Piper
5 years later and our life had been so much better with our daughter. I don't know why I was so scared of becoming a mother in the first place. My life made more sense now. Sometimes the best discoveries are made when they are the absolute opposite of what you wanted.
Emotionally being a mother is the most fulfilling thing I've done but also the most tiresome. You suddenly understand what it's like to be wearing your heart outside of your body. It's a type and depth of love like I've never felt before.
Also you worry that you might not be a good enough parent to help them fulfill their potential, or to give them what they need.
When a child comes into your life, it's like suddenly, your heart opens up and your world expands to encompass an entire new dimension. It's life-changing.
Today we are celebrating our daughters 5th birthday as well as Alex's birthday. Bella, wanted to have a superhero themed party and I have a bunch of five-year-olds superheroes coming to our house today.
Alex love to go all out every year for our daughters birthday. She never had a party growing up and she wants our daughter to enjoy it every year of her life. We never spoil her except during her birthday.
It's 8 am in the morning and I am downstairs drinking my coffee when I heard Bella's footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Mama?". She called. I always love it everytime she calls for me.
"I'm in the kitchen, Bells". This has been our routine almost every morning and everytime she would still call for me.
She enter the kitchen wearing her superman pajamas. She's into all kids of superheroes these days and Alex took this excuse to buy her different superhero stuff.
A lock of long black hair are covering half her face and she's rubbing her eye with her hand when she comes in. I wonder where Alex is though. She's supposed to get her ready to go to the store to get her a costume.
"Good morning, Mama". She mumbled and rush into my arms and I hold her. She hugged me and I kissed her soft cheek.
"Happy Birthday, Princess". I whisper in her ear.
"Oh". She said in surprise and pull away from me.
"Is today really my birthday, mama?".
"Yes, sweetie. Today is your birthday".
"Cool!". She yelled. Cool, is her favorite word to say these days.
"Mama, I'm not a princess anymore. I'm a superhero! See? ". She pointed at her chest where the superman logo is.
"Oh that's right! I'm sorry, I forgot. Where's mommy? You're supposed to get ready now, because you have to pick up your superhero costume today!". I said and I place my daughter up the kitchen counter. She is so heavy now that I can't hold her longer anymore. Alex is the only one who can keep up with her.
"Mommy's still in bed... sleeping. Did she forget that it's my birthday today, Mama?".
"No, honey. Mommy remembers because it's also her birthday".
"Oh right! I forgot we have the same birthday! Cool!".
"Should we go and wake mommy up? You have to get ready now".
"Okay!".
I grab her tiny hands and she jumped from the kitchen counter and we both made our way to our bedroom.
"Mama can I jump on the bed to wake up Mommy?". My daughter ask. We never allow her to jump on the bed anymore when she once had an accident.
"Just for today, alright?". She nods her head and she was so excited that she's literally bouncing up and down the stairs.
She opened our bedroom and she's right, Alex is still sleeping. Mouth open and her hair is splayed out all over the pillow. She stayed up late last night wrapping the presents for our daughter.
Bella climbed on our bed and she started jumping.
It didn't take long before Alex's eyes snapped open.
"Happy Birthday Mommy!". Bella, screamed and she sit on top of Alex's stomach and rain down kisses on her cheek.
Alex groaned and embrace our daughter.
"Happy Birthday to you too, Super Bella!". Alex said and tickle her. Super Bella is her superhero name.
My heart swells just by watching the two most important people in my life. I am so blessed to have an awesome wife and an amazing daughter.
Hearing my daughter giggle is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. Watching them laughing together and I can't help but notice that everyday our daughter looks a lot more like Alex. Not only because of her jet black hair and green eyes. But she also picked up some of Alex's mannerisms. How she fold her arms infront of her when she's angry and the way she throws her head back when she's upset. Sometimes she even talks like Alex too.
"Mommy, stop!". She yelled in between laughs and Alex stop tickling her immediately. I made my way to the bed and sit beside my wife.
"Happy Birthday!". I said and kissed Alex on the lips.
"Thanks Pipes, I love you".
"I love you too".
"I love you both!". Bella chimed in and me and Alex was surprised so we both burst into laughter.
"We love you too, baby". Alex said and we embrace our daughter.
My life has changed in so many ways possible but I couldn't be more grateful, and I couldn't be more happier.
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"Nicky! Let's go!". I heard Alex yelling in the living room. Nicky is coming with them to go to the store to pick up Bella's costume.
"You guys ready to leave?". I asked.
"Yeah, just waiting for Nicky. I don't know what's taking her so long". Alex sigh and shook her head. "By the way Pipes, what costume should I get Bella?".
"Just let her pick whatever she likes, babe. It'll be fine".
"Okay. Do you need anything else for the party that you want me to grab at the store?".
"No, I think we're all set here".
"What time is Miranda coming over?".
"She's on her way". I anxiously glance at the clock.
"Just relax, okay? Don't get too stressed out".
Miranda has been our coordinator since before Bella arrived. And for the last 5 years of our daughters life, she has been making an excellent job creating the perfect party for for our daughter and she never fail to impress us every year.
Just then I heard Nicky's door open and she started walking down the stairs.
"Oh finally!". Alex uttered.
"I'm sorry guys, I was on the phone with Amelia".
"What time is she coming here?". I asked.
"Her cousin is going to drop her off later".
"Okay, awesome". Alex chimed in. "Now can we go?".
"Yeah, sure. Let's go!".
I am not coming with them to go to store since I need to wait for Miranda and her team to arrive.
"Bells, let's go!".
"Coming Mommy!".
She was running out from her playroom and was holding her teddy bear. She had that toy since she was a baby.
"Are you gonna bring Mr. Teddy with you?".
"Can he come?".
"Of course he can, only if he promised to be good".
"Mommy, he's only a toy. He doesn't move or talk".
"Really? Because I think I just heard him say "Happy Birthday Ysabella".
Bella giggled "silly, mommy".
"Okay, say goodbye to your mom". Alex instructed and Bella hugged my waist with both her arms.
"Bye mama. I love you".
"I love you too, baby". I answered and stroke her hair.
"Bye, babe". Alex said and kiss my cheek. "Relax". She reminded me again.
"I will". I replied and I was the first one to let go. "Okay. Well then, be careful".
"Always am".
"Well, I respectfully disagree". Alex just roll her eyes at me.
I watch Bella grab Alex's hand and they both walk outside.
Preparing for your childs birthday party can be fun and exciting, but stressful at the same time. As a parent, I want my daughter's birthday to be fun and make her feel special. After the last four birthdays I've just now finally learn how to relax and have fun. I've realized that my stress is caused by the pressure to create a "perfect" party. And at the end of the day, that stress did nothing more than to prevent me from enjoying my daughter's party. So now I'm just going to take it easy and let Miranda do the work.
While Miranda and her team are busy decorating our yard I made sure that our house is clean for the visitors later.
After a couple hours Alex and Bella are back. I am excited to see what they had picked for her costume. I was thinking maybe superwoman, captain marvel or wonder woman or even black widow. I'm sure she'll look cute in those.
I open the door and waited in the porch for Alex to finish taking Bella off her car seat. Once she's out, she was running towards me and dragging a huge paper bag behind her. I was confused why it was so big.
"Mama! I got my costume! You have to see it!".
"We'll open it inside, okay?".
She jogged off inside the house excitedly. I turn around and saw Alex and Nicky approaching.
"How's your shopping?".
"It was fun, Bella had a lot of fun choosing her costume. She's just like you babe".
"Yeah? How come?".
"Because it took her a long time to figure out what she likes".
"Oh shut up!". Alex place her hand on my shoulder and kissed me on the lips.
"I was just kidding babe".
"Yeah, sure you are".
"Anyway, you have to see what she picked. I'm sure she's gonna look very cute in it".
I wrap my arm around Alex's waist and we all follow Bella inside.
She tore off the paper bag and pull out a bulky green costume. I was shock to see what they picked out.
"Mama, look at me. Do you like it?".
Oh my God! I am in complete shock.
She was holding up a Hulk costume. With a muscle chest, arms and legs. I was speechless and I can't imagine Alex letting her pick that costume.
"I even got her a green body paint for her face to go with her costume". Alex said oblivious.
This is far from what I envisioned. I never imagine Alex would let her choose that costume, let alone for our daughter to look like a green monster for her birthday.
I was horrified, I don't want other kids to make fun of her and Alex probably see the horrific look on my face.
"Don't worry babe, the paint is non-toxic". She said defensively while I tried to compose myself.
"Can we talk?".
"About what?".
Nicky noticed us about to have an argument "Bella do you want to go to your room? We'll gonna try on that costume".
Bella nods her head and they both head to Bella's room. I waited for them to be out of earshot before I speak.
"What the hell was that?". I said exasperated.
"About what?".
"That costume!".
"Why? What about it?".
"Out of all the costumes to chose from and you decided to go with Hulk? I don't want my daughter to look like a green monster on her birthday! Oh my God! I cannot believe you!".
"It's actually The Hulk, Pipes". Alex corrected.
"Okay, whatever! It doesn't matter! Why did you let her pick that one?" I snapped.
"You need to relax, babe. I know you're not thrilled and I get it. But please Piper spare me the lecture. I know you're not happy but you specifically told me and I quote "Just let her pick whatever she likes, babe. It'll be fine".
I asked her a lot of times if that's what she really likes before I bought it. So you can't be mad at me".
I couldn't answer her because I know I sounded insane and I know it wasn't her fault.
"I'm sorry". I mumbled.
"It's alright, come here. You're stressing out again, Pipes. Bella is a smart kid and I wasn't kidding when I told you it took her a long time to figure out what she wants. She thought hard about it and I wasn't expecting she would pick that as well. I tried talking her out of it, but she's a unique kid and she doesn't care about what other people's opinion. She knows what she wants and she's proud if it and you should be to".
I guess I shouldn't be surprised why Bella think the way she thinks, because just like Alex she's a very confident kid and even from her young age she's very perceptive, kind and empathetic.
"I sounded crazy, right?".
"You didn't... You sounded like a good mom. You're worried that other kids would make fun of her right? But our daughter is tough and she's gonna kick their asses if they laugh at her".
"Oh Jesus! Please. I hope she won't".
"We'll see. Come on you have got to see what she looks like with her costume on".
"Do you really have to put that paint on her face?".
"Of course! She's not going to be The Hulk without that green face".
We learned for the past 4 years that kids find joy in simple things. We used to plan so many activities and during the party we frantically trying to go to each activity and it was very exhausting. For this year we just rented a bouncy castle since we already have a play ground so that the kids have many options to run and play around. We also ordered a few boxes of donuts for the treats.
I wasn't expecting Bella's costume to be a big hit. All of her friends are impressed about it. Alex and Nicky even painted her face green and she loves them.
So far this is the most relaxed party we've ever had for our daughter. I am almost stress free... Almost.
I have the time now to talk to other moms and it actually feels great. I look over the yard and it wasn't hard to spot Bella among the other kids jumping on the bouncy castle. Her green muscly costume gave her away and it's not hard to see. Her face is completely green and I can't help but smile at her.
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Alex
The children's party ended pretty late since the bouncy castle was a huge hit. It was a novelty in the children's eyes that they won't want to leave it alone. Also it was a great time for parents to just sit and relax while their kids are safely jumping away. We waited for all the kids to go home then it was time for my birthday and for the adults to have fun now. All of our friends stayed and we hang-out inside the house.
I noticed Arizona kept checking on Callie. We all know that Callie and her boyfriend broke up a long time ago.
"You know if you wanted you could pull Callie right outside, the backyard is empty". I teased.
"Callie? Don't be ridiculous, Alex". She snorted.
"I mean, I think you like her".
"I also noticed the chemistry between you too" Nicky chimed in.
"Oh shush! There is no chemistry, all right? You two should stop!".
Me and Nicky started giggling
"Okay, if you won't stop I will straight-up kill you both. But then I wouldn't have my two best friends so it wouldn't work. You know this past few years has been really tough. With all the divorce and a new place. It was really hard and I couldn't have gotten through this past years without you guys. I just realized that everything that makes me me is right here. With all of you".
"Awww, that's really sweet. You know that we'll always be here for you, Arizona. But let's go back to Callie". Nicky insisted
"Okay, just fucking stop". Arizona said laughing and playfully punch Nicky on the arm.
Tonight, I am surrounded with all the people I love. My wife, my daughter, all of our friends who come to be so much more than friends and I can't help and think how I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends.
I am thankful for these few people I have in my life right now who has taught me that blood doesn't make you family, love does.
I walk out to the yard to have some fresh air and breath in deeply. The moon was only a silver, but the sky is clear. I look behind me inside the house and I can see everyone having a good time. Nicky and Amelia are helping Bella open her gifts while Piper, Arizona, Lexie and Callie are laughing at something that Arizona just said. I look back at the yard and just not long ago this yard was full of screaming, sweaty children. But now, our yard is quiet. In the silence of the night, I hear some footsteps coming behind me. I didn't care to look on who it was.
I already know. Piper stood beside me and stare at the river ahead. You can clearly see the moon reflecting on the water.
"What are you doing here?". Piper asked
"Just thinking". I replied
"About what?".
"Why did you fell in love with me and continue loving me?".
Piper stare at me and gently hug me around my waist. She lean on me, close her eyes and smell my shirt. I love her warm body pressed against me and I hugged her back.
"I love you because I love the way that you fight for those you care for. I love how you're willing to sacrifice yourself for someone you care about". Hearing those words coming from Piper means so much to me.
I am grateful for my wife because I have found someone who loves me exactly as I am. She doesn't ask or expect me to change anything. She supports me in every way and takes care of our family.
Piper look up and stare at me.
"You feel like the safest place on earth for me". She whispered.
"Oh, Piper". I lean down and plant a soft kiss on her lips.
"I love you so much, Alex".
"I love you too, Piper. Always".
THE END
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I want to Thank everyone who was with me since I started this story. Thank you for all the comments and lovely messages, I had a really great time writing this story and I wouldn't be able to finish this without you guys! I really hope that I gave justice to our beloved story but most importantly to the characters that we learned to love.
"The time that marked the end of one of the most beautiful chapters of my life. A symbol that all beautiful things must eventually come to an end. But also a reminder that there is always still miles of beauty just around the corner."
-Giacomo Gianniotti