Chapter 5 Birthdays
My first birthday party was for Mitch. We were doing very well listening to music and feeling playful. I made a cake and several drinks, and then we played cards with him. But the medal-awarding committee didn't feel we played cards enough or played the right game or something, so that was only a silver medal party.
The next day Gavin wrote me a note so I could take the day off work. Unfortunately, he couldn't write a note for himself, so the next party was only for J. The medal-awarding committee decided this one was worth a gold medal. Besides making gold, I also was able to make 5 gourmet dishes at a single event, satisfying one of my aspiration requirements. But other than that, everyone else was pretty miserable (my singing had nothing to do with that).
In fact, Zoe told me that she definitely did not want a party herself. "I thought when you said we'd have lots of parties, that it would be fun living here," she complained. "But I've peed on myself, I've passed out, and I've gained five pounds from eating cake and taco casserole. Promise me there won't be any more parties."
More like ten, Zoe, I thought, but I told her I was through as a hostess. It wasn't the right time to remind her that Pinochle would have to throw parties, too.
Gavin had his birthday when he came home from work that night. I had already gone to bed, but Zoe and J and Pinochle were still on hand to help him celebrate.
The next day J decided that he would continue to add to the population of Willow Creek and Oasis Springs. Nina had had twins Kacie and King, but J didn't think that would be enough to help out with future generations. He's been exercising; he thinks it might give him more confidence when wooing the ladies.
He asked me what I thought of the beard, and I said the beard looked fine, just fine.
The first house he went to was the Goths'. Cassandra was a young adult now and well aware that she and Alexander would be the last of their line.
J interspersed compliments with kisses, and soon found his way to Cassandra's bedroom.
The next day, he told me that he didn't like it that Aron would be the only child at Summer Holiday's house, especially since he was a boy. Summer was mad at him, though, because he'd flirted with Nina at one of our parties. So he wooed Liberty Lee instead.
The next birthday was Risk's.
He looks quite a bit like his father but seems to have inherited his mother's build.
His aspiration is to help us out by being a serial romantic, so he's alluring and cheerful in addition to outgoing. J has already started giving him pointers, even though Zoe and I think he's too young.
My birthday was next I barely had enough time to make my cake after coming home from work.
Pinochle's present was a big hug.
Zoe celebrated her birthday without a party as I'd promised.
Finally, we realized with a shock that Pinochle would become a teen tomorrow. He still was only at level 8 for the creative skill. Would he be able to complete his aspiration in time?
Zoe fixed him a sleep replacement potion and warned him that the formula was to be used, not abused.
Even though he worked quickly, each of Pinochle's drawings was a small classic. He completed the Artistic Prodigy aspiration about two hours before it was time for school.
He didn't have time for cake before going to school, so blew out his candles when he returned home.
Pinochle chose the Painter Extraordinaire aspiration and now loves the outdoors besides being creative.
I didn't get a picture, but when I went to the gym to make some friends, I found Cassandra there. I didn't ask her due date because I didn't want to embarrass her, but she was obviously pregnant. I do hope it's a girl.
(Note: Today is my husband's birthday, so the timing was perfect for this chapter.)
