Don't You Dare

Chapter 8: Shared Spaces

Andrea looked at him, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. He hadn't brought a gift, hadn't even mentioned anything about her birthday until now. But the fact that he'd remembered at all, that he'd taken the time to come to her room and wish her a happy birthday, meant something.

She thought back to all the complicated feelings she had about him—the anger, the resentment, the disappointment. But there was also a strange sense of understanding. Her father could only give what he knew and this was his way of trying.

"Thank you, Dad," she said quietly, offering him a small smile.

He nodded, lingering for a moment before turning to leave.

She got up and headed downstairs, the smell of coffee and something sweet wafting through the air. Her mother was at the kitchen counter, a small stack of neatly wrapped presents beside her.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart!" her mom said brightly, turning to hug her.

"Thanks, Mom," Andrea said, feeling a warmth spread through her at the genuine love in her mother's eyes.

"I got you a little something," her mom said, gesturing to the gifts.

Andrea sat down and began unwrapping them. The first was a set of books—classics she'd mentioned wanting to read. The second was a beautiful, leather-bound journal with a matching pen. Andrea's eyes lit up as she ran her fingers over the cover.

"Mom, this is perfect," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you so much."

Her mother smiled, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Andrea's ear. "I know how much you love to write. I thought this would be a good place to capture all your thoughts and dreams."

Andrea hugged her mom tightly, feeling a swell of love and appreciation. Despite all the chaos in their family, her mom always tried to make her feel special and loved.It was something Andrea cherished more than she could put into words.

She pulled back and reached for another present on the table, this one wrapped in brightly colored paper. A small card was attached to it, and Andrea smiled when she saw the familiar handwriting: Happy Birthday, Andrea! Love, Aunt Judy and Uncle Dan.

She carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a beautiful silver necklace with a small, delicate pendant shaped like a star. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight as she held it up, the light catching on the polished metal.

"Oh, wow," she murmured, her fingers tracing the pendant. "It's beautiful."

Her mom smiled, her eyes soft. "Your aunt and uncle wanted to get you something special. They said they couldn't be here today, but they're thinking of you."

Andrea felt a lump form in her throat as she fastened the necklace around her neck, the cool metal settling against her skin. "I love it. I'll have to call them later to thank them."

Her mom nodded, reaching out to gently touch the pendant. "It suits you. Just like a little reminder that no matter what, you've got people who love you."

Andrea smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Mom. For everything."

They spent the rest of the day together, just the two of them. They baked Andrea's favorite chocolate cake, laughing and chatting as they mixed the ingredients. Her mom even let her sneak a spoonful of frosting, something she used to do when Andrea was a little girl. It was a simple day, but it felt special. They watched movies, reminisced about past birthdays, and enjoyed a rare, peaceful day in each other's company.

In the late afternoon, they sat down at the kitchen table, the cake between them, decorated with "Happy Birthday, Andrea" written in neat cursive. Her mom lit the candles, and Andrea closed her eyes, making a wish before blowing them out.