As Witnesses

4❤️

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

~*~

Rather unsurprisingly, the first thing that the rest of the Valors shouted out this morning, the first thing that the Airlets cried out - as if on cue - the moment the Valors answered the door this evening, and what everyone decided would be the toast for tonight's dinner is:

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIL' CATTY!"

And every time it's said, Lil' Catty beams and responds, "Thanks, everyone!"

Odin smiles too, just as wide. "Say, Lil' Catty, how old are you turning today?"

"I'm eight today!" Lil' Catty exclaims.

"Eight years, already?" pipes up Athena. "Time sure does fly with these young ones!"

"It sure does," Odin agrees, then turns to the rest of the children. "Can all of you tell us when your birthdays are and how old you'll be then?"

As can be expected, Ginny is the first to answer. "I'm turning seven on August 11! Hey, that rhymes!"

Fuzzynerd shares next. "I'll be eight with Lil' Catty on June 20."

Midnight shrugs and speaks up. "And my tenth birthday is on September 21."

"My, my, you children grow up so fast," comments Exa.

Ginny's expression turns a little sad, though her tone is still optimistic. "But I don't expect us to totally change anytime soon!"

"That's good," Athena replies.

Zeno seems to agree. "We would kind of get scared if you actually did." At this, some laughter ripples around the table. "But my point is, all of you are amazing just the way you are."

All of the kids' spirits only brighten at this. Even Midnight looks like she appreciates it, which is something you don't see that often from her. She has the feeling in her, but it usually doesn't go as far as to voice itself in her expression.

Out of the blue, the next minute, the adults lean over towards each other and whisper something.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Midnight raises an eyebrow.

The parents turn back to their kids, their faces somewhat regretful.

"Sorry, kids, but this is kind of an adults-only discussion," Zeno covers for the rest of the adults. "How about the four of you go off and do your own thing while we talk about it? Just so you know, we're not trying to kick you out or anything."

"Of course! Besides, dinner is finished anyways," replies Ginny.

The children burst out of their seats and call to their parents, "Have fun!" The four of them begin dashing up the stairs - Lil' Catty, then Ginny, then Fuzzynerd, with Midnight at the back - and skid to a stop in front of the sink and the mirror in Lil' Catty's and Ginny's shared bathroom.

Lil' Catty looks at his hair in the mirror. "Hey, guys, I have this crazy idea..."

"Cool! I'm all up for crazy," Ginny interjects. "Keep going."

"What if I put my hair up into two cat ears," Lil' Catty pulls his hair up into said style, one 'cat ear' of hair on the right and the other on the left, "so I can live up to my name more? I've been thinking about it and it seems awesome."