A Mialotte Story: Good in a crisis

One day

It had been a week since Mia's second insemination, and her and Charlotte had been anxious awaiting the result to come in a week's time when they could finally take a pregnancy test. They did their best to live in the present in the meantime, not shying away in their own little bubble from their friends and family. Tonight, they had arranged to have a double date with Mr and Mrs Fortune-Knight.

Autumn had always expressed her love for the theatre when she was younger and it was a passion that Mia encouraged. Mia was there to cheer on her little sister at all of her school shows, always displaying such pride when Autumn would get the lead role. The redhead adored watching Autumn come to life on the stage as she radiated confidence. A light behind her eyes as she performed every melody with such feeling.

Sadly as Autumn grew older, that light and confidence she carried, died along with her desire to perform. Her father snuffed out the light. Roger's unsupportive and diminishing attitude along with his temper, left Autumn with very little desire to be expressive or outgoing. Mia watched as her sister became more and more withdrawn over the years. Hiding away in her room at home or in a quiet corner of the library at school. The young teen stopped using her voice, and her diary became the only place she felt safe to share her thoughts.

Sometimes Mia would sit with Autumn in her bedroom, listening to the cassette soundtracks of her favourite musicals. It was comforting for the young girl as Mia tried her hardest to distract Autumn from her father's violent rage. The redhead, who was a dark brunette back then, wanted to offer a safe haven for the younger, and allow her to still find joy in things she once loved and enjoyed. Why should trauma dictate that you have to let go of such a big part of yourself?

Mia understood that she couldn't prevent Autumn from adapting to her surroundings, making herself small so that she flew under her father's radar. But she could try and show her that it was okay to still be herself. So all those nights spent sitting on Autumn's bedroom floor, were Mia's way of nurturing her sister's passion and trying to bring her back to life.

As the two of them sat in comfortable silence on the floor of Autumn's bedroom, resting their heads against the bed listening to The Phantom of the Opera. Mia knew that was Autumn's favourite. She turned her head to the young teen and said, "I'll take you to see it one day, Aut. One day, I promise." Of course in their later teens, the two found themselves separated by Roger's heinous plotting. Mia was never able to fulfil that promise, but she never forgot.

Back to the present, and Mia and Charlotte were getting themselves dolled up ready for their evening. Mia was extremely excited for what she in store for Autumn, although she was one to play it cool. She had consulted with Winter to make sure he swayed his wife to dress appropriately, still keeping plans under wraps. All Autumn knew was that the four of them were going to London for the evening. Dinner and drinks, she probably assumed.

Charlotte zipped up Mia's pencil skirt from behind as she gazed at her gorgeous fiancée through the mirror before them. "I think what you're doing for Autumn is incredible. I'm so proud of you , baby" she said sincerely as planted a soft kiss to Mia's neck. The redhead hummed in contentment at her sweetheart's tender touch.
"I just hope she can forgive me for the delay" Mia uttered teasingly under her breath, acting coy.

Charlotte wrapped her arms around Mia's waist, resting her hands on her stomach. Just for a moment, the two made eye contact in the mirror, small smiles appearing on their faces as they allowed themselves to wonder whether there was a little baby growing. Mia brought her hands to Charlotte's on her stomach and looked down hopefully. "One day, little one" she whispered, talking to their, yet to materialise, child.

The pair were waiting eagerly for their baby to become a reality, already having pictured how they'd look and what days out as a family of 5 would feel like. Wondering if they'd be as courageous and fiery as their eldest sister, Violet. Or as silly and carefree as their big sister, Lily. Just a week. Just one week, until they could take a test. "I know I shouldn't get my hopes up, but I want this baby so much, Char" Mia uttered, a tear escaping her eyes. Charlotte turned her fiancée around and pulled her into an embrace.
"Hey, we knew this would be hard. But you're still allowed to look forward to it, okay? It will happen when it happens, and we'll do everything we have to." Charlotte gently wiped away the tear that laid on Mia's cheek, not wanting to spoil her make up. Mia gave her a little nod and shook off the simmering sadness, as they prepared to head out and enjoy their evening with their friends.

Mia pulled up outside Winter and Autumn's house, beeping the horn to let them know she'd arrived. Winter, as chivalrous as ever, opened the car door for Autumn before getting in himself. "Love the dress, Aut" Mia complimented with smouldering eyes through the rear view mirror.
"Mmm, as do I" said Winter, suggestively as he eyed his wife up and down in the seat next to him. Autumn smiled appreciatively and leaned in to kiss her loving husband, who was never short of compliments for his goddess of a wife.
"Hey, you two, keep your hands to yourself back there." Charlotte turned her head around to face the pair of lovers in the backseat, interrupting a moment of growing heat as she caught Winter with his hand sliding further up the slit of Autumn's dress. "I don't want to have to come and sit in the middle" she teased. Autumn broke away from the kiss to look Charlotte in the eye, serious as she is.

"You're more than welcome to sit in the middle, Charlotte. Although, it won't stop us" Autumn said with a smirk, prompting sniggers from Winter and Mia. Oh how Autumn loved to tease.
"Eugh" Charlotte huffed as she turned back around in her seat sharply, crossing her arms to appear disgusted. But she couldn't hide the flush that graced her cheeks from embarrassment. Mia was still giggling uncontrollably from Autumn's response, which earned a glare from her fiancée. "Oh, baby, I'm sorry but you asked for that" she retorted, trying to suppress her laughter as she placed a hand on Charlotte's thigh.

"I don't think Charlotte was too keen on the idea of joining us, my love" Winter said to Autumn sarcastically, joining in on the banter. He was always quite proud of his wife's witty remarks, they always caught people off guard seeing as Autumn typically came off as rather dry and humourless.
"Shame. I rather enjoy playing with other people's toys" Autumn expressed delicately, yet still with conviction. Charlotte's face grew rosier as she stayed schtum in her seat, arms still crossed, lips pursed and nostrils flaring.
"Watch it. That's my fiancée you're talking about, and I don't share." A playful threat and established dominance from the redhead as she gave Charlotte's upper thigh a squeeze. Mia was relieved to see that her unconventional declaration of love brought a half smile to her sweetheart's face. Well played.

After a humorous ice-breaking car journey, the group finally arrived in London. Mia parked up outside a respectable restaurant where they all indulged on an exquisite gourmet dinner, accompanied by a few bottles of the finest wine. Autumn's choice, of course. They had already had such a lovely time together, bonding and enjoying each other's company. Their dinner filled with shared memories of Mia and Autumn's childhood, Charlotte and Winter's time at the nursery and, the dynamics and thrills of both relationships. But the night was still young, and Autumn became curious as to why she was being rushed to finish her drink. What else could they possibly be doing tonight?

They hopped on the underground and made their way to the theatre, Autumn being kept on the dark as to where they heading. As they turned the corner and saw the lit marquee that read, 'The Phantom of the Opera,' Autumn's eyes widened slightly. She couldn't form any words, a wave of emotion overcoming her as she realised what Mia had arranged and how big of a gesture it was. Noticing her sister speechless, Mia smiled as she stood by Autumn's side and took her hand in hers.
"I promised, didn't I? I'm just sorry it took so long" Mia said timidly, with her head turned to face Autumn. The younger remained still, staring at the theatre in awe as she allowed Mia to hold her hand. Mia would never expect an overzealous reaction from Autumn, that would be out of character. But as she watched her eyes well up and felt a squeeze to her hand, she knew what that meant. "Thank you."

Winter and Charlotte stood to one side, allowing their lovers to have a moment. As they observed the meaningful interaction, they realised just how close the two had once been and how much love they had for one another. It was a proud moment for Mia and Autumn's other halves, their hearts swelling as they saw the growth in both of them. Opening up and letting go of the painful past. Charlotte was so proud of Mia for keeping her promise to Autumn after all these years and going to such lengths to show that she cared. This was the soft side to Mia that she saw and fell in love with.

The group sat themselves down in the theatre, Mia having booked tickets with a great view of course. Mia and Autumn sat in the middle with Winter and Charlotte either side. The lights dimmed, and just as the striking first few notes of the organ blared, causing Winter and Charlotte to jump in their seats, Autumn sank down and tilted her head to rest it on Mia's shoulder. It was just like they had gone back 25 years, like they were back in Autumn's bedroom. Just the two of them, the world around them and all their problems fading away as they found solace in each other. Mia smiled to herself and gave Charlotte's hand a squeeze, her squeezing it back as she saw how comfortable Autumn looked resting on Mia's shoulder. As if she belonged there all along, and she was finally happy.