Vi’s Birthday
The day of Vi’s birthday, Caitlyn arrived early with Jayce. Vi opened the door to the bar and greeted them warmly. "Thank you for coming. Come in, please," Vi said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Jayce gave Caitlyn a quick hug and then turned to Vi. "Call me when she’s ready to leave," he said, giving Caitlyn a gentle pat on the back.
"You’re not staying?" Vi asked.
"No, I'm not. I'm sorry, I’ve got work," Jayce replied apologetically. "But here, happy birthday," he said, handing Vi a beautifully wrapped bag.
"You didn’t have to," Vi said, feeling touched by the gesture.
"It’s your birthday. I had to," Jayce said with a smile. "Thank you," Vi said, her voice with gratitude. Jayce just smiled and left, giving Caitlyn one last hug before heading out the door.
Vi led Caitlyn further into the bar. "Welcome, Ms. Kiramman. I’m Vander, Vi’s father," said Vander, his presence commanding yet warm.
Caitlyn smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vander and it’s just Caitlyn."
"These are my sons, Claggor and Mylo," Vander continued, gesturing to the two young men beside him. Claggor, tall and sturdy smiled, while Mylo, shorter and more animated, greeted her with a friendly grin.
“This way please” Vander said, guiding them to a cozy corner of the bar where a table was set up with decorations and party favors.
Vi took a seat beside Caitlyn. "Your family is wonderful, Vi," she said sincerely.
"Thanks, Cait," Vi replied, her cheeks slightly pink with pride. "They mean a lot to me."
Vander approached the table with a tray of drinks. "Here you go, some refreshments to start the celebration," he said, placing the drinks in front of them.
Vi picked up the glass for Caitlyn, holding it steady as Caitlyn leaned in to sip from the straw. “Oh wow, that tastes amazing,” Caitlyn said, her eyes lighting up with genuine delight. Her lips curled into a warm smile as she looked at Vi.
Vi grinned proudly. “Oh, thank you,” Vander chimed in from behind the bar, his voice filled with humble pride. “It’s my favorite,” whispered Vi into Caitlyn’s ear, the soft, playful tone making Caitlyn's cheeks flush faintly. She turned to Vi, smiling softly.
Before either could say more, the door suddenly swung open with a loud *BANG*. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS!” Powder’s voice rang out like a firework as she burst into the bar, clutching a confetti cannon. The colorful streamers erupted into the air, floating down like tiny pieces of joy.
Vi barely had time to react before Powder, her face lit up with uncontainable excitement, bolted towards her. “Powder!” Vi exclaimed. She set her drink down hastily, standing up just in time to catch Powder in a tight hug.
“I didn’t think you were gonna make it” said Vi “How could I miss my favorite sister Birthday.” Powder said breathlessly, pulling back slightly to beam up at Vi. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Caitlyn watched the scene unfold, feeling like a welcomed part of something deeply special. Vander chuckled heartily from his place behind the bar, shaking his head fondly. “Well, it wouldn’t be a party without Powder making an entrance,” he said, his tone warm as he began to pour another round of Vi’s favorite drink.
Vi gently ruffled Powder’s hair, her voice soft and affectionate. “You never do anything halfway, do you, Powder?” Powder giggled in response, throwing her arms around Vi once more. “Not when it’s for you, sis.”
Caitlyn found herself smiling, not just at the humor and warmth of the moment, but at how fiercely loving this family was to each other.
“You must be Miss Caitlyn Kiramman. Nice to meet you,” said Powder with a dramatic little bow, her long braids bouncing as she bent forward. Her tone was half-joking but sincere enough to make Caitlyn giggle.
“Just Caitlyn,” she replied with a warm smile, her voice soft. Powder grinned and plopped herself into the seat next to Vi. Vander handed Powder a drink, the frothy glass barely touching the table before she tilted it back and drained it in one gulp.
“Easy there,” Vi said, raising an eyebrow but smirking nonetheless.
Powder set the glass down with a satisfied sigh. “I was running to get here on time. I really needed that,” she admitted with a sheepish smile, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
The whole table burst into laughter, the kind of shared joy that warmed the air. Powder relaxed into her chair, her energy still buzzing as her fingers tapped rhythmically against the table.
Vander, watching the scene unfold with an amused chuckle, waved at Mylo and Claggor. “Hey, boys, give me a hand with the food in the back, will ya?” Mylo groaned dramatically but got up after Claggor slapped the back of his head.
Once they were out of earshot, Powder leaned forward on her elbows, her mischievous grin widening as she turned to Caitlyn. “So, Caitlyn, how do you manage to stand my sister? She’s unorganized, boring, lazy, and—”
“Powder.” Vi’s voice was sharp, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she tried to cut off her sister’s teasing.
Caitlyn only laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I actually like spending time with her,” she said, her sharp blue eyes flicking toward Vi with a fondness that made Powder sit up in interest. “She’s… she’s changed my life, truly.” Caitlyn hesitated for just a beat, her voice softening. “She’s brought light back into my world.”
Vi’s face turned an unmistakable shade of pink. She looked down at her hands, suddenly fascinated by the wood grain of the table, but the small, bashful smile tugging at her lips was impossible to hide.
Powder tilted her head, her mischievous grin softening into something more heartfelt. “Yeah, well... she’s a sunshine,” she said with an almost conspiratorial wink, her voice a little quieter, as if sharing a secret with Caitlyn.
The moment lingered, until the door to the back swung open. Vander returned with Mylo and Claggor trailing behind him, their arms laden with platters of food. The rich scents of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air as the boys began placing the dishes on the table.
“Alright, dig in!” Vander said cheerfully, clapping his hands together.
Powder’s eyes lit up as she immediately reached for a plate, her youthful exuberance drawing laughter from the group once more. Vi caught Caitlyn’s gaze, her blush fading but the warmth in her expression still there.
The door of the bar swung open once again, a gust of cold night air sweeping in as a familiar voice called out, "Happy birthday, my love." Heads turned as Sarah walked in, her polished stride exuding confidence. Her eyes scanned the room before they landed on Vi. Without hesitation, she moved toward her, wrapping Vi in a tight hug.
Powder rolled her eyes. "Oh great, drama enters stage left," she muttered under her breath, earning a stifled giggle from Claggor, Maylo and even Caitlyn.
Sarah, completely ignoring the peanut gallery, leaned in close to Vi and whispered, "I'm sorry I'm late." Her voice was low and soft.
Vi pulled back slightly, giving Sarah a small, understanding smile. "It's okay—you missed dinner," she replied, her tone neutral.
“Oh,” Sarah said curtly, her expression unreadable. “I’m sorry.”
As she pulled away from Vi, Sarah’s eyes shifted, locking onto Caitlyn, who had been quietly watching the interaction from the table. Sarah’s expression hardened, her previously soft gaze replaced with something sharp and calculating. “You must be Caitlyn,” she said, her voice cool and detached, each word carefully measured.
Caitlyn, managed a polite smile despite the frosty tone. “Yes. Nice to meet you,” she replied, her voice calm and composed, though the tension was palpable.
Vander, ever attuned to the emotions in the room, clapped his hands together loudly, cutting through the building awkwardness. "So, shall we cut the cake?" he suggested with a cheerful tone that was just a touch forced.
The group shuffled to the table, where a beautifully frosted cake sat waiting, its candles casting a warm glow across the room. Vander began slicing the cake, serving generous pieces to everyone. The atmosphere lightened momentarily as Powder happily dove into her slice, smearing frosting on her cheek in the process.
Sarah, however, remained quiet and serious, her focus rarely straying from Vi—and Caitlyn. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly as Vi, with a soft laugh, picked up a forkful of cake and offered it to Caitlyn. Caitlyn smiled warmly, leaning forward to take a bite, her gaze lingering on Vi as if the rest of the room didn’t exist.
Sarah’s jaw tightened, though she tried to mask it behind a sip of water. Vander noticed the tension immediately, his instincts as a father kicking in. He set down his fork and turned to Sarah, his voice gentle but pointed. "So, Sarah, how’s the shooting competition going? I heard you’ve been busy."
Sarah blinked, caught off guard by the question. “It’s going well,” she replied, her tone clipped. “Demanding, but rewarding.”
Vander smiled knowingly, leaning back in his chair. “That’s good to hear. Hard work pays off, you know. You’ve always been a driven one, Sarah.”
As the conversation shifted, Caitlyn watched silently, observing the dynamic between Sarah and Vi. She couldn’t help but notice the tension in Sarah’s posture, the way her fingers gripped her glass a little too tightly. Caitlyn’s own emotions were a mix of curiosity and discomfort, but she chose to focus on the warmth of Vi’s presence beside her.
Vi, sensing Caitlyn’s unease, brushed her hand lightly against Caitlyn’s under the table, a subtle gesture of reassurance. Caitlyn glanced at her, their eyes meeting briefly, and in that moment, she felt the tension in her chest ease.
Powder, oblivious to the undercurrents of emotion at play, spoke up with her mouth still full of cake. “Hey, Sarah, you’re missing out. This cake is amazing—Vander outdid himself!” she said, grinning despite the frosting smudged on her face.
Sarah glanced at Powder, her lips curving into a tight smile. “I’m sure it’s delightful,” she said coolly, though her attention soon drifted back to Vi.
"I heard you’re a great marksman," Sarah said, her tone laced with curiosity that felt far too pointed. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as they locked onto Caitlyn.
"Sarah," Vi said sharply, a warning edge in her voice. Her posture stiffened as she glanced between them, trying to preemptively calm the brewing tension.
Caitlyn, to her credit, remained composed. She sat confidently, her expression poised and unreadable. "Yes, I was," she answered coolly, a hint of steel in her voice that betrayed the emotions simmering just beneath the surface.
Sarah wasn’t deterred. "Have you thought about trying to go back?" she pressed, her words deliberate, her tone unyielding. There was no mistaking that she was testing the waters—or perhaps Caitlyn herself.
Vi’s patience snapped a little further. "Sarah, not now," she said, her voice more forceful this time. Her jaw tightened as she glared at Sarah, a silent plea—or demand—to let it go.
Caitlyn, however, surprised everyone. A subtle smile tugging at her lips that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I don’t think so," she said evenly, her voice calm yet brimming with quiet confidence. “Wouldn’t you want more trophies?” Asked Sarah still cold toned. Her gaze slid to Sarah, cool and unapologetic, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "Trophies? Been there, done that. I’ll let the rest fight over my leftovers."
There was a beat of silence so thick it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.
Powder, Mylo, and Claggor exchanged wide-eyed glances before Powder broke into a giggle, unable to contain herself. "Oh, burn," she muttered under her breath, loud enough for the others to hear. Mylo and Claggor quickly joined in, their stifled laughter breaking through the heavy atmosphere like cracks of sunlight.
Sarah’s lips pressed into a tight line, her expression carefully neutral, though her eyes flashed with something unspoken—irritation, perhaps. She turned her gaze to her drink, swirling the liquid in her glass as if it might hold a better response than she could muster.
Vi let out a slow, audible exhale, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. She shot Caitlyn a small, appreciative smile, the kind that spoke of admiration for her strength and subtle wit. Caitlyn returned the smile briefly, the warmth in her expression reserved solely for Vi.
"Well," Vander interjected brightly, clapping his hands together as though to physically dispel the lingering tension in the air. "How about another round of cake, huh? Or maybe some more drinks?"
The room gradually eased back into a semblance of normalcy, though Sarah remained unusually quiet, her posture rigid as she sipped her drink. Vi reached under the table and gave Caitlyn’s hand a quick, reassuring squeeze, a silent acknowledgment of what had just unfolded. Caitlyn squeezed back, her fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
Powder leaned over toward Mylo and whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear, "I think Caitlyn just won that round."
Vi shot her sister a look, half stern and half amused. "Powder," she warned, though a smile was tugging at the corners of her mouth. The group chuckled softly, the moment lightening once again as the night carried on. But the undercurrent of Sarah's probing questions and Caitlyn’s unshakeable composure left an impression on everyone in the room—especially Vi.
"Alright, shall we give Vi her gifts?" Vander suggested, his booming voice cutting through the lingering tension as he clapped his hands together again. His attempt to steer the mood back to something joyful worked—everyone began to gather around, excited to see Vi open her presents.
Mylo was the first to step forward, holding out a small box of chocolates wrapped in shiny paper. “Here, Vi. Don’t say I never give you anything,” he said with a teasing grin.
Vi laughed as she accepted the gift. “Thanks, Mylo.” She said giving him a hug. “I’ll be sure to eat all of these before Powder raids them,” she quipped, giving her sister a playful side-eye.
“Hey!” Powder protested with mock indignation, but her grin gave her away.
Next up was Claggor, who stepped forward with a vibrant bouquet of flowers. “For the birthday girl,” he said with a shy smile.
Vi’s face softened as she took the bouquet, cradling it like it was something precious. “These are beautiful, Claggor. Thank you,” she said warmly, leaning in to give him a quick hug. Claggor shuffled back to his seat, his cheeks flushed with quiet pride.
Then it was Vander’s turn. He handed Vi a neatly wrapped package, the weight of it hinting at something substantial. “Thought you could use this,” Vander said, a smile tugging at his lips.
Vi tore into the wrapping eagerly, her eyes widening as she pulled out a sleek, stylish jacket. “Oh, wow! This is amazing,” she exclaimed, slipping it on immediately. She struck a mock model pose, earning a round of laughter from everyone. “It fits perfectly! Thanks, dad.”
“Looks good on you, kid,” Vander said, his voice filled with fatherly pride.
Finally, it was Powder’s turn. She bounced up to Vi with an eager grin, holding out a small box. “Okay, open mine next!” she said, practically vibrating with excitement.
Vi carefully unwrapped the box and opened it to reveal a necklace with a rectangular silver pendant attached to a simple black cord. Her fingers traced the smooth surface of the pendant as Powder explained enthusiastically, “It opens up, like a locket. You can put any mini picture you want inside—all three sides!”
Vi’s smile grew, touched by the thoughtfulness of the gift. “This is amazing, Powder. Thank you,” she said, pulling her sister into a tight hug.
Powder beamed. “I knew you’d love it,” she said proudly.
Then, all eyes turned to Sarah. She stepped forward hesitantly, holding a small box in her hands. “Here,” she said softly, her voice unusually gentle as she handed the box to Vi.
Vi’s smile wavered as she took the box, her fingers moving carefully as she opened it. Inside was a silver bracelet with a small gun charm and an “S” charm dangling from the chain. “Um, thank you,” Vi said after a moment, trying her best to sound genuine. “I love it.”
Sarah leaned in and placed a kiss on Vi’s cheek. “You’re welcome,” she said simply.
The room grew quiet for a moment before Caitlyn spoke up, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “There’s something for you in my bag too.”
Vi headed towards Caitlyn’s bag and opened it pulling out a neatly wrapped present.
Vi’s eyes lit up as she tore into it with the enthusiasm of a child, and her gasp of excitement filled the room as she pulled out a pair of high-quality boxing gloves. “Are you serious, Caitlyn? These are mine!?”
Caitlyn laughed. “Yes, they’re yours. I thought they’d suit you.”
Sarah’s voice cut in, her confusion evident. “Gloves? You don’t even box though.”
Vi ignored the comment, her focus entirely on Caitlyn. She stood up and threw her arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you, Cait,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. “This is the best gift.” she whispered.
Caitlyn smiled against Vi’s shoulder. “I’m glad you like them.”
Sarah watched the exchange, her lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced away, unable to hide the unease in her expression. Powder, ever the observer, leaned over to Mylo and whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, “Looks like Caitlyn’s winning the gift game.”
Vi shot Powder a mock glare but couldn’t help laughing. The mood in the room lifted again, the warmth of family and friends filling the space as they continued to celebrate Vi’s special day.
"Well, it was lovely to meet all of you, but I should head home now," Caitlyn said.
"I'll walk you out," Vi said immediately, rising to her feet. Her eyes lingered on Caitlyn for a second longer than necessary, as if silently communicating that she wasn’t quite ready for the night to end either. Powder shot them a teasing look but, for once, kept her comments to herself.
As they stepped outside, the cool night air brushed against their faces, carrying with it a faint hint of rain. The streets were quieter now, with only the occasional sound of distant laughter or a car passing by. Vi shoved her hands into her new jacket’s pockets as they walked side by side.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Vi glanced at Caitlyn, her expression more serious now. “Hey, just so you know... I’ll be a bit late tomorrow.” She said as they waited for Jayce.
Caitlyn looked at her, her soft smile offering reassurance. “Don’t worry about it,” she said gently, her voice laced with understanding. “I’ll wait, Vi. It’s not a problem.”
Vi hesitated for a moment, then let out a small laugh, brushing the back of her neck awkwardly. “Thanks again for the gloves, Cait. I really love them,” she said, her voice quieter now, almost like she was afraid of how much the gift meant to her.
Caitlyn’s smile deepened, her cheeks tinged with the faintest blush under the dim streetlights. “I’m glad. You deserve them,” she said simply, and there was an unmistakable sincerity in her voice that made Vi’s chest feel warm.
Caitlyn paused, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Actually... I have another surprise for you.”
Vi’s brows shot up, her excitement impossible to hide. She turned fully to Caitlyn, her curiosity piqued. “Another one? You’re really spoiling me, Cupcake,” she said, her grin lighting up her face. “What is it?”
Caitlyn laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’ll have to wait for that one,” she teased, clearly enjoying keeping Vi in suspense. Her tone was light, but the way her gaze lingered on Vi suggested the surprise was something truly special.
Vi groaned dramatically, throwing her head back. “You’re killing me here,” she said, though the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her enjoyment of the moment. “You can’t just drop something like that and expect me to be patient. That’s cruel, Cait.”
“Well, consider it payback for all the times you’ve left me guessing,” Caitlyn shot back with a playful smirk.
Vi shook her head, chuckling. “Really, Cupcake. You’re impossible.”
Finally Jayce arrived, and for a moment, neither of them moved to say goodbye. Vi’s expression softened as she looked at Caitlyn, her usual tough exterior giving way to something gentler. “Drive safe, alright?” she said to Jayce.
“I will,” Jayce said opening the van door for Caitlyn. “Goodnight, Vi.” Said Caitlyn before entering the van.
“Goodnight, Cait,” Vi replied, her voice low but filled with warmth. She stood there, watching as Caitlyn got into her car and Jayce drove away, a faint smile lingering on her lips long after the car lights had faded into the distance.
As Vi turned to head back into the bar, the night felt quieter, but somehow fuller. She couldn’t help but wonder what Caitlyn’s surprise might be—and why, with every passing day, Caitlyn seemed to light up her world just a little more.
That same night, just as Vi was about to drift off to sleep, her phone rang. She groggily picked it up and saw Ms. Kirramman's name on the screen. "Hello?" she answered, her voice thick with sleep.
"Violet, I know it’s late but Jayce doesn’t answer," came the worried voice of Ms. Kirramman.
Vi sat up instantly, her heart racing. "What’s wrong? Is Caitlyn alright?" she asked, her concern evident.
"She is, well, no. My husband is out of the city and she’s not feeling well. I have an important meeting tomorrow morning and I don’t want to leave her alone. I’ll stay with her all night but if you could come earlier tomorrow, I would really appreciate it," Mrs. Kirramman explained.
"Yes, don’t worry, I’ll be there early," Vi reassured her, already mentally preparing for the early start.
"Thank you, Violet," Mrs. Kirramman said, her voice softening with relief.
Vi hung up and lay back down, her mind racing. She set her alarm for an even earlier time and tried to get some rest, though her thoughts kept drifting to Caitlyn and the concern in Ms. Kirramman's voice.
The next morning, Vi woke up before dawn. She quickly got ready, skipping breakfast in her haste. The sun was just beginning to rise as she headed out towards the Kirramman mansion. The streets were quiet, the early morning light casting long shadows across the pavement.
When she arrived, she was greeted by Mrs. Kirramman, who looked tired but relieved. "Thank you so much for coming, Violet," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Of course," Vi replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "How is she?"
"She's still not feeling well, but she's resting now. I just didn't want to leave her alone," Mrs. Kirramman explained.
"I understand. You go to your meeting, I'll take care of her," Vi said firmly.
Mrs. Kirramman nodded, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Violet."
With that, she hurried off to her meeting, leaving Vi alone in the quiet mansion. Vi made her way to Caitlyn's room, finding her asleep in bed. She looked pale and vulnerable, and Vi's heart ached with concern.
Vi sat down in a chair next to the bed, watching over Caitlyn as she slept. The hours passed slowly, the mansion eerily quiet. Vi tried to keep herself occupied, reading a book and occasionally checking on Caitlyn.
Eventually, Caitlyn began to stir her head, her eyes fluttering open. "Vi?" she murmured, her voice weak.
"Hey, I'm here," Vi said softly, leaning closer.
"What time is it?" Caitlyn asked.
"Early. Don't worry about it," Vi replied. "How are you feeling?"
"Not great," Caitlyn admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Just rest. I've got everything under control," Vi said, her tone soothing.
Caitlyn gave her a weak smile. "Thanks for being here."
"Always," Vi replied, taking her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Just rest and get better."
"What's that?" Caitlyn asked, her voice weak but filled with curiosity.
"I brought you flowers," Vi said, holding up a bouquet of fresh blooms.
"Of course you did," Caitlyn replied with a lovely smile, her eyes softening.
Vi carefully replaced the flowers in a small vase next to Caitlyn's bed. "Thank you," Caitlyn said, smiling shyly as she watched Vi arrange the blossoms.
Vi made eye contact with Caitlyn, her gaze intense and unwavering. "You're staring," Caitlyn pointed out, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Sorry," Vi said, blushing. "It's just that..." She cleared her throat, gathering the courage to continue. "Your eyes are... well... pretty."
Caitlyn blushed at the compliment, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. "Thank you," she said softly, her heart fluttering.
Vi smiled, her eyes crinkling with genuine warmth. Caitlyn couldn't help but smile back.
"Vi?" Caitlyn murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Cait?" Vi replied, leaning in closer.
"Would you go to Ionia with me?" Caitlyn asked, her eyes searching Vi's for an answer.
Vi stayed silent for a moment, her mind racing. Her anniversary with Sarah was in three weeks, a commitment she couldn't ignore. But the thought of Caitlyn wanting to end her life, the fear that had gripped her heart earlier, made her reconsider. The memory of Caitlyn's vulnerability and the bond they shared weighed heavily on her decision.
Taking a deep breath, Vi made her choice. "Yes, I would go with you," she said, with a smile.