The Black Queen

Thirty Second Entry

January 22, 1992

Yesterday was Skylar's birthday. We invited friends from her school, and close friends and family. I was busy making sure everyone was enjoying their time and the kids were being safe. Marty was talking to Roger. They seem to get along well. That's a good thing too. Skylar's party was a superhero themed one. She really likes superman and batman. She had a black cape on with a mask. Whenever I saw her playing with Roger's kids, all I could see was her and her siblings having fun together. They don't know about her status either. They think they're just friends. 

I was in the kitchen getting the cake ready. I put five candles and lit them up. Marty came into the kitchen with a beer in his hand.

"Do you want me to help put this outside?" He asked. 

"Yes please." He put down his beer and picked up the cake. He walked slowly outside. I heard the kids started screaming in excitement. I looked in my room for my camera. I went outside and saw everyone started to sing "Happy Birthday" with Skylar in front of the cake. I began to take pictures. She flashed a bright smile. She blew them out and everyone cheered. I cut the cake and gave everyone their piece. It was chocolate flavored. 

Later that night when everyone left, Skylar opened all of her birthday presents in front of us. She got so many toys. Marty gave her a Batman action figure. Roger gave her a new pair of really nice shoes. I gave her new cars to play with. She was so happy that day. Especially with Roger. They spent so much time together this past week. She was really sad that they left back to London today. We all dropped them off at the airport. Before they left, I thanked Roger for coming.

"No Dahlia, thank you." He said. 

"You can come back during the Summer if you want." I said.

"Maybe, it depends on my schedule." He looked down at Skylar who held on to my hand. He kneeled down. "I'm really going to miss you, darling."

"Come back soon." she said.

"I will."  he patted her head but she gave him a hug. I saw his expression which had a look of shock to it. He hugged her back. They let go of each other. Roger shook Marty's hand. The three of them left. 

When we got back home, Skylar took a nap in her room. I was laying on my bed. Marty came to lie with me. He wrapped his arms around me. 

"You did a good thing." He said. "Are you ever going to tell her?"

"Not yet. I plan to... but just not yet."

-Dahlia