The Family Man

It was getting close to the end of July and soon the twins would be done with camp. They were sad that it was going to be over, but perked right up when I told them they could do it again next year.
Today was my birthday and so I was having a day to myself. Last night Juliet volunteered to take the twins to camp in the morning so that I could sleep in. I had a nice quiet morning reading a favourite book and now I’m at a spa getting a manicure and pedicure. Between work and the kids I haven’t had much time to relax recently. It feels so nice.
Then my phone rang. “Hello?”
“Belle, you need to be home by 5pm.” It was Ashley.
“What? Ashley, where are you?” I was so confused.
“I’m in Atlanta. Not important. What is important is that you get yourself home by 5pm.” He said in a very serious tone.
“Are you going to give me a good reason for this?” I asked.
“Nope. Are you going to do it?”
I sighed. “Fine, I’ll be home by 5pm. Happy?”
“Very.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “Happy Birthday by the way.” Then he hung up.
I put my phone away and looked at my watch. It was almost 4pm. Juliet should just be getting home with the twins now.

It was just before 5pm, and as Ashley had asked me, I was home. I open the door to find the house completely empty. That was odd. If Juliet was going to take the kids anywhere after camp she would have let me know first. I continue to walk through the house until I reach the kitchen.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
The lights are flipped on to reveal Juliet and all the kids crowding around the table, with a Happy Birthday sign hung over their heads.
“Happy Birthday Mommy!” The twins shout together as they both run at me and I crouch to pull them into a hug. I squeeze them tight before letting them go.
“Whose idea was all this then?” I asked them.
“Ours!” They scream together.
I couldn’t help but laugh. They were giving me one of their birthday parties. When Ashley and I had birthdays we kept it pretty simple. We would go out to breakfast or dinner that day and exchange small gifts, not throw parties.
“They really wanted you to have a great birthday Belle.” Juliet said.
“I can see that. So, do I get to decide what we do first?” I asked.
“Yes.” Samantha replied.
“Okay, then I say presents first.” I said with a smile as I sat down.
“Ours first.” Jack said, handing me a box covered in wrapping paper.
I opened the box to find a coffee mug that had the words ‘Star Trek’ on it and a picture of Spock and Kirk. “Thank you so much you two! I love it!” I gave them both a quick hug.
“Mine next.” Juliet said, handing me a bag,
I pulled out the tissue and at the bottom was a blue women’s Star Trek uniform. “Wow, this is amazing. Too bad it’ll have to stay in the closet until Halloween.”
“Last one.” Juliet handed me an envelope.
I took it, looking at her a little confused. They each already gave me a gift.
To answer my look she said. “This one’s from Ashley.”
I open the envelope to find four tickets. I turn them over and I scream. “Oh My God!!!!” They were for the official Star Trek convention coming up in September.
“He thought that would be your reaction.” Juliet said. “He checked the guest list and a bunch of your favourites are going to be there.”
“Like who?” I asked.
“I think he said they had most of the actors from Next Generation and a couple from the Original Series.” She said, trying to think.
That got me excited. “Who from the Original Series?”
“I think he said Uhura, Sulu, Kirk and Spock.”
I nearly fainted. Spock was basically my hero. “He said Spock?”
“Yes.”
“Oh My God!!!” I was grinning like an idiot, I knew, but at that moment I just didn’t care. “Four tickets, so the twins are coming with us?”
“I think that’s the plan. Besides you don’t have to bring them every day. If they need a break, let them spend a day with me and Andy.”
“I have to call Ashley.” I got up and left the room, just in case I became so excited that I cried. I dialed the phone and he picked up after two rings.
“Hey Belle, so how’s your birthday so far?” He asked.
“Great, the twins got me this lovely mug and Juliet got me the best costume for Halloween this year. I just called to check in, we’re about to have pizza and cake.”
“Oh, you didn’t get anything else?”
“Yeah I did, but you wouldn’t be interested.” I loved teasing him like this.
“Why wouldn’t I be interested?” He asked, a little affronted at the accusation.
I laughed. “Because they are tickets to a Star Trek convention and you aren’t really into that stuff. I have to find whoever gave them to me and thank them. Now I get to go all dressed up, geek out and drool over Patrick Stewart and Leonard Nimoy.” I smiled.
“Who? What about me? Am I getting replaced or something?” He asked jokingly.
“You wouldn’t know the second one.” I thought for a moment. “One of them was Professor X in the X-Men films.”
“What?” He asked, dumbfounded.
I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation. I laughed. “Well, I gotta go, this kids want me to blow out the candles. Oh, and their coming with me. So tomorrow I have to start them watching the show. Bye Ashley.”
“Belle, wait!”
I paused, waiting for him to finish.
“I gave them to you.”
“Really?” I took a long pause. “So that’s what the fourth ticket was for! I was wondering why there was an extra one.” I said teaseingly.
“Ha ha. You’re hilarious.” He said.
“Yes I am. Thank you Ashley. Now I really do have to go. I have two excited and hyper five year olds waiting on me.”
I hung up the phone and walked back into the kitchen where they were waiting. I sat down as Juliet served up the pizza. Once that was all gone she brought out a delicious looking chocolate cake and they all sang Happy Birthday to me. I blew out the candles, making my wish.
I went to bed that night very happy. That was the most exciting birthday I’ve had in years.

Notes

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