Chapter 11: A Bohemian Birthday

It was around the time of February and spring was almost arriving soon. Roger and Mimi's relationship was going strong as usual. Once in awhile whenever Roger wasn't busy, he would come down to one of Mimi's late night ballroom classes she was taking. His relationship with Courtney was still going strong as it seems and Roger knew that his daughter's birthday was coming up in a few days. One night after Roger picked up Mimi and Courtney from the Community Center, they went to the Life Café to meet up with the others for dinner.

"So little chica, your birthday is coming up in 3 days," Angel replied, "Is there anything in particular you want?"

"Well…I want some new clothes, toys, new movies, and jewelry," Courtney smiled, "Will you guys throw me a birthday party?"

"Oh I'm sorry Courtney…you see we don't think we can make it," Collins said, "You see I have to work that day and so do all of us."

"It's not fair!" Courtney sighed, "Why can't we do something cool for my birthday?"

"We promise…we'll make it up to you somehow," Maureen said, "Don't worry…we promise."

"Hey I'll tell you what…why don't you and me go watch a show for your birthday?" Roger smiled to his daughter, "I'll let you pick out a Broadway show you want to watch and we can see it for your birthday. How does that sound?"

"Will Mimi come too?" Courtney asked.

"I'm sorry…but I have to work that day," Mimi replied, "Besides I think it's a good idea that you take up on your father's offer. He is treating you for your birthday and besides…you and your daddy will get to go on a little date for your birthday. He wants to do something special for your birthday and this is something that will mean a lot to him."

"So tiny what do you say?" Roger asked, "Will you like to go out on a date with your father for your birthday?"

"Is it just you and me?" Courtney asked, "After everyone can't come?"

"Everyone is bailing out on you…but I'm sure not bailing out on my little miracle girl," Roger said, "Is there a show you want to see?"

"I think I have one in mind," Courtney smiled hugging her dad, "I'll go out with you for my birthday. Huh I need to go to the washroom first daddy." Courtney got up from the table and went to the washroom while the others talked.

"You know we're lying to her," Mark said, "Have you bought the extra cans of paint yet and the new wallpaper?"

"I already got it," Roger said, "Huh…Benny is coming by just to double check on that extension we made to the loft. Besides…we tore down that old wall on the other end to add another room in the loft. I just feel bad that it had to be my daughter's room that had most of the damage done."

"I know and I can't to see the look on her face when she sees the surprise she'll get," Joanne added, "Does she suspect anything Roger?"

"Actually no…because I told Courtney that one of the pipes busted again in her bedroom so she wouldn't be able to sleep in there for awhile," Roger added, "Mark and I moved all of her stuff out of there so it would give you guys time to renovate her bedroom. She deserves a new bedroom…I was long overdue to do it with everything that has happened. So how is the renovation coming along?"

"It's almost going to be done," Mimi replied, "We're trying to have it done by her birthday so we can plan a surprise party for her and then show Courtney her new bedroom. All you have to do is keep her occupied until it's ready. You know its hard sneaking back and forth during the day trying to finish up the painting, the wallpaper, and the new furniture. The guys finished the painting so they're waiting for the paint to dry. The wallpaper will take another day to finish up."

"I know because you guys don't think I can manage handy work," Roger teased, "All I have to do is the distraction aspect right while you guys take credit for my plan?"

"Be happy at least that you get to spend time with your daughter while we do all the work for you Roger," Collins replied, "Courtney is getting a lot more than you expect this year for her birthday. I saw that new digital keyboard in the loft. Was that one of her presents?"

"She knows about that and besides she seems to enjoy it," Roger smiled, "She maybe a bit deaf tone trying to play…but she'll learn. After all she does have her father's musical talents. I have another Davis child prodigy in the making."

"Just make sure she doesn't step into the bedroom later on," Mark said, "You and I are going to work on the bedroom when she is asleep. We have to start putting up the wallpaper around the room. What about the bed and furniture?"

"I'll take that stuff to the goodwill store in the morning," Roger said, "Courtney's new bed and table is coming in tomorrow. I assume that the shelves are finished now. The next thing on the list is the food and cake and decorations."

"I'll pick up the cake on her birthday," Angel added, "Mimi and I will prepare the food and all of us have already bought Courtney her presents."

"Then that leaves me with picking the show to watch on Saturday," Roger said, "But what's a good show that is appropriate for a seven year old girl?"

"Whatever you pick…we'll make sure to have the stuff done by 7:00pm on Saturday," Mimi said giving Roger a kiss, "I'll make sure of that. If I were you…what about taking Courtney to watch Mamma Mia. It's a nice show I hear and it's about PG rated for her taste."

"That can work but I don't know anything about Abba," Roger added, "Okay I'll talk to her about that but make sure the deadline is Saturday night by 7pm everything has to be ready. I'll get a show in the afternoon at around 2pm okay? I'll try to get Courtney out of the house at around 7:30am Saturday morning okay? Call if there is any issues okay?"

3 days later…

The day of Courtney's birthday came. As promised, Roger took his daughter out for her 7th birthday. He felt like a proud father that his little girl was getting older each day. Roger took Courtney around Time Square for some shopping before they headed to the theatre to watch Mamma Mia. Courtney was happy to see her first Broadway show and it Roger was glad to see to see his daughter smile. Both of them were dressed in semi-formal clothing for the show. After the show, the two of them went down for a walk in Central Park and did a bit more sight seeing hand in hand.

"So what did you think of the show?" Roger asked his daughter, "Did you like it?"

"Yeah it was a good show…I like the seats we got," Courtney replied, "So the whole show was about a wedding and the girl trying to find out between those three guys who her father is?"

"That's the main plot," Roger added, "Actually the songs were based on the hits of a band called Abba. They were a pop band back way before you were born. They were around when I was very young during the time of disco."

"So the songs in Mamma Mia were based on a band named Abba?" Courtney asked.

"That's correct young Courtney Josephine Davis," Roger smiled holding his daughter's hand.

"You like teaching me about music daddy. I know that you would make a good music producer and songwriter because I know you write good songs. I believe in you daddy and one day I want to be like you. Have you written any new songs?"

"I have sweetie and I promise when I finish them you'll be the first person to hear them. I'm happy that you're enjoying your birthday. I told you that daddy holds up on his promises now. I'll let you in on a little secret…I've been working on some new demos and new remixes with some of the recording artists that I've been working with. They want to offer daddy an opportunity to work with Cardigan Records in Santa Fe. My boss sent some of my demos in to see if they would consider me to come aboard."

"Where's Santa Fe daddy?" Courtney asked.

"It's out west on the other end of the country," Roger replied, "Finally…things are looking better than ever. I can find one blaze of glory through this. Do you believe that Cardigan Records would like daddy's music he creates and write?"

"I think you're the best songwriter in the world daddy and they would be dumb not to listen to you!" Courtney added, "One blaze of glory you say. You have to find glory right? Have you heard anything yet?"

"Not that I know of," Roger sighed, "But…I still got dreams to remember and I have to wait for now until something happens. At least right now I can enjoy my date here with my little miracle birthday girl. Are you enjoying your birthday?"

"Yeah because you and I are on a date," Courtney smiled holding her dad's hand, "Don't worry daddy I'm sure everything will be alright and Cardigan Records will like your music. You said it's your dream and I want to see you smile always. Daddy…did you ever play for mommy? Did she ever like your music?"

"Your mother was my biggest fan," Roger said, "I met your mom a long time ago at a gig that I was playing and from then on out we got together. I married her about 6 months later. I proposed to her at a Bon Jovi concert. I still keep my wedding ring as a memory of her."

"What was mommy like?" Courtney asked, "Do you miss mommy?"

"I miss your mother everyday," Roger sighed, "I promise you to tell you anything you wanted to know about her so I'll hold true to that word. Sometimes your mother had your wild side that's what attracted me to her. She was very intelligence when it came to music knowledge and she did a lot of collecting…mostly vintage records. I know you would like to hear about her. She always liked hearing stories I would tell her about anything…just like you."

"So I guess mommy and I are alike?" Courtney asked.

"Well she was sometimes very curious like you, pushy in a way like you and she was the most beautiful woman I ever fell for," Roger said, "She was highly smart than you could possibly imagine what you'll turn out to be one day. You remind me so much of her and it doesn't hurt much anymore missing her because I see a lot of your mother in you. I tell you that your mother and I did something right in our lives with you. She would be proud of the little girl you turned out to be now."

"She would be happy for the two of us," Courtney replied, "I like it when you tell me stories about mommy so I learn more about her. I wish…she was here for my birthday so she can celebrate with us."

"Would…you like to visit mommy for your birthday?" Roger asked, "She would have probably wanted to celebrate your birthday with you. What…do you say? Would you like that?"

"Okay I would like that," Courtney said, "Can we buy some flowers for mommy? We can tell her about everything with Santa Fe and Mimi."

"Anything you want," Roger said, "So shall we go?"

Roger and Courtney went to Haven Memorial Gardens a little while later. The two of them spent some time for awhile visiting April's grave. Both of them were trading stories of what was going on in their lives right now and Roger even told about his relationship with Mimi and the offer of Cardigan Records in Santa Fe. He watched as his daughter was talking to April's grave about her birthday today and her plans.

"Like mother, like daughter," Roger thought, "Am I redeemed yet? I'm trying here until I am granted my amends for what I did April. At least you get to be here to celebrate Courtney's birthday today. Our little miracle girl…is one year older today. I hope you're proud."

Meanwhile at the loft…

"Okay straighten it on the left side now," Maureen instructed Collins and Mark moving the dresser, "No that's a bit too far! Maybe Collins to the right a bit! No that's not right! Mark move a bit forward! Wait that doesn't sound right…"

"For Christ's sake Maureen make up your mind!" Mark yelled in frustration, "They'll going to be home in less than few hours and we are far from done!"

"Gosh I can't believe you men aren't grateful for my help!" Maureen complained, "I'm just giving you guys some instruction!"

"You want to try lifting a dresser and moving it across the room be my guest!" Collins said.

"Alright her toys and books are back on the shelves," Joanne said, "It's all organized and her table is ready. The art easel is in the corner there. I'm going to step outside and help Angel finish preparing the food and decorations. Maureen…you can help me out with that!"

"Thank you Joanne," Collins and Mark replied, "Finally some peace and quiet. Mimi…do you still have Courtney's figures, supplies and pictures?"

"Yeah I have them here," Mimi replied as she was putting all the glass figures and pictures on Courtney's nightstands and dressers, "We're almost done in here. You guys can head into the living room and finish decorating."

After Collins and Mark left the bedroom, Mimi was finishing up the last touches on Courtney's bedroom. She was putting back all of Courtney's pictures on her dressers and nightstands. Mimi glanced through everyone of them from pictures with her and Roger, to with her aunts and uncles. She found one of Roger and Courtney and a young woman with red hair when Courtney was a baby.

"I guess…she must be April, Courtney's mother," Mimi thought to herself, "The first woman Roger ever loved. Roger looked like he had everything and he was so full of life back then and his family mattered to him."

"Courtney was around one year old at that time," Benny suddenly said entering, "We…went to Coney Island that time during the spring. It was about 4 months before April died and all that shit that happened between Roger and Sophie occurred."

"I…didn't see you come in there," Mimi said, "Roger probably must have given her that picture as a memory of April…one of the only few family pictures they had together. It must have been hard for Courtney not to have a mother around. April must have meant the world to Roger and Courtney."

"He spent five years…blaming himself for killing April," Benny said, "He felt it was his fault for causing April to relapse those last few months in her life when she found out about Sophie. It was hard to convince Roger it wasn't his fault…but the day April died was the day Roger completely shut down and became so disgruntled and broken. After April died, Roger struggled coping raising Courtney on his own without April there. He couldn't function properly and he literally thought at times he was going to die soon just like April…but Courtney kept him alive."

"You evicted Roger and Mark at one point and now suddenly…you guys are back on good terms again," Mimi said, "But Roger is doing much better now…him and Courtney are closer than ever. Why would it matter to you how Roger is doing?"

"Because I've known him for a long time and that guy is like a walking shadow Mimi. Besides the difference between Roger and you in your little relationship is that…"

"Okay just stop Benny!" Mimi replied, "I know I was the one that caused you problems with Allison after what happened and I'm sorry okay? I don't want to talk about what happened with us because I can't bare to have Roger or Courtney for that matter to figure some things I've never told them to come out. Roger's been through enough and all he wants is closure in his life with his daughter."

"And I suppose…you want to be the one who brings it to those two?" Benny asked, "Exactly what are your true intentions with your relationship with Roger? That is something you should think about…are you with him out of sympathy or…is it because of Courtney?"

"I care about Roger and Courtney," Mimi added, "Right now I don't want to put any dampers in Courtney's birthday today okay? I suggest you knock it off Benny."

A few hours later…

Roger came home at around 7:30pm with Courtney in toll. The two of them arrived back to the loft after finishing up at the Haven Memorial Gardens. Courtney and Roger walked into the dark loft a few moments later and suddenly Courtney went to turn on the lights. She was surprised to find the place decorated with streamers and balloons and prepared food on the table. She found her aunts and uncles standing there with smiles on their faces.

"SURPRISE!" they yelled, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURTNEY!"

"You…didn't forget my birthday?" Courtney smiled, "Daddy…they didn't forget my birthday! It's a surprise party for me?"

"I know that sweetie because it was daddy's plan all along," Roger smiled giving his daughter a kiss, "Your aunts and uncles helped set up the place while they worked on my surprise for you. I knew you were hard to surprise."

"C'mon Courtney you don't think we'll forget your birthday?" Mark asked, "Besides…you're part of our little Bohemian family and we never forget each others' birthdays…not even yours."

"Besides…you only turn seven once a year chica," Angel replied, "And that is something to celebrate today. Our little Courtney is growing up so fast and your dad must be proud."

"I am more than ever," roger smiled, "Happy Birthday Courtney…so shall we get this party started then?"

"It's my birthday started let's get this party started!" Courtney yelled excited, "Let's go!"

The Bohemians began to sing "Happy Birthday" to Courtney as she was blowing out her candles on her birthday cake. Mark was filming the party as they were all dancing and enjoying themselves. They all ate the food Mimi and Angel prepared and Courtney began to open all of her presents as each of the Bohemians gave their presents to her.

"Make a wish sweetie," Roger smiled, "Ready?" Courtney blew out her candles as everyone clapped and started cutting the cake.

"I want to open my presents!" Courtney yelled, "Where are my presents? I want them!"

"February 25th 8:30pm eastern standard time," Mark narrated, "The youngest of our little Bohemian family is officially seven years old. Courtney has just finished blowing out her candles and now she is anxiously waiting for her presents. Roger pulled off a surprise party for his daughter despite the fact it was us who did the annual labor and he got all the credit…typical behavior to expect from the Davis family."

"Oh knock it off Mark!" Roger replied, "Hey this was a team effort…although it was my idea you guys get the rest of the credit."

"He does have a point there," Benny replied, "We all did help out."

"I hope you like this one Courtney it's from me and Aunt Maureen," Joanne replied giving her the gift, "Happy Birthday Courtney."

"Thank you Aunt Joanne, Aunt Maureen," Courtney replied opening the present revealing a new antique glass doll, "This is so pretty. I promise to be careful with this doll…it's so nice."

"Here tiny Happy Birthday," Collins and Angel smiled giving her a gift, "This is from me." Courtney opened the gift from Collins revealing a box book set of Harry Potter Books and The Chronicles of Narnia. Angel put gave another present revealing a small set of bongo drums. "Hey I know it's a lot of words for you…but you can get your dad to read that."

"This will help you learn how to drum," Angel added, "But with your hands. Besides I would have bought you a drum kit…but you got a piano already so I guess it's a bit too crowded.

"Can you daddy?" Courtney asked, "Thank you Uncle Collins and Aunt Angel."

"Happy Birthday Courtney," Benny replied giving her next gift, "This one is from me, Marcus…and Allison. Don't worry my son has already apologized for what happened and your Aunt Allison couldn't make it because she had to rest at home."

"I'm not mad anymore…Uncle Benny," Courtney replied, "I know you don't really mean that stuff. Wow…this is beautiful a new dress."

"Let me guess…you bought a Prada bag and a some new clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue?" Mimi asked, "Allison bought it for her?"

"Yeah…at least we've made up for now," Benny added, "After all…she's pregnant again with my kid so we had to work out our problems for the sake of our kids."

"I would say whip lashed or lucky shot," Roger teased as he took the camera from Mark, "Hey you're up Mark…give Courtney her gift." Mark represented his present to Courtney as she smiled and opened her present…a navy blue video camera and a digital camera.

"My own video camera!" Courtney yelled, "I can film like you Uncle Mark! Thank you!"

"Sweet mother of pearl now I got to contend with another camera in my face," Roger sighed in laughter, "Out of all the presents you can buy my daughter…you had to get one that reminds me so much of you."

"Hey…she's old enough to learn the tricks of the trade about filming," Mark replied, "I'm just giving my little niece here a push in the right direction. Besides I think it was time she deserved one after she plays with mine all the time."

"Anyways…there is still one more present Courtney and this one…is a surprise," Mimi smiled as she blind folded Courtney, "This one you have to keep your eyes closed…it's from your dad."

"Actually…correction this is from me, Mimi and all of us," Roger added.

"I'll call you Aunt Mimi now" Courtney asked as the Bohemians led Courtney to the other side of the room and they opened the door to her bedroom, "What is it? Can I open my eyes?"

"Alright open your eyes!" they all replied, "Surprise!"

Courtney smiled as she saw her bedroom completely renovated with new furniture, painted, and redesigned. She was smiling and yelling with joy as she started touching everything around the room while they were filming it. She hugged her dad and everyone else in appreciation for her room.

"My bedroom…it's all brand new!" Courtney smiled, "It looks so brand new! Thank you!"

"It was my idea to renovate your bedroom as a surprise for your birthday sweetie," Roger smiled, "It took us a week to finish it and your aunts and uncles did most of the work to help fix up your surprise. However…most of the work on your bedroom was done by Aunt Mimi so this is technically her gift to you."

"It's true," Angel replied, "Mimi was the one that contributed to most of the work done in your bedroom…since she did most of the renovations non-stop for the week."

"Oh thank you, thank you Aunt Mimi," Courtney smiled giving her a hug, "I love it!"

"Hey no problem," Mimi replied, "So…would you tell us what you wished for your birthday?"

"Not this time…because it won't come true," Courtney replied, "But my birthday wish…I hope it does come true. It won't come true if I tell you."

"Well whatever your wish is…I'm sure it will come true one day," Roger smiled, "Happy Birthday Courtney."