The Trouble with Living at Home

[Gail Lawrence]

August 29, 2009

Gail walked down the stairs in her aunt and uncle’s home. The streets of Brynmill were quiet this Saturday morning. The university was not in session yet, so students were not out--not that they would be so early in the day. If the past days were any example, it would turn out to be another sticky summer day in Swansea.

The rising sun came in through the bay window in the kitchen. Gail walked in to see Dev making a modest breakfast. The young witch took plates and glasses, placing out two settings on the table. She had heard Eli’s snoring as she came down the stairs, as expected. He would be catching up on sleep the last few days before classes began again on Tuesday.

That was the same day Hogwarts would start, now she thought of it. It seemed so odd to her. She had attended the school for seven years, but only a year gone, and she already lost track of when their classes began.

Gail poured juice for herself and a second cup of coffee for Dev. The older lady set out the rest of breakfast, and they ate in peace. The only disruption for some time was the arrival of the Daily Prophet from the eastern window. Sections were exchanged briefly, and then they returned to silence.

“You know, Gail...” Dev began. The witch sighed, knowing what was coming. This was far from the first time Dev had brought the subject up. “You’ve been out of school for a year now. I know you say you can’t move out without money to pay the rent. Why can’t you get a decent job and get those funds? I’d be willing to help you out and--”

“Aunt Dev, please,” Gail said. “It’s my day off today. It’ll probably be my last Saturday free until Boxing Day. I know what you want. I want it too. But can we please put this off until another day?”

This time, Dev sighed. “I’m just saying. We love having you here, but like our kids, you have to get out on your own. Even Vaughn moved out eventually.”

“I know. Believe me; I know. At least I have a job this summer, but the Cauldron doesn’t pay enough for a decent flat. You know I’m saving up.”

The two ladies sat in silence for a long time. They had finished breakfast and Dev was washing the dishes before one of them spoke again.

“You could go to university, like all the other children your age.”

Gail lifted her eyes from the Sport section. “I haven’t taken the A-Levels like everyone else my age, though. It sounds nice, but it’s impractical.”

“But...”

“Good morning, my fine ladies.” Eli had finally made his appearance on the morning. Dev was about to leave for the day, so it should have been expected, but Gail was still surprised.

“Morning, Uncle Eli.” “Good morning, Eli.”

He went over and kissed his wife. “Shouldn’t you get going? You’ll be late for your meeting.” Dev nodded, and once the last dish was away, she bade them good-bye. Eli sat down and fished the gossip section out of the Prophet.

“I should get going too, Uncle Eli. I’m off to market, and then I think I’ll stop at a pub for lunch.” After a quick hug, Gail took the shopping bag from its hook near the front door.

Eli blinked, taken aback at the sudden departure of the two women. “Come on, Abbs. My breath’s not that bad in the morning!” He got the pleasure of hearing her laugh before she left the house.

[Gail Lawrence]

September 1, 2009

Gail walked in the door to her aunt and uncle's late, as she had last year on this day. She had spent enough time waiting at the Cauldron both before and after term that this had not been a surprise to her, though it had been to her guardians.

Eli and Dev were sitting in the den. Dev was reading a book. Gail smiled to see it was 'The Kite Runner', which she had read several years back and recommended to her aunt. Eli was searching through papers and jotting notes. This early in the term, she assumed it was moe documentation as she requested off for field work next semester.

"Dinner's waiting in the oven," Dev said, not looking up.

Gail thanked her aunt and returned to the den with food in hand. She sat down next to Eli and asked, "How's it going?"

Eli wiped a hand over his face. "Alright, I suppose. I haven't done this since Vaughn was at university, and I'd forgotten how much paperwork there was."

Gail laughed. "I don't envy you there. Then again, I get to deal with Regular Reggie every night."

"Want to trade?"

"No, thanks," she replied. "I think I'll stick with the Cauldron."

A noise came from Dev's direction, and Gail barely suppressed a sigh. "Gail, why are you still working there?" she asked. "You could be doing so much more."

"It's money, Aunt Dev. I need it."

"Well, you must be getting some pretty interest on it, because you're not using it on university or a flat."

"Does the magic bother you that much, Dev? Because for having taken me in, you sure seem eager to get rid of me."

"Abigail!" Eli cried.

She turned to her uncle. "Good luck with the application, Uncle Eli. It'll be a long semester while you're gone."

Dev snapped the book shut and went upstairs.

"You could try, you know, Abbs." Eli said.

"I know, but she's so frustrating sometimes. Why can't she let me be?"

"The same reason she couldn't let Vaughn be." Gail stared. "Oh, yes. She did the same with him. He finally got tired and moved out. She just wants you both to be independent and successful." There was a moment of silence. "And they get on much better now, just for the record."

Gail winced. That had been really ungrateful of her. Eli and Dev had taken her in when she had nowhere to go. They had given her more and hosted her longer than she should have expected. She owed them better than that display.

She turned back to her uncle, to find that he was headed upstairs to talk with Dev. "I'm sorry," she whispered. And then she was alone in the den, left with only the strewn papers and a cold dinner for company.

[Gail Lawrence]

September 3, 2009