Parents.. with different treatment

1st

Title: Victoria's First Birthday

The house was buzzing with excitement as Victoria's first birthday approached. Valerie had been planning the celebration for weeks, making sure every detail was perfect, from the pastel decorations to the tiny pink and yellow cake. It felt like only yesterday that Victoria was just a newborn, and now here she was, about to turn one—already full of curiosity and joy, with her bright eyes always scanning the room, soaking in the world around her.

Colby, standing in the kitchen, looked over at the living room where Xander and Xavier were playing. Xavier, as usual, was animated, bouncing around with excitement about the party. Xander, while quieter, had a small smile on his face as he arranged some of the birthday presents on the table. There was a sense of calm about him that had slowly returned over the months, though the shadow of their earlier conflict still lingered in Colby's heart.

Victoria was perched in her high chair, babbling happily as Valerie adjusted her little birthday hat. Her tiny hands reached out for the balloons that floated just out of her grasp, her laughter filling the room.

"You ready for your big day, little one?" Colby asked, walking over to kiss her on the head. She giggled in response, her eyes lighting up as she grabbed his finger with her chubby little hand.

The living room was set up for a small family party. Uncle Sam Golbach had come by earlier with presents for all the kids, not just Victoria, and had been an extra pair of hands, helping Valerie hang streamers and set out snacks.

As guests arrived—mostly close family and a few friends—the atmosphere became even more festive. The house was filled with laughter, the clinking of plates, and the sound of kids running around, enjoying the day. Xavier and Xander were excited to show off their little sister, both of them eager to be the ones to help her open her gifts.

When the time came to sing "Happy Birthday," Valerie lit a single candle on the small cake she had carefully baked and decorated herself. Everyone gathered around, with Xander and Xavier standing right beside Victoria, who was clapping her hands, delighted by the attention and the soft glow of the candle.

As the song began, Xander shyly joined in, his voice barely above a whisper, but it was clear he was happy to be part of the celebration. Xavier, on the other hand, sang loudly and proudly, determined to be the star of the show, even on Victoria's big day.

"Make a wish for her, Xander," Valerie said gently, handing him the honor.

Xander hesitated, his small face serious as he leaned in toward the candle. He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking carefully. When he opened them again, he blew softly, the tiny flame flickering out. The room erupted into applause, and Victoria squealed in delight, clapping her hands along with everyone else.

As they started cutting the cake, Colby glanced over at Xander, who had stayed close by Victoria's high chair, smiling softly as she squished handfuls of cake between her fingers. Colby walked over and knelt beside him.

"You did a great job, bud," Colby said, ruffling Xander's hair. "Thanks for being such a great big brother today."

Xander's face lit up at the praise, a soft glow of pride spreading across his cheeks. "I just wanted her to have a happy birthday," he said quietly, looking at Victoria, who was now covered in cake but beaming with happiness.

"She's lucky to have you," Colby replied, pulling Xander into a brief hug, grateful for the closeness they were slowly rebuilding.

As the party wound down, and the guests began to leave, Valerie scooped Victoria up from her high chair, still laughing at how much cake she had managed to smear on herself. "First birthday—mission accomplished," she said with a smile.

Colby, holding a drowsy Xavier, looked around at his family—the chaos of the day settling into a calm, quiet happiness. Victoria's first birthday had been a success, not just because of the cake and presents, but because, for a brief moment, everything felt just right.