"I think that's everything we need," Chloe said, on the patio of the Chancellor house, by the pool, "Did you put out the party favors?"
Pointing to a table, Kevin said, "They are all right there."
Walking over Chloe picked up a pointed hat and put it on. Grabbing a plastic top hat she held it out to Kevin.
"I'm not wearing that," Kevin said.
"Oh come on," Chloe said, "It's your daughter's birthday party. You need to have one."
"No, I don't," Kevin said.
Spying Susie and Bella walking over, Chloe said, "Here's two that won't mind wearing birthday hats." Chloe affixed one with colored tassels to Susie.
Looking from Chloe to Kevin, Susie said, "Do I have to?"
"You don't have to," Kevin said, taking if off her. Spotting Faith arriving with Sharon and Rey, Susie ran over.
"Something you might want to remember," Kevin said, "This her thirteenth birthday, not her ninth."
"I want one," Bella said.
"That's my girl," Chloe smiled, helping her into a hat.
"Happy Birthday," Faith smiled, holding out a gift.
"Thanks," Susie said.
"Why don't we put that over there?" Chloe said, "We will open them a bit later."
"Hi Sharon," Kevin said, "Rey."
"Thank you for inviting us," Sharon said, "Such a nice day for it too."
With Susie and Faith huddled together talking, Rey said, "Nice decorations. Hey look, party favors." Rey picked up a pointed hat and put it on.
"Sweetie, I think those are for the kids," Sharon said.
"You don't think this suits me," Rey said.
"Oh, of course," Sharon said, "What was I thinking?"
"You know," Kevin said, addressing Rey, "I can't help noticing you're here and I'm here."
"How very observant of you," Rey said.
"Who's taking care of things at the station if we're both here?" Kevin said.
"I imagine the chief is on it," Rey said, "They can manage a few hours without us."
"Nice hat," Kevin said.
"Where's yours?" Rey said, adjusting his, causing one side of the strap to break off. Removing it, Rey put it on nearby table saying, "You saw nothing."
Upon arrival with Kyle, Rachel rushed to her daughter, saying, "Happy Birthday!" She gave Susie a big hug.
A few of Susie's friends joined the party, the girls remaining bunched together, emitting occasional collective laughter. Spotting Kyle, one of the friends said, "Who is that?"
"That's Kyle," Susie said, "My new step-dad."
"That's him?" the friend said.
"Oh, you're so lucky," another said, "He's gorgeous."
Noticing they were watching him, Kyle smiled, with a quick wave. This sent a rippled giggle through the girls.
Friends Devon and Elena arrived, followed by Fen and Summer. Kevin greeted Michael and Lauren. Upon seeing them, Susie walked over to say "Hi."
Having changed into her bathing suit, Bella said, "Uncle Michael, are you going swimming?"
"Oh, that sounds like fun," Michael said, "But I forgot my swim wear."
"We have lots that you can borrow," Bella said.
Lauren chuckled, as Michael looked back her. "Delightful child," he said.
"She's right, I can lend you some," Kevin said.
"Now, I know where she gets it from," Michael said.
"Hey Dad," Fen said, approaching him, "Going swimming?"
"Not likely," Michael said.
Fen leaned into Susie and said, "He doesn't want to get his hair wet." Susie giggled.
Kyle looked up and smiled when he saw Jack enter the patio area. Walking over, Kyle said, "Dad, I didn't know you were coming."
"I would not want to miss my new granddaughter's thirteenth birthday," Jack said.
Approaching them, Rachel called, "Susie, look who's here!"
"Grandpa Jack!" Susie said, approaching him for a quick hug. "Hi sweetie," Jack said, "Happy Birthday."
"What about me, do I get a birthday hug too?" Mariah said, walking towards them.
Mariah hugged Susie and then jabbed Kyle, with a, "Hey you."
"Hey you," Kyle smiled. Looking past Mariah, Kyle lost his smile when he saw someone lurking a few feet behind her.
Leaning into Fen, Summer said, "What is she doing here?"
"Mariah, what have you done?" Kyle said, as Tessa sidled up beside her.
"She's with me," Mariah said.
Rachel glared at Tessa, so Tessa focused on Susie. "Hi," she said, "Remember me?"
Susie nodded. "Happy Birthday," Tessa said.
Susie looked at her mother, who said, "Come on, I think it's time for presents."
"Let's go put our gift with the others," Mariah said.
"It's not really appropriate for you to be here," Kyle said, "What part of stay away from my wife did you not understand?"
"I know you don't like me right now," Tessa said, "I am trying to make amends and be friends."
"You want be friends with a pathetic loser like me?" Kyle said.
"I'm sorry I called you that," Tessa said, "I was angry and not thinking clearly. Now, I don't want to cause a scene. Not on you step-daughter's birthday."
Kyle frowned as Tessa walked away from him. Looking to his left, he saw Chelsea, walking in with Connor.
"Hi," Kyle smiled, "Hey Connor."
"Hi, I'm afraid we're a bit late," Chelsea said.
"Not to worry," Kyle said, "The present festivities are about to begin."
"Then let's take ours over," Chelsea said.
"Look who I found," Kyle said, leading Chelsea to the others.
"You came!" Chloe said, rushing to greet her friend, "Hi Connor, it's nice to see you."
Connor smiled at Chloe and then his eyes searched the others. Catching sight of Susie, Connor was transfixed.
"I really like this make-up set," Susie said, "Thank you Faith."
"My pleasure," Faith smiled.
"I will show you the best tips for applying," Chloe said, "Don't go using it all at once, sometimes less is more."
Faith was helping Susie, choosing gifts from the pile and giving them to her. "Here's this one," Faith said.
"Who's it from?" Susie said.
"It's from me," Connor said.
As Susie unwrapped the box, Chloe leaned in to her friend and said, "Are you in on this?"
Chelsea shook her head, "Connor picked it out himself."
Susie opened a small box to find a necklace, with a shimmering butterfly ornament. "Oh, it's pretty," Susie said, "Thanks, Connor."
"You're welcome," Connor said, clearly pleased Susie had liked her gift.
"Next," Faith said, handing Susie a gift bag.
"That's from me," Fen said.
"And me," Summer added. Fen nodded.
Pulling a box out of the bag, Susie lifted to lid and gasped. She lifted out a snow globe, filled with a nature scene of trees and flowers, which shimmered when she flipped it back and forth.
"That's beautiful," Faith said.
"It's really nice," Susie said, "I love it. Thank you, Fen." Kevin cleared his throat, prompting Susie to add, "Thanks Summer."
"You're welcome," Summer said.
Kyle smiled as he watched others having fun in the pool. Rachel, Chelsea & Fen were in the water for adult supervision.
"Looks like fun," Summer said.
"Sure does," Kyle said, "Did you get some of that cake?"
"No, I'm okay," Summer said.
"It's really good," Kyle said.
"I'm not really that hungry," Summer said.
"Maybe you can take a piece with you and have it later," Kyle said.
"Shouldn't we get going soon?" Summer said, "We still have work."
"I know," Kyle said, "It's going to be a big job."
"Talking about work?" Jack said, coming up behind them, "It's a party."
"That's true, but we had a mistake come up and we need to fix it," Kyle said, "It's going to be a late night."
"Don't you have to be up early for your trip to Minneapolis?" Jack said.
"I do," Kyle said, "But this has got to be fixed."
"I work there too," Jack said, "I can take care of this. Just give me the details."
"Summer, can tell you," Kyle said, "She brought it to my attention."
"Perfect, I can touch base with you in the morning," Jack said, "Now nobody has to work late."
"Works for me," Kyle said.
"Yeah, good thinking," Summer said, hiding her disappointment of the missed opportunity to spend extra time with Kyle.
"I didn't know you were going on a business trip," Summer said.
"It's only for one night," Kyle said, "I have to drive up in the morning."
"It's a long way to go," Summer said.
"I should make in a few hours," Kyle said.
"Want some company?" Summer said.
"Thanks, but that's not necessary," Kyle said.
"I don't mind," Summer said, "It's make the time go by faster."
"I think I can handle a few hours drive," Kyle said, "It's some meetings and that's it. You don't need to come."
"I would like to," Summer said.
"Don't you have to brief my Dad about the issue?" Kyle said.
"I can send it to him," Summer said.
Kyle laughed and said, "You are persistent."
"Now you don't have to be alone," Summer said.
"No, Summer," Kyle said, "I am doing this one by myself. I'll be back before you know it."
"You sure?" Summer said.
"Positive," Kyle said.
"Fine," Summer sighed, "Then there's only one thing left to do."
"What's that?" Kyle said.
"Not be the last one in!" Summer said, grabbing Kyle's hand pulling him into the pool with her.
Having been standing behind Kyle and Summer, Tessa turned around and watched Kyle with a cold stare. Mariah noticed Tessa's expression and realizing Kyle was in her gaze, she became nervous of the fierce look in Tessa's eyes.
"Hey, what's going on?" Mariah said, approaching Tessa.
Coming out of her trance, Tessa said, "What?"
"Why are you looking at Kyle like that?" Mariah said.
"Oh, I wasn't looking at him," Tessa said, "My mind wandered. I was thinking about something else."
"It's been a great party," Elena said, as she and Devon stood with Chloe, "Thank you for inviting us."
"Yes, the invitation was a nice surprise," Devon said.
"I'm glad you could make it," Chloe said.
"We are going to head out," Devon said.
"You're not leaving already are you?" Chloe said.
"We were considering it," Elena said.
"Not yet," Chloe said, "There's more fun on the way. You won't want to miss it."
"I guess we can stay for a bit longer," Devon said. Elena nodded.
"Good," Chloe said, "This next part is going to be so much fun."
Devon and Elena looked questioningly at each other as, Chloe scurried off. As they watched Chloe grab a microphone, Elena said, "Is that what I think it is?"
Laughing Devon said, "I believe so."
"Okay, everyone," Chloe said, on the microphone, "Who's ready for Karaoke?"
There were varied, mild responses, although no one offered to participate.
"Oh come on," Chloe said, "What brave soul is willing to go first?"
Everyone was silent, until Elena raised her hand and said, "We will do it!"
Devon looked at her and said, "We will?"
As Elena took Devon by the arm and lead him over, he said, "I guess we're starting."
After selecting a song, the couple sang together, receiving a favorable response of applause.
"Alright," Elena said, "Who's next?" After no responses, Elena held the microphone out and said, "Summer?"
"Oh, no," Summer said, "No thanks."
"Oh, go on," Kyle said.
Summer looked at Kyle, and said, "I'll sing if you do it with me."
"No way," Kyle said, "No one wants to hear that."
However, Summer grabbed Kyle's hand and dragged him over to the microphones. Summer handed him one as he whispered, "I don't think this is a good idea. I'm not exactly comfortable with this."
Choosing a song, Summer said, "Here we can do this one."
Rachel and Fen looked at each other, with Fen giving a soft laugh.
Summer started to sing, with Kyle softly joining in, his voice becoming stronger as they progressed through. They were both off key, Devon wincing when Summer tried to hit a high note.
"They really should stop," Rachel said.
"Do you want to tell them?" Fen said.
Summer and Kyle were laughing as they ended their performance.
Light applause was given and despite the poor quality, Rachel and Fen cheered for them.
Addressing Devon, Kyle said, "What did you think?"
"Uh…" Devon started, "It was good try."
"Dad, what about you?" Kyle said.
"Don't quit your day jobs," Jack smiled.
Michael walked out with two drinks, saying, "I was inside and I thought I heard cats howling."
Fen laughed and tried to cover it, when Summer looked at him.
"It wasn't that bad," Summer said.
"What wasn't?" Michael said, "Did I miss something?"
"We're doing Karaoke," Chloe said.
"Oh," Michael said. He gave Fen a shove and said, "Why aren't you singing?"
"Would you?" Susie said, excited.
"Sure, why not," Fen said.
"Hi, everyone," Fen said, having grabbed the microphone, "Before I sing for you, I want to invite someone to join me. Rachel?"
Rachel shook her head. Leaning in to her, Kyle said, "I had to."
Rachel frowned at Kyle, before slowly walking towards Fen.
"Can she sing?" Summer said.
Smiling, Kyle said, "I have no idea."
Fen pointed out the title of a duet, to Rachel. "I can't do this," she muttered.
"I know you can," Fen said
Fen started off the performance, with Rachel hesitantly joining in. She quickly presented an appealing voice, a great companion to Fen's.
Kyle was pleasantly surprised by the quality of Rachel's vocals. Summer glanced at Kyle, to see him smiling, pride in his eyes as he was drawn by her voice.
Rachel and Fen concluded their song, to cheers and applause from everyone. Fen smiled at Rachel. "What did I tell you?" he said.
Amid the applause, Devon said, "Did you know she could sing like that?"
"Not a clue," Kyle said.
Rachel walked back over to Kyle, who gave her a hug. "Baby, that was amazing!" he said.
"You don't have to say that," Rachel said.
"No, he's right," Devon said, "That was very impressive."
"Thank you," Rachel said.
"In fact, maybe you and I could set up a meeting," Devon said, "We will see if we can put something together."
"You mean a contract?" Kyle said.
"Well, we can do some recording and see what transpires," Devon said, "But with that quality of voice, I have good feeling you would be successful."
"That's incredible," Kyle said.
"It's a great offer," Rachel said, "I appreciate your kind words, but I don't think this is the right thing for me."
"Alright," Devon said, "Think about it. If your change your mind let me know. Trust me, you have something there."
As Devon stepped away, Kyle said, "Why didn't you accept his offer?"
"Yeah, he was going to sign you," Fen said, "As he should."
"Yes, it was fun, but I'm not interested in singing as a career," Rachel said.
"But Mom, you were really good," Susie said, "You could be a star."
"Thank you," Rachel laughed, "It's just not for me."
"Talk some sense into her," Fen said, to Kyle, "This kind of offer is once in a lifetime."
"You were great too," Susie said to Fen.
"You think so?" Fen said.
"You're always amazing," Susie said. Flustered she added, "I mean when you sing."
"That's very sweet of you," Fen said. Susie blushed.
"I think you were amazing too," Summer said.
"Oh yeah?" Fen said.
As Fen leaned in to share a quick kiss with Summer, Kyle was watching.
"Everyone, it's picture time!" Chloe said. A few groans were heard, prompting Chloe to say, "I want a picture of all of you together."
"Follow me," Kevin said, "We can get together by the pool over here."
"Standing across from them with her camera, Chloe said, "Get closer to each other, we're all family."
"You have to be in the picture too," Kevin said.
"We will take a few," Chloe said, "I can be in the next one."
Mariah and Tessa, were standing off to the side, until Kevin said, "Mariah, come on, get in here."
Mariah went to pull Tessa along, but she held back. "You should come too," Mariah said.
Tessa shook her head, "No, you go. It's fine."
As Mariah scurried over, Tessa was surprised Mariah hadn't been more insistent for her to join in. No one else invited Tessa to be in the group, so she stood feeling left out, watching everyone chattering and laughing.
"Are we ready?" Chloe said.
One of Susie's friends noticed Tessa and pointing at her she said, "What about that girl?"
Tessa was aware everyone was looking at her. Her eyes met Mariah's, who motioned for her to come over. Tessa felt awkward as she approached the others. She stood at the end of the group, her hands on Mariah's shoulders.
Rachel and Summer were next to each other, missing Kyle and Fen.
"Where did they go?" Summer said.
"Okay, have we got everyone?" Chloe said.
"Not quite…" Rachel started, cut off by a stampede from Kyle and Fen. They plummeted themselves into the pool causing a wave of water to soak everyone standing alongside the edge.
Exclamations of surprise were heard, amid a few groans of displeasure. Kyle and Fen surfaced, both laughing and displaying big grins of success.
"Now, who taught to behave like that?" Lauren said.
"He did," Fen said, pointing at his father.
Michael couldn't help laughing, before he said, "Not me. I think you may have been spending a little too much time with your uncle Kevin."
"I would never," Kevin said.
"Ha!" Michael replied.
"Tell me you got that on video," Kevin said. Chloe nodded.
Susie's friends were transfixed watching Kyle and Fen, climb out of the pool.
"Would you look at them?" one of the girls softly sighed.
"Wow…" mused another.
Kyle was still grinning as he passed by Jack, who joked, "I'm embarrassed to know you, right now."
"Everyone smile," Chloe said, snapping the photo.
"Here, I'll take the next one," Kevin said.
"I can do it," Tessa said. She walked over to Chloe and said, "Let me, so you can join in."
Chloe hesitated, before she said, "Okay…" She handed Tessa her phone and gathered in with the others, next to Kevin and Bella. Tessa eyes surveyed the party guests. She took particular notice of Kyle as he stood behind Rachel, with his arms wrapped around her waist. Summer and Fen posed close together, Michael had one arm around Lauren, while Mariah stood on the other side of Kevin, both her hands resting on his shoulder. As Tessa focused the group into the camera frame, she observed how happy everyone as. "Enjoy your time together," she thought, "If you only knew what's coming." Tessa pressed the camera button, freezing their smiles in time.