Miss Jackson {b.u.}

{42}

I glared at the time on the kitchen clock. It was just about to hit twelve in the afternoon. The house was set up for Clover's first birthday. Brendon was supposed to be here at 11:45, but he never showed. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, considering traffic. I walked away from the kitchen and walked into the living room, setting Clover down on the floor. My eyes followed her. Clover picked herself up, and began to try to walk. I quickly went to the floor and made sure I was ready. She walked a little further and I grabbed her, pulling her in close. Clover giggled and I kissed her cheeks a million times. "I'm so proud of you, Lovie!"

I picked her up again and the doorbell rang a few times. I waddled over to the door and unlocked it, then opened it. Alex and our parents stood in the doorway. Daphne shoved past them and ran up to me, wrapping her arms around me. This morning, I had written a note to pull her out of school for a 'doctor's appointment,' but, I just wanted her here to celebrate her sisters birthday. Everyone walked inside and I must've seen a little less people than every else that walked in. Great aunts and Uncles. Grandparents, cousins and unfortunately my nieces and nephews along with their drag of a mother and annoying father.

Clover's party was an outdoors party, since she's a July baby. Her favorite things were flowers and butterflies, so the theme was fairies and mythical things. Daphne loved it and she played with her sister and Nikki's kids while all of the adults sat down, watched and conversation. I sat down on a lawn chair and propped my feet out. I had a water and drank some of it. Black sunglasses were pulled over my eyes and I was wearing a loose white v-neck shirt and maternity jean shorts, which were mildly uncomfortable. My hair was in a low and loose pony-tail. Alex sat down in the lawn chair next to me and turned her head away from me; her pulled back, long hair whipped me in the face and I shoved her, "how late is he?"

I glanced at my watch. "Twenty-five minutes."

Alex clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "He's such an idiot."

I shrugged and looked back at Daphne and Clover, taking a sip of water. I tried not to spend my time looking around for Brendon or begging him to come. I was getting tired of it.

I heard my name being called and I turned my head around, looking back at my Aunt Giorgia. "Yeah Aunt G?"

"Where is that husband of yours!?"

I turned my head back around and put my hand on my forehead, shaking it. "what the fuck."

I refused to answer that question. It was ridiculous. I tried to get up from the chair and I failed. So, I tried again. Failing miserably. Alex was laughing at me and I hit her arm a few times and she stopped laughing. Alex helped me up, and I announced that there was food that was ready to be eaten and everyone stormed inside. I picked Clover up and set her on my hip, then, grabbed Daphne's hand and we walked inside. Alex fixed Daphne a plate and she ran outside to find her spot. My mom helped me fix a plate that was for Clover and I. When she finished, I kissed her cheek and walked back outside. I set Clover on my lap and handed her some fruit she could eat. I stuffed my face with potato chips, salad, and a bunch of Italian food. We didn't have much time left at the party, as we only had the cake tradition to do. I was going to open the presents in private, just to save me the hassle.

Everyone finished eating in about an hour. Still, no sign of Brendon. I gathered everyone out for cake. The cake was, of course, butterflies. Written across it said; Happy First Birthday Clover! I lit the lone candle and walked over to Clover's high chair. My hand covered the flame, as I didn't want any air current to blow it out. As I walked over, everyone began singing, "buon compleanno...
buon compleanno.."

I set the cake down and stood behind Clover, holding her back. "buon compleanno, caro, Clover. Buon compleanno."

I demonstrated how to blow out a candle. Clover and I both blew out a puff of air and the candle blew out. Everyone jeered and I kept my composure. My mom took the candle out and began cutting the cake, giving a small piece to Clover. My mom handed out cakes to everyone and I refused, waving my hand and shaking my head. I looked around and snuck my way out of the dining room. I hurried to the front door and looked out the window, hoping for Brendon to be at the door. But, that was just another false hope.