin to wriggle slightly, her little arms reaching up as she pulls her knees up towards her chest and groans.

'Hey, mama's right here. Shh... You're okay.' Leah says softly, her hand settling on the little girl's stomach and watching as slowly her eyes open to stare up at her.

'Hey there, birthday girl... Did you have a good sleep, hmm?' Leah asks watching the little girl pout sleepily up at her.

'Will we go get some breakfast and open your presents? There's lots and lots of people wanting to come visit our special birthday girl today.' Leah says smiling.

'Mama!' Rory babbles as she reaches her arms up towards her blonde who immediately leans down to scoop her into her arms.

'Come on sweet girl... Let's go get food in that belly of yours.' Leah says gently ticking the little girl who giggles and snuggles into the blonde. She'd gone back and forth over what she wanted to do today to celebrate; originally planning on having a big party before opting for something more lowkey where people can come and go as they wish in the hopes of not completely overwhelming Rory. Keeping the little girl perched on her hip, she makes her way through to the kitchen to start preparing her breakfast.

****

Opening the front door, Leah immediately bites her bottom lip as she sees her mum and grandma standing, each of the clutching gift bags for the baby she's just put down for her first nap of the day.

'Oh baba...' Amanda says placing the gifts down and wrapping her arms around her daughter.

'Don't. I'm a blubbering mess, have been all morning.' Leah admits shaking her head.

'Perfectly normal...' Amanda says softly as she presses a kiss to the top of her head.

'She's just gone down for a nap... Come on in.' Leah says. She steps to the side allowing them to make their way into the apartment.

'Oh my, you've gone all out. Haven't you, sweetheart?' Berny says softly as she glances around the living room which has banners and balloons decorating the entire room.

'Well it's not every day that she turns one, is it?' Leah replies smiling.

'Can we get a peek at the cake?' Amanda asks and Leah shakes her head.

'Not yet.' Leah replies.

'So what are the plans for today? Who's coming over? Is everyone coming at different times?' Amanda asks as they all take a seat.

'Mm-hmm... Everyone is just coming as and when they van. No time limits or anything like that.' Leah replies and Amanda smiles.

'That's a nice way to do it... Saves from all the pressure of having a party.' Amanda says and Leah nods her head.

'Yeah, I figured it was better for her. It means I'm not trying to fit the party around her naps and stuff so she's not getting grouchy.' Leah replies and Amanda nods her head.