Chapter 6 - Natalie’s obsession with birthdays
Natalie had always cared about birthdays more than normal people.
When we were children, she planned hers months in advance.
Theme.
Cake.
Who sat where.
Who gave what.
If I received a present near her birthday, she complained.
Mom laughed.
“Somebody likes her spotlight.”
We all treated it as personality.
At thirty-six, she was still doing it.
But now the spotlight belonged to Owen.
Her only child.
Owen was born after three miscarriages.
I understood why she cherished him.
I did too.
But Natalie had turned every birthday into proof that he was loved correctly.
His fifth birthday:
Professional photographer.
Sixth:
Reptile show.
Seventh:
Indoor soccer complex.
Eight:
House party because he asked for one.
Even then, Natalie staged it.
Matching balloons.
Customized cupcake toppers.
Printed schedule.
She had wanted Owen to wear the paper crown for cake and pictures.
He hated it.
The crown scratched.
He gave it to Grace.
That should have been the end.
Instead, Natalie saw her plan breaking.
Worse:
Grace looked adorable in it.
Adults laughed.
Someone took a picture.
Grace spun in her pink dress.
Three people said:
“Look at the little princess.”
Natalie heard:
Your child’s party now belongs to Claire’s daughter.
May you like
That interpretation had almost nothing to do with Grace.
Everything to do with Natalie and me.
