Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Birthday Girl

Victoria moved around Steve's house with a nervous energy, her eyes flicking from one friend to another as they set up for her birthday party. "Can I help with anything?" She asked, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and restlessness. But each time, they brushed her off, telling her to just sit back and relax.

"It's your birthday, Vic!" Steve called from the kitchen, a warm smile lighting up his face as he balanced a tray of snacks. "Just enjoy yourself and let us handle it. It's not everyday you turn eighteen!"

She sighed, both reluctant and touched, and sank into the couch, crossing her arms with a playful growl. She hated feeling useless, but a part of her cherished watching her friends move around with such purpose, working together to make this day special. Steve had offered to host the party, and she'd hesitated, worrying about the hassle it would put on him. "It's too much work for you." she had argued, picturing the details a party required. But as she looked around now—snacks and drinks piled on the table, her favorite records lined up by the player, and a makeshift dance floor that Steve insisted was essential—she felt grateful. Her small trailer could never have held all of this energy, this joy.

"I guess I'm glad you convinced me." Victoria said, a soft smile spreading as her friends' efforts filled her with warmth and appreciation. There was something comforting in feeling so cared for, even if a twinge of guilt remained for letting them take on the work.

In the kitchen, Robin was putting the finishing touches on the cake that Kate had baked earlier before dashing off to work. "I can't believe you guys conned me into decorating." Robin complained, though a fondness softened her words. "Next year, we're buying a cake from a bakery—none of this homemade nonsense."

Victoria laughed, sinking deeper into the couch. "It'll be perfect, Robin. I can already tell."

Kate hadn't been able to stay for the party, and Victoria understood. Kate was juggling a job at the Hideout and an internship at the hospital, and it was impressive enough that she'd managed to find time to bake a cake at all. She and Steve had been growing closer, and Victoria noticed a shift in Kate's usual flirtatious edge; it was like seeing a new, kinder layer of her. With every new encounter, Victoria felt herself warming up to her more and more.

Across the room, Max was carefully arranging colorful balloons along the bannister, adjusting each one with a critical eye. "Really, Max, I have two hands," Victoria called out, her tone playfully exasperated. "I could actually help."

Max threw a grin over her shoulder. "It's your day. Sit back and look pretty."

Before Victoria could press the issue further, the doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. She practically sprang off the couch, happy to have an excuse to do something. "I'll get it!"

"Nancy!" she exclaimed as she swung the door open to reveal her friend standing on the porch. Relief flooded through Victoria at the sight of her. Victoria knew it wasn't easy for Nancy to be here. Steve's house wasn't just the place where Nancy used to spend time with her ex—it was also where Barb had gone missing, a constant reminder of that loss. The memories tied to this place must have made it hard for Nancy to feel comfortable, bringing up old pain from both her broken relationship and losing her friend.

"Hey, Vic!" Nancy grinned, stepping inside and shaking off the cold. "I wasn't sure I'd make it, but here I am. Happy birthday!"

Steve's head poked out from the kitchen, his face lighting up when he saw Nancy, though Robin quickly pulled him back to assist with some last-minute preparations.

"Thanks for coming, Nance. It really means a lot." Victoria said, her voice warm with gratitude as she wrapped Nancy in a quick hug.

Max, still arranging the last of the balloons, tried to act nonchalant, but Victoria could see the anticipation in her sister's eyes. She was hoping for someone else to show up. Lucas, to be exact. The only reason that Victoria had invited him in the first place, was to give Max a chance to clear the air, maybe even to mend things between them as they were not in the best place right now.