Children of a gayer breed

Ten

Hours turned into day, days into weeks, and weeks into months. It was my birthday, and I hated my birthday. I knew that Dad was planning “something special” for me for weeks, but, personally, I didn’t want anything special. My birthday only reminded my for my Mom. My real mom. Chacha still hated me, but he was my “mom”. I cared about Chacha and all, its just that I missed my mother. Mom used to wake me up on my birthday by putting frosting on my nose. I smiled at the pleasant memory of my mother. I decided today was a good day to stay in bed, to reflect my memories of when I was happy and young.

My happy thoughts were soon cut off by a loud knock on the door.

“Knock, knock!” I heard Chirolyn yell.

“I’m still sleeping!!” I yelled back sounding irritated.

“Well get up, your lover made you food and a present,” Chirolyn giggled as if that would make me jump to my feet.

I sniffled and called, “I’m not hungry.”

Chirolyn quit knocking and came in with a small frown. He sat on my bedside and brushed my hair out of my face like a sibling instead of a band member for my father. He ran his thumb over some dried tears and asked, “What’s wrong, Rita? It’s your birthday and you: called in sick, slept in a lot, and refused a gift from Yohio.”

“I’m not in the mood to celebrate. I just…….” I pulled the blanket over my head, “Just want this day to be over!!!” I didn’t know but I started to cry under my blanket. I could barely hear Chirolyn leave as my tears and sobs filled the room around me.

I felt a warm hand against my back and rubbed in tiny circles. I couldn't bare to look out from under my blanket. I cried my eyes out and my mystery guest began to hum a soft tone. My cries dulled as he hummed along. I peeked my head out from under my shelter and saw my dad looking down on me with a kindhearted smile. He brushed some of my hair away and said, "Hello, sweetie. Chirolyn said you didn't want to celebrate your birthday."

"Mhmmm...." I sniffled and let the blanket just touch my shoulders.

"Why not? It's a big day. 18th birthday is a big deal." Dad exclaimed with joy.

"Mom told me never to cry on my birthday," I sniffled, "but I can't stop."

"Can here," Dad opened his arms and engulfed me in a hug. I cried into his chest with no reason to stop. He held the back of my head and kisses it's top. He held me close and said, "Rita. I loved you mother. Very very much. I begged her to stay with me-"

"I know dad," I sniffled.

"I know I wasn't the one to marry her, but I never stopped wanting to be in your life. I love you, Rita," he too began to shed some tears, "I know I'm not as great as your mom, but I'm trying. I really really am."

"I know, daddy," I smiles softly and kisses his cheek.

We stayed silent and snuggly for a good hour or so. Today was hard for me without mom, and dad knew that. It was every girl’s dream to spend her eighteenth birthday with their mom, but mine was in a better place. I had Chacha as a “back-up” of sorts, but that couldn’t make up for the whole in my heart. Dad filled up the hole of my father, but my mother was gone. No matter how much Chacha wanted to me think he was my mother, he wasn’t. I miss my mom, true, but I would never replace her. I love my mom. I love my dad, but Chacha still would glare at me for no reason and then expect me to love him. Doesn’t that make perfect sense? NOT!!!

Our lovely moment was ruined as Yohio ran in yelled, “Who wants cocoa pebbles?!”

Dad and I both broke out in pure laughter. Why to ruin the mood, Yohio. I smiled, wiped away my tears, and chuckled back, “I do. I will be out in a minute, Yohio.”

“Alright,” He smiled and kissed my cheek, “I am your servant for the day.”

“Aren’t you everyday?” Dad chuckled and ruffled his hair.

I cracked up as my boyfriend and my dad laughed together. I made both of the boys leave my room, for I was only in my pajamas. I dressed in some sweats and called it good. I wasn’t expecting going anywhere nicer than my bathroom. The first thing I saw when I left my room was Jenna waiting for me. She held her hand up for me to take and said, “Come on! Today you’re the princess.”

What a wonderful birthday.