The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

Love is a beautiful thing

Let the music play

[...]

Love is a beautiful thing

By Phil Vassar

Camille stood in front of Andrew's parents' big house, a knot in her stomach. As she crossed the threshold, she was greeted by Andrew's mother, a wide smile on her lips, as warm as it was unsettling.

- Camille! It's a pleasure to officially meet you!' she exclaimed with a benevolence that surprised her.

Camille stammered out a reply, smiling awkwardly, complimented the house. Andrew's father followed, just as welcoming, complimenting her on her elegance. He invited her in insistently, asking if the journey had gone well.

- Yes, Dad,' Andrew smiled, looking at her.

Camille, taken by surprise, felt a wave of emotion rise up inside her, an inexplicable reaction probably linked to the pregnancy hormones. She quickly pulled herself together and improvised an orange juice at Andrew's mother's request, trying to keep a normal composure.

In the living room, she was joined by Benjamin, Andrew's younger brother, whom she had met on a previous visit to London. He greeted her with a more natural smile. Then down came Anastasia, the seven-year-old little sister, adorable with her pigtails and sparkling eyes. Camille, a little more relaxed, settled on the sofa in this warm and colourful living room, filled with family photos and dominated by a large fireplace. Andrew approached her gently, whispering:

- Are you all right?

She nodded.

- Your family is lovely, she replied sincerely.

Anastasia then approached her brother for a hug. Camille couldn't help but smile at the tenderness, thinking that Andrew would be a perfect father for their baby, especially surrounded by such a close-knit family. While the conversation was in full swing, Camille began to calm down, absorbed in the family atmosphere.

A little later, as the meal was being prepared, she couldn't help. She went upstairs to the bathroom. Anastasia was in her room, magically filling a game to make a doll's bath. She couldn't help but look. The little girl turned around, then relaxed.

- Don't tell Mummy or Daddy, okay?' she asked with a serious pout.

- Don't worry, I'll keep your secret,' Camille replied with a knowing smile.

- Do you want to play with me?

Without thinking, Camille sat down on the floor, although she could already feel that she was going to regret climbing back up.

After a few minutes of playing, Camille took the opportunity to ask the question that had been burning in her mind.

- What's it like to live with magic on a daily basis?

Anastasia shrugged.

- It's normal... except at school, where you have to keep it a secret. I hope the baby's a witch. I could teach her.

Camille smiled, touched.

- That would be wonderful. The little girl explained that she wasn't allowed to do magic on her own, which she thought was terribly unfair. Camille tried to explain that her parents were simply trying to protect her, but Anastasia pouted,

- It's for the baby,' she said with a smile.

Camille's eyes moistened instantly.

- Thank you. Are you sure you want to give it?' she asked, her voice trembling.

Anastasia nodded with conviction, just as Benjamin knocked on the door to announce that the meal was ready. Camille struggled to her feet, thanking Anastasia warmly again before heading downstairs.

Back in the living room, she walked over to Andrew, showing him the rabbit with emotion.

- Anastasia gave it to me... for the baby,' she murmured.

Andrew, touched, replied with an affectionate smile:

- I hope it will be his stuffed animal.

She hoped so too. After the meal, despite her attempts to help, Camille was once again politely rebuffed. She blamed herself for not doing anything, the quiet made her think and... Andrew's family was... They were all better equipped than she was when it came to magic. Andrew joined her:

- There's nothing you can do to stop them. It's not too much?

- No, but it's strange. Magic is normal for you, for your family, but not for me. Anastasia used magic to play games.I promised your parents wouldn't find out.Andrew smiled. This could be normality for our daughter. I absolutely can't help with that part, if that's the case.

- You'll be perfect. You'll be her mum and that's all she'll need.

She wasn't convinced, she didn't like the feeling of not being prepared. A bit more improvisation, order and instinct. Eventually she slipped outside, seeking a moment of solitude.She sat down in the garden, taking advantage of the tranquility to think.Andrew joined her ten minutes later.

- I'm fine,' she assured him before he could ask, 'I just needed some peace and quiet.

Andrew sat down beside her without a word.

- I'm not used to having so many people and such a warm family atmosphere. Andrew looked at her, waiting for her to continue.Your whole family is so kind and welcoming. In comparison, I was brought up by wolves.The image was not so far from reality. Andrew listened attentively and she smiled.

At home, it was cold and distant. I only have my mother left and it's strange to be here.

Andrew took a deep breath:

- I'm sorry. We can leave if you like.

- No,' she replied firmly. I'm the one who's not adapted here. Celeste will have a big family like this,' she smiled, 'that's what she needs. I'll get used to it. My parents always wanted me to be perfect, but I was never good enough. They shouldn't have had a child.

- We do this together. If you want, I can be with you when you tell your mum.

- Thanks, but I'll tell her. She was nervous just thinking about doing it. She'll say I'm ruining my life, my career. That's not true, she thought, persuaded. Your family will be a good influence, mine won't.

- We do everything together. I'm serious, I can even come with you or anything you need.

- It'll be over the phone, easier. I'll do it. I'm ready to go back. He stood up, offering his hand, and she took it without hesitation.