barbecue of the CENTURY [dani, jake, ruby, kyle, jared, michelle, emily, gabrielle, brooke, will, legs]

[Alec Edwards]

Alec was stressing. He and Dani had invited their friends over for an old muggle-style barbecue to see the new house, and to meet Matty. Their friends were due to arrive in about an hour. Alec had sent Dani to go and have a nap before their friends arrived. She’d been extremely tired since bringing Matty home, and Alec was doing all he could to help her. So Dani was in their room sleeping, and now Matty was crying. Alec was holding his son, trying to shush him before Dani woke up, but nothing was working. “Matty, seriously man, you’re being a pain”, Alec muttered. He lowered Matty onto the change bench he and Dani had bought, and began the process of checking to see if his son was wet, and changing his nappy. Once he was finished, he had expected Matty to stop crying. Indeed, Matty had needed a diaper change, but he was still crying. Alec let out a frustrated sigh, and gently picked his son up again. He honestly had no idea what his son wanted. “Damn it, Matty. Use your words. Are you hungry? Tired? What the hell is wrong?” Alec stared at his son as though the two week old baby was going to say something. Of course, he didn’t. Oh, but what a magical thing it would be if he did! Alec let out another frustrated sigh, and began rocking Matty slowly from side to side. He could only hope the child was tired, not hungry. He really didn’t want to have to wake Dani up.

Five minutes had passed, and the rocking wasn’t working. Matty was still crying, and Alec was losing patience. He finally gave in. Still holding his son, Alec walked down the small hall to his and Dani’s room. He gently pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Dani was sleeping peacefully. He sighed. Alec hated having to wake Dani up, especially since she got barely any sleep as it was. “Dani, babe”, Alec said, reaching down with one hand to gently shake his girlfriend. “Matty’s hungry.” It was a couple of minutes before Dani stirred. Alec watched as his girlfriend’s eyes fluttered open. She took in the scene before her – her crying baby, and her stressed boyfriend. Without saying a word, Dani sat up on the bed, and took Matty from Alec. Alec leaned down to kiss Dani on the top of her head. “I’m so sorry, babe”, he said softly, before leaving the room so Dani could feed Matty. While she was doing that, Alec figured he would finish setting up for the barbecue. He and Dani had done pretty much everything earlier when Matty had been asleep. Dani had made a salad and prepared different food. All that had to be done was setting up the table, and cooking the meat. That wouldn’t happen until the guests arrived. As he worked, Alec realised that the crying had stopped. Alec breathed a sigh of relief, and sank into one of the plastic chairs he and Dani had bought for today.

This was difficult. The past two weeks had been difficult. They were getting barely any sleep, and Matty was up every four hours demanding a feed. Alec helped as much as he could. He did all the diaper changes, cleaned all of Matty’s stuff, but he couldn’t help with the feeding. Dani hadn’t wanted to bottle feed until Matty was a few months old, so it was her who had to get up every four hours to feed the baby. Alec didn’t know how well that would go down once she started school again. He would have to talk to her about bottle feeding again. She couldn’t take Matty to school with her to feed him every four hours.

[Danielle Hale]

It was the day of the barbeque and pretty much everything was organised. Between looking after Matty and sorting things out, Dani was knackered. Alec had told her to take a sleep for a bit, and Dani was too tired to argue with him. She hoped everyone didn’t arrive too early, she didn’t want to be sleeping when they walked in. As she fell onto the bed, her eyes slipped shut and within a minute or so Dani was asleep. Matty was a lot of work, but he was worth it. He hadn’t been around that long but she couldn’t imagine not having him in her life now. It could have only been five minutes before a loud scream came from Matty’s room. Immediately, Danielle’s eyes shot back open and she groaned. With a sigh, she hugged the pillow tighter, just hoping that maybe Matty could calm down and give her just a few more minutes. Just as the crying quietened down, she was off to sleep again.

Dani felt something shaking her, and slowly opened her eyes to find Alec hovering over her. “Matty’s hungry.”. Dani saw the look on Alec’s face, he was so stressed, he needed a break. Gently picking up Matty from him, she cuddled him close as she fed him. Thinking about the days to come. His first day at Oasis Hill, it would be terrifying. Imagining him with friends just like hers, his first girlfriend. Ugh. She would be in for a treat. Alec was such a good dad to Matty, he stressed far more than her. Danielle felt like, she just got on with it. She wanted Alec to calm down a little, he was always running around trying to make things better for her before she had the chance to do the same for him.

Dani knew she didn’t have long until she was back at Oasis Hill once again for her last year. She needed to know Alec could handle it, especially when her parents decided to visit. All hell would break loose if they knew Alec and herself were struggling. It was just a difficult phase, Dani tried to reassure herself. She picked Matty up and patted his back, as he gurgled quietly. “All better right Matty?” Dani wondered what to wear for the barbeque, she was slowly getting her figure back. She opened her wardrobe and picked out a pair of dark blue jeans, and a white strappy top to shove on.

Dani felt rough, she had for a while but there was nothing she could to, it wouldn’t be like this forever, just for now. She laid Matty on the bed surrounding him in a blanket, as she got changed and applied some carefully placed makeup. The concealer was especially helpful in hiding the dark circles around her eyes. Dani didn’t want her friends and family seeing her like this. If she could’ve seen herself 12 months ago, looking like this she wouldn’t believe what she was seeing. Danielle quickly picked up Matty after getting changed to meet Alec outside. He would need some help with something or another.

[Emily Sophia Adams]

Emily had received a letter about settling in and inviting everyone over for a ‘muggle-style barbecue’. She remembered having a couple when she was with her mother’s family, the food was great but you always had to watch the weather. She was wearing a pair of dark jean shorts with a white t-shirt she bought back home. Emily had seen Matty a couple of days after he had been born and he was absolutely gorgeous, Danielle had looked amazing and they were both so lucky. She didn’t know how they managed to keep so calm about it all, Emily would be stressing out about everything. The barbecue would be nice though, it would give everyone a chance to see Matty and finally see Alec and Dani. She hadn’t seen Alec in ages, not even spoken to him because he was so busy with everything.

Emily was carrying her camera in her bag, she was hoping to get a few pictures. Maybe even a couple of the happy family if they were alright with it. She wanted to give it to them as a present, a little book filled with pictures. Although it was meant to be a surprise, she didn’t know how long she would be able to keep it. Everyone was invited, so it would be great to see them all, or at least most of them. They had all been busy doing their own thing, Emily had recently moved into a house with Jake and just gotten a new job. Danielle and Gabrielle had been at the Academy, Ruby hadn’t done much of anything apart from hanging around the house with Jake… when she was out. Ew. Emily shuddered, her two friends, it was so weird!

Emily knocked on the door a couple of times, she felt bad for not bringing something but the picture book would be done soon, hopefully. She resisted shouting out, Matty could be asleep for all she knew. Perhaps the others had arrived, Emily was early but would it be weird just the three, four of them.

[Gabrielle Amorcya]

Gabrielle stepped out of the shower, and wrapped herself in a towel. She wanted to get to Alec and Dani’s place early to help them set up, and help with Matty if she could. Gabrielle had tried to stay away for as long as she could, to let Alec, Dani and Matty bond as a family. But after a couple of days, Alec had owled her, asking her if she could come by every now and then to help out with Matty, and keep Dani company. From what he’d told her, Alec was in the process of looking for a job, but didn’t want one because that would mean having to find a sitter for Matty. Gabrielle felt for the guy, she really did. But she also knew that the money he and Dani had gotten from their parents wouldn’t last much longer. Gabrielle looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was up in a messy ponytail, and she was in her underwear. She had a few outfits picked out, but wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to wear. Alec had said ‘dress appropriately’, which obviously meant ‘wear sneakers’. But Gabrielle had been raised in heels, and she wasn’t about to put on a pair of sneakers.

With a light sigh, Gabrielle pulled out her makeup bag, and applied her makeup. At least she knew how she wanted to do that. Once her makeup was done, she turned to where she’d placed her outfits, and stared at them for a while. Finally, she picked the outfit that she wanted to wear, and quickly pulled on her clothes. After checking herself quickly in the mirror, Gabrielle exited the bathroom to her room. Her dogs immediately started barking at the sight of her. “Cupcake, Frosting! Shut it!” Gabrielle commanded. Of course, her dogs outright ignored her and kept barking. Gabrielle cast a quick glance over to her cat. Sprinkles was curled up on Gabrielle’s bed, right up near her pillows. The cat looked extremely comfortable, though bored. With a slight shake of her head, Gabrielle walked past her bed and over to the door that lead to her walk-in closet. She opened the door and stepped into the closet, turning the light on as she did. Along the very back wall was all of Gabrielle’s shoes. She quickly grabbed the pair that she wanted to wear, and exited the closet.

----

About half an hour later, Gabrielle was walking up the path to Dani and Alec’s front door. There was a blonde already walking up the path. A blonde that Gabrielle recognised as Emily. Although the two hadn’t gotten along well in the past, Gabrielle had made the effort to get to know Emily since Matty had been born. They were both the little man’s godmothers, so Gabrielle figured it was a good chance to start over with Emily. Dani had. “Emily! Hey!” Gabrielle said, walking up beside Emily as the other girl knocked on the door.

---------------

Together, Alec and Dani had gotten the place set up. Matty had stopped crying (thankfully). Now, their child was lying on a blanket on the ground, flailing his little arms around and kicking out every now and then. Alec was sitting on the couch, watching his son, with Dani curled up on the couch next to him. It was about time for people to start arriving, but he knew nobody would be on time. Until he heard a knock on the door. “Well... someone’s eager”, Alec said. He kissed Dani on her forehead, before standing up. He stepped carefully over Matty, and over to the door. Alec opened it to reveal Emily and Gabrielle. Alec smiled at the two, though Emily got a considerably bigger smile than Gabrielle. He couldn’t help it. Emily was his best friend, just as Gabrielle was Dani’s. “Hi, girls. Come on in”, Alec said, and stood aside to let the two girls through. He decided to leave the door open, that way nobody would have to knock, and he and Dani wouldn’t have to rush to the door every five seconds to let someone in. Most of their friends were comfortable enough here to let themselves in, anyway.

Alec turned around just in time to see Gabrielle give Dani a hug, and then swoop right down next to Matty, cooing and talking to him. “How’s my little man, hmm? How’s my little man?” Alec shook his head at Gabrielle, and looked at Emily. “How’s living with Jake going? Ruby there often?” he asked.

[Guest]

Cory held the pea salad, his unsolicited addition to the Edwards-Hale barbecue, in front of him with both hands as he walked easily along the path towards Alec and Dani's beautiful little house. He'd been spending a good deal of time there lately, what with all the doting on Matty he had to do, and he was quite comfortable with finding his way to their front porch. He often felt as if her were spending a bit too much time around his friends and their baby, but he pretty much couldn't help himself where the kid was concerned. No couple in the world could have had a more adorable baby than Matty. The kid was like a drug.

Besides, lavishing time and attention on the newcomer was a far better alternative to staying at home alone with his overworked parents and his tumultuous thoughts. At least this time he had an actual legitimate excuse to force his company on the couple and their new spawn. He was definitely looking forward to a sunny afternoon of barbecue and friends and laughter and all that good summer stuff.

He was in such a good mood over the prospect, in fact, that the realization that Emily Adams was waiting on the porch next to Gabrielle didn't even make him flinch. " 'Lo Emily." he said, amicably enough. He didn't mind talking to her a little bit. As long as he didn't have to do it very often or for very long. "Hey Gabi!" This hello was much more enthusiastic. He waited beside the two girls on the porch, shifting his feet within his well-sprung leather loafers. He didn't exactly look dressed for a barbecue, at least not like Emily did, but he was doing his best. Blue polo, black vest, black slacks. He probably could have worn the same thing to a job interview without worrying. Ah well, it was how he liked to dress.

Cory went inside the house with the two girls once Alec had opened the door, quickly placing the pea salad on a table so that he could have both hands free to play with Matty. He let Alec make small talk with the others while he made a beeline for the little tyke. "Hey there, sport! How's it going being the cutest baby on the planet?" He tickled Matty's tummy with a finger and was nearly kicked in the face. Cory chuckled. "You've got quite a fighter here Alec." He smiled at the proud parents.

[Danielle Hale]

Dani hated not knowing what to wear, especially when she wasn't her normal size. She sighed, and looked at all of the maternity clothes at the back of the wardrobe. She wouldn't be wearing them for a very long time, it just meant she was this fat blob for the moment until she got back into shape. Dani slipped on a loose pair of jeans she had worn when he clothes were getting a little tight. She put a white tight fitting strappy top over her head, and grabbed a loose fit shirt that would hide her tiny bump very well. At least she hoped it would. A gurgle from Matty made her turn around, Dani smiled. "Matty! You're all dressed and ready for the barbeque too!" She laughed, and buttoned up part of her shirt. Dani checked how she looked, it would have to do anyway. Dani heard voices down the hall, people were arriving. Hopefully everything was organised, she picked up Matty and he wriggled his arms around, almost punching her in the face.

Dani bobbed him up and down in her arms and he began dribbling. She stopped, and looked fairly disgusted but not surprised. "That's lovely", Dani opened one of the drawers with one hand, holding Matty against her she picked up one of his bibs and wiped his mouth. Dumping the bib in the laundry basket for later, she shut the drawer just as Matty began crying. "What's wrong Matty?" Dani held him up to her shoulder and rubbed his back up and down. "You don't need changing", he screamed louder and Dani winced. She hoped this wouldn’t last long, she couldn't go and see everyone with Matty crying his head off. Dani made shushing noises, as Matty began quietening down, maybe he just missed Alec. She walked into the living room and sat down next to Alec. She couldn’t wait for Gabrielle and Emily to arrive. They would happily take Matty off her hands for a bit, not that she didn’t love him to pieces but at times he was such a handful.

Matty had stopped crying, she passed him to Alec and curled up next to him. Matty was put on the floor on his blanket.Resting her head on Alec’s shoulder, her eyes drooped a little. Suddenly there was a sharp knock on the door, and Dani was wide awake again. “Well... someone’s eager”, she nodded her head, and Alec kissed her forehead and all she heard was “Hi, girls. Come on in”,, Dani scrambled up to greet them. Getting a hug from Gabrielle and then watched her talk to Matty. Everyone was walking in now, Cory walked in and tickled Matty’s tummy, "You've got quite a fighter here Alec.", she smiled Matty was her little man.

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