Dancing with the Stars

Chapter 41

The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.

Brian Tracy

Carly birthday party

The party of the year. Carly birthday party. Kendall went to the door and welcome his friends in. Frank and Mia. Bob and Delores. Fred and Vel. He welcomes them to his home. Kendall told them the party is in the backyard. Kendall excused himself and went to find his wife. The guest are arriving. At least you could do is be on time. said Kendall. Dani? Kendall went into his bedroom and found Dani looking in the closet. Dani you're not even dress. The guest have started to arrive. Said Kendall. Why are we having a party? Carly is only turning three. Kendall went to his wife and pulled out a dress, where this one. Said Kendall. Can you be a charming mother just this once? Said Kendall. Kendall left to welcome the rest of the guest. Queen and Marv and Marv's dad arrive. Where are my granddaughters Queeny said. Eden and Carolyn arrived with a huge stuffed loin with a red bow. Eden asked where Carly was. She in the backyard looking at all the presents. Carolyn asked Kendall how she is doing. Kendall hug Carolyn she a rambunctious little girl. You don't have to worry. As Kendall was hugging Carolyn. Dani made her entrance. Hmm she said. Oh, honey I like you to meet the lovely Carolyn. Her husband Eden is already in the backyard. Carolyn stretches out her hand, lovely to meet you. Dani just stares at her and left to go outside. Kendall looks at Carolyn. You have to forgive my wife for her rudeness. He said. Come let's go wish Carly a happy birthday.

When Eden enters the backyard, he saw Carly looking at all the presents. Hi Carly looks what I have for you. Carly turns and there was a huge smile on her face as she reached for the lion. Eden breath caught as he stood memorize by her smile. A loin I love it. she said. Carly hugged it and ran to show Melody. Carolyn held Eden hand. She whispers in his ear you did the right thing. He looks at his wife with haunting eyes. You sure? he said. Yes, said Carolyn. It's the only way to keep her safe. I don't know how far my uncle will go. Said Carolyn. It's better this way. Keep her hidden tell it's time for her to succeed to the throne. Carolyn squeeze Eden hand. Kendall and Dani enter that back yard. Carly ran to Kendall. Daddy looked what I got. Everyone was clapping at Carly. No one saw the look of pain on Eden face. It was better this way he thought. Artie was a menace and would stop at nothing to destroy Carolyn. He put on a smile and congratulated Carly. You like the lion he said. Sure do. It's big said Carly. Betty and her team were the perfect hostess. Making sure everyone had something to drink. Kendall took Carly hand and said let's open the other presents. Carly was over joy at all of them. There were so many. Melody joins in on the opening of the presents and help her sister open them. Look Carly look what you got, said Melody. Everyone was cheering Carly on everyone excepted Dani.

Queeny looks around for Dani. She asked Marv do you know where your sister is? Try the living room. Queeny went into the kitchen to the living room. She found Dani laying on the couch. There you are said Queeny. Why are you not celebrating? Dani got up and scowl at her mother. It's just a birthday, mom. Melody had hers and there was no fanfare. Why is it different with Carly? Why does he have to invite all his friends? Why not mine? Queeny looks at Dani. Just like Dani to think only of herself. Queeny said it's not all about you. Come on let's go sing Carly a happy birthday and have some cake. Queeny took Dani arm and led her outside. You need to be a good sport. Said Queeny. You shouldn't play favoritism. It's not right. Said Queeny. Dani Scour at her. Kendall was helping Carly cut her cake and gave her the first piece. Carly dug in and loved the cake. Carly smile with frosting all over her face. Kendall looks up and notice Dani. He silently grew angry at her for not wanting to participate in today's event. There you are, said Kendall. Here Queeny, have some cake. Kendall led his wife to the kitchen and sat her down. Kendall leans in and whisper angrily in her ear. You will participate in the party with a smile on your face. You will not embarrass me in front of my friends. Said Kendall. Dani scowl at him. Your friends! Why aren't mine invited? Kendall was tired of Dani always thinking of herself. It's not about you Dani. You could have invited your friends from the research facility. You had plenty of time to let them know. Kendall said. Kendall took a rag and turn on the sink. He wet it and turn off the water. Come out when your done scowling at my friends. Kendall said. He went outside. He found Carly and Melody playing with the toys and wash their hands and face. Kendall went to talk to Betty. Kendall apologizes about his wife. No worries said Betty. Everyone is enjoying themself. Kendall looks around to see Frank, Fred and Bob running after Carly and Melody. They were rolling a ball across the yard. Kendall smile these were his friends. He looks at Betty. Thank you for this. It was lovely. Kendall said. Everyone had a blast and told Kendall as they bid him and Carly farewell. Betty gave Kendall a quick hug, don't worry about the mess. The cleaners will be by tomorrow to clean it. Thank you whisper Kendall. Kendall holding a sleepy Carly wave goodbye to all his friends. He closed the door. Come Carly let's get you to bed. Thank you, Daddy it was the best birthday ever.

Kendall read the girls a story at bedtime. They always like the story of a princess. Kendall read a few pages and soon the girls were fast asleep. He quietly put the book down and crept out of the room. He gently closed the door looking at the girls. Carly was holding harry. Well as much as a little girl could hold a humongous loin.

Kendall went in search of his wife. Kendall found her watching tv laying on the couch. Kendall went over to the tv and turn it off. He sat down on the lazy boy and look at his wife. Kendall was angry that she was so indifference to Carly and his friends. Kendall knew why but it still made him angry. The part of him knew that Dani was incapable of showing love. Dani only thought of herself. He was amazed that she found room in her selfish heart for Melody. Kendall looks at his wife and asked are you better now? Dani scowl, no did you see the mess? Dani pointed to the kitchen. You can't except me to clean up after your friends? said Dani. Kendall reply. No, the cleaners will be here first thing in the morning. Kendall went and sat next to his wife. He took her chin and look in her eyes. You will not embarrass me again in front of my friends. Is that understood? said Kendall. Dani scowl and shook her head away from his hands. Your friends why is it always your friend and not mine? Kendall quietly got angry inside. You could have asked your friends to come, he said. Dani scowl at him. Why such a party for a little three-year-old. How come you didn't give one to Melody when she turned four. You could of, but you were busy with work, said Kendall.

Dani scowl. Whatever I'm going to bed. Kendall watches his wife leave. He knew what Dani was really like inside. It wasn't that Dani was mad because her friends weren't invited. The truth is Dani didn't have many friends. Dani was mad because this party wasn't about her. She didn't plan it. So, she felt that she didn't need to be involve.

Kendall sigh, his wife was in a world of herself. It angered Kendall that he had to put up with someone who was so selfish. Kendall looks around. He'll asked the cleaners to do and extra scrubbing so this place could be clean for a while. Kendall knew how messy his wife could be. Kendall took his shoes off and put them by the door. He undid his tie and took off his jacket. He lay them over the arm of the rocking chair. He lay on the couch and closed his eyes dreaming of dancing with the stars.