3 C.R.I.M.E.S

Chapter 15

One of the biggest events of the year is Natalya's birthday parties, because anyone who is someone to Joseph Hutcherson will be invited. That's how one knows they're elite and can never be messed with. There's politicians and businessmen to drug lords and mafia bosses from all corners of the world.

I think Natalya's birthday parties are the most social events hosted by the Hutcherson's. You can't begin to imagine how people would kill to just be invited for this party, even if it be for a four year old.

It wasn't just any four year old though, mind you. This was the first child born into the Hutcherson empire.

Her birthday party had everything she asked for and so much more. She got her big ball gown, with wings and her big curly hair was set free for the entire day as she ran and dragged us behind her, making us do almost every single activity available today.

We went from eating cotton candy, to elephant riding and feeding the animals. Natalya was more than satisfied with her day, and luckily for Lukas, it meant he lived to see another day.

By the time the sun had set and we were gathered in the living room, looking around at all of the gifts that'd been brought for Natalya. Which filled the entire masisve living room- we were exhausted but determined to stay energetic and excited for Natalya's fourth birthday party.

"To Natalya, may the next year of your life be just as amazing as your previous years. From aunty Wendy," Joseph read and I went to start unwrapping the box covered in purple sparkly gift wrap.

Natalya sat on the floor indeed playing with the three poodles that Lindsay had promised us she'd get for her. Natalya had lost her mind and sobbed when Lindsay had given it to her and called her the "best godmother ever".

Tasha has yet to forgive Natalya for what she said.

When we opened it, there was a scrapbook printed "Memories" and on the cover was a picture of Natalya, myself, Joseph, Bryson, Wendy, my mum, Hedeon, Galina and Tasha after I'd just given birth. I looked at Joseph trying not to cry at the memory, he simply chuckled, showing an eager Natalya her gift.

At the bottom of the box from Wendy, was a book titled "How to kill a man in 30 ways using a handkerchief". I rolled my eyes as Natalya cheered, jumping up and down when she saw the book.

"Aunty Wendy is the best!"

My mum had gotten her a life sized teddy bear and a camera. Quinn bought for her a boom box and a cool huge fur coat printed "Daddy's Little Girl" at the back in red. Idris bought for her a toy sport's car she would be able to actually drive and a whole lot of tools for the car, and that's just to name a few of things she got. Our whole living room was covered in gifts from turtles to rabbits.

By the time all of the gifts had been unwrapped and opened, all the energy returned to me as I realised it was only Joseph and I left to give her our birthday presents.

Joseph and I have always been competitive when it comes to Natalya. We always want to do better than the other and give more than the other parent so we can be the "favourite parent". The perfect time to do this, is on Natalya's birthday.

So every time it's her birthday, I start pulling my hairs out trying to think of something that'll be better than Joseph's gift. I hate to say it, but Joseph has always been one step ahead and he's been the favourite parent for the past three years. Yes, I know I haven't had a chance yet because she just turned four years old but I'm convinced that this year, is my year.

You see, this time, I remembered what Natalya's been begging for ever since she was younger but we didn't get it for her, so I thought this would be the year that I got it for her.

I was going to be the favourite parent this year!

"Who's going to open theirs first?" I asked looking at Joseph and he nodded his head saying I should go first.

I almost laughed evilly and rubbed my hands together, too excited for this present as I shot to my feet.

"Well..." I began, rubbing my hands together, "my gift is waiting outside. Let's go."

I held Natalya's hand in mine, Joseph walking behind us as I guided them to the front door.

"Darling, this year mummy bought for you something you've been wanting for so long," I said smiling.

"A gun?" She asked eagerly.

"Even better!"

"A car!"

"Uh, let's not get crazy," I said laughing. I stood up and gripped the door handle, slowly opening it, "I bought for you...two-"

"Ponies!" She screamed, running outside jumping up and down.

"You bought me ponies," she said grinning, looking at me and then at the two ponies, "you're the best, mummy! Thank you!"

I hugged her tight and watched as she went to play with the two animals. I stood straight, folding my arms, unable to contain my proud smirk.

"Look at you," Joseph commented, looking at me with a side eye.

We both spoke lowly so that Natalya wouldn't hear us, "I don't know how you can top that. She's been wanting a pony since she was two years old. So...good luck," I said smugly as I gave him a smug expression.

He chuckled, "you know, I think this year you will be the favourite parent."

I looked at him, confused, "already admitting defeat? That's not like you at all."

"I'm not admitting defeat," he said, running his finger across my cheek before pecking me on the lips.

I didn't know what he had up his sleeves but I knew it would take a whole lot for him to win this year.

"Ok, Natalya, it's time for you to see my present," Joseph called her and she skipped towards us, coming straight into my arms instead of Joseph's, "let's go inside. You both will need to take a seat."

I'll let him be this dramatic but we all know he can't top my gift. He could only top it if he bought her a car and that's definitely never going to happen until she's much much older. So this year, Joseph was just going to have to pass his crown down to me and walk away with a little bit of dignity.

When we were finally seated in the living room again, seeing the servants already half way through with tidying up everything, Joseph had Natalya and I sit besides each other on the sofa.

He kneeled down on one knee between the two of us and reached into his back pocket, taking out a thin wrapped gift probably about A3 when he unfolded it.

Just looking at it, I started to dance and cheer in my head.

I'll be the favourite parent this year!

There's no way anything on that tiny page can top what I've done. It could be concert tickets, but Natalya's had private concerts ever since she was a baby. She'll probably blink in boredom when presented with them

So yay! I'll be the favourite parent this year! I'll be the favourite parent this year!

"Natalya," he began smiling, "and Jacqueline. I spent months thinking about how I could give you a better gift than last year's gift, and remain the favourite parent again, for the fourth consecutive year because last year your mother nearly just nearly, like she was almost, almost, almost-"

"Ok, I get it Joseph!" I snapped, rolling my eyes.

"Almost, almost there but shame," he shrugged, "she missed it, but it was close and I didn't like that. Which is why I wanted, wanted to give you something even better this year."

He grinned and I rolled my eyes, "Natalya, I know that what you've been wanting is someone you can trust, someone you can play with, and that person to be your best friend because I know that Hedeon isn't cutting it for you anymore."

Ha, what's he going to do? Take her to Build a Bear. I had to hold in my laugh.

Wait until the end, Jacqueline. It'll be sweeter then, hold it in, then later on mock him. Mock his masculinity. He must feel shame. As he has shamed you.

He unwrapped it, hiding it from us, "and so...I finally got an answer."

He paused, smiling, "Natalya...your mother's having a baby."

~~~