Chapter 52

Chapter 52
It was finally Liam's birthday; everyone had been looking forward to it. By six, the food vendors showed up to set up their stands. The decorations were already done a day before and only needed a little touch.
The birthday would be starting at nine, but most of the people invited showed up by eight.
Liam was dressed up by Bella and Mia and was brought to greet the guests. They left him with his grandma and returned to get ready too.
"Let's check up on Charlotte," Mia said. "I don't think she's ready yet."
They headed to Charlotte's room. Bella stopped. "I think I left my phone on the table in the other living room. I will go get it."
Mia nodded. "I will wait here for you."
"I will be right back," Bella said, quickening her steps.
After Bella left, Mia waited patiently for her. She tapped her feet on the floor slightly, looking around.
"Mia?" Someone called.
It was her uncle, Mr Daniel. Mia was surprised to see him. She hadn't seen him in a long time.
"Uncle?" She called out. "When did you get back!?"
Mr Daniel smiled. "Some days ago. It's good to see you. You've grown so big."
"I did not know you were in town. Did my mom know you were around?" He nodded, and she groaned. "She said nothing to me."
Mr Daniel nodded. "I asked her not to. I wanted to surprise you."
"It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you, Mia. By the way, have you seen Melvin?"
"He should be in the room," Mia answered.
"I've been there. He's not in."
"Maybe he's greeting the guest," Mia said. "You can ask my mom."
"I should do that," Mr Daniel answered. "See you around."
"I'm back, Mia." Bella walked towards them. "Uncle Daniel? When did you get back?"
Mr Daniel smiled. "Is that you, Bella? It's good to see you. I see the good work you're doing. I'm so proud of you."
"It's good to see you too, Uncle Daniel. It's been a while. I did not expect to see you soon. Weren't you on an adventure a week ago? I was loving it."
"You saw my posts?"
Bella nodded. "Every bit of it. I love what you're doing."
"I'm glad you do. I have to go. I need to see Melvin."
"Melvin? I saw him with his friends a few minutes ago, in the main living room."
"Thank you, Bella. I will go find him. See you around."
Mr Daniel left, and Mia moved closer to Bella. "Did you find your phone?"
"I did. Thank you."
They headed to Charlotte's room and knocked. Charlotte was standing in front of a mirror, dressed in a flowing black gown. She stared at herself, loving the dress.
She heard a knock on the door. "Who's there?"
"Bella and Mia," they answered.
"Come in," Charlotte replied.
They opened the door and walked in.
"You look stunning," Mia said. "I knew this would look good on you."
Bella nodded. "But I think it's a bit too long. Are you going out in heels?"
Charlotte stared at the mirror once again. "I don't think I want to walk in heels today. It's going to be a busy day. Maybe I should change."
"Well," Bella said. "I love this dress on you. So..." she smiled. "You can go out with this, and maybe change later? What do you think, Mia?"
Mia nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."
Charlotte nodded. "Why aren't you both ready?"
"We thought to check up on you first," Mia answered.
Charlotte smiled. "Thank you so much."
"Do you need help with anything?" Mia asked.
"No, I got everything covered. You should go get dressed."
Mia nodded. "We'll get going then."
"Bella?" Charlotte called. "Are Stella and Gina here yet?"
Bella nodded. "They came in a while ago. Mrs. Martin is here too."
"She is? I should go see her. Bella, when you're dressed, come find me. I need you close to me at all times. Let Mia take care of Liam today."
Bella nodded. "That won't be a problem."
Bella and Mia left Charlotte's room to get dressed. Charlotte left the room too. She met Melvin on her way down the stairs. He held her hand to help her down.
"Mrs. Martin is here," he told her. "I was going upstairs to get you."
"Thank you," Charlotte mumbled.
Melvin led her to where Mrs. Martin was seated.
"Hi, Charlotte." Mrs. Martin stood up.
"Good morning, Mrs. Martin. Thank you for honoring our invitation despite the short notice."
"My pleasure," Mrs. Martin answered. "It's good to see you. You're glowing, I must say."
Charlotte smiled but said nothing. Melvin spoke up.
"I will leave you two to talk. I still need to speak to some guests." Mrs. Martin nodded. "I will be right back," he said to Charlotte.
After Melvin left, Mrs. Martin and Charlotte talked about business before Bella showed up. She joined in the conversation before the party finally started.
Charlotte joined Melvin when the parents of the celebrant were asked to come on stage. Charlotte excused herself after a while to change into a more comfortable dress.
When she returned, she did not go back to the stage; she sat down with Bella.
"Do you want something to eat?" Bella asked. "You've not taken anything since the party began."
Charlotte shook her head. "No, I don't think I want anything. But you can get me a glass of water, though."
Bella stood up. "I will be right back."
Bella left, and Charlotte began to press her phone.
"Charlotte?" She heard someone call.
She looked up to see Alexia, Melvin's ex-girlfriend.
"Hi," Charlotte waved. "It's been a while."
Alexia nodded. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too. Please make yourself comfortable."
Alexia nodded. "I..."
"Babe?" Someone called.
Alexia turned. A man was carrying a baby, about six months old.
"Is she crying?" Alexia asked.
"No, she's not," he answered. "But we do miss you."
Alexia smiled. "Let me introduce you to my friend, Charlotte."
Charlotte raised her brows. Are they friends? She shrugged. It doesn't matter.
"Charlotte, this is my husband, George, and my baby, Chloe."
Charlotte nodded. "It's nice to meet you, George."
"And you too," George answered.
"We'll get going," Alexia said, and Charlotte nodded again.
"See you around."
They left, and Charlotte went on to press her phone.
"Isn't that Alexia?" Bella asked, sitting down.
"Yes. She's married and has a daughter."
"That's good news. Did you invite her?"
Charlotte shook her head. "Maybe Melvin did."
"Babe, what did I do?" Melvin asked.
"Did you invite Alexia?"
"Oh, that," Melvin mumbled. "I invited George. I never knew he was married to her until I saw them together today."
Charlotte furrowed her brows. "You know George?"
Melvin nodded. "We attended the same high school. We met during the last reunion. Since we both agreed to invite our high school mates, I invited him."
Charlotte nodded. She did agree to that.
"I'm happy for her, though," she said. "She looks so happy."
"I'm glad she is," Melvin said. "Let's go take some pictures."