The birthday cake finally sealed the night
Victoria Hughes brushed a trembling napkin beneath a vase of roses, glanced once more at the clock, and felt the minutes slip away. Less than an hour remained before the guests arrived, and the sixtysecond anniversarya milestone worth a perfect celebrationkept her nerves frayed.
Emily, are you almost ready? she shouted toward the kitchen, where the clatter of plates echoed.
Yes, Mum, just finishing the salads! her daughter replied. Youd better check on Kevin; he promised to pop out for some fizzy water.
Victoria sighed and drifted to her soninlaws room. Ten years under the same roof had not softened his leisurely pace. Everything for him was in a minute and on my way. Now Kevin sat at his desk, eyes glued to the screen, scrolling with fervour.
Kevin, you were going to the shop, werent you? Victoria tried to keep her tone soft, though irritation seeped through.
Yeah, yeah, Im heading out now, he said without turning, fingers still clicking the mouse.
The guests will be here any second.
Ill be back, dont worry.
She left the room clenching her teeth. The same old refrain. If it werent for Emily, she would have already sent Kevin to the door. Ten years together and still nothing changed. He promised to save for his own flat, but the promises never reached a finish line. At least they had a granddaughterLucy, the bright spot in Victorias twilight.
Grandma, is the cake coming? Lucy materialised in the hallway as if summoned by thought.
It will be, love, it will be. Your dad is supposed to collect it from the patisserie.
Lucy frowned. Will he remember? Yesterday he missed my swimming lesson even though he swore hed give me a lift.
Victoria smoothed Lucys hair. Dont fret, Ill remind him. Now put on that pretty dress we bought last week, okay?
When Lucy vanished, Victoria returned to Kevin.
Dont forget the cake. I ordered it from Sweet Spot on the High Street.
I remember, I remember, he waved off. First the fizzy water, then the cake. Itll be perfect.
Fifteen minutes later Kevin finally shut his laptop, threw on his jacket, and stalked toward the door.
Kevin, did you take the money for the cake? Victoria called.
Its already paid, isnt it? he halted in the doorway.
No, I only paid a deposit. The balance is due on collection.
Emily peeked out of the kitchen, towel in hand. Mum, the cards on the table. Grab it, please. Kevins always short on cash, she said with an apologetic smile.
Kevins finances were always thin, but Victoria kept quiet. She didnt want the celebration to start with a row. She slipped the required pounds from her purse and handed them over.
Dont be late, she warned. And remember the fizzy water!
When Kevins door shut, Victoria turned back to the dining table. Everything had to be flawless. Not only relatives would be there, but former colleagues from her thirtyfive years teaching English literature. They respected her, and now, five years into retirement, she didnt want to end on a sour note.
Dont worry, Mum, Emily hugged her shoulders. Itll be fine.
Im not worried, Victoria lied. I just want it to be proper.
Emily nodded, understanding. It will, Mum. Youre the best host.
The doorbell rang. First to arrive were Victorias brother Nigel and his wife Tamara.
Happy birthday, Vicky! Tamara planted kisses on both cheeks and handed over a large gift bag. You look radiant! Sixty is the new forty!
Thank you, dear ones, Victoria said, voice shaking. Come in, make yourselves at home.
Soon other guests filtered in: two former teachers, neighbour Iris and her husband, a cousin from the suburbs. The flat filled with chatter, laughter, and congratulations. Yet Kevin was still missing.
Emily, call your husband, Victoria whispered as the guests settled. Hes taking forever.
Emily slipped away with her phone, returned with a strained smile. Hes on his way, Mum. Said there was a queue at the shop.
Victoria only shook her head. She knew those queues welllikely a hangup with friends or a phone call that never ended.
Alright, lets start the feast, she announced, trying to sound upbeat.
The guests dug in with gusto. Victorias spread was abundant: a classic Caesar salad, smoked salmon, roast beef with horseradish, her own pickled mushrooms, stuffed peppersan endless parade of dishes.
Time drifted, and Kevin still hadnt appeared. Emily went to the hallway repeatedly, each time returning more tense. Victoria watched her daughters worry and kept the conversation flowing.
Remember our trip to Brighton? Tamara laughed. Back when the union sent us vouchers?
How could I forget! You and the swimming instructor
Shut up, Tamara! she giggled. Nigel is still jealous!
Laughter rippled through the room, and for a moment Victorias anxiety dissolved. Then a muffled knock sounded at the entrance.
Finally! Emily cried, sprinting to answer.
She returned alone, face pale.
Mum, can I have a moment?
Victoria excused herself from the guests and stepped into the hallway. A stranger stood there, clutching a large box.
Good evening, Im from SweetSpot. Did you order a cake?
Yes, Victoria replied, bewildered. Didnt Kevin collect it?
No, the shop is closing and the cake was still here. I thought Id deliver it myselfsomeones birthday, after all.
A lump rose in Victorias throat. Where was Kevin? What had happened to him?
How much do I owe you? she asked, pulling out her wallet.
After paying, she placed the cake on the kitchen counter and turned to Emily.
Wheres your husband?
I dont know, Mum, Emilys eyes welled. His phone has been silent for half an hour.
Alright, Victoria steadied herself. Go join the guests; Ill handle the cake.
When Emily left, Victoria sank heavily onto a stool. Ten years of Kevins empty promises, his perpetual negligence, had worn her thin. For Lucys sake and for Emilys, she had endured. But tonight the line was finally drawn.
Summoning her strength, she lifted the cakea flawless sponge crowned with buttercream roses and the words Happy Birthday!and set it on a serving platter. At that instant Lucy peeked in.
Grandma, wheres Daddy?
I dont know, love, Victoria answered honestly. But look at this beautiful cake!
Lucys eyes sparkled. Can I carry it to the sitting room?
Of course, just be careful.
Lucy took the platter, tongue peeking out in concentration, and trotted into the lounge. Victoria followed, ready to catch it should it wobble. The girl succeeded; the cake arrived on the table amid delighted applause.
Now, dear Victoria, the neighbours husband intoned, raising his glass, allow me to toast you on this splendid jubilee
A sudden slam of the front door interrupted him. Kevin staggered in, reeking of cheap gin.
Here I am! he shouted, grinning. Happy celebrations to all!
Awkward silence fell. Victoria felt a chill as she read the pain in Emilys eyes.
Kevin, Emily whispered, where have you been?
Whats the big deal? he shrugged, heading for the buffet. Met a mate, had a few pints and look, the cakes already on the table! See? I sorted it!
The cake was delivered from the patisserie, Victoria said icily. Because you never fetched it.
Whatever, Kevin plopped onto a vacant chair. Now Im here! Pour a drink!
Guests exchanged uneasy glances. The festive mood wilted. Tamara began gathering her purse, clearly ready to leave.
Thank you all for coming, Victoria announced suddenly, standing from behind the table. I have an announcement.
Everyone fell silent, even Kevin paused his reach for the bottle.
For ten years Ive watched my daughter and soninlaw live under my roof without stepping in, she began, each word a labor. I have endured disrespect, irresponsibility, and lazinessall for Emily and Lucy. But today is my birthday, and Im giving myself a gift.
She turned to Kevin. Kevin, from tomorrow youre no longer welcome here. You have twentyfour hours to collect your things and find somewhere else.
What? You cant
I can, Victoria replied calmly. This flat is mine, and I decide who lives in it.
Kevin spun toward his wife. Emily, say something to your mother!
Emily lowered her gaze, fingers white around the napkin.
Mum, she whispered at last, are you sure?
Absolutely, Victoria affirmed. Ive decided.
Fine, you all can go to hell! Kevin banged his fist on the table, making the china tinkle. Ill be out of here before my feet even touch the ground again!
He lunged toward the door, nearly toppling his chair, and the hallway rang with a crash as something fell. The front door slammed shut.
A hush settled until Lucys small voice broke it. Can I have the cake now?
Nervous chuckles followed, and the tension eased a little. Victoria sliced the cake, trying to hide the tremor in her hands. She didnt know if she had done the right thing, but she felt there was no other way. That cake truly marked the end of her relationship with Kevin.
Guests drifted away, understanding the evening was over. Soon only Victoria, Emily, and Lucy remained.
Mum, Emily said, drawing close in the quiet kitchen, I need to tell you something
No need to say anything, dear. I understand.
No, you dont, Emily shook her head. Ive wanted a divorce for ages, but I was scared youd oppose it. What do you thinkshould I stay for the child?
Victoria embraced her. Silly girl. I see how you suffer. Lucy sees it too. She needs a happy mother, not a pretended family.
But what now? Emily whispered, clinging like a child.
Everything will be alright, Victoria assured. Well get through this together.
By evening Kevin returned, sober and withdrawn. He packed his belongings in silence, casting pleading glances at Emily. She remained unmoved; a decade of empty promises had hardened her heart.
Maybe you could give me the TV? he muttered, zipping his suitcase. I bought it.
On my account, Emily replied evenly. Just go, Kevin. Just go.
When the door closed behind him, Victoria hugged Emilys shoulders. You know, I have some savingsenough for a deposit on a flat for you and Lucy. The rest you could mortgage; youre now a senior manager, the bank will agree.
Emilys eyes widened. Youre serious? I thought wed keep living together
Well stay until you have a place, Victoria smiled. Then Ill pop in for tea with Lucy whenever you need. And maybe with someone else, too.
Mum
By the time youre thirtyfive, its not too late to have a brother or sister for Lucy. Just choose the right husband this time.
Emily laughed through tears. Youre impossible!
I just want you both happy, Victoria said earnestly. And this birthday turned out better than I imagined, because it marked a new beginning.
They stood in the kitchen, arms around each other, while the sunset painted the sky outsidethe last glow of an old life. On the table lay the untouched birthday cake, its buttercream roses and Happy Birthday! inscription a silent witness to change.
Six months later Emily and Lucy moved into a cosy twobedroom flat in a new development. Victoria visited often, helping with repairs and offering décor tips. A year after that, a new physics teacher, Simon Clarke, knocked on Victorias door, bearing a bouquet of daisies and theatre tickets.
Colleagues say you love Chekhov, he said shyly. Were showing The Cherry Orchard at the local playhouse
Victoria smiled, ushering him in. Come in, Simon. I was just about to have tea with cake. Join us?
