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

16 Family feeling

The landscape passed slowly by the car window, bathed in soft spring sunshine. The kind of quiet Sunday Camille wasn't really used to.

On the passenger seat, she held the ultrasound copies in a cardboard envelope, like a fragile treasure. She'd looked at it at least six times since the morning. She couldn't wait to show it to Andrew's parents, more than she thought she would. The idea touched them. It reassured her.

At first, this close relationship with Andrew's family had seemed a little strange. Too warm. Too simple. She wasn't used to it. But with time... it had become pleasant. Comfortable. A little confusing too — but in a good way.

And above all, it was good for Celeste.

She imagined her daughter growing up surrounded by this affection, this gentle security. She knew that at least that side of her life would be stable, bright. Because on the other side... well, there was nothing to look forward to.

Andrew glanced over at her, a quiet smile at the corner of his lips.

— Ready to go?

— Since this morning," she replied, clutching the ultrasound. I feel like I'm eleven and showing a report card.

He laughed, and the rest of the journey passed in pleasant silence, punctuated by a few comments about the houses they passed, the smells of spring, and their jobs.

On arrival, the door to the house opened almost immediately. His in—laws were waiting for them as if they hadn't seen Andrew in a year.

Andrew's mother embraced them with that gentle energy that seemed to say you're home now. His father, too, and Anastasia, Andrew's little sister, came running in, all excited at the idea of "seeing the baby in a photo, even if he's not finished yet".

Camille burst out laughing and finally took out the ultrasound.

She handed the envelope to Andrew's parents with a touch of solemnity, as if offering them something sacred.

— This is the very last one," she said simply.

They carefully unfolded the sheet, and an emotional silence fell. Andrew's mother brought a hand to her mouth, her eyes shining. His father nodded softly, obviously touched.

Anastasia, for her part, clung to Camille.

— He looks a bit like an alien.

— That's about right," laughed Camille. Look, there's her head. These are her hands. See this little circle? That's her belly.

— She's already pretty," declared Anastasia, full of seriousness.

Camille felt her throat knot gently. She put an arm around the little girl's shoulders.

— Thank you, Anastasia. I couldn't agree more.

The atmosphere remained light and cheerful. She felt good.

Later, in the kitchen, she got to work with Andrew's mother.

— You know, if you want... you can invite your parents over sometime. We'll be careful," said the mother gently. We'll avoid saying anything about magic.

Camille froze for a second, surprised by the proposal. Then she smiled, a little sadly.

— There's no need.

She placed a tea towel on the work surface and wiped her hands.

— My father's dead. And my mother... she doesn't understand. That I should keep Céleste, this pregnancy, this situation. She never wanted all that for me. We just... cut all ties.

A discreet silence settled in. Not heavy. Just respectful.

— I'm sorry," Andrew's mother murmured. Andrew didn't tell me...

— It's all right. We've never been close. And it's better this way.

She took a breath, then looked up with a sincere smile.

— But I wanted to say... thank you. For being the way you are. The situation is far from classic and I'm grateful. At least one side of her life will be filled with love.

Her eyes met those of Andrew's mother. There was a silent promise there, a certainty. Céleste would want for nothing, no matter how unusual their situation. Camille truly hoped that Celeste would be as incredible a witch as Anastasia and Andrew.

The meal was simple and warm. A large table, dishes passed from hand to hand, conversations intermingled without clashing.

Camille sat between Andrew and Anastasia. Andrew's father was talking passionately about an old garden project he hoped to resume in the spring. His wife, on the other hand, was talking to make sure she felt fully included. And she did. She felt she belonged.

When the plates were empty, the dessert served and the laughter more frequent, Camille felt the day's fatigue slowly setting in. A different kind of tiredness to that of the emergency room. This one was gentle, linked to the ambient noise, well—being and digestion.

Later, after coffee, she and Andrew found themselves alone on the terrace, two steaming cups in their hands.

Calm enveloped them.

Camille broke the silence first, her tone quiet but frank.

— By the way... your mother knows I've cut ties with mine.

Andrew looked up at her, slightly surprised.

— Ah... I didn't want to tell them. It's private, I know what it means to you.

She smiled, a little wryly.

— I'm the one who told her.

She took a sip before resuming, her eyes on the dark garden.

— Honesty works well here. It was simple. I felt I could.

Andrew looked at her for a few seconds, in silence, then nodded gently.

— It's true. My mother... She has this way of asking questions without forcing them. But she really listens to you.

— Yes. It's almost disturbing," smiles Camille. I was taught to lock everything down, to anticipate reproaches. Here, it's the opposite.

He put down his cup.

— You fit in well here," he said gently, without a forced smile, just the truth.

— I think I do. I'm really starting to like this warm atmosphere. Celeste will have a home to come to, where she won't wonder if she's too much. I think that's all that matters.

— And she'll have an incredible mother.

— I can't think of anything worse than what I've had," she caught herself laughing.