Work Text:
Ashley was born today a 7 pound 5 ounce screaming baby girl. I have to admit that I became a little more fussy over Mom during the last few months. She made it well known to me that she noticed.
This day has been very stressful. Ashley wasn’t due until next week but she decided today was the day in the middle of a lecture that Mother was doing in New City University. She was so calm on the phone when she called me and said she was on her way back to the Sanctuary. On the other hand I was less calm.
I was lucky that uncle James had been staying with us. If it was not for him reassuring me that things would be fine, I might have caused a power outage. We had made a plan months in advance and several back up plans
in case anything went wrong. Mother wanted to have Ashely here and our trusted friend, a woman named Doctor Fraiser, agreed to deliver her. I called the doctor right after I got off the phone letting her know what was going on. Doctor Fraiser also offered some words to reassure me which I appreciated.
It was a very long and very anxiety ridden 8 hours before Ashely joined us in this world. Mom stayed quite composed for the first few hours but I could tell she was in pain. I should know by now. I had wanted to stay with her when she had gotten home and while she rested in her bed in the room we had set aside. But she shooed me off asking that I keep things running and inform her on what was happening. I agreed, but only to the first part.
If I knew anything about Helen Magnus it was that she doesn’t like to be out of the loop. Things were mostly calm and I got through the meetings I had scheduled. The only problem I had was an escaped Corbic Dog which I had to chase.
They are quite cute things but have a tendency to rip up couches. I’m going to have to replace that before mom finds out.
As I write this everyone is sleeping. Yes even Mother. Ashley’s crib is set up beside her bed and I have claimed a spot on a chair near them both. I don’t think I’m going to sleep much tonight.
This is new for both of us. I find myself often getting up to look and see if she’s still breathing. She’s so fragile and it scares me.
One thing I noticed was her scent. I’ve made sure to memorize it. I’ve only known this child for a few hours and I already know I would do anything for her. Welcome to the world Little sister.
Levina Magnus.
Levina put down the pen in between the pages of her note book and placed it on the table beside her as her ears perked up to the sound of her mother stirring. She stood up and walked over to Helen. She took a seat next to the woman’s head and moved wisps of hair from her face. Helen’s eyes opened and she looked up at who Levina ran her hand over over her mother’s head.
“Where’s Ashely?” She asked quietly as she became more lucid and sat up.
“She’s over there.” Levina gestured to the crib while matching Helen’s soft tone . “She’s been asleep for an hour so far.”
Helen moved to the edge of the bed to where the crib was. She looked in at her daughter who was sleeping soundly. “You did a good job Mama.” Levina said and leaned against the headboard. “Doctor Frasier said to let her sleep as much as she can. And That you should be sleeping too.”
Helen looked back at Levina. “This is more sleep than I’ve gotten in a long time.”
“I know.” Levina replied with a sigh. “How are you feeling?”
Helen looked back over at Ashley. “You’re fussing again.” she said
“Sorry.” Levina apologized and looked down at the blanket. “But I'm not the one who just had a baby.”
Helen looked back over at Levina. She crawled back over to her older daughter and laid down on her lap.
Levina adjusted so she was comfortable and ran her hand along her mothers hair. Helen closed her eyes and relaxed.
“Is that a new scarf?” Helen asked, referring to the purple silk scarf that Levina had her hair wrapped up in.
“Yes. I got it while I was at the Mumbi sanctuary last month.” Levina replied.
“It looks nice on you.” Helen said.
“Thank you.” She tilted her head slightly. “Henry’s excited to meet her. The big guy was having a hard time getting him to sleep.”
“I think he’ll make a good big brother.” Helen said.
Levina nodded in agreement. “She’s going to be very loved.”
“I’m not worried about that.” Helen said and reached up and cupped Levina’s cheek and opened her eyes. “I’m worried about you. I’m worried that I’ve been selfish in having you here with me all these years. I’ve never stopped and asked what you wanted to do with your life. I don't want you to feel as if you have to stay.”
Levina placed her hand on her mother’s. “You’re not selfish. If I wanted to leave I would have, It's not hard when you have wings.” She said with a soft smile. “Besides, I don’t know what I would do instead of this. I love our work. I love being able to give Abnormals a place where they feel safe. This place, and the people here are my home. I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
Helen looked at her face, trying to read if what she was saying was true. She sometimes thought they could read each other's minds. Levina was more than just a daughter to her, she was her friend and someone who knew her better than anyone had. “Alright” The older woman said. She smiled gently at Levina before she sat up. She turned and hugged Levina while placing a kiss on her cheek.
“I love you.” Helen said.
“I love you too.” Levina replied.
As they hugged they suddenly heard quiet whining before the child began to wail. The two released each other from the hug and Helen crawled over the bed and to the crying child. She got up and picked her up, resting the child on her chest.
“It’s okay.” Helen cooed softly and rubbed circles on her back. Levina watched from the bed as her mother held the baby who started to calm down.
As she watched Levina thought about the idea of having kids of her own. She hadn’t really thought about it before. She was basically raising Henry. But there is something different about having children of your own. She knew that’s why her mother wanted to have Ashely. Maybe one day and maybe on that day she would have someone.