for the best | [pryce fam]
Jul 5, 2024 15:28:44 GMT -5
Post by dars on Jul 5, 2024 15:28:44 GMT -5
![](https://64.media.tumblr.com/77e9194a754cd2b61032726786d25797/8d8dda85684e64e3-c0/s2048x3072/dbd8c6b43a6e1b68d84a305e0d8bbf6ad5f8f106.jpg)
V I O L E T
"I hate baking," she groaned, staring at the pile of beige goop sitting in the oven, "it takes forever!" She much preferred the things Lex taught her, like how to build a rocking char, or how to flip someone over her shoulder. Grandma Juno laughed, bumping her with her hip. "It takes longer if you stare at it. Hasn't anyone ever told you that before?"
"Uh, only for water."
The entire morning had been spent following Grandma around, holding boxes full of decorations and keeping ladders steady so streamers could be hung around doorways. Upstairs, her little brother was fussing for his feed time and she could faintly hear Romily's gentle voice cooing to soothe him. From outside, the scent of grilling meat wafted from the back, where her father listened to music and absently flipped burgers on the grill. And Uncle Marley, the birthday boy, sat with him and talked about whatever boys talk about when they're alone. It must've been funny, whatever they were saying, because she'd hear them laugh every so often.
"You know, you don't have to help me, Sweetheart. You can go outside with them if you'd like." She wrinkled her nose. "No, I want to help."
Juno laughed.
"I thought you hated baking?"
Violet replied in a sort-of exasperated tone that implied she couldn't believe she was even having to explain this. "Well, I do. But it's Uncle Marley's birthday and I didn't have time to finish his birdhouse with Lex this weekend, so I figured helping you could be my present until I get time to finish it."
Juno thoughtfully considered this.
"Well, you've helped me all morning. All that's really left to do is frost the cake once it's cooled down, and that's more of a one-person job. I think Uncle Marley will be more than okay if you go out now, don't you?"
Violet tried to fight the smile that crept up in the corners of her mouth.
"Fine. Someone needs to hurry Mr. Slow up out there anyway. The Aunts are gonna be here any minute!"
One last glance at the cake in the oven, and then Violet slipped her shoes on and joined her father and uncle outside.
"Hey! Grandma almost has the cake finished! Have you started the hot dogs yet?" Her hands were placed confidently on her hips.
"In just a few minutes, Ma'am," Mackenzie snorted, "Uncle Marley likes his burgers practically burnt."
She dutifully inspected the grill to indeed find several nearly-crispy meat patties on its surface, with a container of uncooked hot dogs sitting right next to it.
"Well, I don't like mine like that."
"I know, Sweetie."
"And no m-"
"No mayo, I know, Violet. I wouldn't dream of subjecting you to such tortures."
He raised the lid of the pan to show other, not-burned patties were already sitting neatly inside. She raised her chin, officially satisfied with her inspection, then nodded to him as if to say he was allowed to continue what he was doing. She took a seat next to Marley.
"Happy birthday!" she said, as if she hadn't already seen him all morning, "Feel any older?"