Ronan: To the Moon and Back

"Olivia, sweetheart, I can't see your pretty face if you hide behind the balloon." Rae laughs, lowering her camera. The nurse in charge of the room laughs quietly in the corner of her desk.

The little four year old girl, Olivia, is sat on her hospital bed, face hidden behind a purple balloon. She's probably the cutest little girl Rae has ever seen, with big, green eyes and short, curly black hair. She has a small gap between her two front teeth and two little dimples set in her round cheeks whenever she smiles.

She pops her head out. "I'm shy." She whispers, then giggles into her hand. "I don't like pictures."

Rae mockingly gasps in shock, smiling throughout her words. "Livy! Are you lying to me? Just the other day you tried stealing me camera. You were shy then, silly?"

Olivia giggles again, shaking her head. "RoRo was with me and he said," she takes a breath from talking too fast. "He said we could, that we could take pictures then."

"And why not now?" Rae questions animatedly, slinging the strap of her camera over her neck.

"He's not here and I'm shy!" She pulls the balloon back over her face.

Rae ponders this. She has to get pictures of Olivia; she is the last child for the set of pictures Rae has for this issue. Hummingbird Children's Hospice sends out a newsletter the last Wednesday of every month. They keep it light and cheerful, informing parents and other citizens of the hospitals work and amazing bedside manor. Since the hospital itself isn't as big or well know as others are, they have set aside a page asking for a donation of any kind.

They need some help for funding. One of the playrooms is stocked with wooden mini slides that wobble and creak too much. Most of the toys are broken or missing pieces and dolls are missing eyes. One of the computers at the nurse's station had finally died out after six years. Thankfully the information had been backed up, but the nurse still had to paid for it out of pocket, mainly due to the goodness of her heart. The set aside donations are mainly to keep the playroom clean and safe for the children, and to help fund research for new medicines, new treatments.

Rae all too willing offers to help with the photos for the newsletter without any pay. She just needs a few more of the little girl behind the balloon. They have to be sent in by tomorrow, Saturday, to make it by Monday's deadline, be sent out and delivered by Wednesday. If not, then the newsletter will lack any pictures, and people will more than likely just deem it rubbish and not give it a seconds glance.

"Alright, love." Rae begins sweetly, bending down to eye level as Olivia peeks out one green eye. "How about I ask if Ronan can play with you today, and I can take pictures of you both. Will you still be shy then?"

The bright smile on Olivia's face lights up the room. She releases the balloon, allowing it to hover in the air, weighed down at the string by a plastic weight. "No! He can play with me?"

"I'll go ask right now." Rae gently bops the girls nose, then exits the room.
***


The second, newer playroom with the cleaner toys and books with covers that aren't ripped, is filled with laughter. Ronan was given permission to switch his playtime and be with Olivia instead. Only six children are allowed in at a time, as to not overwhelm the kids. Another boy Tony, who's seven, plays with the other two as Raelyn sits on the armchair taking pictures. She mentally fist pumps at her simple solution, excitedly capturing some great photos.

Rae is reviewing the photos, smiling at the most recent one displayed on the mini screen of her camera, when she feels it. It's a small, subtle feeling, one she could pick up on when Ronan first enter the Hospice, being observed from every corner of the room, being watched by Doctor who, at the time, didn't have much of a clue. She picked up on it quickly in the past and picks up on it now; she's being watched. Pulling her eyes away from the picture of Ronan putting fake flowers in Olivia's hair, Rae snaps her head to the left.

There, standing just outside the room and peering through the glass, is Louis Tomlinson. Rae is immediately captured by the colour of his eyes. Long lashes frame curious eyes  that are so, incredibly blue, playing off the colour of his shirt. He's wearing a gray beanie atop his head, pushing his hair into a fringe and showing off the sharp cut of his cheekbones. Cheekbones that any photographer would kill for just to have the opportunity to photograph someone like Louis. He'd be a perfect model, those cheekbones and eyes and how soft the rest of his face looks; photographically speaking, he is beautiful. Rae speaking, he's still beautiful.

Rae turns her head back to her camera, breath caught in her throat, and mentally shakes her head of that last thought. However, a split second later, a new one pops up, a sudden idea in her brain. It wouldn't be bad right? To use Louis in a few of her photos for the newsletter, holding some of the children and laughing along with them. It could possibly help the hospital a little. Positive exposure on both ends, right?

A surge of guilt arises in Raelyn's stomach, forming into a little ball and settling there. She couldn't do that. She can't just exploit him and use his fame just to gain some money and attention. Though, when Rae takes the photos for the newsletter, she never gets a anything in return. She willingly, freely, takes the photos and submits them. She doesn't want any money from it, nor any popularity or attention. Sure, she is always credited at the bottom of the page, but that was it. So, it's not like she'd doing it for personal gain.

Then again, aren't Louis and his bandmates already kind of exploiting themselves? Singing to the children and spending time with them? There is an easy way to come about this. She just has to ask, and there's no harm in that, is there. She looks back over to Louis. He's leaning so close to the window, that his breath leaves little foggy clouds on the glass. His eyes catch hers, blue dancing with mirth, with one corner of his mouth quirked up.

Bracing herself, Rae tilts her head, aims her camera toward him and shrugs. She's silently asking for permission, hoping he doesn't mind. He doesn't seem too; his smile evening out, lips spreading over white teeth, and crinkles collecting at the corners if his eyes. Louis nods excitedly, then blinks in surprise when Rae abruptly takes his picture, flash going off. She throws her head back in laughter, then stands up to open the door, camera hanging from her neck.

"Hi. Louis, yeah?" Rae smiles kindly.

"Yeah." He answers, rubbing one eye from the flash. "I'm sorry, love, what's your name again?"

"Raelyn. Or Rae, whichever. Um, I've got a question to ask." She starts slowly, running her fingertips over her collarbones, a nervous habit.

Louis looks a little apprehensive. Rae doesn't blame him.

"This hospital sends out monthly newsletters, and I usually take photos for it. I was wondering if maybe, and you honestly don't have too if you don't want or think its rude or something, mind if I could take yours? With some of the kids, I mean. For the newsletter."

Rae isn't normally a nervous person but as she stands there, with Louis' eyes that could be the equivalent to that of tropical island waters, appraise her curiously, she is. She grips her camera tighter with her free hand, hoping to steady herself as she chews her bottom lip. She isn't too nervous about who he is, what his name means, but instead nervous about his reaction. Will he take it the wrong way and think she is only trying to use him for some sort of gain? Rae thought it was a good idea, but as the seconds tick by, she's starting to second guess herself.

"Sure. I'd love too." Louis smiles brightly, those crinkles appearing again.

"Really?" Raelyn sighs in relief. "Okay. Yeah, great!"

Louis look nothing but amused. "With your brother? He's your brother, right?" He points to Ronan, who is now listening to Tony read him and Olivia a story, his small hand holding hers.

Quickly, Raelyn raises her camera, adjusting her lens and captures the moment. She smiles back at Louis, soft and fond due to her brother. "That's him, Ronan, but no. I've got enough photos of him to fill my car. I need just a few more of Olivia."

"Who?" Louis steps closer to her, turning to face the room. His arm just barely brushing against Rae's. They both hear a small crack, feeling the shock from contact at the same time.

"Ouch." They gasp in unison, both jumping apart a few inches.

"Sorry!" Rae apologises, rubbing the spot on her elbow. "That was probably my fault. That chair in there is notorious for shocking its victims."

"It must be put to trail then." Louis says seriously. "Jury and everything."

"Lets hope it pleads guilty."

"Thrown in jail."

"Poor chair never stood a chance." Rae pauses. "Ha! That's sort of puny." She's smiling brightly while Louis give levels her with a blank stare. Then he's laughing and shaking his head. 

"Besides the criminal chair," Rae continues, "Olivia's the little curly haired girl. Ronan's holding her hand and they'll be married by next summer."

"As long as I can carry the rings." Louis quips quickly.

"But of course, darling." Rae waves her hand like it's obvious he had always been invited to the pretend wedding. "The one reading is Tony, he's seven and a big boy now because he can ride a bike all by himself. That red headed boy," She points to the boy sitting atop a rocking horse, "that's Philip, he's five. Then those two, Alexis and Amanda, they're twins and six, but Lexi is older by a whole three minutes. They're both little angels though. However-"

Rae turns to look at Louis, who was once again leaning close to the glass. His eyes wide with the new details about the little kids.

"I must warn you about, Olivia. Ronan and I are the only ones allowed to call her Livy. She allows me too because Ronan is my brother and that makes us sisters. "Louis grins at that. Rae eyes him, considering. "Louis, how good are you with kids?"

"Love them." He answers quickly and excitedly, almost bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Got four little sisters back home meself, the youngest two are twins, Daisy and Phoebe. They got these big blue eyes and crooked little smiles and I can never say no to them."

"So it's safe to assume big eyes are your weakness?"

"Safe as can be."

"Good, good. Well, you're done for then. I was going to warn you that Livy's got huge green eyes and she likes to look up at you and pout when you're about to leave, or if she doesn't get the blue jell-o." Rae pats Louis' shoulder sympathetically.

Louis sighs dramatically. "Guess I just got to add her to my list of sisters then. Couldn't resist if I tried."

Their eyes meet one more time, ocean waters against pretty blue flowers.
***


Rae feels happy. She can't believe how easily and quickly Louis agreed to take the pictures, nor can she believe it now. Louis' able to convince Olivia to pose for some single shots, promising to sing for her again before he leaves. Rae got her pictures for the newsletter and then some. She wants to be a little selfish and keep some of the extra ones for herself, with Louis' permission that is. She even wonders if he'd liked to keep some as well. She figures yes, when he hands her his phone to take several shots of him and the kids.

All six children absolutely love him. The twins wrapped themselves around each of Louis' legs while he's sitting, while Philip and Tony climbed onto his back, clinging to him like they're Kolas on a tree. He holds Olivia with one arm and Ronan with the other. That was Rae's favorite picture, and she asks him to send it to her when he gets the chance to.

Raelyn finally sets aside her camera, placing it carefully in her old brown camera bag. It's a torn, thin bag, well used from its ware and is missing the buttons on the front pockets, and the zipper sticks in place when closing it. The tag with her 'return if lost' address is withering and slightly faded, but she loves it. The bag was a gift to her for her 15th birthday from her cousin, who since then had passed on and she just doesn't have the heart to throw it away. She doesn't have money for a new one anyway. When Rae finally gets the zipper to close, Ronan stumbles up to her. He's rubbing his eyes with his little fists, then attempts to climb into her lap.

"Ra-Ra. M'leg hurts and I'm tired it." Ronan mumbles softly, allowing his sister to cuddle him on her lap.

The atmosphere for Rae changes quickly, now concerned for her brothers health. "Okay, Ro. Want to go back and take a nap?"

Ronan nods, resting his head against her shoulder. He inhales deeply, coughs, then let out a low whimper. "It hurted."

"I know, love, I know. I'll get you back." She softly kisses his temple, feeling her chest clench once in pain. Pain that is never anything to complain about compared to her brother's. Standing carefully, Rae adjusts her brother comfortably and makes her way to the door. She apologises to Louis and the kids, explaining Ronan is done for the day. She thanks Louis for his time and cooperation. She doesn't miss the way Louis' eyes flash with worry or how his eyebrows knit together in a frown as she exits the room.

She did however, miss the way Louis had been watching their little exchange. How he noticed the way her face fell, how her whole personality changed instantly. She missed the way Louis sneaks a picture of that moment and saved it onto his phone. She missed the way she had forgotten her camera bag, sitting on the floor next to the notorious shocking arm chair.

***

Notes