68

Maisey didn't know where to go first, the flowers were so bright and pretty, but the ribbons along the stairs called for her to run and undo each bow. There were bubbles… some sort of machine was blowing them out across the room and out the door into the backyard and she stood in the doorway with her hands clasped together with joy.

Ton then motioned her over to the cake.

Happy Every Day Moosie Moo

She laughed as she clapped her hands, pointing at the cake that was shaped like a giant balloon, the shiny icing was brilliant. A giant purple balloon. She made little noises as she took the knife and plunged it in, pulling out a piece to scream as a cascade of M&Ms came pouring out from the middle.

"perfect" Curtis said softly "Ton … that was perfect. You are such a bloody artist!"

Ton puffed his chest out happily as everyone cheered, Maisey enjoying her 'not birthday' party while the other one happened somewhere else. Not that she cared. She was with those who loved her and as the knocking started and people started pouring in it became evident that many decided to leave the party to come to this one once they had politely spent a while there.

Curtis was torn now, knowing Gemini must know she was being ever so politely shunned. They went, looked at her toys and ate her food then left to come here. It felt… childish. He looked to Ianto who told him softly that this was their decision, not ours and besides … the child decided how things would go by creating a division between them.

When Gemini finally sucked it up and knocked it was Ben who opened the door, his face changing to one of anger when he saw her but his Grandy and Taddy had raised a good boy who stepped to one side and graciously invited her in.

Maisey did not care, yelling that she was here and making everyone sing happy birthday to her, then hugging her and asking her how her party was and did she want to try some crazy cake?

By the end of the afternoon everyone was happy, the party went off well and Maisey learned that she was worth something got her family, Gemini learned she was not worth what she thought she was and needed to get down off her high horse and her mother learned that the people that live here are sooo forgiving.

She knew her daughter was spoiled, knew she knew that had to change. She said this softly to Ianto who replied "Maybe take her into town to a soup kitchen for an afternoon? Let her see homeless people, those in need. Teach her to be humble."

"Oh thank you" she gushed "You are right! Yes. I will look into that"

Ianto nodded and settle back to watch as his family taught others a lesson.