Dogs & Pictures - Victoria Pelova

Chapter 14

It was a week later and today was my birthday. I didn't plan on doing much today because I usually celebrate my birthday with my family. They obviously aren't here in London so I think I'll just FaceTime them while blowing out candles for a cake I'll buy. My parents already called me to tell me happy birthday and I can't lie, I did tear up a little. I know I'm an adult but even in New York I would always visit them. Earlier when I first starting getting to know Vic I told her when my birthday was and everything about my life. I wasn't sure if she remembered but we just met so I wouldn't mind if she forgot. Then a few minutes later I got a call from Vic.
"Hello?" I said.
"Hi! How are you?" Vic said.
"Uhh. I'm good. How about you?"
"I'm doing fine. I wanted to call you to see if you wanted to come over my place. We could watch movies or play games if you want? I'm just bored and I could use your company," she said. I don't think she knows it's my birthday but like I said I'm okay with that.
"Yeah that sounds good. What time?"
"Around 4 would be good," she said.
"Ok and can you send me the address?" I said thinking to myself it's crazy that I've never been to Vic's place yet.
"Yeah I will."
"Okay bye."
"Bye," she said hanging up.

It was 2:30 so I had time to chill and then get ready to go over Vic's apartment. Drew didn't text me either today but it's not like she has to tell me happy birthday. I've just met her so it's all good. Dylan did FaceTime me earlier and sang me happy birthday. I told him thanks and he said he would send me something through the mail.

It was now time to get ready and like usual I don't take long to get ready. I just put on some normal jeans with an essentials hoodie. I then went to Vic's apartment. I was outside her door and then knocked. I also texted her saying I was here. After a few seconds I heard someone coming to the door. Right as the door opened I saw partially Vic's face but some of it was covered by the door.
"Hey! Come in!" Vic said. As she opened the door the lights turned on and I saw my parents and my brother and sister jump out and scream "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" I was in awe in the moment and just stood where I was with my mouth opened wide. They came up to me and hugged me. Vic was standing beside me smiling and as my family was hugging me I smiled back at Vic.
"What are you guys doing here?" I asked as they started to let go of me.
"We're here for your birthday!" My mom said.
"But how?!" I said still confused how they got here.
"Victoria wanted to surprise you so she bought us tickets to come here," my brother said tapping Vic's shoulder. I turned to Vic who hasn't spoke yet.
"You remembered?" I asked her.
"I would never forget," she said.
"Thank you," I said as I went in to hug her.
"Your welcome," she said quietly as we were still hugging. I then let go and turned to my family.
"Well, I would introduce you all to Vic but I'm sure you've already done that so... let's get this party started!" I said lifting up my hands. Everyone let out a cheerful "woo" and started celebrate. My mom, sister, and Vic were going to be cooking the food while my dad, brother, and me were just going to watch the Barcelona vs atlético Madrid game. This was a good time to catch up with my family to see how they were doing and for them vise versa.
"How've you all been? Anything new going on in New York?" I asked my dad and brother.
"Nothing much but this week I did win against la galaxy," my brother said proudly. My brother is a professional soccer/football player. Whatever you call it. He's the main reason why I chose to take pictures for sports. I've always loved going to his games when I was younger and even till now. He plays for New York City FC and whenever I have the chance I go support him and take awesome pictures for him as well.
"No way! That awesome!" I said.
"What about you dad?" I asked.
"Oh you know the usual. Going to work, watching Andrew play soccer, and everything this I do in a normal day," my dad said sipping his cup of coffee.
"Oh ok."
"What about you? I mean other than coming to London. What have you been up to?" My brother asked.
"I've just been working really and hanging out with Vic and her teammates."
"Soooo no new person you're going out with?" My dad asks with a smirk.
"What do you mean? Do you know?" I said thinking they were talking about Drew.
"I mean it's kind of obvious," my brother Andrew said.
"How do you know about drew?"
"Wait who's Drew?" My dad asked me confused.
"Is that not who you're talking about?" I said even more confused.
"No. We're talking about Victoria."
"What?! No me and Vic are friends. I'm actually talking to someone else. Her name is Drew and we're aren't official because we kinda just met and I want to get to know her first," I said informing them.
"Oh well, I'm glad to hear you're talking to someone at least," my dad said smiling.
"Yeah sorry, we just thought you and Vic might've been together or atleast like each other," Andrew said.
"It's fine. Me and Vic have gotten close though ever since I met her. She's a really great friend."

It was thirty minutes later and the food was finally ready. We all sat around the table and began to have conversation while eating.
"So Victoria we would like to get to know the great friend of Taylor. What do you do in London?" My mom asked.
"Well I'm a professional footballer and I play first Arsenal. I don't do much here but train, play football matches, and hangout with my teammates and Taylor of course," said before eating again.
"Wow you're a footballer? Taylor didn't mention that to us," my sister Rylee said.
"Yeah I am. She really didn't mention that? That's like the most interesting thing about me," Vic said. My family started to laugh at Vic's joke even if she wasn't trying to be funny.
"I don't think it's the most interesting about you. And I honestly forgot to tell them you play football," I said looking at her.
"It's fine but I'll definitely invite you all to a game of mine."
"That would be awesome! Watching Arsenal play in person!" Andrew said excitedly.
"Thank you and I don't mean to get personal but are you in a relationship?" Rylee said.
"Rylee!" I said because it was a personal question.
"What?! I just wanted to know."
"Oh it's completely fine. I dont mind you all getting to know me. And to answer that question, no I'm not in a relationship," Vic said.
"Oh and I don't think Taylor is in one either," Rylee said not knowing that I was talking to Drew. I'm not sure what she was trying to do.
"Well I'm not sure if she is in one either but I think Taylor is talking to someone," Vic said looking at me.
"Yeah, I already told dad and Andrew. Her name is Drew. She lives here in London obviously and is a model photographer," I said with a little smile.
"Oh a photographer like you? We would love to meet her," my mom said.
"Yes we would love to," my dad said agreeing with my mom.
"I think it's maybe a little too soon. Like I said we aren't even dating," I said hoping we could change the subject.
"Well I would like to get to know all of you as well! What have you all been up to in New York?" Vic said. Thank you Vic! You are a life saver. I love that my family wants to know if I'm with someone but right now I rather not talk about it.

After Vic and my family got to talk more about their lives, they sang happy birthday to me and we are the cake. After that we all decided to watch a movie and play board games. I then went into the kitchen to grab some snacks that we could eat.
"Hey," I turned around to see Vic coming in the kitchen.
"I just came to get a water," she said opening the fridge.
"Ok," I said putting popcorn in the microwave.
"Thanks for bringing my parents here again. I know it probably cost a lot so I'll make sure to pay you back," I said.
"No no no. Don't worry about it. It's all on me," she said assuring me.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Thank you," I said again.
"No problem," she said and as she was about to leave the kitchen I spoke up again.
"It just really means a lot that they're here and I mean what you did is something I will always be grateful for. I didn't think I would celebrate my birthday with them this year but you made that possible. Maybe it sounds like I'm a little kid but I love my family and every year no matter what they'll always find a way to be with me on my birthday. So... thank you," I said for the fourth time and saying how much it meant for my family to be here.
"I'm glad I was able to help. I just wanted you to feel more of home and not feel so alone on your birthday. Even if you have me," she said making a little smile. I let out a little laugh at what she said.
"I honestly thought you forgot it was my birthday."
"I would never."

We went back to the living room where my family was laughing and enjoying their time here. After the movie everyone gave me their gifts they got me. I got a charm bracelet from my parents, a sweater from my brother, a pair of Nike dunks from my sister, and finally a little disposable camera from Vic.
"I know it's not much but I also know you love taking pictures and thought it would be cool to use it," Vic said.
"I love it," I said giving her a hug.

Authors note
Hey everyone reading this! I hope you liked todays chapter. Have a great day!