Parents.. with different treatment

5th

The excitement in the house was palpable from the moment Xavier woke up on his fifth birthday. Even before the sun had fully risen, he was already bouncing on his bed, calling out to Colby and Valerie, eager to start his special day.

"Mommy! Daddy! It's my birthday!" Xavier shouted, his voice echoing through the house.

Valerie smiled as she entered his room, carrying a small plate with pancakes shaped like dinosaurs, just the way Xavier liked them. Colby followed behind, holding a balloon bouquet, their strings bouncing against the ceiling.

"Happy Birthday, big guy!" Colby said, walking over to give Xavier a big hug. "Five years old today, huh?"

Xavier beamed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm big now!" he declared proudly, jumping off his bed to show off how tall he was.

In the kitchen, Xander sat quietly at the table, watching as Xavier burst into the room with all his birthday energy. Xander had been quieter since Victoria's birthday, but today, he was determined to make his little brother's day special. He had even helped Valerie the night before to wrap one of Xavier's presents, a gesture he hoped would make his brother smile.

"Happy birthday, Xavier," Xander said shyly, sliding over a homemade birthday card he had drawn with crayons. It featured a picture of the two of them playing together in the yard.

Xavier's face lit up as he took the card. "Thanks, Xander!" he exclaimed, immediately hugging his older brother. The small act of kindness made Xander's heart swell, and he felt proud that he could be a part of Xavier's big day.

As the morning unfolded, the house was transformed with superhero decorations. Valerie had planned a superhero-themed birthday party, complete with a cake featuring Xavier's favorite hero, Spider-Man. Uncle Sam arrived early, carrying a big box wrapped in shiny red paper, which immediately caught Xavier's attention.

"What's in there?!" Xavier asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"You'll have to wait and see," Sam teased with a wink, setting the present down on the gift table. "It's a surprise."

Soon, the house was filled with the sound of children's laughter as friends and family arrived to celebrate. The backyard was set up for games, with a small bounce house and an obstacle course designed to let the kids "train" like superheroes. Xavier, donning his Spider-Man costume, led the charge, leaping over obstacles and swinging from pretend webs with an uncontainable joy that made everyone smile.

Even Xander joined in, albeit more quietly. He watched as Xavier took the lead, feeling a mix of admiration for his brother's confidence and a quiet contentment in being part of the celebration.

When it was time to sing "Happy Birthday," everyone gathered around the cake. Xavier, perched at the head of the table, grinned ear to ear as the candles were lit. Colby stood beside him, proud to see his little boy growing up so fast.

"Alright, buddy," Colby said as the last notes of the birthday song faded. "Make a big wish and blow out those candles."

Xavier squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, thinking hard about his wish, before blowing out the five flickering candles in one breath. The room erupted into cheers, and Xavier's face glowed with pride.

As the party continued, Xavier tore into his presents with wild enthusiasm. When he finally got to the big box from Uncle Sam, his eyes went wide as he unwrapped a giant, motorized Spider-Man car.

"Whoa! This is so cool!" Xavier shouted, immediately hopping into the car and pretending to drive around the yard, his laughter echoing through the air.

By the time the party began winding down, Xavier was exhausted but happy, his face smeared with cake and his arms full of new toys. Valerie scooped up a sleepy Victoria, while Colby helped clean up the remnants of wrapping paper and balloons scattered around the yard.

Xander watched as Xavier played with his new toys, a small smile on his face. He was happy for his brother, knowing how much this day meant to him. Colby noticed Xander standing quietly and walked over, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"You did great today, Xander," Colby said softly. "Xavier's lucky to have you as his big brother."

Xander looked up at his dad, the praise settling warmly in his chest. He didn't always feel like the center of attention, but today, seeing Xavier so happy, he felt like he had done something right. "Thanks, Dad," he whispered, feeling just a little closer to his family.

As the sun began to set, the Brock family gathered together for one last round of hugs and laughter. Xavier, full of joy and cake, snuggled into Colby's arms, his eyelids growing heavy. It had been a day full of celebration, one that none of them would soon forget.