Some anniversaries are good things - For slowlyburn

[thepainted_lady]

Lydia had missed the last fourteen birthdays with her daughter. To be sure, sometimes she'd managed to send cards, but she hadn't always been able to get away, to send them, and to send too much would risk them tracking back to her. And letting the family know about her past, to be able to make the effort, wasn't always easy. Trips to the post office would be noted, possibly questioned. She'd tried, but she knew it hadn't nearly been enough.

This year, she was determined to do better.

That Amanda was turning fifteen, such a painful year in Lydia's own past, she was sort of trying not to focus on. It was going to be a good day. She was still getting to know her daughter, and had been uncertain what, exactly, she'd like, but she had one idea for part of spending the day she hoped she would approve of, at least, if the gifts weren't quite...right.

All gaily wrapped in bright paper, she had several packages. Inside were: a hand-woven charm bracelet; a brightly colored, butterfly hoodie; and a smaller box containing an aquamarine belly button ring. She has a matching amethyst--her birthstone--one in another box...as a thought that, maybe, if Amanda wants...they could go into town and get piercings done at the same time.

She's let the right people know it's Amanda's birthday, and there will be a larger celebration later, but for now, she just wants to have some time that's just hers with the daughter she's spent too much time away from.

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[slowlyburn.livejournal.com]

The hug was an unexpected, but welcomed, gesture; Amanda, just as hesitantly, still cautious herself, returned the hug with the same warmth. It was guarded, still, over the fact that while she was a part of Lydia, they both were still getting used to each other. For a long time Lydia was just a faceless person that she spent nine months growing inside her womb--now she was flesh and bone and had a face. She had a face, a history, a smell and Amanda finally knew what her mother sounded like.

No matter any gaps or hesitation on her part when Lydia hugged her, she felt like she had found a home. She had one, once, but ever since her power manifested things with her aunt were strained at best. But, with Lydia, it felt like she managed to salvage what her genetics betrayed her with the woman who raised her. She felt like she belonged.

Pulling away a little, she gave a sheepish--if not bright--grin. "Thanks," she replied in kind, really trying in vain to hide the fact her face lit up when her mother greeted her. It was difficult not to beam, to feel a warmth that reminded her of Christmas Day as a little girl. It was...special.

[thepainted-lady.livejournal.com]

Lydia's smile was just a bit sheepish as well, as she stepped back to let Amanda the rest of the way in to the trailer. Smoothing her hair back and trying not to fiddle with her skirts, she glanced at the little table where the presents were stacked, then back at her daughter, indicating the bright packages with a little wave of her hand.

"We usually have a special dinner and cake and such in the evening when it's someone's birthday in the family, but...I thought you might like your presents this morning. At least from me. That we could sort of celebrate just us for a while..." Before everyone else intruded and Samuel came in with his flair and dazzled them all.

She bit her lip a little bit, still uncertain, but giving Amanda a hopeful smile.

[slowlyburn.livejournal.com]

Amanda's smile widened all the more and, much like a normal teenager actually pleased with something their parent did, threw her arms around Lydia in another impulsive, but tight, embrace. "Thank you so much!" She gushed, honestly meaning it, too. She still didn't understand why Lydia had so many worries about her being here, at the Carnival, but, Amanda thought it was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

The incident with Caleb was just one flaw. But she didn't want to think about him right now--she wanted to just be happy because she was fifteen years old, because she was spending her first birthday with her mom, and with other people like her she didn't feel like such an outcast.

[thepainted-lady.livejournal.com]

Lydia hugged her back, just as tightly, feeling a little more relaxed and warmed by her daughter's enthusiasm. She brushed a hand through her hair, tucking it behind Amanda's ear.

"Go ahead and open them. I thought, maybe, we could go into town for the day, too. Samuel excused us from chores, since it's your day."