"So, Ellie isn't your cousin; she's your sister even though you're pretending she's your cousin."
"Yep," Danny said while popping the 'p.'
It was his dad's birthday. Auntie Raven and Uncle Roy had visited to celebrate. Right now, Danny was trying to explain his family dynamic to Lian.
"And Auntie Jazz is pretending to be your aunt, but she's really your older sister."
"Uh-huh."
"I'm so confused."
"The only thing you have to know is that you're my only cousin."
Lian was still confused but nodded, happy. She didn't bring up Mar'i again. The last time she had, the whole mood had gone sad. She didn't want Uncle Jay to be sad again.
"What'd you bring, daddy," Danny asked, changing the subject. His family tree was weird, and he didn't want to think about it anymore.
"I made him a bracelet!"
"That's so cool! I asked Jazz to take me to a used bookstore and bought him a few books I think he might like."
Lian giggled, "He'll love it. Uncle Jay is a bookworm."
Danny and Lian fell into laughing fits. The two fathers found their respective children playing and giggling amongst themselves. It warmed Roy's and Jason's hearts.
"Hey, munchkins, Jay is about to cut the cake. Are you guys coming?"
The two children looked at each other and ran out, their fathers following them.
Danny and Lian ran outside to a table Jazz, and Raven had put out. Balloons and banners were decorating the table with presents in the middle.
Raven brought out the cake and set it on the table.
Jason couldn't help but revel in the joy and contentment permeating the air.
He felt peaceful as his little family sang the birthday song, and if he wished for his happiness to last forever, well, no one would have to know.
____
Alfred couldn't help but feel the loss of his missing grandson as his family sang Happy Birthday.
Still, he smiled as his remaining grandchildren, son, and great-grandchild wished him a happy birthday. And when he blew out the candle wishing for his family to be complete once more, well, he was allowed to think selfishly on his special day.
They ate the chocolate cake, and he was about to open birthday presents when the doorbell rang. Alfred's heart skipped a beat. Could it be...?
No, better not to get his hopes high.
"I'll get it," Bruce said.
The family continued celebrating.
Bruce came back with a package, his eyes misting a little.
"It's for you, Alfred. It's from Jason."
The room got quiet. Alfred got the package with shaking hands and opened it. Everyone in the room waited with bated breath. Here was the proof that Jason was alive.
Alfred took out a first-edition Dracula signed by Bram Stroker.
His grandson hadn't forgotten him. He sent Alfred a birthday present that was special between the two of them.
Alfred couldn't send him a present.
The older man couldn't help but cry.
