The Jenkins Girl

by Rosalind B

Chapter 16 - Happy Un-Birthday

Last time: Statler and Waldorf took CJ as a client.

It was Saturday morning. Chet had his oatmeal, CJ moved on to CocoPuffs.

"Sure you don't want some?" she taunted.

"Do you really want me on a sugar high?" he laughed.

"But it makes the milk chocolate. That's the fun part," she then slurped the milk from the bowl.

"You are such a kid. I love it," he put his face in his hands and watched her.

CJ noticed the thoughtful look on Chet's face.

"Wha? Did I spill some?" She looked down her t-shirt, chocolate milk on her upper lip.

"Nope. Was just thinkin'. What do you want to do today? Anything special?"

CJ shook her head, then drank the last of the milk.

"I want to go back to the studio. I miss it. Don't get me wrong, I love being here with you but-"

"But you miss your space. I get it," he smiled. "I don't blame you."

The two lovebirds cleaned up after breakfast. Chet washed the dishes. CJ stepped behind him, wrapped her arms around his chest, and gently leaned on him. Her head rested on his left shoulder. She could feel his heartbeat in her chest. His chest and shoulder muscles were firm and steady. He may be the smallest man on A shift, but he was no slouch. Marco's muscles had more definition perhaps, but years of carrying hose and equipment in combination with "healthy" eating kept Chet in shape. She slid her hands a little further south, just to his belt.

He smiled, but continued his task.

"I know today's your birthday Thia," he rinsed a plate. "Are you sure you don't want to go somewhere else? A movie maybe? Fancy dinner? Roselli's maybe?"

CJ didn't answer for a few moments.

"I don't really celebrate my birthday. Too many sad things happened that day. Lost Mom one month before my 11th, then Daddy right before my 15th. The best birthday was the emancipation hearing at my 16th. On my 18th, and 21st I was working and going to school, so it was just good to be alive. To be honest, I wouldn't know how to celebrate." She returned her head to his shoulder. Chet finished the dishes, but didn't want to break the embrace. He enjoyed these "just hold me" moments. He put his hands over hers.

"Well, why don't we start over? I could show you how to celebrate. After we go back to your place, let me figure out something."

CJ walked back into her studio. Chet stayed at the door, watching her run her hand over the furniture, the kitchen counter. It's as if she's looking to be certain everything is safe.

CJ opened the windows. Chet looked in the refrigerator.

"Wow. It's really clean in here."

CJ laughed. "Looks like Mrs. Roselli came by. The last time I was away she emptied the fridge so I wouldn't return to spoiled food."

"You're like the 'other' daughter then?" he smiled back.

"More like the 'only' one. She has only three sons. She wanted a daughter, but it didn't happen." CJ continued her inspection. The paint area was as she left it. The darkroom was fine. Satisfied, CJ returned to the kitchen.

"Well since we have no food, I guess we'll have to go out and celebrate as you suggested," she grinned.

Chet wanted to take her to Roselli's or some other fancy restaurant and show her off. Then he had second thoughts.

If she really doesn't celebrate, better not force her to be social. And that stupid court date's coming up.

"Since you're not up to being shown off yet, I'll head to the store and get some things. You just stay put and get re-acquainted with your stuff. This year we'll keep it low key. Next year'll be a big party." he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"Next year. I like the sound of that," CJ pur her arms around Chet and kissed him. It started gently, but soon became deep and passionate.

"Hurry back," she spun Chet around and pushed him out the door.

...

While Chet dashed around collecting the items he needed, CJ checked her answering machine. The shoe designer called, raving about the ad. A copy was on the way to her, and he wanted CJ exclusively for the next campaign.

Okay, good news, nice birthday surprise, though I wish he'd let me take the photos instead.

The next message was from Jonathan Gregorios.

"Hi Cynthia. We got lucky. The hearing is set for next Thursday, 9:15am. It's going to be an administrative judge hearing the case, so it'll be just us, the Renaults and their attorney. Less drama. The cease and desist went out also. Call us Monday and we'll fit you in to review what will happen. Happy Birthday!"

Okay, I can deal with that.

The third message was from Elmira Renault.

"Cynthia. We received the cease and desist letter. It's a shame you've decided to let someone else talk you into hurting your own interests. Nevertheless, we wish you a happy birthday. You won't hear from us again until the hearing."

Well, that was a backhanded birthday wish. Considering she's never wished me one before.

Then the knock on the door.

"Thia!" Mrs. Roselli stood on the porch with a tin pan. "Buon compleanno!(Happy Birthday!)"

CJ raced to the door, and let her landlady in.

"Oh you shouldn't have!"

"Yes, yes I should. You are like family. I would not let your birthday pass." CJ could smell the lasagna as she took the pan and put it in the oven. Mrs. Roselli handed her a bottle of wine.

"I'm off to the restaurant. Book signing. Your boyfriend will be here yes? You will not be alone like last year?"

"He's out getting some food," CJ hugged the older woman. "I will not be alone."

Twenty minutes later, the boyfriend returned with a bag of chinese food, balloons, and a small bakery box. As CJ giggled, Chet tied the balloons to her easel. The bakery box went into the refrigerator. Then he opened up the food containers and dished the dinner onto plates. He held out her dining chair, put a napkin on her lap. Poured a glass of wine. Gave her a deep kiss, then said,

"Okay birthday girl, dig in!"

Chinese take out never tasted so good to CJ.

After dinner, Chet again washed the dishes. He refused to let the birthday girl do them. Again, CJ gently leaned on him, with her arms around his waist. She told him about the messages. They laughed at Elmira's.

"She's crazy," Chet said. "I'll be glad when this is over."

"Makes two of us," she replied. She kissed his neck, then nibbled on his ear. She slid her hands to his belt, gently tugging on the buckle.

"When can I unwrap my present?"

"Thought you'd never ask," he whispered. She pulled him into the bedroom.

Chet was sound asleep. He and CJ made love just as passionately as their first non-date. CJ crept into the kitchen, took the small bakery box out of the refrigerator and opened it.

It was tiramisu, with piped frosting that spelled "Happy Birthday Thia". She started to cut it, but couldn't. Filled with emotion, CJ walked over to the photo of her parents. With one finger she traced their outlines. She smiled, whispered "Love you both.", and returned to the dessert.

It would be the last peaceful day that week. Between preparing for the hearing, and Chet returning to work, the next few days were a blur. But CJ wasn't the only one not having a peaceful week.

Elmira Jenkins-Renault was not sleeping well. A certain redhaired fireman visited her in her dreams. She would beg him to talk, give her some words of comfort. He said only

"Why?"