The Academy

Sixty Five

Rose:

“Happy birthday, lover boy.” I say with a laugh as I kissed him, he put an arm around me. “Rose. We’re married, when will you stop calling me that?” “Not sure, but that’s a world I don’t want to live in.” I replied, smiling.

Our son started crying from the other room and I held up a finger, “Sorry, I have to go calm down Matthew.”

The house still looked pretty much the same, all except for Tink’s room, we change it (with her permission of course) to Matthew's room.

He was around a year old, and had started to talk in fragments, little words but words none the less. He had My brown hair and Jace’s blue eyes, (how, I have no idea but he was adorable regardless.) His room was a royal blue color with light walnut furniture, and little reflective stars that we’d hung from the ceiling.

He was in bed crying, and even though he’d started talking, he seemed in a mood to do anything but talk.

“Sh, Matthew, it’s your dad’s birthday. Don’t be a grumpy puss.” I said in a light voice and he stopped crying. “Dad…?” he asked, and I laughed, “Yes, dad, do you want me to take you to him?” He nodded and rubbed his eyes, I laughed, “Okay, you little stinker.” I told him, tickling him before picking him up and walking to the living room.

Jace laughed, “Why was he crying?” “No clue, but now he wants to see you.” I told him, sitting next to him and Matthew crawled over to Jace. He smiled and picked him up.

“Happy Birthday.” Matthew said, taking time between each word to make sure he pronounced it right. Jace smiled, “Thanks.”

He looked at me, “Can you believe it’s been five years?” I shrugged, “Time flies, and we haven’t had to deal with Wendy or Hook or anyone so…” He nodded, “Thank goodness.”

The doorbell rang and he hopped up, “I bet that’s everyone.”

Tink, Peter, his friend Trevor, Delilah, Nathan, and Samantha piled in.

Oh Peter!

He seemed so good with being with the kids and everyone I almost forgot he’d been gone for past couple of years! I jumped up too and hugged him. “Good to have you back, sorry for not saying that earlier.” I blurted out and he laughed, “Don’t worry about it Rose.”

“We bought ice cream cake!” Nathan announced, holding up a Dairy Queen cake like a trophy, Jace laughed and picked it up from him, “Thanks Nath, come on, to the back yard!” he announced, and I laughed.

Samantha walked over to Matthew and raised an eyebrow, “Was I this chubby as a baby?” “Yes, and you cried a lot.” I told her and she frowned, “I’m joking, you only cried when your parents weren’t around.” Nathan walked over and held Matthew’s hand as he started to walk. Slow steps but definitely walking. “Come on, cousin of mine.” he told him and I laughed. Delilah followed her mom outside quietly.

Outside I sat on the bench and watched as Peter grilled, insisting that Jace enjoy his birthday.

Sure it was chilly, but we were all together and that was something that made me happy.

Tink sat down beside me, sighing contently, “This is sweet.” I nodded, “It is, it’s Jace’s big day, Peter came back, with a friend, the kids are getting along. Life is good.” She put an arm around me, giving me a half hug and I smiled.

The sun was setting and the kids came out carrying the birthday cake, lit up with some candles, singing the famous Happy Birthday song and we all joined in. Jace smiled and blew out the candles. I walked over, “So how has your birthday been?” “Got to make Tink’s day by helping get Peter back, spent some time with my family, and the gang is back together. I’d say it’s been a damn fine day.”

“Quarter!” Nathan and Samantha exclaimed, (they’d do this thing where if Tink cussed, or anyone else in the family cussed, they'd have to pay them a quarter.) Jace fished in his pocket, pulled out a quarter and tossed it to them. “Those kids are going to run me dry.” he said with a laugh.

He kissed me and wrapped his hand with mine. “I love you. “ I love you too.” There was a pause and I added, “Lover boy.”

“Goddammit Rose, ruining the moment.” he said, pulling out another quarter and tossing it to the kids before they could tell him to pay up. He just shook his head, even though there was a small smile on his face.

I saw Tink and peter kiss too and I smiled. It was nice to see her this happy again.