Once again I need to thank every single one of you beauties for the constant love and support. I know I suck at replying to reviews, but please know that I read them all and they continue to make me smile.
Okay, sappy shit out the way. Let's get on with the show!
CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
BELLA
Tell me why I'm at Bossman Manor, at six-thirty in the morning, on my day off? And no, it's not 'cause I got my needs met the night before. It's because I'm the bee's fucking knees and the best assistant anyone will ever have. Today is Bossman's birthday - turning the big three-five! - and Lily wanted to make him a cake (cutie), so I offered to help... Siobhan may have guilt tripped me into doing it by saying that it was her day off as well. And so here I am with cake batter splattered over my shirt, strutting my stuff to Cotton Eye Joe.
It's safe to say I nailed that dance move.
"Bella." Lily moaned when I continued to dance about the linoleum floor. , "Dad could be awake soon, and I don't want him to know!"
"Oh, stop getting your panties in a twist, Lil', he won't be awake for ages." I may or may not have switched off his alarm...
"And you're sure he likes plain vanilla sponge..."
"Yes - nothing too creative and little decorating, 'cause your father is boring as hell."
For the next hour we cleared up the kitchen, waited on the cakes to cook and then cool, before we started to decorate. A shiny white icing spread over the top and glooped down the sides, then with blue icing Lily wrote "Happy Birthday Dad/Boss."
It was shortly after eight when Kid and I tip-toed into his room. As thought, Edward was still fast asleep. I tried not to notice the fact that he slept in only pajama pants and how the deep grey silk lay just above the band of said pants. I was offered to stay last night, but seeing as Edward wasn't too fond of the idea of Angus coming along with me, then I had to go for my favorite lil' man. But now, seeing him in that soft, soft silk it made me wish I had reconsidered.
"Dad..." Lily attempted to wake the dead, I cupped my hand around the lone candle and clicked away at the lighter to get a flame. "Dad..."
After a few more callings, Edward finally began to come around. He stretched out his muscles which, when you have a lit candle right next to you, is not something you should watch. This whole fucking house will be up in flames soon enough. Edward had that sudden hit of realization when you can just tell you are late without even looking at the time. "Fuck!" he exclaimed and jumped out of bed, only to stop suddenly when he saw us at the foot of the bed.
"Happy birthday!" We cheered.
Boss checked the time on his wall clock, his eyes grew wide. "Bella, Christ I should have been at work half an hour ago! This is no time for celebrations!" He stormed straight past us, barely looking at the cake or beaming smile that had been on his daughter's face, and shut himself away in the en-suite.
"I'll be right back, Kid." If he thought he was gonna close that door in my face... Bastards gonna lose his balls.
But first I might have to play with them...
Cheeky.
"Oi, Dickward, mind taking your head out your ass for a minute?" He had swapped the pants for a towel, and it would have been so easy to just slip it out his hand... "You're not going to work today, got it? Relax."
"What? Bella, don't be stupid. Of course I'm going to the office."
"Well I don't know what you're going to do when you get there, seeing as all meetings etc. have been moved to a later date, and your sister is taking over your load. It's your birthday, dude!"
"You planned this with Rosalie?"
"Yes and it was not easy. I actually had to pretend to give a fuck whenever she spoke." That takes a lot of effort.
"And you did all this for me?"
"No, well technically I did, but it was all Lily's idea." He was still standing there in that towel. I wasn't too sure where to look.
"Have you told her about tomorrow?" The following day was Lily's fifteenth birthday. I know he and Lauren didn't exactly plan on having a kid together but you must admit, that's some damn good timing.
"Of course not - that's your surprise. Now I think you should shove some clothes on and then go and see what she's done for you."
Lily had taken a seat on Bossman's bed, she sat patiently with the cake balanced on her lap. There was a faint smell of smoke in the air, then I spotted the candle had been blown out.
"You're not meant to blow them out till tomorrow, Kid."
"I, um... I didn't want the wax to burn all over the icing... So I blew it out..."
"Kid," I said with a smile, "I'm only messing with you."
With Bossman changed into some decent clothing, we relit the candle and started again. We were smart enough to bring a knife up with us, and Edward didn't hesitate to cut out a large slice.
"Thank you, this really is very nice of you."
The moment he bit into the cake, I couldn't help but add: "I spat in it."
0-0
LILY
One thing that Bella had failed to mention was the family dinner she had planned for that evening. A family dinner which, obviously, I have to attend, along with my grandparents who I had never met before... I knew the basics that Grandpa owned Dad's business and Grandma helps to organize all the charity events, but I couldn't tell you more than that. I know that Auntie Rose is joining as well, but I don't know who else. According to Bella, Grandma had ordered a high class chef to take over the kitchen and cook everything, which meant I wouldn't have Siobhan there for company, either.
Bella's wise words played throughout my head: 'remember Kid, if you get nervous just imagine them all naked. I do that quite often... well, I imagine your father naked... and get the real thing too.'
Oh Christ, that didn't work.
I wasn't sure what to wear either - I hoped that they didn't expect me to wear a ball gown, 'cause I don't own anything like that. But what I did have was a white high-waisted skater skirt with black spots, and matched that to a fitted long-sleeved back tee. I kept my hair down and slipped my feet into my black Converse high tops. I don't wear heels either. I think that is why Bella and I have the close friendship which we have - our likes, dislikes and sense of style are practically identical. I've even picked up on her word choice, except I wouldn't dare say some of the words that she does.
Bella helped me when it came to a present for Dad. She said that he doesn't like receiving gifts, but it had been years since I last got him any sort of gift, and after a bit of time we came up with the perfect present. There's a photo of Dad and I from the last time I saw him - I have a copy hidden in my room at home; Mom doesn't like me having things that remind me of Dad - and Bella assured me that it is one of his favorite possessions, so I bought a frame to slip the photo inside. The frame was plain black with a silver plaque at the bottom which read "anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad".
It may have been a bit too sentimental, but it was something I thought Dad would like for when I go back to Seattle.
I didn't want to go back there - not at all. I know my friends aren't here, but I have Bella, Siobhan, Dad... and they have looked after me more than anyone in Seattle looked after me. They made me feel special, listened to me when I spoke and actually included me with things. And what killed me the most is that Mom had no idea I was staying with Dad, she had no idea that I got in contact with him, so it will be that bit harder coming back for visits without a logical lie or excuse.
Oh well, I still have a few more weeks to go.
So putting that behind me, I took the tissue-wrapped photo frame and went to find Dad. Family were meant to arrive at seven - in half an hours time.
"Dad?" I called as I descended the staircase. "Dad, you down here?"
"Yes?" His voice was faint and seconds later he appeared from his office. I was happy to see that he hadn't dressed up too much for the dinner, he just wore a smarter version of his usual suits.
He looked my outfit up and down, I couldn't tell what he thought. "Is this okay?" It looked smart to me, but perhaps it was casual to them?
"You look beautiful." That was another thing - Mom never said I looked beautiful 'cause I don't wear the clothes that she does. Hearing Dad say it was like... it was greatest thing. I couldn't describe it.
"Oh, thank you..." I stuttered and fiddled with the gift, then passed it over. "I know you don't like gifts but... I wanted to get you something. Um, happy birthday."
With a frown he pulled open the paper to reveal the frame. His eyes widened at the photo which sat inside. "Thank you," he said genuinely, "I mean it, that was very thoughtful of you." Dad awkwardly outstretched his arm and patted my shoulders like he was unsure whether that was allowed. It was definitely allowed.
"It's okay. Bella said you don't have things like this, so I hoped it wasn't too much."
"Absolutely not, Lil'. I, er..." he rubbed his eyes, "I know I didn't do, er, as much as I should have done... throughout the years. But, um, that doesn't mean that I didn't think of you. I thought about you everyday, and I never stopped caring. Never will stop caring."
Tears coated my eyes. I knew what Mom had said was a load of bull - Dad did love me. But why tell me he didn't? As one tear fell, followed closely by another, a strong arm brought me into a warm embrace.
"Why are you crying?" He asked, one hand stroked my arm soothingly.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what? Crying?"
Dad's care only made me cry harder. I was suddenly thankful that I never put any mascara on. "I don't know." And then I laughed. It was a very strange mix of emotions.
Our little moment broke when the front doorbell chimed to introduce our guests. Even though they were members of my family, fear still ran through me. A memory of meeting Mom's brother (my uncle) began to play - he made me feel two foot tall and when drinks were flowing, Mom told him that I wanted to box and he couldn't stop laughing. He's never addressed me since that night, and I don't know why. The fear that Dad's side of family could do the same is... something I wouldn't ever get over.
"Lil'," I focused on Dad and the two people that stood beside him. My grandparents. Grandpa looked incredibly smart in a suit just like Dad's, he had neatly trimmed blonde hair and the warmest smile. I had imagined him to be intimidating, being the owner of a company and all, but I couldn't have been more wrong.
And Grandma was... a lot like me and Dad. She held the same shading in her hair that fell to her shoulders and curled under. She was about a head smaller than Grandpa, but she held herself strong. Dressed in a slimming deep blue dress, Grandma was absolutely stunning.
My other grandparents - Nana and Papa - didn't care for themselves the same way Grandma and Grandpa did. They didn't style their hair, they didn't wear smart clothing, and it was like they accepted the fact they were getting old and couldn't do anything about it.
"Mom, Dad, this is Lily - your granddaughter."
"Oh, Edward, like you need to tell us!" Grandma stepped forward and bent down slightly to be level with me. "It's the greatest pleasure to meet you, Lily." My eyes welled up once again when Grandma wrapped me in a loving hug.
"Don't hog the girl, Es'." Grandpa took Grandma's place, "now why are you crying?" He asked with a smile.
"I, um... I'm just so happy to meet you."
"Like wise, my dear. I can only apologize for taking this long to finally meet you." I could tell he was genuine - it was written in his eyes and smile.
I shrugged it off, "it's not your fault."
"Don't sugar coat it, Lily; it is our fault. But no time like the present, correct?"
"Correct."
"Right! I think champagne is in order!"
Grandma and Grandpa led the way to the kitchen. Dad took my arm which stopped me from following. "Are you okay?" He asked me with concern.
"Yes. I'm sorry for crying again, I couldn't help it."
"Why do you apologize for crying all the time?" Cause it's a sign of weakness...
"I just, er, I guess I'm used to apologizing." I can't seem like a baby in front of Mom and her friends. I'm pretty good at hiding my tears, normally.
"Listen, Lil', if you need to cry then fuc-fudging cry. Don't be scared to be yourself around me, and I will be here if you need to talk about anything, understand?"
"Yes. Yes, thank you."
"Okay. C'mon, can't leave Grandma waiting."
I liked the difference that I saw in Dad, he wasn't as uptight and formal like `I was used to. Ever since the accident in the boxing ring he had been a lot more caring and had started to act like a real father should. I would like to see this side to him stay.
Auntie Rose and her boyfriend, Emmett, had been caught up somehow (I didn't want to know...) and I had felt my phone buzz in my pocket a couple times, so I saw that delay as the perfect time to slip out and check my phone. All three iMessages were from Bella, they said:
Hope everything is going OK, Sweetpea.
And:
If you're scared and can't imagine them naked, imagine Bossdad shaking them hips to Livin' La Vida Loca.
Then:
Go Ricky, go Ricky, go Ricky.
She added the 'fist' emoji at the end of the message which had me laughing silently into my hand. I sent a simple reply back:
Haha! I will. G&G are lovely! They've made me feel really welcome.
It was when I walked back to kitchen that my phone buzzed once more.
Ahh, my new friend Carlisle.
That time she included an 'OK hand sign' emoji, and my giggles came back in full force.
0-0
I hadn't expected to enjoy the dinner, because I had never eaten 'high-class' food, but I was pleasantly surprised. We had a vegetable-y type soup for starter, a beef dish with really thin potatoes, vegetables and a sweet sauce for main, individual profiterole towers with melted chocolate and toffee sauce - a croque en... something. And after dessert we had a selection of cheeses with lovely fruit decorating the board. I had never eaten so much in my life. We all cheered a happy birthday to Dad at the end of the meal, but he rolled his eyes and tried to forget that ever happened.
Auntie Rose, Dad and Grandpa were all talking business, so Emmett took it upon himself to keep me entertained . He was so funny, and such a lovely man! We had competitions to see who could catch the most grapes in their mouth - he won, then he challenged me to an arm wrestling competition. The others had ended their conversation to watch us.
"Be careful, Emmett, Lily is a lot stronger than she looks."
"Ha! Ed', you think that scrawny wee thing can beat me?" He flexed his enormous muscles and winked at me. "You're gonna lose, Lil'."
"You are going down, big man." My faux threat had everyone at the table laughing. We both rubbed our palms together and loosened up for the wrestle. We both put out our right arms. It was like comparing a twig to the entire tree.
I knew Emmett didn't use all his strength, but I sure did. It got to the point where I was struggling to hold on when Auntie Rose was suddenly seen leaning slowly over to Emmett and a quick tickle under his arm had Emmett lose concentration and I slammed his hand down to the table.
"Ha!" I cheered, "who is the 'scrawny wee thing' now, huh?"
0-0
Before everyone left, Grandma called the room to attention. She had a white envelope in her hands.
"As we all know, tomorrow is our Lily's birthday," she said 'our'...I am accepted as a member of the family. "Carlisle and I thought very hard over the perfect present, and we think we came pretty close." She handed me the envelope. "We both would love it if you opened that now; when we are all here."
I looked briefly at my audience and every one were eagerly waiting on me to open the present. I tore it open to reveal a folded piece of paper. Through the paper I saw the well-knowns 'A's of American Airlines. I read the information with one hand cupped over my mouth. I couldn't believe what I read.
"Thank you..." I sobbed and jumped off the couch to hug my grandparents. "This is far too much, but thank you."
"It is nothing compared to what you are worth, Lily." Grandma had said.
"It is the least we could do." Said Grandpa.
"What is it?" Dad asked, clearly confused over the whole scenario.
"Look!" I squealed, shaking the paper in Dad's face. "A yearly flight pass from here to Seattle!" I could jump on a plane whenever I want...
Dad was truly shocked, "holy shit. Mom, Dad... thank you. Seriously, thank you."
"I can come whenever I want, Dad!" The shock of it all had made me crazy. I fell into Dad's arms, and he squeezed me back just as tight.
"You were always welcome, Lil."
"Yes, but now I don't have to save up! This is the best gift I have ever received." It was already the best birthday, and the day hadn't even started.
0-0
The next morning, I had expected Dad to be at work and would have happily waited until the evening to celebrate my fifteenth, but when I walked into the kitchen for breakfast I was completely blown away. Siobhan, Dad and Bella were standing around the island with a small selection of presents laid out and two balloons bobbed behind them - a number 1 and a number 5.
"Happy birthday!" They all sang.
"Thank you." I was almost certain I was dreaming; I'd wake up soon and realize that last night didn't happen, and neither did this morning. But it wasn't a dream; it was all completely real.
Siobhan made me the biggest batch of blueberry pancakes which I ate as I opened the presents. I received a new jacket, other items of clothes, a new purse, a case for my iPhone, and from Dad and Bella I got the best present - a pair of professional boxing shoes and some black boxing gloves. On further inspection I saw the word "Rocket" sewn in white on the cuffs.
"Can we use these today?" I questioned excitedly.
"We could... but there is one more surprise."
Another surprise? I don't think I could take much more.
"Once you have finished those pancakes you need to go upstairs and dress in something comfortable. And put your sneakers on."
"My sneakers?"
"Yes," Bella tore the corner off my pancake and folded it into her mouth. "Fancy coming to Philly for the day?"
"Philly? As in, Philadelphia?"
Dad tapped Bella's hand when she reached for more of my breakfast. "What is in Philly that every boxer needs to visit? It involves a lot of running."
"And fist pumps." Bella added.
I knew exactly what they meant, and I couldn't have been more excited. "I'd love to."
"Go get ready then, Kid." I allowed Bella to finish the pancakes so I could run back to my room.
I viewed my cell phone as I got ready. No doubt Mom would phone me at some point, and if she phoned whilst I was in Philly, there's a chance the cat could be let out the bag. But if I phoned her now, when I was on my own, she'd be none the wiser. I reckoned I had a spare five minutes in which to make a call.
"Hello?"
It sounded strange to hear Mom's voice as not hearing for almost two months. "Hey Mom."
"Lillian! I was wondering when you were going to call." Once again I was made to seem like the bad guy, even when it was just as easy for her to do the calling.
"Sorry Mom, I've been really busy. How was the honeymoon?"
"Oh, baby, it was incredible! It felt amazing to get away, y'know?" Yes, I bet leaving me was a breeze.
"That's good..." She still hadn't mentioned anything about my birthday, so, as much as I wanted to keep it quiet, I used Philly to get a reaction. "Well I can't talk for long; I'm going to Philadelphia today with... friends."
"Oh, Lillian!" She scolded. "How dare you use my precious money to go on silly little trips? I hope you plan on paying me back for that."
"It wasn't your money, my friends paid for it as a birthday treat."
"Fuck... Lily I..." She had forgotten. Her only child's birthday and she forgot about it. That whole phone call was a mistake, and it showed me exactly what I already knew.
"Just leave it, Mom. See you later."
I thought phoning Mom would have been a good idea, but turned out to be the worst. At least I had the trip with Dad and Bella to keep me distracted.
It was only a shame they couldn't distract me forever.
0-0
Some seriously touching moments in that one. My poor Lily.
Philly trip in the next one, and we'll get some answers from Brody soon… ;)
In case you didn't already know, I have a new story up! Behind the Bars - Jailward, Mommyella, and a cute ass kid named Noah.
Till the next one… thoughts?