Unexpected

Sweet 16th.

Since Marjorie had had a lot more time on her hands recently, she decided to throw Ivy a surprise birthday party, for her 16th.

She'd planned it perfectly, she sorted out the guest list, decorations, food, gifts.. basically everything, with a helping hand from Carly.

Friday 10th December.
It was the big day, Reece had booked the day off work to help Marjorie prepare.

Marjorie waltzed into the spare bedroom.

"Morning birthday girl!!" She yelled.

Ivy's eyes fluttered open. "I'm sixteen, fucking hell.."

"Language!!" Marjorie snapped. "Anyway, come downstairs, we've got you some presents and Reece made pancakes, your favourite." She smiled.

"You got me presents?" Ivy said, sounding slightly confused.

"My darling, I know Clara would forget your birthday but that doesn't mean we will too, come on, let's make your sixteenth super special." She held out her hand and lead Ivy downstairs to the kitchen.

There were boxes, wrapped in pink paper, a vase of bright pink roses and a card sat on the island.

"This is for me?" Ivy looked shocked.

Marjorie smiled. "Open the card first."

Ivy opened the card and read it:

Ivy,

On this day, sixteen years ago, I gave birth to the most precious little girl, that little girl being you. I know I wasn't there for quite a few years, but I'm here now. When you walked into my office on that random Monday afternoon, and I met you for the first time, it was like listening to a song for the first time and knowing it was going to be my favourite.

Not a day has gone by over the past sixteen years, where I haven't thought of you, these past few months have been rough, but if it wasn't for all of this, we wouldn't have met, and I can't imagine life without you.

Happy sixteenth birthday sweetheart.

I love you millions.

Mum xx

Ivy felt a tear roll down her cheek as she read the card. "I love you." She smiled.

"I love you more." Marjorie smiled back. "Now open the presents!!"

Ivy had never had a birthday present before, this was all rather new to her.

The first box was a small one, it was a ring, a Pandora wishbone ring in silver, it sparkled in the light and fit perfectly.

The second box was a new phone, it was from Reece, he knew how much trouble Ivy had trying to call Marjorie when Clara had constantly been blocking Marjorie's number.

The third box was a necklace, from Tiffany, it was from Marjorie, she got them matching and it had a silver heart pendant attached to it.

The fourth box was even better, yet again, from Marjorie, a pair of heels, quite possibly the most expensive gift Ivy had ever received.. a pair of loubiton heels, black stilettos with a red bottom, Ivy always complimented Marjorie's, so Marjorie thought she'd get Ivy a pair of her own.

The fifth and final box was one of Ivy's favourites, the day Marjorie told Ivy she was pregnant, Ivy was getting ready for her best friend's birthday party, and Marjorie sprayed Chanel chance, her favourite perfume, all over her. Turns out Ivy liked it so much, Marjorie had to get her a bottle of her own.

"I can't believe this, mum, you didn't have to do this honestly. Can I hug you?" Ivy asked.

"You don't have to ask sweetheart." Marjorie laughed.

Reece grabbed a gift bag from under the counter. "There's one more thing." He smiled.

"There's more!?" Ivy questioned.

Reece handed Ivy the bag.

Marjorie smiled. "Open it, it'll match your heels and you'll need it later."

Ivy untied the bag and pulled out a black mini dress, it was unlike any other black dress, it was ruffled slightly, it was beautiful, Ivy noticed something else at the bottom of the bag.

A sliver bracelet.

"What's this?" She asked as she held up the bracelet, it was a silver chain bracelet with two hearts interwoven together attached to it.

"I think- that's from Carly, she got you matching." Marjorie smiled.

"Aw!! That's so cute. Why do I need this dress later?" Ivy asked.

"You'll see, go and get ready, we've got a nail appointment at 12!!" Marjorie giggled.

Ivy was suspicious.. "okay.." she smirked.

_____________

Marjorie took Ivy out for the day, they went for lunch and got their nails done together, reece set up at home for the party with help from a few others.

After the nail appointment Marjorie drove Ivy to a beauty salon.

As she parked the car she smiled. "Come on, you're getting your hair and makeup done, your dress and heels are in the boot, you'll need to get changed after too."

Ivy smiled. "You're up to no good, I know it."

"I'm up to something, quick we're going to be late my love!" Marjorie laughed.

The hair and makeup took about 2 and a half hours, by the time they were done, Reece was done setting up, Ivy got changed at the salon just to give Reece a little more time if he needed.

Ivy walked out of the changing room.

"You look amazing my darling!!" Marjorie smiled, admiring her daughter.

"Thank you!! I love the dress, and the heels of course!" Ivy giggled.

Marjorie checked her watch. "Gosh it's already five, we should get going."

Marjorie drove back to the house, by the time they got home the guests should all already be there and everything should be perfect, Marjorie was stressing, she hoped everything would run smoothly.

She parked the car on the driveway, Ivy could hear the music and all the noise from outside.

Marjorie walked over to Ivy's side of the car and opened the door, she took Ivy's hand and said "close your eyes."

She lead Ivy towards the door and unlocked it, she opened the door and uncovered Ivy's eyes.

Everyone shouted. "Surprise!!"

Her boyfriend was there, her best friends were there, her oldest school friends were there, all of the nursery staff were there, including Carly, even the friends she made in Paris was there!

Marjorie definitely made sure that her daughter's 16th was one to remember. Nobody would be forgetting this party for a long while...