tea

She blew out the birthday candles. The cake was beautiful. The pink frosting with a cat’s face neatly drawn on top, as well as the sprinkles were everything she wanted. The kitchen table was covered in presents and confetti. This was her perfect, happiest day.

“Happy birthday Vanessa!” Caitlyn exclaimed, patting Vanessa on the head and smiling at her. “I can’t believe you’re 3 already, you’re growing so fast!”

“Three!!!” Vanessa shouted excitedly. Caitlyn picked up the knife that was on top of the kitchen counter, walked to the table and started cutting into the cake. Vanessa started giggling from excitement. To her, there was nothing more amazing than her mama’s baking. Caitlyn placed a large piece of cake onto a plate and put it in front of Vanessa. Vanessa’s eyes lit up with awe. Caitlyn took the candle out of the cake slice and handed Vanessa a fork. Vanessa stared at the candle in her mama’s hand. The candle was in the shape of a three.

“Mamaaaaaa?” Vanessa called out.

“Yes, darling?” Caitlyn replied, walking to the counter.

“Ae you three as well?” Vanessa asked.

“Huh?”

“Are you three as well? Like me?” Vanessa asked again, curiosity rising in her voice.

“Oh, sweetie… I’m a bit older than that.” Caitlyn responded, smiling.

“Four?” Vanessa perked up.

“I’m older than that, take a guess.”

“I can’t go past five…” Vanessa stated, looking ashamed.

“Aw, sweetie…” Caitlyn said, walking over to Vanessa. “Your mama is twenty-three years old, a lot older than you.” She held Vanessa’s cheek in her hand. Vanessa lifted her hand and tried to count twenty-three with her fingers

“So are you an old woman?” Vanessa asked, confused. “You don’t look like granny.”

“Oh, Ness… I’m not an old woman yet, not for a while. Twenty-three is young.” Caitlyn told her, amused.

“But you said you were old…”

“I’m older than you, but I’m not old yet.”

“Hmmmm… Okay!” Vanessa responded. She grabbed her fork and started to eat the cake, still trying to count with her other hand. “Would you like cake mama?” She asked Caitlyn, her mouth stuffed with cake.

“Not now sweetheart, daddy’s home. I’ll try some later when we’re alone, m’kay?” Caitlyn half-whispered. Vanessa nodded, smiling. Caitlyn kissed Vanessa on the cheek and walked back to the kitchen counter. Vanessa continued stuffing her mouth with cake and counting.

“Mama…”