❝ 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 ❞
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THE NIGHT BEFORE
"How the hell do you want us to do the decorations if you won't tell us where you want them?" Jayden asks, untangling light pink garland he somehow tangled up because he got bored.
"I'm waiting for Serenity to come downstairs because I have no idea how she wants to decorate the place."
"Okay I just got off the phone with the flower shop, they'll have pink roses delivered first thing in the morning." Natalie says, taking a seat on the floor next to Jayden and starts to help him untangle the garland.
"If I don't die from being your right hand . . . I think I'm going to die from lack of oxygen." Grayson adds. I watched as he tied the end of the balloon he was just blowing into a knot and hit it.
Which hits my face.
"You're the one who volunteered to blow the balloons when Serenity asked who wanted to do it." I responded.
"Because I thought it would be an easier job! I didn't think it would make me light headed." He then dramatically falls back on the couch.
"I honestly don't think we're doing that big of a job because remember how much Natalie put together for Emmanuel and Sebastian's first birthday?" Aria says as she opens a pack of new balloons and starts to blow them up. "Wait, is the party gonna be held inside or in the backyard?" She asks.
"Both probably." A voice from upstairs responds. "While we wait for everyone else to make it, we'll hang out in the living room and once we know everyone is here, we'll move the party outside. My papá will be bringing over a bouncy house for the little kids to play in."
"Little kids? Darling, I may be a 23 year old man and a soon to be father but I will gladly join the little kids in the bouncy house." Grayson adds, crossing his arms.
"No but really, I'd join them as well." Cassandra laughs.
"A bouncy house for the little kids and the adult sized kids then." I say.
"Now that we've discussed that everyone is allowed to play in the bouncy house, let's get to work shall we? Because I'd like to finish in under a minimum of two hours because I'm sleepy" Serenity yawns and pulls out a folded piece of paper from the pocket of her jeans. "So for one, we'll all take turns in blowing up balloons. Once one of us starts to feel lightheaded, we switch out." She first adds before she begins telling everyone what their assignment is.
Aria and Jayden are the first two assigned to blowing balloons. Natalie helps me put up the 'happy birthday' balloons up in the living room and afterwards we hang up the garland.
Cassandra, Ryan, Grayson and Samuel are outside setting up the tables with Serenity.
Elizabeth, Victor, Abril and Sergio are helping my parents bring out the chairs from storage to move outside. Bella Rain and Jonathan soon arrive at the mansion with the bouncy house.
AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER
I finish tying the last balloon and throw it to the ground. I'm so fucking lightheaded but at least we don't have to blow up anymore balloons. I see my phone light up from the corner of my eye and I manage to grab it and see who just texted me.
Marcus: Hey, so should I be there first thing in the morning? I'll need to arrive as early as possible to be able to make enough food and finish cooking quicker before everyone else arrives.
Elijah: Yeah that sounds like a good plan.
Marcus: Great. Please leave an open spot for me in your kitchen so I can start as soon as I get there.
I don't know how but Serenity convinced Marcus to cook for Alessandra's birthday. "I am so freaking exhausted." Serenity drops down on the couch next to me. "I know Alessandra won't remember any of this and the parties are usually only for the adults but I just feel like her birthdays should always be special, no matter if they don't remember it."
"Who knows, love. There's always a chance she'll remember this birthday."
"I hope so. Have you seen the outside?"
"Not since I came back inside to switch places with Natalie."
"Come see how it turned out!" Serenity then pulls me off the couch and takes me to the backyard. I'm amazed how great everything turned out. "It looks better at night, right?"
"Yes, it does." There's little lights hanging from the roof to the tree in the corner of the yard. The bouncy house she was talking about is white, which matches with everything else and is on the other corner of the yard.
"Is Alessandra's favorite color pink by any chance?" I joke. "I think it would've been her first word if it wasn't mamá." She responds, fiddling with the fake flower centerpieces.
"Okay, love, let's get you to bed."
"No . . . the centerpieces aren't aligned properly."
"They look properly aligned to me, Serenity. Let's go to sleep and you can do any last minute adjustments to them in the morning if they still don't look good, okay?"
"Okay." I hear her whisper.
I go turn everything off outside as well as everything inside the house, lock the doors and head upstairs with her. Within a few minutes, she finishes her nightly routine and is under the covers with me. I take a glimpse at my phone one more time before closing my eyes and seeing the clock turn to midnight.
"Serenity?"
"Hm?"
"It's midnight . . ."
"Wait, really?" She slowly lifts her head up from my upper body and takes a look at my phone. "Our daughter is two."
THE NEXT MORNING
I woke up this morning to an empty bed...which I'm not surprised about because I'm sure Serenity is out and about downstairs bossing people around to make sure any last minute preparations are set.
After a few minutes, I get up and make the bed. As I was finishing putting the pillows, Serenity came into the room holding a dress and heels, both being red along with two small dresses. "Oh, good morning! You're finally awake I see." She sets down the two dresses on the bed. "By the way, Marcus got here like an hour ago and he's already downstairs cooking for today. I think Natalie is going to make breakfast. But anyways, I need your help." I stand next to her and take a glance at the two dresses. "Which dress should Alessandra wear for today?"
One dress is black with red roses on it and the second dress is white with red and pink flowers. I know both will look beautiful on Alessandra but I also know that Serenity will probably get mad at me for not helping to decide which dress our daughter should wear. "I like the white one. It goes more perfectly with the uh- what's the word- it goes more with the way you decorated."
"Yeah . . . I was thinking of going with the white one too but I just needed your opinion as well. I'm gonna go put this other one away. And see if Alessandra is awake yet so I can get her ready." I take the white dress off from the hanger and notice the tag is still on so I take that off as well. I go ahead and check every part of the dress to make sure there aren't any more tags that could bother Alessandra while she's wearing it.
My nephews still bring their clothes to me to take off any tags I find because they tell me it bothers them. I also remember when Natalie would always complain about them when she was trying on dresses and went to our mama to have her take them off.
After I look over the dress, I set it back down and pick up the red dress Serenity left on the bed. It's long sleeved and the color matches perfectly with her heels. "Look who's awake, Elijah."
I turn around and see Serenity carrying Alessandra who's rubbing her eyes simultaneously. "Happy birthday, princesa." I take her into my arms and kiss her forehead. "Please don't grow up too fast, Alessandra." I mumble against the top of her head as I sit down.
"That's what I told her on her first birthday." Serenity says with a soft smile. "Unfortunately she didn't listen." Alessandra then jumps off from my lap and runs to the bathroom. "So . . . Alessandra and I are going to steal your room while we get ready."
"You mean our room, love?"
"Mmm . . . no? I mean your room. I have my own room but you basically don't let me stay in there anymore after uh-"
"After what, Serenity?" I grin.
"Nothing." She pulls me off the bed and proceeds to lead me to the door.
"I'm just saying. It's still our room." I say before I walk out and close the door behind me.
I'm in the mood to annoy Marcus now.
I think I would have been a fashion designer or something similar to that if I wasn't given the life of an assassin. I mean the way I dressed Alessandra today is- there are absolutely no words.
Alessandra's Birthday Outfit
She's wearing a white dress with pink and red flowers on it with some white flats. Elijah was right, the dress does match the pink and white aesthetic I was going for, for the decorations.
It was also funny watching him trying to find the word, aesthetic or theme. I was trying so hard not to crack a smile. After I finish doing her hair, I set her down in the middle of the bed and turn on the Princess and the Frog for her to watch.
It's crazy how I remember watching this movie with Odette at her apartment when Elijah and I separated and I didn't know I was pregnant yet. I don't know how I didn't realize it when I made myself two packs of ramen noodles to eat. Now I'm standing in Elijah's bedroom with our daughter sitting on the bed who's silently watching and enjoying the movie.
I tell her I'm gonna go take a quick shower so I hope she listens and stays in the same spot because I want to see everyone's reaction when they see the birthday girl. - I get out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body and one wrapping my hair.
Alessandra is still in the same spot where I left her a while ago. I look over at the tv and see the movie is at the park where the firefly, Ray, is singing about the star in the night sky, Evangeline. It's probably one of my favorite parts from the movie.
I go back into the bathroom to dry myself with a towel and put on a matching set of red bra and panties. I head back to the room and start putting on my vanilla scented lotion. I take a quick glimpse at my phone to check the time and notice it's almost eight.
Meaning Alessandra should've eaten about thirty minutes ago . . . yet she hasn't said anything to me yet about her being hungry. Once I know my skin has fully absorbed the lotion, I go ahead and put on the dress I chose for today.
It's red, long sleeve and I totally did not steal it from my sister. In my defense, she hasn't worn it since the first month of her pregnancy so I thought I would borrow it. Plus she also 'borrowed' a good amount of my clothes while I was pregnant with Alessandra so it makes us even. I put on the matching red heels as well and make my way back to the bathroom to do my hair.
When I take the towel off from my hair, it's almost fully dry so all that I do is run a wide-tooth comb through it. I'll brush it again later. Last thing I do is some natural makeup. I debated whether or not to wear a red lip but I thought it would have been a bit too much so I settled with a nude color.
"Alright Alessandra. Let's go downstairs and get some food into your belly. I'm sure your tia Natalie has prepared a delicious breakfast for us." I turn off the tv and help her off the bed. When we reach the stairs, I hold her hand as she carefully steps on each stair. Odette is the first one to spot us.
She's currently eating a plate of . . . what looks like pancakes and bacon. "Oh my goodness! Alessandra you look so beautiful!" She puts down her fork and walks over to us. She bends down and hugs Alessandra. "Happy birthday!"
"Gracias!"
"And don't think I didn't forget about you, Serenity." She stands up and hugs me. "You look beautiful and can I just say, you did a great job on the decorations. I caught a glimpse of the yard last night when I got up to use the bathroom."
"Thank you, Odette. When's your next ultrasound appointment?" I ask as I make Alessandra and I a plate while carrying her. I then set her down in front of me on the counter and cut up the pancakes.
"In two weeks . . . or three. I have it written on the calendar in my apartment but I haven't added it to my phone yet. I've been meaning to do it."
"Well I would like to join you and Grayson at your next appointment. Oh! Can I throw you a gender reveal party?" I give a bite to Alessandra and wait for Odette's answer.
"I don't-"
"Puh-lease!" I beg without thinking of the way I said it. Alessandra giggles and begins to mock the way I said 'please' which makes Odette and I laugh.
"I guess it only makes sense since I was the one to beg you so I could throw you a gender reveal party."
"Thank you, sis! You will not regret it." I give her a cheeky grin and continue giving Alessandra her breakfast.
"Doesn't the birthday girl look gorgeous today?" I turn around and see Marcus tying his apron back on and washing his hands.
"What have you been cooking? Because the smell overpowers the breakfast Natalie made." I ask him. Whatever he's making, I'm probably going to grab seconds during the party.
"Well first and foremost, I'm making Esme Russo's famous Italian pasta. I actually asked her on the flight here if she could send me her recipe and she could taste test it when she, Salvatore, Sienna and Ceaser get here."
"Sienna and Ceaser?" I ask.
"Their daughter and son. Italian Mafia heir and princess. I think Ceaser is four . . . or is he five? I forgot. But I do know that Sienna is two."
"Hm." I hum.
I knew the Italian Mafia has it's heir but I didn't know that there's an Italian Mafia Princess as well.
· • —– · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– • ·
I lean against the door frame, watching Alessandra play with Emmanuel and Sebastian. I take another look around the living wondering one question. Where in the world is Elijah at? I decided to go outside and check the yard for the hundredth time.
"Where do you want the cake?" I turn around and see Elijah walking towards me, holding a box.
"Is that where you've been? You went to pick up the cake?" I ask, leading him to the main table and making sure there is enough room for him to set the cake down.
"Well, Grayson and I left to pick it up and be back quick. But the idiot decided to get us lost and have us end up at the wrong cake shop. But as you can see, we were able to get un-lost and end up at the right cake shop and pick up Alessandra's birthday cake." He responds and removes the box that's holding the cake. "May I add, you look beautiful."
"Thank you, Elijah."
I quickly scan him from head to toe to see what he's wearing. And boy does he look good. He's wearing a black long sleeve formal shirt with black dress pants.
"So. Where's the birthday girl?"
"Last time I saw her, she was playing with her cousins . . ." I look behind him and see Alessandra walking towards us with two balloons in her hands. "Speaking of birthday girl, here she is." I nod my head behind him.
Elijah turns around and I watch as his face lights up in a smile. He bends down and holds out his arms, waiting for Alessandra to run into them. She does exactly that. She hugs her papá, dropping the balloons she was holding. "Don't you look beautiful, princesa?" He kisses her cheek and sets her back down on the grass and twirls her around in a circle. "Just like your mamá."
· • —– · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– • ·
"Celestina, you finally made it!" I hugged her. "We're late, aren't we? I'm sorry but Valentino over here forgot to pack a birthday bag for Alessandra's gift and nobody else had an extra one of the jet. So while everyone else made their way over here, Asteria, Valentino and I ran to the store real quick and bought a bag. Anyways, where's the birthday girl? Because Asteria has missed her best friend."
"Te ves hermosa, Asteria." You look beautiful.
"Gracias . . . y Ale?" Thank you and Alessandra?
I chuckle and call out for Alessandra.
In no time she comes running in. Asteria hands Alessandra the gift and Alessandra hands it to me. They both then run back to the yard to play with the other little kids.
"Anyways, please come in! Grab yourselves a plate of Marcus' cooking . . . which may I add is delicious. I think we're waiting on one more family to show up."
"I told you we weren't the last one's, angel." Valentino says to Celestina.
"Better safe than sorry." Celestina responds and they both make their way to the kitchen.
I only take a few steps toward the door leading to the yard before I hear the doorbell ring. Making me turn around. I open the door to greet the last family.
"Y'all must be the Russo's. Please come in." They thank me and step in and I close and lock the door behind them. "It's good to finally meet you, Esme and Salvatore. Who are these two?" I ask, looking at two kids who look like twins.
"This here is Ceaser," Salvatore pats his son's back before patting his daughter's back as well. "And this is Sienna."
"Ciao." Hello. They both speak at the same time.
"Ciao, spero che voi due vi divertiate oggi. C'è anche una casa gonfiabile." Hello, I hope you two have fun today. There's also a bouncy house. I responded.
"Tu parli italiano?" You speak Italian? Ceaser asks.
"I actually hope to soon speak it fluently but for now, I'm learning." I smile. "The festivities are outside in the yard if you two would like to have fun."
Sienna and Ceaser turn to their parents and they give them the okay and soon enough, they're both running to join the others.
TWO HOURS LATER
I talked a little bit with Esme and Salvatore . . . probably for half an hour because Esme started talking about how she and Salvatore met and I was just invested and wanted to hear the rest of the story. I enjoyed watching Alessandra have fun, running around and playing with kids her age.
Don't even get me started on how Ceaser has been following Alessandra every now and then, trying to teach her Italian. I think he's starting to get on her nerves as well because of how much he's been following her around the yard. Hell, even Elijah has been keeping an eye on them both.
Before we knew it, we broke the pinata and afterwards, it was time to gather around the main table to sing happy birthday to Alessandra and watch her blow out the candles.
"Calling the birthday girl to the cake table. Where are you, Alessandra Castillo?" Ryan's voice echoes from the speakers. He decided to put himself in charge of making sure there is good music playing. Plus I think he's enjoying using the microphone.
"I found the birthday girl!" I turn around and see Alessandra sitting on my papá's shoulder, coming towards Elijah and I.
"Where was she?" I ask my papá as Elijah takes Alessandra into his arms.
"Hiding in the bouncy house with Asteria, Sienna and Ceaser." He responds.
"I'm sorry- did I hear that correctly, Jonathan? My daughter was in the bouncy house with-"
"Okay . . . let's get to the cake table, Elijah." I shoot him the 'don't you dare think about it' look.
Within a few minutes we're able to put the candles on the cake and light each of them up. I'm thankful it's not too windy outside. I look at Ryan and signal him to let him know we're ready to sing.
"Alrighty ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages...gather around the cake table to sing the birthday song!"
Seconds later, everyone did just that and we soon started to sing.
"Happy birthday dear Alessandra."
"Happy birthday to you . . ."
The clapping that erupted had Alessandra clapping for herself making us all laugh. "Blow it, mi amor." I lean down next to the cake, careful not to let my hair near the flames.
"Like this, princesa." Elijah adds and blows out two candles. Once Alessandra sees how the candle went out, she proceeds to blow out the candles.
Elijah and I decide to help her out and blow out the last five candles in the front of the cake. Plus it was his great idea to add more than two candles to the cake. I have a slice cut out for Alessandra first for her to take a few bites before she runs back to the bouncy house.
Elijah helps me in cutting the cake in slices and handing them out to anyone who comes up to us.
Now that everyone is just enjoying the party, I'm able to try the cake Elijah and Grayson brought. A few moments later, Elijah comes and stands next to me. We stand there in silence, overlooking the party.
"I'm positive that this birthday party is one that Alessandra will always remember."
"Elijah, she's two."
"And I remember Natalie chasing me around the living room when we were two with a baseball bat."
"Seems like you two still have the same relationship twenty two years later." I chuckle.
"Yeah," He chuckles, "what I'm trying to say is that she will remember this day. No matter if she's only two."
"God, I can't believe she's already two. Time went by so fast." I pause. "My baby is no longer a baby." I feel my voice drop.
"Don't say that, love. She'll always be our little girl." I feel Elijah wrap his arm around my waist and I rest my head on his shoulder. "Even if she's all grown up."
· • —– · • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– • ·
I am back again with another chapter!! 😁
One birthday down, six more birthdays left to celebrate in this book :) Well seven if you want to count Asteria's birthday which will only be for a short part of the next chapter
I also may or may not have hinted Alessandra's potential love interest for her book . . . 👀
I'm thinking of probably changing my username to writtenbycristal or something similar to that if the username is already taken
— cristal g.