Change the Future

*Family*

The arrival of Isla

Rory sat curled against Charlie on the living room sofa. Rain tapped against the windows like a lullaby, and a warm fire crackled in the hearth. Charlie's arm was wrapped securely around her shoulders, his other hand resting protectively over her swollen belly. His fingers traced gentle circles over the bump without thought, a habit he’d developed over the past few weeks whenever they sat like this—quiet, expectant.

“You okay, Charlie?” Rory asked.

“Yeah” he said, though his voice sounded far off. “Just thinking”

“What about?” she tilted her head to look up at him. He glanced down at her, and his expression softened.

“It’s strange to think soon it won’t be just us anymore. There’s going to be a little person here. One who lives with us. Who depends on us” Rory smiled.

“You’re going to be an amazing dad”

“And you’re going to be an amazing mum” he murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her lips.

“I love you” she whispered as they pulled apart.

“And I love you” he said back, kissing her again, slower this time. Then suddenly, Rory gasped, her whole body tensing under his touch. Charlie sat up straight, alarm instantly sparking in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” She breathed through her nose, pressing a hand to her belly.

“Probably just a kick” she said lightly. But then another sharper pain lanced through her. She clenched his forearm, wincing. “Maybe… maybe not.” Charlie was on his feet in an instant, his eyes wide.

“What do we do? Should we go? Do I need to get your bag? Firecall someone? Is this it?” Rory laughed even through the discomfort.

“Charlie, calm down. It was just a pain it might not even be labour yet. And even if it is, it can take hours”

“I am calm,” he said, eyes darting to her belly. “Shouldn’t we be keeping track? The timing, the spacing, doesn’t that matter?”

“We could” she started, but before she could finish, Charlie had darted out of the room. He returned seconds later, out of breath, with parchment and a quill in hand. Rory just stared at him, biting her lip to keep from laughing. “Charlie, why don’t you make yourself a cup of tea or something? Distract yourself”

“Okay,” he nodded. “If you get another pain, shout for me”

“I’ll be in the same room, love. Not climbing Everest.” Still, she followed him into the kitchen. It was easier to move around now, helped by the faint pressure that walking seemed to relieve. Charlie busied himself making tea, muttering something about ginger and calming herbs. But then she let out a small, strained breath and braced herself against the counter.

“Rory?” He dropped the kettle lid and rushed to her side.

“I’m fine” she insisted, even as her knuckles turned white gripping the edge of the sink. “Just another one” Charlie rubbed her back as she breathed through it.

“I don’t think these are just pains anymore”

“Nope” Rory said, closing her eyes. “Neither do I”

“But... isn’t it too early? I thought we had another couple weeks”

“The Healer said it could happen any time now, and” she paused, gritting her teeth as another contraction rolled through her. “They’re not close enough together yet to worry, just... strong” Charlie hovered like an anxious niffler, jumping at every noise she made for the next hour. By the time she let out a low groan and bent over the counter, he was halfway to summoning a broomstick and flying her straight to St. Mungo’s. “That one hurt” she admitted, gripping the counter.