Gem in the Rough

Chapter 51

The next few months go by so quickly, I barely realize it happening. I don't realize how my heart has healed, and how I've forgiven those around me. I don't realize that I'm starting to feel whole again until today. Until the day I see my dad and my mom in the same room, and I don't cry or feel resentful or want to make snide comments. I just feel, complete.

My family and friends sit around me, singing, with a stack of cupcakes on the table. My face reddens. I hate being the center of attention. They finish their serenade and yell a final, "Happy Birthday to you!" before I blow out the one candle on my lemon cupcake.

"Thank you," I shake my head at Alice who is throwing confetti in the air behind me, the purple and blue strands landing in my thick hair.

Kieran stands to my right, a hand on my shoulder for comfort. He knows how anxious this is making me. Many pairs of eyes stare, waiting for me. Waiting for me to what?

"What?"

Kieran nudges me to stand up, whispering something about a speech in my ear. A speech? Is he nuts?

"No, I'm not nuts, baby. I think they expect you to say something, like maybe a thank-you for all of them coming to your birthday party even though it's kind of awkward for everyone?" Kieran's lips are still by my ear, ensuring nobody else hears our exchange, but I can feel his smirk.

I grimace and smooth out my light-purple dress, taking Kieran's hand.

The people in this room should know that this is not something I want to do, but I guess it's time to get comfortable. Who knew I'd be here six months ago? Last September I was meeting Kieran in the Tech office, stumbling over my words. Then came the next few months of learning things about my family's past that seemed unreal.

Christmas was an interesting time, let me tell you that much.

"I can't believe we did this," I whine, rushing around my kitchen, placing silverware and napkins next to the dining sets. "It's like I want to give myself a panic attack."

I finish my task and rest my hands on my hips, breathing heavily. Kieran comes to my side, setting down the wine glasses that are in his arms.

"Hey, we're good. We did this to break the ice, make things a little better. It's going to be difficult, uncomfortable, and really fucking weird, but we'll get through it. Plus, who fights on Christmas? That's a good buffer," he smiles down at me, his palms resting on my waist.

Well, he was half right.

The dinner includes us, my father and Bethany, my mom and her husband slash my birth father George, Kieran's dad, and Alice. My best friend was roped into attending, because Christmas is definitely not being a good enough buffer in my eyes. I still think I'm insane for this.

The initial greetings are tense. My parents have an awkward hug. I would have thought it was bizarre if I hadn't known they've spoken on the phone a few times since I found everything out. Thankfully, it wasn't the worst it could be. George and Bethany helped a lot too, keeping my parents in line. I had met George prior to Christmas and it was a little weird, but we tried to keep things light for now.

Kieran was wrong about nobody fighting on Christmas though. It was partially my fault. Well, mostly my fault.

As soon as previous Christmas traditions came up, so did memories from my childhood; from my mom not being there, and my dad not being able to afford anything other than Chinese food from our local restaurant. I had never had too much of a feast on Christmas, so cooking all the food was an adventure and shock in itself. I couldn't stop the passive-aggressive comments coming from my mouth.