Chapter 5 Christopher's Birthday

The morning sunlight spilled through the window, its warm rays rousing me from sleep. I groaned, squeezing my eyes shut against the brightness. Mornings were never my favorite, and today was no exception. The memories of last night were still fresh, and the idea of facing Peterson again made me want to bury myself under the covers forever.

“Are you seriously still in bed on my birthday?” Christopher’s cheerful voice cut through my thoughts. He stood at the door, grinning, a colorful birthday hat perched lopsidedly on his head.

I burst into laughter. “What are you, two? Wearing a birthday hat?”

“Exactly what I told him,” Letty chimed in, appearing behind him with an amused smirk.

“It’s my birthday, so I get to wear whatever I want!” he declared with mock defiance.

“Alright, birthday boy,” I said, shaking my head in amusement as I climbed out of bed. I hugged him tightly. “Happy birthday to the best brother in the world!” I teased, snatching his hat and plopping it on my head.

Christopher pouted. “Anyone can wear a hat!”

“What’s the plan for today?” I asked, eyeing them both.

“Plan? So you can sneak off again?” Letty asked, crossing her arms. “Chris and I were worried about you last night. Where did you disappear to?”

“You mean while you two were lost in each other’s arms, completely forgetting you were supposed to be watching me?” I snapped, bitterness slipping into my tone.

Their faces fell, as they exchanged guilty glances, their smiles disappearing.

“Anne, what’s wrong?” Letty asked softly, her concern evident.

“Nothing,” I muttered, turning away. The silence that followed was heavy, awkward.

“Sometimes… I just feel left out,” I admitted quietly. “Like the kid in the group.”

“Come here” Christopher pulled me into a hug. “You’ll always be our baby, Anne. But from today, you’re officially a big girl.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his attempt to cheer me up.

“Group hug!” Letty exclaimed, and the three of us embraced, the tension easing just a little.

But the moment shattered when Peterson’s voice broke through. “Christopher, your mom wants to see you.”

I stiffened, his presence sending a jolt through me. Christopher left to answer mum, and Peterson remained at the door, his eyes lingering on me. Letty noticed the tension and quickly made an excuse to leave. “Uh… I’ll go check on Chris,” she said, slipping away. I followed without looking back.

In the kitchen, Mom was busy baking. The smell of warm butter and vanilla filled the air.

“Good morning, Mom,” I greeted, opening the fridge to grab a bottle of water.

“Morning. I thought you two would sleep the day away,” she teased.

“It’s vacation, Mom. Nobody wakes up early,” Letty replied with a stretch.

“Except it’s Christopher’s birthday, so no excuses. Come help me set up!”

Letty and I joined her, and soon the table was filled with food and decorations. Christopher was in high spirits, and thankfully, Dad mentioned Peterson had left for a meeting. I felt an odd sense of relief at his absence.

We sang, laughed, and exchanged gifts. My present was a pack of Kelvin boxers Christopher had been eyeing but wouldn’t buy for himself, and he gave me a big bear hug. The highlight of the afternoon was a dance-off for a box of Mom’s famous butter cookies.

I danced my heart out, so I could win, the wine I’d had earlier loosening me up. But in the end, we abandoned the competition, splitting the cookies and giving Christopher the biggest share.

As the evening wound down, Mom and Dad retired early, and Christopher stepped out to grab more drinks. Letty and I stayed back to clear the dishes.

Her eyes kept darting toward me. I knew what she wanted to discuss, but I ignored her pretending not to notice, not wanting to talk about it.

“Are we going to talk about last night and what I saw this morning or are we going to pretend it didn't happen?” Letty asked, folding her arms.

I hesitated. “Letty—”

Christopher’s voice interrupted us. “My two favorite girls in the world, luckily I didn't have to go far to get drinks!” He held up two bottles triumphantly.

“How did you get them?” we asked in unison.

“Birthday magic,” he teased, setting the bottles down before pulling Letty into his arms and kissing her nose.

Watching them together stirred something inside me—longing, maybe jealousy. A love like that felt so far away.

“Why don't we clear up quickly so we can drink and play,” Christopher suggested and joined us quickly.

Soon we were done and settled at the table playing card games. We hadn't gone far when Letty and Christopher grew lost in their own world, feeling lonely,I slipped out.

The cool night air embraced me, it's sharpness sobering. I wandered toward the shoreline, the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the sand calming my restless thoughts.

The stars above were scattered like silver dust, and the moon cast a soft glow over the water. I walked admiring the peaceful night until I found a flat rock, settling there with the wine bottle I’d taken.

The first sip warmed me, the second loosening the knot of frustration in my chest. A loud belch escaped me, and I laughed at myself.

But the laughter died when I noticed a figure watching me from the shadows.

My heart raced, and the wine bottle clutched tightly in my hand. Slowly, I stood, intending to move away without drawing attention.

But he began walking towards me. The moonlight revealed him—a tall, broad-shouldered figure, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to show tanned skin and defined muscles. My breath hitched.

“Peterson,” I whispered, anger bubbling within me, a dangerous pull rose in equal measure.

“Danger seems to always call to you,” he said, his voice low and smooth.

“Do you always lurk in the dark, trying to scare people?”

“What are you doing out here?”

“I could ask you the same thing, because I seem to find you everywhere I go. Or are you here to scold me for drinking?”

“This is my property, Maryann,” he said, stepping closer.

“Property? What, the entire beach now belongs to you?” I sassed, trying to mask my unease.

He smirked. “I don’t owe you an explanation for how I spend my money.”

“Stay away from me,” I snapped, turning to leave, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist.

“I'm not letting you go Maryann, I already let you go thrice and I am not doing it again”

The wine bottle slipped from my fingers as his other hand trailed lightly down my back, his touch setting my skin ablaze and I found myself aching into him”.

“See how you’re so responsive to me,” he murmured, his voice thick and husky. “I know you want me so badly”

“Why don’t you shut up and kiss me. I know you want me too or are you afraid of admitting it?”I blurted, the words escaping before I could stop them.

His eyes darkened, the air between us charged. “I’ll forgive you for that.” And then his lips crashed onto mine, stealing the breath from my lungs.