Intertwined

Chapter 63: Departure

A/N: I did not think this chapter would be quite so long, but I guess that's where I am at now. I had a bit of trouble finishing it until a few days ago when a song woke me up at 2am playing over and over in my head. It's still playing currently, even though I am listening to other music right now. I think it will continue until at least after the next chapter. But we shall see. It's a good song, so I don't really mind. ADHD brains, right?

Thank you as always for your support. It really means so much to me. 

TW: there is some violence in this chapter, use of sharp object and blood. Paragraph starting: 'Antonella saw him watch her' to 'quickly went black'. 

It's strange how differently people remember the same event. Mia and Charlotte had heard Lily, Marjorie and Reece describe the moment Autumn gave birth to her baby boy. Each of them had a different perspective.

Marjorie gushed, in awe of what had unfolded, the way Autumn had drawn strength from somewhere deep inside herself. 'She was so quiet,' Marjorie exclaimed in disbelief.

'No chance of you being like that, is there,' Mia smirked.

'No,' Marjorie paused, 'shut up Mia,' she scowled at the redhead who chuckled, 'But probably not'. Marjorie muttered with a side eye and a small smile, that caused Charlotte to laugh.

Lily had been with Autumn most of the active labour, 'She was so composed and intuitive. We were basically there to watch, and she was just breathing through it all and following her body. She was focused. I'm so proud of her,' she spoke with tears on her eyes and the joy of her able to be there with her daughter as she gave birth, was evident in her loving tone and watery eyes.

Standing around the kitchen hearing her Godmother, her Mama Liz speak about Autumn like that, the redhead looked at Reec with a knowing sadness. He had the same look. It wasn't something they could hold against Lily; they knew the truth now. What had kept her and Michael away and the danger they had faced leaving and then returning.

It didn't surprise either of them that Autumn had focused quietly through the birth, only making noises she needed to get her through. They had seen that side of her in sport and school and when emotions got too overwhelming. She internalised and found strength inside herself. Everything else around her going quiet.

When Reece tried to describe what had happened, he could barely speak, 'She was. She was incredible,' Marjorie had to squeeze his hand, and he turned back to the stove top. The others hearing a sniffle as the blonde tried to compose himself.

Mia smiled fondly at him. She knew how much love he had for his sister, and that his love for Autumn and his new nephew, was also mixed with grief and relief because of Autumn's miscarriage last year.

'Have they told you what they're naming him yet?' Charlotte raised her eyebrows at Reece Marjorie and Lily, but all three shook their heads.

They heard a knock at the front door and Marjorie hurried to answer it. The group heard her speaking, retelling her side of the story and then two familiar voices, 'Viv!' Mia shouted and the group clapped as Siobhan and Vivian entered the kitchen.

'Alright?' Viv asked with an uncharacteristic shy smile.

'How are you? Hero of the day!' Marjorie exclaimed.

'I'm pretty sure Autumn would have been fine without me,' Viv said.

'Beautiful,' Siobhan kissed the nurse's cheek, 'You were amazing and so calm, helping everyone, through that moment,' Vivian gave her partner a grateful smile.