AN: It's Serenity's Special Day
Courtney's POV
July 10
( AN: kinda speeding things up )
7:00 AM
Today was the day, the day that changed my life 4 years ago and when the most important person arrived.
" Sssssh let's do this quietly " I whispered looking back at Duncan who carried gifts in his arms while I held colourful balloons.
Quietly opening the door I checked to make sure Serenity was sleeping peacefully but I couldn't help and gaze at her.
I can't believe she's 4 today.
" Let's set up her first set of surprises " whispers Duncan as he quietly walks in along with me "She's gonna love this " I replied placing the balloons at the foot of her bed while Duncan set up her 3 gifts.
This afternoon was the party, we made sure to hand out invitations last month but unfortunately, not all her classmates could attend because they were going away for vacation.
Thankfully Louis, Mikey, Millie and Miguel were coming. Also attending was Geoff, Bridgette, DJ, Katie, Gwen, Trent, Tyler, Lindsey, Alejandro, Heather and most importantly Duncan's parents and brothers along with her cousins Jamie and Kyle.
Duncan and I spent most of last night blowing up balloons, decorating and moving the furniture around, all in all, we did well in setting up the birthday party.
Serenity requested a pretty party, when we went to buy party decorations she went directly to the sparkling balloons, streamers, paper napkins and plates, and table covers all pink and purple.
Duncan tried to convince Serenity to have a car-themed party but she immediately said " no " making me laugh.
Serenity even made a special request, during a recent visit to Duncan's parents, she asked his mom if she can make her birthday cake. Melinda was so overjoyed, without hesitation said she would love nothing more than to bake her granddaughter's birthday cake.
( AN: who agree that birthday cakes by grandma's are the best )
It was going to be a 3-layer chocolate cake with pink marble flowers and to be served with ice cream.
Today was definitely going to be a nice little birthday party and what's more special about it Duncan was here to enjoy it with us.
" Okay all set " I breathed trying not to cry "I hope she likes her gifts? " asks Duncan smiling as we quietly walk to the door but as we did, little yawns were heard meaning the birthday girl was waking up.
I couldn't help but smile in excitement so we sat on opposite sides of her bed watching her wake up while holding Duncan Deer in her arms.
" Good Morning " we greeted her as she sat up rubbing her eyes "Morning " yawns Serenity looking at us but then her eyes go directly to the balloons and gifts.
" For me? " she asks pointing " Happy Birthday, " we said together "My party is today? Yay I can't wait " says Serenity now fully awake and smiling.
"That's right and so you can open these gifts now " said Duncan placing them in front of her only to see more excitement expressed on her face " These are from your cousins Josh and Marc " he adds which got my attention " oh really? " I asked as Duncan nodded.
" Yeah Mom let everyone know about Serenity's birthday and so Josh sent her a gift as an apology and Marc just sent her a gift " he explained smiling " well thats nice of them " I replied watching as we watched Serenity open her gifts " but fair warning mom said more arrived " says Duncan smiling.
Oh dear I can only imagine, Duncan's family is huge.
" Look Mommy Daddy " said Serenity holding up a Lalaloopsy dolls named " Pix E Flutters " it was a very cute doll " it's a fairy dolly " she exclaims happily looking at the box " that's so nice be sure to say thank you to your cousin " I said watching her reach for the next present " I will mommy " Serenity answered tearing wrapping paper " oooh pretty " she says smiling at the gift which turned out to be a toy pink tea set.
I couldn't help but smile knowing Duncan was doomed to have tea parties all summer. Then for the last gift was from Josh and Marks parents who sent a brand new backpack for school along with a card that not only had a greeting but 50 dollars so that Serenity could buy something extra.
" Okay now that you got to open a few gifts this morning...what would the birthday girl like for breakfast? " I asked as we all got up " ummm...waffles " answered Serenity as Duncan picked her up " oooh waffles good choice " replies Duncan smiling " okay coming up " I answered as we all walk out of the room to have breakfast.
12:00 PM
Once breakfast was settled and done, I got Serenity ready followed by me and Duncan.
I was just setting up the paper cups and plates, refreshments and drinks on the table, Duncan was going to grill hot dogs and burgers, then later the cake will be served.
" Okay that should do it " I breathed looking at the variety of chips and veggie trays I just put out...
" Looks great babe " said Duncan coming from down the hallway.
* knock * * knock *
We perked up hearing the door " yay my friends are here " says Serenity standing up from playing with her new toys and Duncan Deer...
" Okay let's see who it is " says Duncan walking to the door, when he opens it standing there was Bridgette, Geoff, Trent, Gwen and Louis...
" Hello who's birthday is it? " asks Geoff making everyone laugh along with carrying a gift " it's my birthday " Serenity answers steeping forward " Happy Birthday cutie " greets Bridgette crouching down followed by Serenity hugging " thank you " says Serenity hugging Bridgette.
" Glad you're all able to come " I said joining them at the door " come on in " I add as they all walked in.
Serenity's POV
I'm so happy to see people coming for my birthday today.
Mommy and Daddy were talking to the others.
" Look Louis my dolly " I said showing him my new toy " cool " says Louis as we play with my toys " what else did you get? " he asks smiling " I don't know mommy says I can open more presents later " I answer wanting to know what other gifts I will get.
Louis smiles at me as we play " SERENITY!!! " turning around and I see Millie and Mikey coming " hi " I said as they come up to us " come play with us ".
I couldn't wait to play the party games when everyone else came. We are going to play freeze dance, pin the tail on the donkey, pass the parcel, and we got a piñata in the shape of a purple flower. I hope this time we can break it and if not I can ask daddy to break it again.
" Where's my girl " I look behind me and I get really happy...
" Gamma Gampa " I call seeing them then quickly rush to them...
" Happy Birthday sweetie " says Gamma giving me a hug " your here " I said looking at her " do I get a hug? " asks Gampa smiling " yeah " I answer going to hug him too " Happy Birthday my dear " he says hugging him " thank you " I said smiling.
Just then my unkis arrive as well as Jamie and Kyle, along with DJ and a lady...
I'm so happy everyone is coming...
" Mommy can we play games now? " I ask going to her while she talking to Bridgette and Louis's mommy, " I think we can now " she answers smiling "Wait I think someone isn't here yet..."
" Hello everyone we're here," says someone arriving we all look to see Miguel and his parents here.
10 Minutes Later
Me and everyone couldn't stop giggling as we all sat in a circle ready to play the first game...
" Okay everyone the rules of parcel pass are simple...when the music stops the person holding it unwraps a layer " explains Mommy handing me the present " and whoever opens the last layer keeps the prize " she adds smiling.
" YAY!!!!! " we cheered...
" I wonder what it is? " asks Jamie excited " me too " said Mikey smiling " I bet it's a cool prize " said Louis who sat beside me " Maybe it's a toy " said Millie who sat on my other side.
" Okay ready set...aaaaand go " says Daddy playing music.
" I like this song " I said passing the parcel " yeah it's good one" said Louis giving the parcel then it's passed to Jamie but we couldn't stop laughing, then finally daddy stops the music landing on Miguel...
" Looks like I get to take the first layer off " he said taking the paper off while smiling " okay and go " says Daddy playing the music again...
We keep going for I don't know how long but finally when it's the last paper it stops on Millie " What is it? " we all ask wanting to know what the prize is " It's a box of Hubba Babba Gum " cheers Millie holding her prize up.
We all started cheering for her including everyone else " Yeah that's my girl " says Millie's daddy...
" Okay next game " said Mommy as we all got up from the circle to play " pin the tale on the donkey "...
" Alright honey your first" said Daddy putting the blindfold on " it's dark " I laughed then I was given the tail " woohoo " cheers Geoff " you can do it little sunshine " calls DJ making me smile.
I was walking carefully to the poster but it was tricky to find " am I close? " I ask feeling around " almost there dear " says gamma.
I finally felt the poster " I got it " I giggled putting the tail on but when I took the blindfold off I put it on the feet...
" Good try " says Unki Lincoln smiling along with everyone clapping then it was someone else turn...
Louis's POV
I was enjoying Serenity's party it was fun.
It was really exciting when she gave me an invitation before school ended.
Me, Mommy and Dad went away for a whole week, I was worried that we weren't going to be back in time. I would of been really sad if I couldn't go to Serenity's birthday, she came to mine and I was really happy that she came.
I couldn't wait til she opened my present...I hope she likes it a lot.
" So Louis...how are you? " asks Miguel standing beside me as we watch Kyle take his turn " I've been good we just came back from a trip " I said to him " that sounds fun " he said to me " my family will be going on vacation soon too " Miguel adds.
Looking the other way I look at Serenity smiling and then my heart starts moving quick " So you do like her? " says Miguel quietly making me look at him " none of your bees wax " I answer crossing my arms " I like Serenity more then you " said Miguel.
I now get upset looking at him " she's my best friend " I said " she's mi amor " answers Miguel staring at Serenity " I think we will look good together " he adds.
" No you won't and leave her alone " I said now getting mad " we'll see " says Miguel going next for his turn.
Crossing my arms I'm mad and bothered by what Miguel said " are you okay Louis? " asks Serenity standing next to me but when I look at her face " your really pretty " I said but then I turn red " uh...I mean...yeah...your...sorry...I - " I don't know what to say...did I just say that???
I feel so embarrassed right now I can't believe I said that to Serenity " aw that's so nice thank you " she says smiling shyly at me " your welcome " I said feeling my face get warm...
" Hey why is your face red honey? " asks Mommy standing beside us "Uhh...I don't know? " I said nervous walking up to go take my turn...
In the end Jamie won and got a king size chocolate bar as a prize...
Miguel's POV
After the victor was announced for " pin the tail on the donkey " the next game we were playing was freeze dance which sounded very interesting.
Mainly because I was an excellent dancer especially when meringe or regaton music would be played.
I look over at mi amor who's getting punch with Millie while the others get snacks with the help of the other adults...
" Hey Duncan I think after this game we should start grilling and let the kids eat " said Serenity's Mama going up to the Senor who was trying to figure out the music " alright sounds good I'll fire up the grill " he said walking to the balcony.
" Alright everyone let's take a breather " calls Serenity's Mama once again and makes me smile as I go up to the snack table.
All the adults were conversing amongst themselves or helping with the snacks...
" Would you like a refreshment young man?" asks Serenity's Abuelita kindly " por favor Señorita " I answer giving my best smile " oh aren't you polite " she replies giving me a cup of punch " gracias " I said accepting the drink.
I got up to Serenity " your fiesta is fun " I said beside her making sure Louis sees me " I'm glad you like it " answers Serenity smiling at me " I can't wait for my birthday cake it's special because gamma made it " she adds excited.
" That's so cool...what kind of cake? " asks Millie " it's chocolate cake " answered Serenity which got the others attention even mine " did you say chocolate cake? " asks Mikey looking very happy " chocolate cake is the best " cheers Jamie.
" And Mommy said we can have ice cream too " said Serenity happily which I had to say made her looks very beautiful.
" I wish we could just eat cake now " said Kyle looking at the lovely cake, I'll admit even I had the greatest weakness for chocolate.
Normal POV
1:00 PM
Outside on the balcony Duncan was preparing the grill, " hey bro Serenity's party is killer " says Geoff helping him put charcoal in the grill " thanks even though not all the kids could come it's still a pretty good turn out " answered Duncan pulling out his lighter.
Geoff looked around to make sure no one could hear " So I gotta ask dude fatherhood is it hard? " he asks getting Duncan to look up at him " honestly I wish I could say how it's been from the beginning but I still regret to have not been there for the first few years of Serenity's life " starts Duncan which lighting the grill " but what I can say though...is that I couldn't have been happier then the moment I met Serenity " he adds turning his head to look inside seeing the kids playing together.
Geoff smiles watching them all play " so it's different for everyone? " he asks looking back at Duncan " yeah but also be there for them " adds Duncan smiling.
" Hey how's it going out here? " asks Lincoln coming to join them with John following " man how do kids have so much energy? " laughs John as the kids currently run around, making them all laugh...
Meanwhile inside Courtney is preparing the food that will be getting grilled but also made sure to prepare the vegetarian patties separately for Bridgette.
" Hey " greets Gwen coming into the kitchen " how's it going? are you doing okay? " asks Courtney rinsing her hands " yeah all good just wanted to ask if by chance do you have any peanut butter? " asked Gwen trying not to laugh.
" Oh definitely...cravings kicking in? " says Courtney opening the fridge " oh yeah this baby begs me for things but then I again I also give in " laughs Gwen rubbing her belly of 5 months " oh I remember those days " replies Courtney taking the peanut butter out " I remember actually dipping pickles in peanut butter " she adds.
Gwen's eye light up hearing the word " oh that sounds good " she replied opening the jar and putting some on a late that had vegetables and chips " I kinda want pickles now " says Gwen currently dipping Doritos in peanut butter.
" Okay the grill is just about ready " says Duncan walking into the kitchen " oh perfect maybe while the food cooks we can get the next game going " explains Courtney handing Duncan the big plate " okay sounds good " he said but then noticed Gwen's plate " is it good? " getting a nod from Gwen as she chew.
" Okay who wants a burger and who wants a hotdog? " calls Duncan walking out of the kitchen suddenly a whole bunch of kids telling him what they wanted while walking to the balcony " would you like me to take over so you could enjoy the party " offered his dad.
Surprised by the offer Duncan looks at his dad briefly " Uh...you sure? " he asks before handing the plate to his dad " go enjoy your daughters party son " replies his dad smiling " thanks old man " says Duncan smiling while his dad rolled his eyes " thats dad " he answers going to the grill...
" Okay let's get the next game going " announced Duncan walking inside to the stereo...
Once again all the kids gathered in the middle of the room waiting to hear the instructions for the next game " okay who's ready fro freeze dance? " asks Courtney smiling at everyone " ME ME ME!!!! " they all answer at the same time making everyone laugh " alright that answers the questions " said Duncan smiling.
Once the rules were discussed the kids got themselves ready, it was a pretty easy game which was dance to the music and when it stopped you freeze. If your still dancing when the music stopped then your out.
The first song to play was " Iko Iko ( My Bestie ) "...
All the kids had there unique dancing style which got many parents laughing, " oh man I can't " laughs Trent covering his face with a cushion to muffle his laugh " be nice " says Gwen pressing her lips together trying not to laugh " my stomach hurts " breathes DJ holding his stomach as he laughed...
Suddenly the music stopped and to everyone's surprise everyone froze...
" Damn there good " said Tyler " impressive " replies Katie...
" Alright then " said Duncan playing the next song...
The same song continued til he stopped it again and unfortunately Millie was the first one out but her Mikey reassured he would win for them...
" Okay then 1 down 6 to go " announced Courtney looking at the group " lets make it more interesting " she adds giving the kids glow necklaces and sunglasses " WOAH COOL " everyone exclaims " now it's a party " says Geoff giving a thumbs up...
The Next song was " Don't you worry child " which surprisingly got them all very excited...
Once they started dancing again or more like jumping around like they were at a rave, Courtney made sure to take pictures of them all.
The next one to get eliminated was Jamie, then Louis, then Kyle and then Mikey now just left standing was Serenity and Miguel.
" Alright last two good luck " said Duncan smiling at Serenity " show them those moves Hijo " cheered Alejandro giving a thumbs up...
" GO SERENITY " cheered everyone " kick Miguels butt then give him a wedgie " said Millie which got the adults reacting differently and a few laughing " yeah Duncan would know a thing or two about wedgies " said Heather rolling her eyes " clearly " says Alejandro amused giving Duncan the eye " I'd be more then happy to demonstrate one on you " says Duncan staring back making Alejandro look else where.
" Play a good song daddy " says Serenity smiling at Duncan who gave a wink before pressing play to hear " Say Hey ( Chipwreck version ) "...
Both gave it there all to win the last round even putting there best moves but when the song ended both were tired that they fell to the ground tired, resulting in a tie. Courtney and Duncan rushed to help Serenity stand up as did Heather and Alejandro, " well I guess that's it " chuckles Bridgette along with the others.
They were both given a bag of gummy worms as there prize.
30 Minutes Later
After freeze Dance was over everyone had an appetite so once everything was grilled they all ate.
The kids were all currently eating together in the middle of the living room...
" That was a fun game " said Jamie before biting his burger " yeah " muffles Mikey his mouth full of hotdog " I wonder what we'll do next? " asks Kyle looking around the room seeing everyone eat or talking. " Hey Serenity your really good at Freeze Dance " said Louis smiling at her " thank you " replied Serenity before taking a bite from her burger, she developed a big appetite after the game.
" Aw no wedgie " said Millie out loud looking at her nemesis " why should I get a wedgie? " Miguel asks frowning at Millie " cause your a doo doo head " answered Millie before sticking her tongue out at him.
" Serenity " calls Courtney walking over to the kids " yes mommy " answered Serenity " would you like to open your gifts now? " asks Courtney getting her daughter excited as well as everyone else...
As soon guests grabbed there gifts Serenity took her time unwrapping each one, she received clothes, toys, colouring books with new crayons, gift cards, but the one that really got Serenity excited was the karaoke machine she got from Geoff and Bridgette.
" alright I think that's everything my dear " said Melinda while gathering wrapping paper and gift bag along with others helping her...
" I don't think so look what we just found " said Duncan carrying 2 wrapped boxes with Courtney walking beside him, while everyone cheered knowing it's bound to be good.
" Happy Birthday sweetie " says Courtney kissing Serenity's forehead followed by Duncan hugging her " we hope you like your gifts from us " he said smiling placing the two boxes in front of his daughter waiting in anticipation to open them.
Quickly unwrapping them Serenity's eyes lit up when she saw a Belle Princess and a Beast doll each one containing other characters from her favourite movie.
" I love them thank you Mommy and Daddy " she exclaims quickly going up and hugging them for the gifts she received " your very welcome " answers Duncan smiling at his daughter's happiness.
Duncan's POV
Man I couldn't have been any happier then when Serenity opened her gifts from me and Courtney.
For awhile she was giving us hints on the dolls and whenever we went out or go anywhere she would immediately rush to the Barbie section to stare at the Belle and Beast dolls. She went on about how she wished she could have it.
I'll admit I would of preferred if she got into cars but I guess for now she like what she likes.
" Okay everyone let's go break the piñata and then afterwards we'll cut the cake" announced Courtney getting everyone as we all headed outside.
As we all got outside and set up the piñata my phone buzzed...
Getting it out of my pocket I see a message...
Tye Tony: Yo!!! Is the party still going on?
Raising a brow at the message I reply...
Me: Yeah we're just outside setting up the piñata, why?
Without getting an answer back I suddenly hear a sound...
* honk * * honk *
Turning around I see Tony walking while Tye is driving a small electric Jeep car for kids with a big red bow placed on the hood. It was coloured pink and decorated with flowers, actually all leather interior and it even had a license plate with Serenity's name on it...
" HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! " they said together making everyone look...
" Wow a car " says Serenity running over to the gift with all the kids running to it " is this for me? " she asks smiling in pure happiness " yes it is from all of us at the shop " explains Tony while Tye puts Serenity in the drivers seat.
I walk up to the car shocked " this is quite the gift " I said unable to stop looking at it " yeah we all chipped in to buy it but we also customized it too " replies Tye smiling " looks fun " I said seeing as Serenity started driving the car a bit.
" Guys this is too much " says Courtney sounding concerned as she stood with us" hey it was nothing " said Tony smiling " I wanted to add flamethrowers but it wasn't probably a good idea " adds Tye shaking his head making me look at the two.
" Come on guys " calls Serenity to the kids " Louis sit by me " she adds as Louis sat beside her " okay no boys in the cars " I said about to intervene when Courtney pulled me back.
" There young " she says holding my arm while watching Serenity and Louis ride around for a bit...
" So I heard a piñata was going to get broken? " asks Tye excited...
30 Minutes Later
Breaking the piñata couldn't have been more entertaining then ever.
Once the kids got a turn each and just like at Louis's party adult help was needed so Tye was given the honour to finish the job and let me tell you he destroyed it along with making sure all the candy was out.
When that was done Tony and Tye went back to the shop.
Now it was time to cute the cake, all the kids had there party hats on except Serenity who wore a crown. We lit the candle that was in shape of a 4 and placed the cake in front of Serenity...
" Alright everyone..."
" Happy Birthday To You,
Happy Birthday To You,
Happy Birthday Dear Serenity
Happy Birthday To You "
We all cheered as she blew her candle out " yay cake time " said Serenity as the cake was taken to get cut...
" Happy Birthday Serenity " says Louis smiling at her " thank you I'm glad you came to my party " she says smiling back...
Okay maybe not all little boys were bad it's not til there older is when they start becoming a problem...
Just then the cake was served and along with it vanilla ice cream, " yum cake and ice cream " says Mikey ready to devour his piece " it's so good " said Jamie before eating.
" Okay guys look here " says Bridgette taking a picture of the kids eating " now let's get all of you together " she said as they all got up and stood closer together, as they waited for the picture to be taken Louis suddenly got pushed and he did what I never wanted to see which was kiss Serenity.
My eyes currently opened up when it wasn't only me who witnessed it but others too...
" Oh man " laughs Geoff " aw that's so cute " said Lindsey and Katie together...
Meanwhile Serenity only stared at Louis " uh sorry I didn't mean too " he says nervously " it's okay " she said smiling shyly at Louis.
" Wow you got a kiss " says Millie standing by Serenity " ew you got cooties now " said Kyle pointing at Louis who said nothing...
" Not fair I was suppose to kiss her first " exclaims Miguel that we all looked at him but I just only stared at him " he better not..." I said then next thing was Miguel kissed Serenity on the cheek as well...
Taking a deep breath I smile " Okay...Louis...Miguel...your allowed a 10 second head start " I announce both of them looked confused at first when Geoff spoke " run guys daddy's mad " he said...
Both of them immediately run to the door and out in the hallway followed by me running after them...
" HE'S ONLY 4!!!" shouts Trent running after me " HE'S GOT A BRIGHT FUTURE NOT THE FACE!!! " shouts Alejandro following us going down the hallway.
As for everyone else they all just stood still " oh boy " said DJ before eating a piece of cake " somehow I pictures this would happen? " says Bridgette scratching the side of her head.
" Well Duncan is gonna protect his little girl " said Lincoln smiling " oh definitely " replies John trying not to laugh.
Courtney just sighed heavily before going to Serenity " that's just Daddy being silly honey " she says rubbing her arm " he is very silly " replied Serenity smiling...
Just then music started playing and everyone stares at Geoff and DJ playing with Serenity's Karaoke Machine...
" Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha)
I wanna really, really, really wanna zigazig ah "
Everyone stare at the two while trying to hold in there laughter as they continued singing...
" If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
(Gotta get with my friends)
Make it last forever, friendship never ends
If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give
(You've got to give)
Taking is too easy, but that's the way it is "
The two started dancing as they continued singing the rest of the song, which made everyone forget that Duncan was chasing the kids who kissed his daughter...
AN: It took awhile to finish this chapter but I got it done.