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

That's what friends are for

Keep smiling, keep shining

Knowing you can always count on me, for sure

That's what friends are for

by Dionne Warwick

Four months later

At home, Camille was busy in the kitchen, warming up a bottle for Celeste. The apartment was already in disarray, toys scattered on the carpet, a few clothes scattered on the sofa, signs of a life turned upside down by the presence of a baby. In the living room, Marcus was holding Celeste in his arms, playing gently with her. The little girl, fascinated by his face, tried to grasp his nose, her little fingers exploring curiously.

When the bottle was ready, Camille quickly tested it on her wrist to make sure it was the right temperature. Satisfied, she returned to Marcus and gently took Celeste in her arms, a tender smile on her lips.

- Time to eat, she murmured, stroking her cheek.

She made Celeste comfortable in her arms and began to feed her, watching her with that mixture of tenderness and fascination that only mothers can feel. As she spoke softly to her, her mind drifted for a moment to her work. She had returned to work a fortnight ago, and although it was a relief to regain some of her professional life, balancing her career with her role as a mother was not easy. Tonight she was working the night shift. Celeste would stay with Andrew until midday the next day. A well-oiled organisation, but one that always left a pang in the heart. Celeste was balanced with her and Andrew, according to their respective schedules.

Once Celeste had been fed, Camille laid her gently in her cot. She glanced around the messy flat and set about tidying up, collecting clothes and toys.

- Nobody's interested in tidiness, you know,' commented Marcus from the sofa, his arms behind his head, looking relaxed.

- Well, I do. She stopped, then turned to him. Do you mind watching her for an hour or two ?

— Marcus straightened up with a smile. I was just going to suggest it, so no, I don't mind. Then, after a pause, he asked: 'Are you working tonight?

- Yes, in paediatrics. Are you?'

- Just down below. I'll see you on your rounds. He looked at her for a moment, before adding: I wanted to ask you something.

Camille, picking up one last toy, stopped, surprised by Marcus's tone.

- Suggest what?' she asked, intrigued.

- I'd like you to come to Sept-Tour for the start of the summer. It's our annual reunion, a big giant gathering. It's a month away, from the beginning of June.

Camille's eyes widened in surprise at the invitation. She dropped the toy she was holding in the box and looked at him.

- Marcus,' she began, amused. We're in England and you're talking to me about France.

Marcus smiled, shrugging slightly.

- Have you ever seen France?

- No,' she replied. That's not the point. This is a family event, Marcus.'

- Friends and family,' he corrected. Sophie and Nate are coming. Chris and Maryam too. The livelier the castle, the more my mother and Marthe are delighted.

Camille hesitated

- I don't know... It's complicated with Celeste. I'll have to see if I can take some days off.

Marcus smiled, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. 'Please do. Celeste would be delighted to come, I'm sure.

Camille shook her head, amused: