SKULDUGGERY AND VALKYRIE 33

VCPOV

It's my 18th birthday today… wow I'm getting all of Gordon's royalties from 6 years of sales, and I'm getting his house or should I say mansion, it doesn't feel right to call it a mansion. Hmm.

I think I decided on a perfect car for Skulduggery, a 1950 Ford Coupe. I found one for sale at a pawn shop. I tried it out for myself, it's pretty amazing. I'm planning to get it once my account has collected the money. He's going to love! And best of all it's black.

Around noon my reflection held my party with the signing and stuff. In a few hours not only am I getting the money activated also I own little party at my new house will be held. I don't know why I am excited, maybe it's because of Skul's car. Eh.

I put on my dress, man I looked awesome in it. Did almost no makeup except some cover-up foundation. I got a ride from Skulduggery. He was wearing a tux that was no different from the rest. It was awkward to get into his car wearing a short dress.

"So" Skulduggery began, "are you excited?"

"In a weird way, I am. By the way I'm coming by your house tomorrow."

"How?"

"How what?"

"How are you getting to my house tomorrow?"

"It's a surprise, but you'll love it."

"Oh, I wonder what it is?" he said sarcastically

We got to Gordon's house, err, my house to find Tanith and Ghastly already there.

"Well, can go inside?" Ghastly asked.

"Yeah, right." I unlocked the door and every one rushed into Gordon's study.

"Hi everyone!" Gordon said.

"So what are we going to do now?" Tanith asked.

"I'll get refreshments." I rushed over to the kitchen and grabbed a tray of 5 glasses.

"Here you go, it's swamp water."

"Ooh, what kind?"

"Uh, Coke, Ginger ale and carbon water."

She takes a sip, "Mm, good mix. Should we do presents?"

"Up to you guys, but I don't really need anything. I mean I just got 6 years of royalties, I think I'm set. Heh."

Ghastly handed me his present that was finely wrapped to perfection. It took me a few tries to find a good place to unwrap it. I chose a corner that had a slight tear. First thing I see is a hat, like Skulduggery's, I loved it. Inside was also a new jacket (this time the bottom was extended to the bottom, yes), pants, and awesome boots.

"Cool, a new outfit and a sweet new hat! This is awesome, thanks"

"It was nothing, I do it all the time." he glanced at Tanith who blushed a little.

Tanith handed me a box, about the size of a Merci chocolate box, yum. I lifted the lid to find a curved holster with a leather handle. Inside the holster was an ivory dagger, finally a weapon. Woo!

"Tanith, this is totally awesome! Thank you so much."

"I know, right? When I saw it I was like 'She's gonna love it'."

Gordon handed me a spiral bound book with no title. "Well?" he asked eagerly. "I couldn't think of a name, but I was planning on it being on my newest book when I'm finished."

"Gordon, I love it, thanks"

"It was quite hard thinking of a story line that I only had 4 weeks to get it done, but you're welcome."

Last was Skull. The box was tiny with a perfect bow on it. I didn't want to open it, it was to perfect. But I did anyways. It was a key chain, one side was a glass encased clover on the other side it said stranger things have happened. Perfect, just perfect.

I felt my face go a little red, "Skulduggery, this is perfect gift for a perfect day, thank you"

"Like every one else, it was nothing. Oh, here I forgot." He handed me a long tube. Inside was a stick… a stick.

"Thanks for the… stick?"

"It's not just a stick, it harnesses powerful gusts winds too."

"Really?"

"No, it's just a stick. The one you wanted for Christmas last year, you're welcome."

I can't believe I thought I was magical. Just like the thread he keeps in his pocket.

"Again, perfect. Thank you guys. This is awesome" *beep*.

I got a text from my reflection. It said that my money went through and I have 71'000 euros from royalties.

"Who was it from?"

"Uh, my reflection. I have like 71'00 euros"

"Holy crap! Are you serious?" Tanith said almost fainting.

"Uh, huh. I know, right? Now, what do I get first? Hmm… any ideas?"

"how 'bout takeout?"

"Sushi?"

"I'm done, Ghastly?"

"Why not?"

"OK. What do you guys want? I'm gonna have box 2."

"Make that that two. Ghastly?"

"Make it three"

"Alright, hold on…Uh, hello? Yeah I'll have 3 orders of box 2?… yeah, yeah OK, bye. They be here soon, now what?"

"Why don't you try on your new stuff?" Tanith insisted.

"OK be right back."

TPOV

Valkyrie got up to the stairs and kept going.

"Tell her"

"What? Tell her what?" Skulduggery sounded confused.

"You know."

"Not now. Not here."

"Why not? She likes you back." Ghastly and Gordon nodded in agreement

"She does?"

"Mm, Hmm"

"Hmm"

Val came back down the stairs.

VCPOV

As I came down the stairs Ghastly, Tanith, Gordon and Skulduggery turned away from each other to look at me. What were they talking about?

"So, what do you think?"

"Awesome, where'd you put the dagger?". I pulled my right side from my jacket showing the holster.

"Perfect" Tanith said

"Thanks, *sigh* a perfect end to perfect day."

"agreed" we all said toasting our swamp waters. Though Skul and Gordon didn't take a sip after, oh well.