When Dreams Collide: Y/N and Elizabeth Olsen RE WRITING

Chapter 39: The Birthday Surprise

Chapter 39: The Birthday Surprise

The sun streamed through the kitchen window as Y/N and Dua bustled around, preparing for River's second birthday party. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, bright decorations, and the sweet scent of vanilla cake baking in the oven.

Planning the Party

"Okay, so how many kids did you say we were inviting again?" Dua asked, her voice cheerful but her smile slightly strained.

Y/N glanced at the list pinned to the refrigerator. "I think around ten? River's friends from the playgroup and a few from the neighborhood. I thought we could also invite Elizabeth, considering how much River loves her."

Dua's expression faltered, a flicker of jealousy crossing her face. "Really? Do you think that's a good idea?" She kept her tone light, but Y/N could sense the tension behind her words.

"Dua, she's important to him. I want to keep things normal for River," Y/N replied, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Normal..." Dua echoed, her voice trailing off. "I just want him to have a great day. If that means inviting Elizabeth, then I'll support it. It's just... I don't know how I feel about it."

Y/N nodded, sensing the emotions behind Dua's words. "I know. I appreciate that you want what's best for him. But it's okay to feel uncomfortable about this."

Dua looked down, her brow furrowed. "It's not that I don't trust you or her. It's just... every time I see River light up around her, it makes me feel like I'm losing a part of him."

Y/N stepped closer, brushing her fingers against Dua's arm. "You're not losing him. You're his mom. You're the one he turns to when he's scared or needs comfort."

Dua sighed, a small smile breaking through. "You're right. I just need to remind myself of that."

River's Innocence

Just then, River burst into the room, his little face beaming with excitement. "Mama! Can we have balloons? And cake? And Hattie Harmony? Can we invite Elizabeth?"

Y/N crouched down to River's level, smiling. "Of course, buddy! We're having all of that. And I'll make sure Elizabeth knows she's invited."

River's eyes sparkled. "Yay! I want to play with her! She's my best friend!" He dashed out of the room, leaving Y/N and Dua exchanging glances.

Dua sighed, crossing her arms. "He adores her, doesn't he?"

"Of course. She's been a big part of his life. But you're his mama, Dua. He loves you just as much," Y/N reassured her.

"I know, I just..." Dua paused, struggling to find the right words. "It's hard sometimes, you know? I want to be enough for him. For you."

Y/N felt a pang in her heart at the sincerity in Dua's voice. "You are enough, Dua. But we need to talk about some things later."

The Party Day

The day of the party arrived, and the house was a whirlwind of activity. Balloons floated around the room, and colorful banners hung from the walls. River giggled as he helped Y/N set up, completely oblivious to the underlying tension.

As guests began to arrive, Y/N spotted Elizabeth entering, her casual outfit radiating a carefree energy. River squealed in delight. "Elizabeth! You're here!"

"Happy birthday, River!" Elizabeth exclaimed, kneeling to give him a hug. She handed him a small gift, brightly wrapped and adorned with a big bow.

"Look, Mama! She's Hattie Harmony!" River shouted, bouncing on his feet. The mention of Hattie Harmony, his favorite character, made Y/N smile.

Y/N approached, feeling a mix of joy and apprehension. "Hey, Elizabeth! I'm glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. River means so much to me," Elizabeth replied, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

Throughout the party, River engaged in games with his friends, but Y/N couldn't help but notice the way he gravitated toward Elizabeth. He pulled her into every activity, his laughter ringing through the house.

"Can you stay with us forever, Elizabeth?" he asked innocently while they were decorating cupcakes.

Y/N's heart dropped at the question, and she quickly exchanged a glance with Dua, whose expression had shifted to one of concern.

"River, sweetie, we all love you, but Elizabeth has her own home," Y/N said gently, crouching down beside him. "But she'll always be a big part of your life, right?"

Elizabeth smiled softly, nodding. "Absolutely. I'll always be here for you, River. No matter where I live."

River beamed. "You promise?"

"Promise," Elizabeth replied, holding her pinky out for him to hook his little finger around.

Tensions Rising

As the party continued, Y/N felt the atmosphere growing heavier. She and Dua shared furtive glances across the room, each one filled with unspoken words. After the last of the guests left, the house fell into a quiet stillness, and the laughter faded.

Y/N found Dua in the kitchen, tidying up. "Can we talk?" Y/N asked, her voice low.

"Sure," Dua replied, leaning against the counter, arms crossed defensively.

Y/N took a deep breath. "I think we need to discuss where we're at. Things have felt... off between us for a while now."

Dua's eyes softened, and she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know. I just feel like I'm competing with Elizabeth for River's attention, and it's not a comfortable place to be."

"You're not competing, Dua. You're his mother. But I think it's important for us to be honest about how we feel," Y/N said, her voice steady.

Dua looked down for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I don't want to lose you, Y/N. I care about you and River more than anything. But if Elizabeth is a part of his life... I just don't know how to handle that."

Y/N stepped closer, taking Dua's hands in hers. "I want you to know that no matter what, you will always be his number one. But I also have feelings for Elizabeth, and I can't ignore that."

Dua's expression shifted, a mix of sadness and understanding in her eyes. "So, what do we do now?"

"We need to figure this out together. I think it's time we have an honest conversation about our future. And it might mean some difficult choices," Y/N replied, feeling the weight of what lay ahead.

Dua squeezed Y/N's hands tightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just want River to be happy."

Y/N nodded, feeling the same. "He deserves happiness, and so do we."

Dua took a step back, her expression resolute. "I think maybe we should consider separating. Not because I want to, but I want us both to be free to pursue what makes us happy."

Y/N's heart sank. "Dua, are you sure? I care about you."

"I care about you too, Y/N. But if this is the way to ensure River grows up in a loving environment, then it might be the right choice," Dua said, tears welling in her eyes.

"Maybe we can find a way to make this work together, even if it means we're not together romantically?" Y/N suggested gently.

Dua took a deep breath, her voice steadying. "I think it's time I let you go, Y/N. I see how you look at Elizabeth, and I can't deny it. She was always going to be number one for you."

Y/N felt a mixture of sorrow and acceptance as they stood there, the gravity of the moment settling around them. "It doesn't mean I won't cherish what we had."

Dua nodded, her gaze filled with gratitude and pain. "We'll always be connected through River. That will never change."

As they stood there, Y/N couldn't help but wonder how they would navigate this complicated web of love and acceptance. The chapter closed with uncertainty, but also with a flicker of hope that they could find their way through the tangled emotions that bound them together.

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