One day, as summer we nearing its end, I approached Liliana with trepidation. The next day was going to be my birthday, and I had always celebrated it with my family. This year was the first time that I was away from them, and I didn't know if we'd be able to celebrate it together. I resolved myself to request permission. Liliana was a kind mistress. Even if she refused, I was sure she wouldn't punish me just for asking.
"Yes? Come in", she called out in response to my knock on her bedroom door. Her pregnancy was already very advanced, and her belly was large and heavy, so she spent a large portion of every day resting in bed.
I entered the room and stood fidgeting nervously in front of her.
"What is it?" she asked. "Did something happen?"
I took a deep breath and reminded myself that Liliana wasn't someone to be feared, that I was merely talking to a friend.
"Liliana, I would like to request permission to go visit my father's house during lunch tomorrow, and to skip house-cleaning", I said.
"Is something the matter? I hope everyone is well", she said with concern.
"Everything is fine, it's just that it's my birthday tomorrow, and until now I have always celebrated it with my family", I said, then hastily added, "Of course I will prepare the lunch before going".
Liliana smiled.
"You should have told me sooner. Of course you can go! Please enjoy yourself", she exclaimed. I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding.
"Thank you, Liliana", I said.
"It's too bad that father-in-law's house is so far away, or I would have liked to join you", she added.
The next morning I did my best to prepare a feast for Liliana and Trevor, and to finish all meal preparations early. I had already sped through the laundry, and what I didn't have time to do today I left for tomorrow.
Once the food was ready I left it in the kitchen, making sure to secure it against any pests who might want to get into it. Liliana said she would heat and serve it after I left. I hurried to clean myself and change into one of my nicer dresses.
"Goodbye", Liliana called out through the open door of her bedroom as I raced down the stairs.
I passed by master Trevor on the path outside the house. I stopped to bow to him. He frowned at me but said nothing, so I bowed again and continued hastily on my way.
Shouts of joy greeted me when I approached father's house. My brothers were waiting outside the front door. Little Philip ran in as soon as he saw me.
"Mommy, mommy, Vivian is here!" he shouted loudly enough for me to hear even from the street. I smiled. Going home and seeing my family always made me feel happy, and the little one's antics were extremely cute.
Inside the kitchen mother and my sisters Beverly and Emma were sitting around the kitchen table and talking. The table was already all set and laden with juice, pies, cookies, pastries, fresh fruit, and everything delicious that I loved.
Emma was the only human present, and looked somewhat out of place with round ears on the side of her head and the black hair and brown eyes that she inherited from her birth mother, but she acted as if she was one of us, and we treated her the same.
"Happy birthday!" the three of them cheered as a greeting.
"Thanks", I smiled.
Martin followed me inside and soon we were all sitting and eating my birthday feast. It wasn't so different from a regular lunch, except for the menu, which consisted solely of my favorite treats. When we finished each of my family members presented me with a small gift.
Phillip gave me a piece of amber that had an insect trapped inside. Martin gave me a little triangle that he carved out of wood, which vaguely resembled a cat's ear. Beverly gave me a wool hat she had knitted, blue with a white snowflake pattern. Emma gave me a pink wool scarf. From mother I received a pair of wool gloves with individual fingers. Then mother took out an additional gift, which was in a small wooden box.
"The master couldn't be here this time, so he asked me to deliver it for him", mother said.
I opened the box. Inside it there was a thin yellow circlet. At first I thought it was a copper or bronze bracelet, but it was too yellow and too big. I took it out to examine it more closely, and realization hit me.
"Father is giving me a gold arm band?" I asked in astonishment. Father only ever gave me cheap jewelry, the kind that wouldn't raise too many eyebrows if I wore it, and even then I only dared to take it out in private. Arm bands were uncommon, since women could rarely show them in front of other people, and gold jewelry would be scandalous for a slave.
"He said that now that you have reached the age of 18 it was time you had a woman's jewelry", mother said. "And an armband is something you can wear under your clothes, so you can even go out with it in public, so long as you are properly dressed".
Since I was only with family, and the only males present were children, I hurried to free my left arm from its sleeve and put on the arm brace. I admired the appearance of the gold against my skin, then put my clothes back on properly. Father was far more thoughtful and kind than I had previously thought.
When I got home later that day Liliana was waiting for me.
"Vivian? Please come here for a moment", she called out to me as I made my way up the stairs to my room to change back into my regular work clothes. I entered Liliana's room.
"I've been waiting to give this to you", she said and handed me a package. I opened it. Inside there was a pair of silver earrings.
"Happy birthday, Vivian", Liliana said with the bright smile of an angel. Tears came to my eyes. I was so incredibly blessed to have such a kind mistress. I could not have asked for anyone better.
"Thank you, Liliana. They're wonderful", I said.