Life As We Know It

Chapter 19

Riley's POV

I had managed to have Delilah's party with Luke present and was able to avoid another conversation with him. Ryder had promised not to try and start another fight with Luke for the children's sake.

Although this party was supposed to bring our family and friends together for Del's birthday, we were all divided into two sections. Luke, Veronica, and their Delilah on one side. Then the rest of us on the other which seemed really awkward. Luke continued to glance at me from time to time and Ryder saw it all.

This caused him to stay by me the entire time always on me, looking from Luke to me back and forth. The only bridge that seemed to connect the two sides was Delilah and even Ashton at times.

"Hey Riley, ready to open the presents?" Calum asked, taking me bit by surprise. I nodded and finished off my can of soda and tossed it in the trash. I walked over to the 'other side' and tapped on Delilah's shoulder.

"Ready to open your presents sweetheart?" I asked, avoiding eye contact with Luke.

"Yes mommy, come on daddy!" She squeals, grabbing onto Luke's arm and dragging him with her. I look up at Veronica to see her giving me the death glare. When she realizes that I was looking at her, she replaces her glare with a sudden fake smile which I do return. With that I turn around and head in the opposite direction towards Delilah and her presents.

Everyone sits down in the living room, except for Ashton and Michael who stand by the doorway. Delilah tugs both Luke and I by her seat that's surrounded by many gifts.

"Read off who gave it to you, and then open it." I suggest to Delilah. She takes my suggestion into consideration and takes it into action.

"It says, from Uncle Ashy!" She reads with joy. It takes her about two seconds to rip the wrapping paper off to reveal her present of Disney princess dolls. She squeals with delight and thanks Ashton who returns the smile.

"This one is from Uncle Cal Pal." She reads carefully. This present takes her a while to open due to the fact that it was larger in size. (AN: I can sense the dirty thinkers with their thoughts)
After opening it up she once again squeals with delight to reveal her new green scooter. She excitedly thanks Calum and takes another present. It was a medium sized box and she gladly read the name out loud, "Uncle Mikey."

It doesn't take her long to actually open the present and reveal her charm bracelet and tickets to see Frozen on ice. It takes her about 3.5 seconds to run to Mikey and hug the shit out of him. He kisses her forehead and returns the hug. The sight truly melted my heart, and I felt overwhelmed tears coming but quickly blinked them away.

"Can I see the bracelet Del?" I ask politely, and so she hands the bracelet over to me. I recognize the charms that definitely described Del, and the engraved writing on the inside.

"Happy Birthday Del, -Love Uncle Mikey"

I couldn't stop the smile that came upon my face or the joy and warmth that I felt inside. I handed Mikey the bracelet and watched as he put it in her wrist. I looked over at Luke to see him quite tense. I couldn't recognize the facial expression but for some reason I felt as if he was bothered by Mikey's actions.

Del had continued to open the presents she received and couldn't stop the smile that grew each time she opened another present. After that we cut her cake which she happily smeared across her face.

As I was finishing up my slice of cake, Mikey came walking towards me.

"Hey Ry, you got a little something on your face." He points out towards my cheek. I begin wiping my cheek harshly only to feel nothing there.

"Where?"

"Right...there." And with that he smeared frosting all over my face. He began to run away, well that was until I had tackled him into the pool. When we both resurfaced, he began licking my face.

"Ew Mikey quit it," I squealed. I began swatting him away,

But that didn't stop him from kissing me.