The History of Us

12 - Celebration

Present

Celebration

Elsie was sat on the sofa of her living room, surrounded by her extended family, who were all gathered around and were enjoying themselves. She would've volunteered to help her Aunt Carol, Grandmother, and Aunt Thea prepare dinner in the kitchen, but the last thing she wanted to do was to leave one of her family members to open the door for Liam.

She couldn't sit still as she waited for the knock on the door to come; she was either fidgeting with her book until it became dog-eared or she was bouncing her legs up and down.

"Elsie, are you alright?" Asked Great-Aunt Violet, who had noticed how much Elsie was moving around. Elsie, on the other hand, almost mistaken her with her Grandmother – they both look very much alike with their wispy white hair and pale blue eyes, and only upon closer look would one realize that they were not identical twins.

"I am, Great Aunt Violet," Elsie nodded.

"Are you sure dear? No lady should be nervous on their birthday," She scolded.

"I'm not nervous though," Elsie responded.

Before she could say anything in reply, there were three knocks on the front door, followed by Elsie springing up from her seat. It was a miracle that she was able to hear the knock between the shouts and screams of her young cousins.

"Is that your guest Elsie?" Great-Aunt Violet asked again.

"I believe so, Great Aunt Violet," She nodded.

Suzie and Hayley were sitting on the living room carpet, playing with their mini tea sets that Hayley had brought with her. Hunter, Hayley's twin brother, were beside them with his wooden toy car. It would've been a peaceful scene had Hunter not been trying to incorporate his car with the girls' tea set, causing a fuss between the two parties.

When Elsie opened the door, Liam was standing in front of it looking excited to be there, much to Elsie's delight. She tiptoed slightly to give him a peck on the cheek before offering to take his coat. Elsie had been nervous about inviting Liam to tea with her whole extended family, but seeing him there, he looked like he'd fit right in and her worry slowly melted away.

Upon entering the living room area with Liam, Elsie froze in the middle of the track. All of her cousins – who were, not a minute ago, minding their own business – were now giving all their attention to the pair, who stood dumbfoundedly in the middle of the entryway.

"You must be Liam!" Aunt Peg greeted, standing up from the window seat she had been sitting on. It was rare to see Aunt Peg so relaxed, owning a business while raising twins alone had always taken up most of her time.

"I am, it's a pleasure to meet you!" He chuckled, holding out his hand. Aunt Peg shook it and she went back to her seat.

"Hello Liam, I'm Elsie's Uncle Hugo, but please call me Hugo! My wife Thea is in the kitchen, and these are Suzie, Hayley and Hunter," He said, pointing to the children who were peering curiously over to their new guest. "Little rascals but once you've gotten used to all the shrieking, you're good to go".

"Thank you Hugo, a pleasure to meet you as well" Liam smiled warmly.

"Liam, this is my Great-Aunt Violet. She and everyone came from up north to spend Christmas with us. Great-Aunt Violet, this is Liam, the guy I've been telling you about" She introduced, leaning back slightly to give space for Liam to extend his hand to her, which she shook.

"Liam, how very nice to finally meet you! Tea will be ready shortly, and then you can have Elsie all to yourself," She winked. It made Elsie blush to hear her Great-Aunt say that, but she think none of it.