A year has passed since Vitani and Johnny Thunders' honeymoon. Claire is now six years old, and her bond with Johnny and the Heartbreakers has only grown stronger. The family is celebrating Claire’s 6th birthday with a party at their apartment, surrounded by friends and loved ones. However, the day takes an unexpected turn when tensions between band members Jerry Nolan and Billy Rath flare up.
The apartment is decorated with balloons and streamers, and a large “Happy Birthday Claire!” banner hangs on the wall. The smell of cake fills the air, and Claire is happily running around with a few of her friends. The Heartbreakers are all present, with Johnny, Vitani, Walter, Jerry, and Billy enjoying the festivities.
CLAIRE
(excitedly)
Look, Daddy! I got a new dollhouse!
Johnny smiles, bending down to admire the gift.
JOHNNY
(grinning)
That’s awesome, kiddo! I bet you’ll have a lot of fun with that.
VITANI
(teasing)
Just don’t let Uncle Walter play with it too much, okay?
Everyone laughs as Walter feigns indignation.
WALTER
(playfully)
Hey, I’m great with dollhouses!
As the party continues, the atmosphere remains light and joyful, but in the corner of the room, Jerry and Billy are having a quiet, heated discussion. Their voices begin to rise, catching the attention of some of the guests.
JERRY
(angrily)
I told you, Billy, you can’t just blow off rehearsals like that!
BILLY
(defensively)
And I told you, I had something important to take care of!
The argument escalates as Jerry’s frustration boils over. In a fit of anger, Billy grabs a nearby bottle and hurls it toward Jerry. The bottle crashes against the wall, shattering loudly.
The loud crash startles everyone, especially Claire, who freezes in fear, her eyes wide as she clutches her new dollhouse. The room falls silent, all eyes on Jerry and Billy.
CLAIRE
(frightened, starting to cry)
Mommy…Daddy…
Walter, sensing the situation is getting out of hand, quickly moves to Claire’s side, kneeling down to comfort her.
WALTER
(softly)
Hey, it’s okay, Claire. Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be alright.
Johnny, who had briefly stepped out of the room, hears the commotion and rushes back in. He immediately takes in the scene—Claire in tears, Walter comforting her, and Jerry and Billy facing off with anger still simmering between them.
JOHNNY
(calm but firm)
What the hell is going on here?
Jerry and Billy both look at Johnny, their anger momentarily forgotten as they realize how badly they’ve messed up.
JERRY
(apologetically)
Johnny, we didn’t mean…
BILLY
(softly)
We’re sorry, man. It just got out of hand.
Johnny strides over to them, his expression serious.
JOHNNY
(coolly)
This is Claire’s birthday, not a place for you two to settle your differences. You’ve scared her, and that’s not okay.
Both Jerry and Billy look ashamed, their anger replaced with regret.
JOHNNY
(continuing)
Apologize to her, and then take it outside if you still need to sort this out. But not here. Not in front of my daughter.
They nod, clearly understanding the gravity of their actions.
JERRY
(sincerely)
We’re sorry, Claire. We didn’t mean to scare you.
BILLY
(genuinely)
Yeah, we’re really sorry, kiddo.
Claire, still sniffling, nods slowly, her grip on Walter’s hand tightening.
After the apologies, Johnny turns his attention to Claire, kneeling beside her.
JOHNNY
(gently)
Hey, princess. You okay?
Claire nods, wiping her tears with her free hand.
CLAIRE
(sniffling)
I was scared…
Johnny pulls her into a comforting hug.
JOHNNY
(soothingly)
I know, sweetie. But it’s all okay now. Uncle Jerry and Uncle Billy just got a little too loud. They didn’t mean to scare you.
Walter, who’s been by Claire’s side the whole time, smiles reassuringly at her.
WALTER
(smiling)
That’s right. And I think it’s time we get back to the fun part, don’t you?
Claire manages a small smile, nodding as she wipes her eyes.
CLAIRE
(softly)
Yeah…
With the tension resolved, the party slowly gets back on track. The Heartbreakers, now more mindful of their behavior, make an effort to lighten the mood. Claire, with Walter and Johnny’s encouragement, begins to relax and enjoy her birthday once more.
VITANI
(to Johnny, smiling)
You handled that perfectly.
Johnny shrugs modestly, glancing at Claire as she starts to smile again.
JOHNNY
(sincerely)
Anything for her. I’d do anything to keep her safe and happy.
As the evening winds down, Claire is finally back to her cheerful self, opening her remaining presents with enthusiasm. The Heartbreakers gather around, sharing laughs and stories, the earlier tension forgotten.
WALTER
(teasing)
So, Claire, what’s been your favorite part of today?
Claire grins, looking around at her family—Johnny, Vitani, Walter, Jerry, and Billy—all united and happy.
CLAIRE
(cheerfully)
Everything!
The room fills with laughter as the family settles into a newfound harmony, their bonds stronger than ever.
