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145. February, 1999 Part 2

*A week later, February 1999, Ripley's POV*

"Uncle Tommy, I'm so excited!" The boy said, putting his gift in the backseat, "Aunt Betty really said I could come?"

Robbie clasped a hand on his shoulder, "Sure did, let's get going so we're not late, buddy."

We piled into his truck and he pulled out a disposable camera from the cup holder, "Say cheese!" He took a photo of us and then stuffed it back into his pocket.

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If looks could kill I'd be dead on the floor as I walked into the party with the boy and Robbie, his arm around me. Ember had pushed the gift into Robbie's arms and ran up to Natalie, scooping her up.

"Hi Natalie, remember me?" He held her on his hip as he walked up to Betty and wrapped an arm around her. "Thanks for inviting me Auntie Betty!" He smiled and handed Natalie to me and walked away. She looked around to make sure no one heard him.

"I told you Robbie," Betty hissed at him, then stared at me.

"Relax, Betty, your vein's popping out," Robbie laughed, pulling out his camera. "Look at you two, so cute." He smiled and clicked the flash, taking a photo of us. "Listen, Bets, I wasn't going to show up without him, and you knew that." Robbie put his best movie star grin on and waved at his parents. "Hey ma! Dad!" He pointed the camera and took a picture, then wound the dial again.

Ember walked up with some pudding and put his spoon out, "Natalie, want some pudding?" He smiled as she took some off his spoon and wiped her face with a napkin. Robbie pulled Ember up into his arms and held the camera steady with one hand and took another picture.

"That's one for the album," he grinned. His smile slowly faded as he let Ember go and took Natalie out of my arms. I turned and saw Craig, Betty's husband. I didn't like him, hearing all of the stories Robbie and Betty told me about him.

"Robert," Craig's tone was of disdain, "So glad you could make it. I see you brought your..." He stopped off and then cleared his throat, "Welcome, make yourself at home."

"Trust me, I would not miss this for anything," Robbie gleefully smiled and returned his face to normal.

Natalie was dressed in a pink sparkle dress, and a little crown on top of her head, hair pulled back with pins to fit the tiara. Craig watched Natalie and Ember, then returned his attention to me. "I heard you and Robert are coworkers." He held out his hand, "Craig Koughlin, Betty's my wife."

I shook his hand, "Nice to meet you," I noticed Betty staring at us, "Robbie's my best friend."

Betty walked up beside us, "Hello, Thomas, glad you could make it."

I nodded, "Likewise. Excuse me."

I walked away and sat with Robbie, watching Ember talk to Natalie and hold her had me a little sad. What kind of memories would we make if we were free to be family? I looked over at Alex, trying to get his father's attention by trying to hug him, Craig's body stiff and orderly. I noticed the way he stood up straight and flinched as Craig grabbed his shoulder and whispered something in his ear. Alex was wearing a pink barbie shirt that said "happy birthday Natalie" on it, his smile fading as he nodded and walked away.

Robbie and I just looked at each other and he was chewing on his lip, which meant he was trying to keep something in. "I fucking hate the way he treats that kid." He sighed and then smiled as he looked over, and I followed his gaze to see Alex coming up to our table with two pink cups.