Chapter 48- Myrtle's Party Begins

Every day for the next week, Skye wanted to watch movies so she could cuddle with Rae. Myrtle and Rae would compromise with her, as along as she would get her new chores done, then they could watch a movie. Skye was starting to get somewhat better at making her bed after lessons with Myrtle. Her other chores included tidying and cleaning her room, washing dishes after meals, washing windows, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, etc. while Rae was working, though she was growing increasingly jealous of Rae's clients. Alan called every day both to see how Skye was doing and to lecture her about the person threatening her. Skye was enjoying the attention from her new dad, but fortunately she wasn't receiving more threats. He even took her out for lunch a couple of times, once with AJ, Emily, and Jason (who Alan was super excited was joining them) and once just the two of them. Emily also had stopped receiving threats since she was keeping open communication about this too and they told her that Elizabeth had fully recovered from almost drowning. Skye invited Alan to Myrtle's birthday party, though she was certain he wouldn't come.

Skye was exhausted from just working three shifts of her new job, but she was very determined to make her family proud of her, so she persevered. Jax took her bowling one night, just as friends, but it was good to have a night out. Stuart updated them on Hayley. She was finally home from the hospital. She and Mateo were very sorry, but they wouldn't be attending Myrtle's party since Hayley was still recuperating. But they sent her a birthday card in the mail.

The Saturday of Myrtle's party arrived and after making her bed, Skye came downstairs to find Rae behind her desk talking on the phone.

"Yes, Erica," Rae said. "I can be there an hour early to help set up. We're very excited too."

Skye made her way over to the desk and lifted a newly framed picture—a photo Myrtle took of Rae and Skye together just the other day. This made Skye smile. She set it down, then went to sit in the chair with Rae. Rae scooted over slightly as Skye settled in beside her, partly on her lap.

"Bianca wants to help too? That sounds lovely. Skye?" Rae turned to her as Skye lifted her mother's free arm around her. "Yes, I'll bring Skye early with me so she can help us." Rae tapped Skye's nose making her giggle. "Yes, and we'll pick up the flowers. Stuart will be coming with Mama. She has no idea. She's already left. They're spending the day together and he's going to end the day by bringing her to the Yacht Club. No. I don't know whether they're more than friends or not. Okay. Yes, we'll see you later, Erica. Bye now."

Skye leaned against Rae's chest and twisted her short hair around her finger. "You should grow your hair out, Mom. It's way too short."

Rae laughed. "You think so?"

Skye nodded. "There's not much you can do with it. I want to grow mine long myself. Then we can do each other's hair."

Rae smiled. "That would be lovely. But I do like mine short."

"At least it's not all puffy and frizzy anymore."

"You like to make fun of your old mom, don't you?"

"That was a compliment!"

"Oh okay, well thank you."

"Can we… can we do each other's hair and makeup tonight?" Skye asked. "Help each other get ready?"

Rae kissed Skye's forehead. "Of course, we can."

"Unless… we skip the party and just celebrate here and watch a movie," Skye suggested. "We could invite Uncle Stuart and Dad… and I suppose John could join too if he doesn't hog you all night…"

Rae laughed. "There's a lot of people that love your grandmother and want to celebrate with her, so we better go to the party."

Skye frowned.

"But how about we book some special cuddle time together after the party, just the two of us? We don't even have to put a movie on."

Skye smiled and nestled in closer. "I like that. And maybe, can I sleep in your bed tonight?"

Rae sighed, unsure if this would be taking it too far. "We'll see. Now, we better get breakfast going then you can work on your chores."

Skye groaned. "Do I have to? Can't we just stay like this for a while? We're going to do work for Grandma's party later. Can't I take a break from my chores?"

Rae paused a moment in thought. "I guess making chores a seven-day a week thing is a little much. But we can't just sit like this until 3 o'clock…"

Skye sat up a bit. "You don't like it."

"What?"

"Cuddling. It's stupid…"

"No… honey…" Rae ran her hands through Skye's hair. "I'm enjoying it very much. It helps me express what I couldn't all these years. I just mean if we do it all day, we won't have it to look forward to later. We could do something else together in the meantime. Breakfast for starters. But please know, I want to spend as much time with you as I can."

Skye turned to her. "Okay. Can we cuddle just a little longer though then make breakfast?"

Rae nodded and opened her arms wide. "Okay."

Skye nestled in beside her once more. "Do you think Dad will come tonight?"

"Do you mean Alan?"

Skye nodded.

"Well… I never thought to invite him. He doesn't know your grandmother too well."

"I invited him…" Skye mumbled. "So, he probably won't come."

Rae sighed. "If he doesn't come it won't be because of you. He won't know many people that will be there."

"Yeah… he probably won't come…"

"Don't take it personally if he doesn't… he would if it were your party."

Skye frowned. "Would he? What if Emily had something on that day…"

"Skye… he would figure out a way to be there for both of you."

FargateFargateFargate

At 3 o'clock, Rae and Skye picked up the flowers in Pine Valley and headed right over to the Yacht Club. Opal, Erica, Jack, and Bianca were already there setting things up. Erica was in a frenzy making sure everything was just right. John just after 4 to help out as well, and the rest of the guests began to arrive at 4:45.

Joe and Ruth Martin arrived first, followed by Jake, Gillian, Dixie, JR, and JR's new girlfriend.

"A new girlfriend?" Skye said appalled as she greeted them at the door.

"This is Sage," JR said. "Sage, this is my sister Skye."

Skye eyed the young girl with long brown hair up and down, disgusted with her already.

"Hello," Sage said as she shook Skye's hand.

"Hello…" Skye responded.

Dixie sighed as she greeted Rae. "I wasn't going to come. Tad is beside himself over Jamie. But he thought JR and I could use a night out. And he wanted Myrtle to be surrounded by family and friends."

"Well, that was very kind of you to come," Rae said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now. Skye has been very worried about Colby."

Dixie, JR, and Sage joined Joe, Ruth, Jake, and Gillian at their table where a clown was making animal-shaped balloons.

Skye made her way over to Rae. "I do not like Junior's girlfriend!"

Rae scrunched her face. "What?"

"He is way too young to start dating! He's just a little boy and can do way better than her! I'm going to go kick her snooty little behind out—" She started to head over to the Martins' table but Rae held her back.

"Skye… They have plenty of chaperones. I'm sure Tad and Dixie have met her and are making sure she's good for him…"

"Why hello!" They turned around to find Alan and Monica walking in, and Alan pulled Skye in for a big hug. "If it isn't my favourite eldest daughter."

Skye's mouth dropped slightly as she hugged him back. "You came…"

Monica rolled her eyes.

"Of course, I came." Alan smiled at her. "I knew this was an important night for you. I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Skye blushed a little and Rae winked at her.

"Mom, can we fit Dad at our table?" Skye asked.

"I think we can manage…" Rae said. "If Monica's okay with sitting with us."

Monica sighed. "Whatever you say."

Alan turned to her. "Monica and I had a little talk today and she's going to be on her best behaviour."

Skye took Alan's hand and happily led him and Monica over to their table. The magician soon came over and made Alan and Skye matching blue and pink hats out of the balloons.

Rae smiled watching them together, then turned when Jesse and Angie walked in. She shook their hands, then walked over to Erica who was greeting Dimitri Marrick, Alex and Anna Devane, and Edmund Grey before they headed over to a table with Ryan, Becca, Leo, and Greenlee.

"Erica," Rae said. "Do you think that's everyone?"

"I think so."

Bianca came running to the hall out of breath. "They're coming!"

Rae, John, Jack, Erica, and Bianca headed over to the table Alan, Monica, and Skye were sitting at, and everyone hid under the tables.

As the doors opened and Myrtle walked in, everyone jumped up and shouted, "Surprise!"

Myrtle threw a hand over her chest and started to laugh. She patted Stuart's chest. "You sneaky little man, you."

Stuart and Myrtle joined Rae, Skye, and company at their table and everyone wished Myrtle a Happy Birthday. After hugging Myrtle, Skye turned her attention back to Alan. Monica was quiet the entire time.

As the waiter served drinks and Skye ordered her favourite club soda with lime (Alan ordered the same to make Skye feel special), the doors opened again, and Kendall walked in.

Erica scoffed. "She has the nerve—"

Myrtle slapped her arm. "Kendall is very dear to me and I want her here. Server! Bring over an extra chair right between me and Erica. Erica, be nice…"

Kendall walked over to their table carrying a gift bag. "Happy birthday, Myrtle!"

Myrtle rose to her feet and hugged her. "I'm so happy you're here. Come join us."

Kendall glared at Erica, but sat beside her, though she turned her attention to Myrtle.