246 26 Six

"Yo," Chris greeted, as Rick walked in the door. "Hey, thanks a ton for babysitting." Rick smiled. "Nah, no problem dude, 'sides she fell asleep. Chris said, pointing to the couch with Maru fast asleep on it. "By the way," Chris began. "I wanted to tell you, I went digging for her files," He paused. "Her Birthday is in like, three days." Rick quickly looked up. "Eh!?" He cried. Chris quickly raised a finger to shush him. "Yeah, according to her file it's on the 17th of October." Rick looked around frantically. "I don't have time, I mean, I really don't have time to put together a party an-" Chris short him a look. "Yeah, and that's where the four of us come in!" He smirked. "The huh...?" Rick asked, giving a confused smile. "Sena, Tammy, Abbey, and I, duh!" Rick sighed. "I see." He said. "Don't worry your pretty little blonde head none!" Chris laughed. "We'll take care of it." Rick looked at him. "You will...?" He sighed in relief. "Wait," Rick turned his head to look at Maru. "Does...she even know her birthday?" Chris stretched his arms behind his head. "I dunno, just tell her I guess in case." Chris looked at his watch. "Well, I've gotta go, I'll keep in touch with ya." He said, standing up. "Chris..." Rick said, giving him a hug. "Thank you." Chris blushed, but smiled, and hugged back.

"My birthday...?" Rick nodded. "Do you know when it is?" Maru frowned. "I don't know..." Rick smiled, patting her head. "Don't worry, that's perfectly fine." Maru gave a smile. "Do you know...?" She asked. Rick turned. "According to your fi- Chris," he corrected himself. "It's in two days." Maru quickly sat up. "Really!?" Rick nodded. "Mm!" Maru's eyes gleamed. "I'm gonna be six!" She cried. Rick smiled, watching her get so excited. "Um..." she looked down sheepishly. "Mm?" Rick bent down. "Can I have cheesecake...?" She looked up at Rick, blushing. Rick couldn't help but laugh. "Well, yeah, why not?" He laughed. Maru looked down again quickly. "You're nice to me..." She raised her head. "I love you!" She grinned. Rick blushed. "You deserve a nice birthday." He said, stroking her head.

"Rick!" Tammy cried, from the living room. "Yo?" Rick looked up quickly from the cheesecake he was preparing. "Sena wants to know, what is Maru's favorite color?" Rick thought about it for a second. "Purple, I'm pretty sure!" Tammy nodded. "Got it!" She said, jotting it down on a checklist.

"So, how was your day out with Sena, and Abbey?" Rick asked. "Fun!" Maru beamed. Rick nodded. "I'm glad." He smiled.

"Ok," Chris began. "I invited Sasha, her mother, Sena, Abbey, Tammy," He paused. "Is there anyone I'm missing?" He asked, turning to Rick. "Nope, I think that covers everyone." He said. "Ok cool, I also got the balloons." He turned. "Also," He began. "A few presents, from me," He said, pointing to a pile of wrapped gifts. "Chris!?" Rick cried. Chris chuckled. "No, I mean, I appreciate it," Rick began. "But, where the h.e.l.l am I gonna put all 'a it!?" He cried. Chris frowned. "Relax, you'll find s.p.a.ce." Rick let out a sigh. "I better." He grumbled.

Rick looked at the clock, nervously. Everyone would be arriving soon, including Maru, who was out all day with Sena, and Abbey. He sighed, planting

a party hat on his head.

There was a knock at the door. Rick sprang up. "Oh, Sasha!" He smiled. "Hi Mr. Summers!" She beamed. "My mom told me to say that she had work, but appreciated you inviting her anyway!" She said. "Ah, that's fine, I'm glad you're here at least." Sasha nodded. "Mhm!" She giggled. The door suddenly slammed open. Chris came in, carrying a bunch of games. "Oi, watch my door." Rick scolded. "Sorry, sorry." Chris sighed. "Y'know," Rick began. "I think you're even more worked up about this whole thing than I am." Chris chuckled. "That so?"

Tammy came next. "They're not here yet...?" She looked around. "Hi, Ms. Pembroke!" Sasha shouted, from across the room. "Sasha!" Tammy smiled, waving. Rick sighed. "Nope, they're not here yet." He folded his arms. "Relax," Chris began. But before he could finish, Abbey walked in. "Oh c.r.a.p," she said, noticing everyone was already there. "Language." Chris said. "Shut it, Huser." Abbey sighed, walking in. "Oh!" Sena laughed nervously. "I picked out some flowers." She smiled. "Come on in, birthday girl!" She smiled. Maru walked in, sheepishly. Everyone began clapping. "Oh! Sasha!" Maru cried out, noticing the girl. "Maru!" Sasha ran over. The two hugged, and the adults laughed.

As the day went on, they played games and held various conversations. Next, it was presents time. "Maru, wanna open mine first?" Sasha asked. "Mm!" Maru nodded. Maru unwrapped the present and smiled. "Whaddya get?" Rick asked, leaning over. Maru held up a coloring book, and gave a big smile. "Thank you!" Maru beamed, hugging her friend.

"My turn!" Chris said. Rick pushed him back. "You'll go last, rich boy." He said. Chris nodded sadly. "Well," Tammy began. She pulled out a present from behind her. "I guess I'll go next!" She said, handing Maru the present. "Thank you Tammy!" Maru smiled. Maru opened the present, and gasped. "Bead bracelets!" She cried in amazement. Tammy knelt down. "I used to make these all the time as a kid, I thought you'd like it!" She smiled. Maru hugged her quickly, causing Tammy to grunt. "Thank you, Tammy!" She said hugging her.

"Now's our turn." Abbey smiled. "Sena and I got a joint gift, hope that's ok." Maru nodded. "Yeah!" They walked over, holding a giant teddy bear. Rick did his best suppressing a groan. "Happy birthday!" They said in unison, handing her the bear. Maru's eyes lit up. "Thank you!" She cried in amazement. "It's even bigger than her..." Chris said, nudging Rick. "I don't even wanna think about it." Rick whispered.

As the gift giving ended, with various toys from Chris, they sang happy birthday, and gave the cake. "You made this!?" Maru cried. Rick nodded, smiling sheepishly.

As the party came to an end, everyone said their goodbyes. "Thank you so much guys." Rick waved as they left. Maru sat up, waking up from sleeping on the couch. "They left...?" She questioned tiredly. Rick nodded, sitting and stroking her hair. "Did ya have fun?" He smiled. Maru nodded, laying on him. "Thank you Rick." She gave an exhausted smile. "Looks like you're ready for bed," he began, getting up. "Rick...?" Maru called out. "Mm?" He turned. "Can I lay with you?" She asked. Rick looked over at his bed. "Why not." He smiled.

With Maru laying on him, with her hands on his chest, Rick laid down, staring at the ceiling. Is this really ok...? Is someone like me allowed to have this? Am I really allowed a second chance at happiness...? He looked down at Maru on top of him, running his fingers through her hair. He smiled sadly. As selfish as it may be, I don't want this to end... He thought as he dozed off.