Oglinda (means Mirror)
The leaves flew around my ankles and I felt the brush of the wind over my skin like the cold, familiar touch of Casimir...or even his brother. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my first husband's spirit walking with me down the familiar streets of Bathory. It was a special holiday for me, one that I've celebrated for going on three years.
Vladimir Tod's birthday.
I wasn't surprised when Nelly invited me, and half the town, to the party. She had been trying to get Vlad and I to hang out since we've parted...but she has tried to do so without him noticing.
So now I'm walking to his house before the party is to start so I can bake the cake and help her cook. I reached the porch and casually took the key to the front door from its hiding place and unlocked and opened the door for myself. I was bombarded by red and black balloons, I shoved them back inside as I pushed my way inside.
"Have enough decorations?" I smiled warmly at Vlad and Henry. Then, moving my way through the décor, I hugged Vlad close and kissed his cheek. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks..." He said uncertainly. "I didn't think you'd come, why are you here?"
"Your cake, of course." I held up my spoon and winked. "Red Velvet."
"Please tell me you aren't making Blood Red Velvet..." I smiled over my shoulder as I walked into the kitchen without another word.
"Hey Nelly." She smiled and moved the cutting board so I could have room to start baking. "Did you get the ingredients like we planned?"
"Yes, I'm glad you came." I took out the bowl I brought with me and smiled with her as I started to create the sweet, delicious cake that is the birthday boys' and my own favorite flavor. I heard Henry come in and wrap his arms around me in a hug from behind.
"He may not show it, but it means a lot that you came." Henry muttered to me as quietly as he could with his helium-infected voice. I laughed and cracked the eggs until the gooey white and yellow mess fell into the mixture. Henry returned to the living room with Vlad.
"Nelly, just how many people did you invite? I mean, this seems like a pretty big deal for just me, you, Meredith, Mina and Henry."
Nelly looked at me and smiled wickedly. "Vladimir, it's not every day that a boy turns fifteen." A few seconds later I felt the yanking in the depths of my stomach grow stronger when Vlad came in. He observed the counter and tables that were full of food, drinks, snacks, and sugary treats.
"Exactly how many people did you invite to my birthday party?" I saw Nelly look up from her brownie mixture to the calendar.
"Around forty. Why?" I smiled and chuckled when Vlad went into shock.
"Nelly! I don't know forty people!" I rolled my eyes and Vlad looked at me. The look in his eyes told me he thought I had helped with the list but I hadn't.
"Sure you do. You know Henry's family, some of the nurses from the hospital, and the rest are your friends and teachers." I felt my lungs release their air at the last word in her sentence. I saw that Vlad was also in shock too.
"You invited my teachers?" Vlad asked the question I was unable to say.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Nelly, I spend all day with them. What makes you think I want to see any of them at my house?" I smiled and giggled at his comment. When Nelly looked at me I shrugged and continued to mix the red velvet.
"Some of your teachers are very nice." I smiled wider at the thought of Nelly and Otis together. I felt my face grow sore from smiling in the ten minutes I've been here. Now I remember why I love just hanging out in this house.
