*
They all had a lovely meal together. Blake joined them, and the six of them sat around the table, eating course after course, laughing, talking about the amazing year in store for Scarlet. Polly brought a bubbly, vivacious energy to the table, and having her and Sam there made the house feel so much bigger to Caitlin, so much warmer. It felt like a real home.
Having Blake there, Caitlin realized, was a welcome addition, too. The six of them all fit comfortably together, as if they’d all known each other forever. The conversation never stopped, and neither did the laughter.
They all ate way too much, then sliced the cake, and ate even more. Then came the coffee, and tea, and more desserts—boxes of cookies which Polly and Sam had brought. Ruth sat at their heels, and they threw her scraps all night. Especially Scarlet, who Ruth adored more than anything. The love was reciprocal—most nights Ruth slept in Scarlet’s room, and if anyone came anywhere near it, she growled.
Polly, so excited, couldn’t wait to give Scarlet her presents, so she, characteristically, gave her the gifts right there, at the table, and begged her to open them on the spot. Caitlin didn’t know who was more excited—Scarlet or Polly. As always, Polly was way too generous. Scarlet opened gift after gift. Scarlet, so appreciative, got up and hugged her, and Sam.
After the conversation died down and they all began to get up from the table, Caitlin finally found her opportunity. She was dying to give Scarlet her gift, a very important gift, which she’d been waiting until her sixteenth birthday to give. As the others began to filter out the room, she went to pull Scarlet aside—but was surprised to see her reach for her coat.
“Scarlet?” Caitlin asked, surprised. “Are you going out?”
Scarlet paused in the doorway, with Blake, and looked back, hesitant, looking a bit guilty.
“Sorry mom,” she said. “I didn’t realized you expected me to stay. I was going to catch a movie with Blake. For my birthday, you know?”
Caleb looked over, concerned.
“Um…if that’s okay?” Scarlet added.
Caleb looked down at his watch, looking unhappy.
“Well, it is a school night,” he said.
But Caitlin reached out and placed a hand on his wrist. She smiled.
“Of course it’s okay, honey. It’s your birthday. I’m glad you guys are going,” she said, meaning it. Caitlin felt a little sad for herself, because she wanted to hang out with Scarlet, to talk to her more on her birthday—but she was genuinely happy for her that she had Blake.
Scarlet broke into a smile, looking relieved.
“But before you go, can I just have a minute?” Caitlin asked. “There’s something I want to give you. It’s your birthday, after all.”
Scarlet smiled.
“Sure,” she said. She turned to Blake. “Just wait for me on the porch, I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“I think porch-time is a great idea,” Caleb said, not missing a beat as he walked to Blake and draped an arm over his shoulder. “I think I’ll join you. It will be a perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other.”
Blake looked nervously back at Scarlet as Caleb led him outside.
“Dad, be nice,” Scarlet cautioned.
Caleb turned and smiled as he opened the door, leading Blake to one of the overstuffed wicker chairs on their wide, Victorian porch.
“Don’t worry honey,” Caitlin said, as the door closed behind him. “I’m sure he will be. And by the way, I really like Blake.”
Scarlet smiled as the two of them walked through the windy, quirky house to a small sitting room, lined with bookshelves.
As they entered the room, Scarlet’s eyes opened wide in surprise at the site of a small gift box sitting on the coffee table.
Caitlin beamed. She had been preparing this for the longest time. Now, finally, it was the perfect moment.
“You really didn’t have to get me anything, mom,” Scarlet said. “That cake was more than enough.”
That was Scarlet. Always so considerate. Always so selfless.
“This is an important one,” Caitlin said. “Go ahead. Open it.”
Scarlet took the small box and removed the delicate wrapping. As she did, it revealed an antique, mahogany jewelry box.
Scarlet looked over at Caitlin in surprise. Clearly, she was stumped. She slowly opened it, and as she did, her eyes opened wide.
“Oh my God,” she said, raising a hand to her mouth. “I can’t accept this. It looks so valuable. It looks, like, ancient!”
Sitting there, against black velvet, was a small, silver necklace. An antique cross.
Scarlet held it up, examining it, struck by its beauty.
“Where did you get it?”
“My grandmother gave it to me,” Caitlin said, “when I turned 16. And her grandmother gave it to her.”
Caitlin took the necklace, went behind Scarlet and draped it around her neck, clasping it. She then came around and examined it, smiling.
“It fits beautifully,” Caitlin said.
Caitlin had stumbled across the necklace just the other day, in the attic, and knew Scarlet should have it. After all, she didn’t wear it herself anymore. It was so beautiful, and mysterious, with that strange inscription in Latin on the back.
“I’ll never take it off. I love you mommy,” Scarlet said, hugging her.
Over her shoulder, Caitlin felt Scarlet’s tears.
Caitlin had no idea what she’d done to deserve such an amazing daughter.
“I love you, too.”