Ellie, come here, hows my little birthday princess? Beamed Kit, throwing open her arms and enveloping Ellie in her bosom.

It was a good job Ellies face was hidden, because she had turned bright red with embarrassment at being shown up in front of everyone. Being loved to death by your aunt in the middle of a pizza restaurant was distinctly un-cool. Ellie had grown to adore her aunt, she never told her off when she did something wrong, and she let her stay up late when she stayed over at her place, but there were times when she just didnt seem to understand the intricate subtleties involved in being a cool twelve year old.

The pizzas were great and Ellie was really feeling grown up amongst the company of her four aunts and her parents. That was until her aunt Kit handed her, her present.

I hope it fits Ellie. Kit said with a slight smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. I had such trouble getting it in your size, I cant for the life of me think why?

Ellie could though. She tore off the wrapping paper cautiously, and revealed the contents, and as she did, giggles erupted all around the table. Ellie wanted to crawl under the table and die. She opened and closed her mouth like a stranded goldfish.

Its a Barbie sweater. Prompted Kit, seeing that her niece was too much in shock to speak. Trying desperately not to laugh Kit continued. I know how much you love your Barbies.

Tina and Bette exchanged looks, they could see how embarrassed Ellie had become, and Bette was beginning to feel a little guilty at the prank they were playing on her daughter. Ellie turned a despairing gaze on Bette, and could see the pleading look on her moms face.

Ellie swallowed hard. Thanks Aunt Kit, its lovely. She said, plastering a toothpaste smile on her face. Isnt it mom? She added with a note of ferocity in her voice, just as both her parents busted out laughing along with the rest of her aunts.

Bette grabbed the fluffy pink sweater along with Ellie and drew her onto her lap.

Aww, come here baby, we were just teasing you. Said Bette, softly placing kisses on her daughters forehead.

Well I dont think its funny. Ellie mouthed her voice muffled as she had her head buried in Bettes chest by this time, unwilling to look at anyone because of the embarrassment she was feeling for the second time today.

Come on Ellie. We were just messing with you. Alice butted in. We didnt mean to upset you, dont cry.

Im not upset and I am not crying. Ellie snapped, still not budging from her mothers chest.

Were sorry baby. Tina added sympathetically. Turn around, Ellie please.

No.

Bette stroked the back of Ellies hair, she loved holding Ellie in her arms, she, never could quite believe how lucky she was to have her daughter in her life, and she cherished times like these, when she could hold her close to her, it seemed to block out all the years she missed out on of Ellie growing up.

Shane sat unobtrusively observing the interaction between Bette and Ellie, it still astounded her how much alike they were, if she didnt know any better she would have sworn Bette was Ellies natural mother and not Tina, as the likeness between the two was scarily uncanny in more ways than one. An outsider would never guess these two had only met just over a year ago, they were as close as any mother, and daughter could ever be. So ***** cute. Shane said silently.

Ellie I have your real present here, if you want it? Kit said softly, hoping that would bring her out of her sulk, although she felt like ***** for playing a prank on her niece in the first place and wished she hadnt listened to Alice, her and her bright ideas. Kit thought. Shed never forgive herself if she had ruined Ellies birthday. Please sweetie, Im sorry. Kit pleaded, giving Alice the dead eye.

We are sorry baby, honestly. Bette whispered in Ellies ear. Let auntie Kit give you her present, she feels really bad, we, all do. She said, wiping the hair back from Ellies face.

Good. That was really mean you guys. Ellie pouted, now facing the entire group of women. And again for the second time today, Bette and Tina were not alone in feeling like guilty 7th graders.

So do you want your present? Kit asked Ellie, picking the box up off the floor and holding it out to her.

Yes, but it better not be something else to do with Barbie, honestly aunt Kit Im Twelve years old you know, Im almost an adult, I do not do Barbie anymore. Ellie said in a clipped voice, taking the package from Kit, which caused another little out burst of giggles from the women.

Thanks aunt Kit, theyre great. Ellie beamed at her as she pulled out the latest design of in line skates from the box. Theyre just like the ones I . . .

Before Ellie could finish Tina interrupted her.

Theyre just like the ones she saw the other day arent they baby. She said now looking at Ellie with raised eyebrows.

Yeah, just like the ones I showed mom. Ellie said with a smirk on her face.

Im glad you like them. Kit said happily. Sorry about before Ellie.

Thats okay aunt Kit. I forgive you. Ellie winked at her aunt.

So are you ready for your birthday cake? Tina asked Ellie excitedly.

Ellie nodded enthusiastically at her mother, as Tina motioned to the waiter to bring it out to the table.

Everyone started singing Happy Birthday as the waiter approached the table and set the cake down, which was shaped like a roller blade, as Ellie was obsessed with the sport at the moment.

So do you like your cake, is it okay? Tina nodded her head at Ellie.

I love it mom, thank you. Ellie replied, leaning over and kissing Tina on her cheek and then turning on Bettes lap and giving her a kiss too. Thanks mom.

Why do you two have such guilty looks on your faces? Tina said now looking sternly at Bette and Ellie, who by now were both looking at Tina with puppy dog eyes trying to feign innocence.

You totally found the cake and showed it to her didnt you Bette? Tina smiled shaking her head. Ellie tell me the truth?

Bette and Ellie shot each other a guilty look and crossed their fingers behind their backs.


No! They both replied in unison, with 1000, watt smiles lighting up their faces.




(To Be Continued.)