Riley Meets Motherhood [2] (ON HOLD)

Chapter 16: Happy Moments, Maxes Out The Drama

Two Months Later ~ April 14

Riley's POV
Tomorrow is the day. It's Hope's 1st birthday party. She will be turning one years old already. I tear up thinking about her growing up into a beautiful young lady. I have to order her a cake from Mr. Feeny's shop. The Mystic Falls gang are coming. Except Damon, Ric, and Bonnie. They're out of town exploring and I don't blame them. 

      They all lost Elena because as long as Bonnie is alive, she will remain asleep. Kai put that curse on them, but Damon killed him. Thank God! Damon is upset over losing the woman he loves and having to wait almost 60 years to see her again. 

Ric lost his wife because before Kai did die, not only did he put the curse on Bonnie and Elena, but he also killed Ric's wife-- his own bloody sister. But out of the three of them, Bonnie has it worse. She and Elena are best friends and she will never see her again. I sigh sadly at the thought and I see Gabby walk in with Hope's birthday dress. 

      I say in adoration "awe! So beautiful!" And she says "yep. It matches your dress. This is going to be a fantastic day for your little girl." I smile brighter and say "I know it will!" Gabby pats my shoulder and we see Freya wobble in. We look to her and try not to laugh. We think she's been enjoying her freedom a little too much. 

I say "out all day and night again, huh?" She looks around, then she stops and looks at us. Freya says "just enjoying the life I longed for!" Gabby says "clearly. Just don't be like this for Hope's birthday party tomorrow." 

      Freya looks at us confused and says "but, her birthday isn't till the 15th." I chuckle and say "tomorrow is the 15th!" She sighs and mumbles "crap!" And I say, sternly "Freya, I want you to enjoy your freedom, but tomorrow is Hope's day. So, sober up and do not drink again because I will not have you turning up like this at her party. Get some water, Advil, and sleep!" She sighs and nods her head and goes to do what I said. 

Gabby chuckles with me and I ask "so, are the others on their way? Caroline insisted that she do the decorating." Gabby chuckles and says "yeah, they're on their way. What time are we picking up the cake tomorrow?" And I say "haven't put in the order yet. I'm about to, though. Want to come with me?" She says "yeah, sure." 

      I smile brightly just thinking about the many more birthdays my daughter will have. Gabby asks, hesitant "what about the rest of the family? It is her birthday, so-" I interrupt her "I will speak to Elijah and inform him that he may come and that I want this to be a peaceful day for Hope. This is Hope's first birthday and she will be surrounded by people who love her." 

Gabby smiles at me and says "good! Ever since what happened, I don't think I can recall a time you ever spoke a word to him!" and I say "there was one time I spoke to him–" Gabby interrupts me "that time does not count. You weren't speaking to him, you were yelling at him."

      I say, angry at the memory "can you blame me? After everything Hayley did to me and Hope, what on earth made him think I'd ever let her near Hope again? Who the hell does he think he is? Trying to take Hope out to the Bayou so that bitch can see her!" 

Last month, Elijah tried to take Hope with him to see Hayley, but I caught him just in time because I heard Hope whimper. I could have killed him, but Gabby held me back. He was not, nor will he ever, take my daughter to see that bitch! Not after everything she and her mutts have done. 

      He took pictures of her to show Hayley and to be honest, I didn't even want that. Gabby says "I know. Her and the pack are holding up well, for now." I say in a dull tone "you tell me that like I'm supposed to care." Gabby gives me a stern look and says "they're our pack, Riley. Our family."