Chapter 51
CISA’S BIRTHDAY
Clarissa:
Cisca’s birthday came as fast as lightning. It seemed just like yesterday when I sat bewildered in Jericho’s office. And also the sadness that had engulfed me when Clyde had shamed me for the second time, and suddenly it had been the 13th of June nine times since then. Yes, my baby girl had grown into a beautiful nine-year-old, and she was also a very skilled wolf. I was pretty sure there was no match for her amongst her agemates. Any time I thought of Cisca, I was proud and also very glad that I had kept her. She was now a part of a pack, and if Jason and I went well, she was going to have a family, which was no problem at all; she and Jason were in love with each other and had already bonded like a father and daughter would do. When Jason ceased coming over to our house for dinner, it affected Cisca the most—sshe would play around with her food and end up eating nothing. As soon as Jason and I decided to date and he came by almost every evening, she was back in good spirits again. We even went on hunts together with my new pack.
Speaking of the pack, I had told them of Cisca’s birthday, and plans were in motion to make it a memorable day for her.
Jason:
Last night, when Clarissa and I went on a date to a nearby restaurant and we were returning, she told me that Cisca’s ninth birthday was the next day, and I was so excited and happy to be a part of the pans for Cisca’s birthday party. The girl reminded me of my child self and sent chills of nostalgia all over my body. I missed the days when I was a child and would run about perpetrating mischief while my grandma yelled my name and chased me with a wooden ladle, when I had nothing or no one else to think about but myself.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I reached out to Clarissa, Nolle, Amber Hart, Midian, and Elliot. We all agreed to put our heads together and create a memorable birthday celebration for Cisca. Each of us had unique skills and ideas that would contribute to making her day unforgettable. I myself was super excited for the birthday, as though it were my own party.
Clarissa:
As Cisca’s mom, I wanted to ensure that her birthday would be filled with joy and love. I decided to take charge of the decorations and organize a surprise party at our house. With colorful balloons, streamers, and a birthday banner, the living room transformed into a festive wonderland. I even enlisted Nolle’s help in creating a beautiful handmade birthday card for Cisca. Amber Hart had also proved super industrious; she was fluent in making preparations for birthday parties. We had written a present list, and everyone brought the cash they had. Miriam and Elliot went shopping for the presents each of us volunteered to give. I think the fun part of our preparations was when Jason took the groggy Cisca out to the amusement park. He was to keep her busy all day while we finished up the preparations. Cisca was too overjoyed to be spending a full day with Jason to even suspect a thing.
Jericho and I took care of the pastries, especially the cake, which Jericho and I expertly made and adorned with chocolate Legos of different colors.
Nolle:
Using my artistic talents, I poured my heart into designing the birthday card. I drew a picture of Cisca with her favorite cartoon characters, accompanied by heartfelt messages from everyone involved. It was important to me that Cisca felt loved and appreciated on her special day.
Amber Hart:
I couldn’t wait to bring some magic to Cisca’s birthday. Being a skilled magician, I decided to put on a special magic show for her and her friends. I carefully selected tricks that would captivate their young imaginations and leave them in awe. The magic show would be the highlight of the party, and I knew Cisca would be thrilled. I had been a lot of things before I joined Clarissa’s pack, and being a magician was one of the things I earned a living from by utilizing my psychic powers.
Mirian and Elliot:
We invited Cisca’sbest friends from school. We wanted to contribute something unique to her birthday celebration. They decided to create a treasure hunt in our backyard, complete with clues and hidden surprises. It would be an exciting adventure for Cisca and her friends, leading them to a treasure chest filled with small gifts and treats. We were grateful for the opportunity to do some good, and we did not plan on messing it all up.
Jason:
The time for Cisca’s birthday party arrived, and everything was set in motion. Clarissa called me and informed me that everything was in place, and I told Cisca that it was time to go home. Cisca was sad, but she didn’t know what was waiting for her at home. The house was filled with laughter, excitement, and anticipation. Cisca’s eyes widened with delight as she entered the decorated living room, surrounded by friends and family.
First, we enjoyed a delicious homemade birthday cake adorned with Cisca’s favorite characters. After singing “Happy Birthday,” we moved on to the magic show. Amber Hart’s illusions left everyone spellbound, and Cisca couldn’t stop giggling with amazement.
Then came the treasure hunt. Mirian and Elliot had put so much effort into creating a thrilling adventure. Cisca and her friends followed the clues, running around the backyard with laughter and enthusiasm. Finally, they discovered the treasure chest and cheered with excitement as they opened it to find their surprise gifts.
With the celebrations winding down, I noticed Clarissa’s longing gaze. It was time for our long-awaited date. While the others helped clean up, Clarissa and I slipped away for a romantic evening. We went to a cozy restaurant, enjoying a candlelit dinner and reminiscing about the beautiful memories we had created together.
As the night drew to a close, we returned home to find a contented Cisca cuddled up in bed, surrounded by her presents. The joy on her face was immeasurable, and it warmed our hearts to know that we had made her birthday truly special.
Though challenges had tested our resolve, we had come together as a family and created a beautiful day for Cisca. Love, laughter, and friendship had triumphed over sadness and hurt. And in that moment, I realized that our bond was stronger than ever.