You drew stars around my scars

Tree's Birthday

For the final stretch of promotion, Taylor, Tree, Jessica and Emmeline were abroad. They were so close to being back at home but unfortunately for her, Tree's birthday was the following day. It meant she wasn't going to see her family on her birthday and although she was initially upset, they had agreed to celebrate when she got home so she was no longer really bothered.

As Taylor finished up her final interview, Jessica turned to Tree "I'm sorry you couldn't be with your family tomorrow"

Tree smiled softly "this is the next best thing, I'm looking forward to spending the day with the two of you!"

Jessica's eyes twinkled slightly "why don't you stay with us tonight instead of the hotel! We can cook you breakfast in the morning, we can give you your presents – you shouldn't be alone on your birthday morning!"

Tree looked at Taylor but Taylor just shrugged and smirked – telling her that it was her choice. Tree turned to look at Jessica, nodding slightly "yeah I'd like that!"

Jessica jumped up and hugged her, squeezing tight.

As she run away, Taylor laughed lightly "she really love you, know you?"

Tree smiled widely "I know – I love her too!"

That evening, Jessica made sure everything was ready – she got the balloons, presents and flowers set up then headed up to bed, setting her alarm for early in the morning. When her alarm went off, she dragged herself out of bed – she headed downstairs and started to get breakfast ready. Just as she was about to start actually cooking, Taylor appeared holding Emmeline "good morning baby"

Jessica looked up "morning! Sit down, can I make you a coffee?"

Taylor laughed at the teen's enthusiasm "yes baby, I'd love that"

Taylor sipped her coffee and fed Emmeline as Jessica cooked breakfast. Taylor did keep a close eye on her but since the teen had always done a lot of cooking, there was no real need to step in. Finally the teen brought the food over to the table, she had cooked eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes and had fresh orange juice waiting.

Tree came down the stairs and smiled widely at them both, "you did all this for me?"

Taylor shrugged "not me – Jessica did it all"

Tree walked over, hugging the teen tightly "thank you honey!"

Jessica blushed "I hope you like it..."

They sat and ate, both the adults surprised by how good the food tasted. Once they had all finished, Jessica took Tree into the living room and they gave her her birthday presents. Tree unwrapped them all carefully and slowly – grateful for everything they'd given her. Finally, Jessica handed Tree a handwritten card – inside she had written a meaningful message to Tree about how much she meant to her and how grateful she was. The redhead teared up as she was reading it then stood and hugged Jessica tightly – rocking her gently "thank you so much! This is so kind"

As they pulled away, Taylor looked at Tree "so, what do you want to do today?"

Tree shrugged, a content smile on her face "I am happy with whatever you want to do, it's just another day for me really"

Jessica immediately frowned, her voice high pitched "it is NOT just another day! It's a day to celebrate just you!"

Both Tree and Taylor giggled at the teen's expression and Taylor looked at the teen "OK then bossy – what do YOU think we should do?"

Jessica thought for a few seconds, her face unsure as she put forward her ideas "let me bake you a cake, then we can go for a walk – we can go to that lake because you said you love being near the water. Then we can have a late lunch/early dinner. THEN we can do whatever you want, watch films – you can go home. Anything"

Tree looked at Taylor then smiled "that sounds perfect"

As Jessica began to bake, she had music blaring and she was dancing round the kitchen. Taylor went in to offer some help but Jessica ushered her away – adamant she could do it herself. As the cake was baking in the oven, the teen cleaned and tidied the kitchen – aware Taylor would kill her if she left it messy. A while later she came in "come and see!"

The two women entered the kitchen, Jessica had decorated the cake, it was messy and imperfect but she was SO proud of herself. Tree smiled widely "thank you, it's great!"

Taylor snapped a few pictures to remember it, then Jessica looked at Tree cheekily "maybe we can have a slice later as my snack?"

Tree nodded "that would be great!"

As Jessica turned around and headed up for a shower, Tree looked at Taylor "She is like a different child"

Taylor nodded, tears welling in her eyes "I know, I can't believe it. I thought we would NEVER get here."

Tree squeezed her hand "you got her here. You should be proud of yourself too Tay"

As they headed out for their afternoon walk. Tree was pushing Emmeline and Taylor had her arm slung around Jessica's shoulder loosely.

The sun was shining, it was warm outside and they were all having fun chatting away.

At the lake, Tree sat down, looking up to the sky and feeling the sun on her face.

Taylor looked at her "you ok?"

Tree opened her eyes, smiling at them both "I am great – I feel so peaceful. You're right Jessica – I really do love being by the water!"

Jessica smiled "I am so glad you're enjoying yourself"

They sat like that for another hour or so, just basking in the peace and quiet before heading home and getting ready to go out to dinner.

As they sat down in the restaurant, Jessica's enthusiasm for the day wore off. She had suggested coming out to eat earlier, but the niggling voices had built over the day – telling her she shouldn't have mentioned it and she was going to get fat. Taylor and Tree both noticed her shift in mood and watched as she was unenthusiastically looking at the menu, they decided not to say anything quite yet – not wanting to tip the teen over.

A few minutes later, Jessica handed Taylor her menu, forcing a smile onto her face "It all looks really good but right now, I'd be choosing something based on calories rather than what would be tasty or what I fancy. You know what I like, so can you pick for me?"

Taylor smiled widely at her "of course I can!"

Tree reached over, rubbing the teen's hand gently "That's a pretty amazing thing you just did...a big step for you"

Jessica looked at her "thank you. I am trying. Plus – it's your birthday, that's way more important than calories right now!"

Taylor picked her a chicken breast in a cream and mushroom sauce with sauteed potatoes. Jessica knew she would like the flavours and worked hard to tune out the mental commentary that was happening in her brain. She decided to try and be present and enjoy it all. She even tried a bit of Taylor's and Tree's meal too.

She smiled widely at them both, her voice a playful tone "they're both delicious but mine is better. I made the right choice by making Taylor make the choice"

They both laughed and rolled their eyes. Tree spoke up, smiling at her "you're really challenging yourself, I am so proud of you"

Jessica managed to finish her food and smiled widely "this was really fun"

Tree smiled at her "See, remember – food can be fun"

Taylor smiled at them both "let's go out once a week – try somewhere new, have a girls dinner?"

They both expected Jessica to protest but she nodded gratefully "that would be great!"

Tree was shocked but impressed. She looked between Taylor and Jessica, a happy smile on her face "This has been a GREAT birthday. I love you both"

Jessica smiled at her "We love you more"