The Quincy Brothers | ON HOLD|

7~ Birthday Traditions and Suprises

Saturday morning. Ethan's sixteenth birthday. I'm in for one hell of a ride.

I woke up extra early to go on a run and shower before Ethan was ready to wake up. That kid could sleep all day if we let him, but unfortunately for him, he doesn't get that privilege.

I walked back into the house from my run and almost everyone was already there. Erin was the only one we were waiting on. Nick and Viki left sometime in the middle of the week. Of course, they weren't here for Ethan's birthday, but at least they left a gift.

"Good morning," Ashtyn sang as I walked in.

"Morning," I said. "You seem awfully happy right now," I pointed out.

She rolled her eyes at me. "That's because I am happy, East. I am here with my friends on an amazing Saturday morning, what could be better? Besides you taking a shower," She giggled and waved her hand back and forth by her nose.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her and wrap my sweaty arms around her, causing her to scream at a high pitch while laughing.

Julia walked in scolding us because we were making too much noise and could wake the birthday boy. I doubt it. He could sleep through an earthquake.

"Good morning, honey," Julia said to me after the scolding. "I'm not hugging you until you take a shower," She said firmly.

"Good morning Julia," I chuckled.

"Mason is starting on the bacon and I'll start the pancake batter for you," she smiled at me.

"Thanks, Julia. I'm going to hop in the shower. I'll be back to work on the pancakes," I said.

It was a tradition my mom started when we were kids. We always woke up to the smell of bacon and sprinkle pancakes hot ready for self-topping. We've kept the tradition going strong ever since, except for my sixth birthday. It's one of the only things I have left of her.

After I finished in the shower, I changed and went back downstairs as fast as possible to work on the pancakes. When I walked into the kitchen, Ashtyn was sitting on the counter next to Mason as he cooked the bacon.

I started on the pancakes. The batter was already made, thanks to Julia. I saw Ashtyn snag a piece of bacon while Mason wasn't looking.

"Hey," Mason yelled in protest when he turned to see his niece with a piece of bacon in her hand.

"Hey what?" Ashtyn asked innocently as she batted her eyelashes and had a big smile on her face. She was trying her best to hide the smirk spreading on her face.

"You know what," Mason said with a smile on his too.

"I didn't do anything," she giggled.

He reached up his hands and tickled her. She jumped off of the counter and onto the ground as she tried to fend off Mason. They were both laughing and I couldn't help but laugh along at the scene in front of me.

They were close and comfortable with each other. He was like a father to her as well as a best friend. I know that Mason thinks of her like a daughter, he said so himself. I wish I had a relationship like that.

"Okay okay, truce," Ashtyn called when she couldn't take the ticklish torture anymore. She laughed as she and Mason put both hands in the air and slowly backed away from each other.

"Truce," Mason agreed and reach out his hand for a handshake.

Ashtyn smiled as she took his hand in hers and they did some sort of handshake. I smiled at the scene. I don't know a lot about Ashtyn's life besides the fact that she lives with her uncle and not her parents. It must not be up to 'perfect' standards. Standards are stupid anyways.