The Lies I Believed

It's Not What You Think

Asher was leaning against the shed, talking to his cousin. His only cousin who decided he was going to show up. The one who hates me for no reason.

"You're back, my angel." Asher pulled me to his side and kissed my forehead. "Did you get what you needed?"

"Yeah. Traffic was a bit heavy near the bakery," I said.

"If I knew you were going to leave, I would have warned you about that."

"Of course. Hayden hasn't come out yet?"

"Nope. We're a bit off schedule."

"Sorry about that. Hayden did tell me that Rylie said it was fine. The venue she has booked for the night is having light problems."

"Ah, Lexi. You seem a bit different," Tobie said with a slight smile. "Been a while since we last saw each other."

"...I guess it has been, Tobie." I smiled at him. "Was it just before I left France for good? Maybe when you suddenly went off grid?"

"Yes, those were some good times."

"Vanity!"

"Anyway, Tobie!" Asher stepped in. "I don't think you got to meet our son, Vincent."

"I sure haven't. Last I heard...you were about two." Tobie laughed.

"Haha." Vincent laughed nervously. "Been...a long while. I don't think I've ever heard about you."

"Yeah, I'm the cousin who got away. I'm not really your father's cousin. We're just very close. Your grandmother and I are sort of family."

"Good to know."

Hayden came back and dragged Vincent away. Asher and I followed them. Tobie said he was going to leave soon. It's like him to just disappear on his family. Just like Asher's mother.

"Everyone!" Hayden had them stop the music. "Can I have your attention, please?" Everyone began to get quiet and come around the back of the house. "Tonight, we're celebrating the existence of someone very dear to most of us here. He may not have come from the perfect family, but he has everyone he needs right here.

Vincent's turning 14 today and it feels like I've known him since forever. He speaks like he's lived longer than anyone out here. I do wish you grow up into a much nicer man than your old uncle. Happy birthday, Vinnie."

"Make a wish!" someone yelled.

I guess we won't be singing happy birthday. Vincent closed his eyes for half a second, then blew out the candles. I expected that. No one in this generation really thinks about wishes anymore. They're more set on making other things come true. Reckless and quite fun.

Unlike those harsh "traditions" my family played on me during my birthday, Hayden decided to spare Vincent the embarrassment. Or so we thought. He allowed him to take a picture of the cake, cut himself a huge piece, then shoved the slice in his face. I couldn't help but laugh. Who would have thought Hayden would do that to his own nephew?

"You're wrong for that, Hayden." I helped Vincent clean up. "Rude."

"Hey, it was either me or his father. He doesn't go home with me." Hayden chuckled.

Right. He rarely sees him to begin with. There's nothing Vincent can do to him if he's even a little bit ticked about this.

"Happy birthday, bud."

"Great, now we're late." I crossed my arms across my chest and huffed. He's honestly getting on my nerves tonight. "All your fault."