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

Talk to me (Andrew POV)

Camille had a faint episode at the hospital. Everything is okay now, but you should know. I know she is not...

Andrew felt his heart miss a beat as he saw Marcus' notification appear on his phone. His breath caught for a moment, and he had to force himself to breathe deeply to keep from panicking.

He didn't think any further. His trembling fingers were already dialing Marcus' number.

- What happened? You sure she is fine? The baby?

- Yes, breathe. She went home, resting.

- You don't tell that on message!" said Andrew, furious. He heard Marcus laughing on the other end of the line.

- She talks to you?" he continued, his throat tightening.

- If screaming counts, yes. She still needs time.

- That's easy for you to say... He stopped short, instantly blaming himself. Sorry. Thanks for telling me. I am going to check on her.

Without waiting, he assembled a care basket, filling a bag with what he knew to be Camille's favorite snacks. If she didn't want him, he'd simply leave her at the door and go. But he had to make sure she was all right.

Once in front of her house, he nervously pressed the doorbell. He waited, then rang a second time, reluctant to turn back.

- Please, I can help, answer your questions. I want to make sure you're all right after today at the hospital.

He held his breath as he heard the key turn in the lock. A flicker of hope rose within him.

- How do you know?" she asked immediately, her gaze piercing. It's Marcus, isn't it? He can't mind his own business!

He swallowed, searching for words.

- No, it's for you," he said shyly, trying to sound as harmless as possible.

Camille hesitated for a moment, her gaze going from the basket to Andrew.

- Nothing strange, there's chocolate, your favorite," he added with an awkward smile.

He thought he detected a slight smile on her face, accompanied by a sigh of relief. She was fine. He could leave reassured.

- I'll go if you like," he added.

She was still so distant, but...

- You've got a lot of explaining to do," she said at last, before inviting him in.

He accepted the invitation gratefully. Maybe he could help her, give her answers, be there for her.

- Can I get you anything? he offered awkwardly.

- No," she replied coldly, standing her ground.

He did his best to answer all her questions, inwardly noting her seriousness as she took notes.

- What's it like to have a baby who's a witch or a wizard?" she finally asked, hesitant.

- Powers often appear when the child is young, between six and eight, usually one of the elements, or a more powerful but rare power.

- How?" she asked, and he felt a pained concern pierce her voice.

- Weaver," he murmured. Time travel, the use of time.

He hadn't planned to explain this now, but he refused to keep any more secrets. He then mentioned Diana Bishop, now Clairemont, and her ability to travel through time.

- I'm not supposed to know that," Camille gasped, slightly pale.

- No, but you know now," he replied honestly.

He stood up and brought her a glass of water. She took it, her hands trembling slightly.

- Vampire? Please explain.

- I'm not an expert, but... they live by feeding on blood, either from blood bags or directly.

Camille retched. Andrew froze, his anxiety rising a notch.

- Yes, I'm fine," she assured him quickly. I'm feeling a bit better.

- You look pale.

- A little, she admitted. But better than this morning.

- That doesn't make me feel any better," he murmured, pouring her another glass of water.

- Please stay on the couch," he said suddenly. If you feel faint, I'll call an ambulance.

- No, seriously," she protested. I'm the one who did the medical years, there's no need. I'm just ill because of the... pregnancy.

He remained silent, racked with guilt.

— You fall, I'll call an ambulance. I won't leave you like this, he insisted firmly before sitting back down. I understand why you're angry. I lied to you. I'm really sorry about that. I didn't know how to tell you the truth.

- Yes, but I don't know how you could have told me," she finally admitted.

There was a heavy silence before Camille burst into tears. Andrew stood up, ready to comfort her, but she left the room in a hurry.

He forced himself to stay. She hadn't asked him to leave. He heard her call Marcus. It's good... Very good.

Silence finally settled in. Camille had fallen asleep. Andrew began cooking, looking for a way to help, to fix what he could. He heard footsteps behind him. Camille was awake. He smiled, glancing at her.

- I can leave whenever you like," he added cautiously.

- I don't know," she admitted, still a little confused. I'm sorry I reacted badly.

- You did your best. That's a lot of shocking news.

Camille approached.

- It smells delicious," she smiled. It's even better than I expected... thank you.

Andrew smiled back, finally daring to look at her fully.

- It's the least I can do after what I've caused," he replied sincerely.

- There are two of us in this story," Camille replied. It didn't happen by magic.

She smiled and let out a little laugh.

- I didn't do it on purpose," she added.

Andrew laughed too. What a perfect choice of words. The atmosphere lightened for a moment.

- Neither did I. It's almost ready," he announced as he returned to the pan.

He thought she looked beautiful at the time, but quickly dismissed the thought. He couldn't let himself go.

- I'll... set the table," she suggested.

Dinner was heavy with unspoken words. Andrew wanted to apologize again and again, but words failed him. He knew it was over between them. We used to be something," he breathed, breaking the silence. I mean, we had the beginnings of a relationship, hadn't we?

Camille nodded slowly.

- Yes," she murmured. But I can't do that now.

Her heart clenched.

- I understand," he replied in a broken voice. I'm not asking that of you.

A sigh of relief escaped Camille. He couldn't lose what they had left.

- I want to be there for the pregnancy," he confided. If you'll let me.

- Of course," she smiled faintly. Then we could be co-parents? I don't have all the details yet, but... we could do that together, for the baby.

Andrew nodded, moved.

- Co-parenting, yes. I think it's what's best for both of us, and especially for the baby.

- That's the plan, then," Camille concluded.

Andrew smiled, grateful.

- Thank you, Camille. Thank you for letting me be part of it.