Episode 173: Lydia's Birthday (Part 2)
A quick note upfront: unfortunately, there were too few photos from the rest of the birthday celebration, so don't be surprised if the title doesn't quite match the rest of the episode. AND: There is NO content in this post that is unsuitable for minors, even if Tumblr might like to label it that way! Everyone is fully clothed; there are no orgies or anything of the sort taking place.
Everyone is still busy enjoying cake at Lydiaâs birthday party. "And how are things otherwise, Mom?" / "Very well. Iâm really having to juggle a lot with work right now, but things are moving forward. Still, Iâd like to cut back a bit; itâs just too much, and I hardly have any time for the family." / "Thatâs fair enough. But instead of doing the painting yourself, you could offer painting classes or something like that." / "Oh, I hadn't even thought of that. That sounds like a great idea."
"Yes, I think our daughterâs idea is pretty good, too. That way, you can still pursue your passion without having to churn things out at breakneck speed." / "I just make other people happy." / "I know, but you need to think about your own happiness, too." / ⊠"And what about you boys? Any plans for the future?" / "Well, writing books, performing as a band now and then, and living in a new cityâŠ" / "Oh, Iâm sure Iâll miss you."
âMm, weâll miss you too, sis. You havenât lived at home for a while now, either.â / âYeah, but Iâm not moving to a different cityâthatâs the difference. Still, I can totally understand wanting to see a bit of the world.â / âYeah, at least a little bit. And meeting new people; you really know every face around here.â Bella watched her son silently for a moment, then smiled. âMm-hmm, as long as you look out for each other, I donât see a problem with that, my dear.â
After the meal, Alexander took a moment for his niece. "'Aah⊠aah'" / "Hehe, yeah, 'A' is a good start; you can call me Uncle Alex or Ali, hehe. Come here, sweetie." Cassandra liked seeing the way her brother interacted with her daughter. "Oh, she takes after you completely, Mom," she said, glancing over at her mother. "I do have good genes, after all. Sheâs sure to grow up to be just as pretty as you⊠and me, of courseâgiggle." They share a lighthearted moment. It is always lovely to spend time with family. Even if paths eventually part, the bond between them remains.
As Alexander held Lydia in his arms, Cassandra couldn't help but smile a little. "Is something wrong?" / "No⊠A child really suits you, somehow." / "Well, actually 'making' one would be a bit difficult for the two of us." / "I know, but there are plenty of ways to have a child, even in your case." Alexander smiled and looked down at the little girl. "Yeah, but Iâm not worrying about that right now, and neither is Robin." / "You don't have to; there's plenty of time. Go put her in the living room."
Alexander set Lydia down in the living room, where a few toys had already been laid out for her. "What is it? Why are you grinning like that?" / "Just thinking about what happened a moment ago. And then I had a funny thought. Just imagine if I were a woman and we were having a childâwho do you think it would look like?" / "Hehe, like me." / "Yeah, probably; I wouldn't want to pass on my face." / "Hehe, you're too much. You're handsome. Let's go."
Later, Alexander and Robin drove together to the place where they used to meetâalone and in secret. The memories of that day are a mix of emotions: anger and sadness, but also joy and desire, all played out under that roof. Yet that memory belongs solely to them. Today, people meet there to chat and have a bit of fun with others.
Gradually, other friends and schoolmates arrived. "Hey, Robin⊠That looks really goodâcan I join in?" / "Sure, the more the merrier; I used to play it with my momâshe always lost to me, haha." After all, playing together is more fun anyway.
They had known each other since childhood. And when Robin was in a coma, there was great concern; after all, it was uncertain whether he would ever be his old self again. But he managed to emerge from the dark world inside his mind. Naturally, the joy was all the greater when he was able to return to school. And soon, their youth will be over.
Alexander quickly manages to draw attention to himself. As soon as he sets up his red keyboard somewhere, all eyes turn to him. And when the first notes ring out, the rest of the crowd gets swept up in his music, too. By now, almost everyone has recognized his great talent. He plays his latest song, which he had written on the side during his time at Crystalline Cove.
The foosball game came to an end; everyone had become too distracted by Alexanderâs music. "Looks like itâs a draw. Thanks, that was fun." / "Yeah, for me too. Oh man, I thought you were really weird at first." / "Really? Why?" / "I don't know, you hardly said a wordâwell, and when it came out that you were gay, I thought youâd be hitting on everyone." / "Haha, what? Oh man!" / "Sorryâyouâre a cool guy."
After putting away his keyboard, Alexander walked over to Robin, who was standing in the room with a melancholy look on his face. "Hey, are you okay?" "Mhm, yeah. Until a year ago, I thought Iâd just spend all day sitting in my room, listening to music and cursing my life. But so much has changed since Iâve had you by my side. Thanksâyouâre the best thing that could have happened to me." Alexander smiled, feeling deeply flattered; sometimes, he was even at a loss for words. "Want to go outside for a bit?" "Okay." Uncertain where they would end up that day, the two of them set off, leaving their friends behind.
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