Chapter 5 Birthday party

MELISSA’S APARTMENT, DOWNTOWN, NEW YORK.

Melissa’s eyes lingered on Cindy as the little girl stood by the window staring out eagerly. She heaved a sigh after checking the wall clock. It seems like Raphael might not be able to come around by the look of it. Melissa could tell something must have been holding him back, it would have been nice if he dropped a text or called.

Cindy has been acting quite disinterested in her own party, making the guests for her party feel unwanted. Her father had promised to show up no matter what and the little girl had held on to the promise, hardly sleeping a wink all through the night with the hope of seeing her father after two longs weeks of being apart.

As much as Raphael loves his daughter so much, he understands that she needs to associate with others which was why he had resolved to letting her stay with his only sister, Melissa who has two boys older than Cindy. But mostly fond and protective of her. It had been a hard decision for him to make, but it's uneasy for a bachelor to look after a child all through the long hours of each passing day. Also his work takes a huge toll on him, to keep Cindy's life balanced, he has her homeschooled, that way she can shuffle between his place and Melissa's. Melissa felt grateful that her brother could trust her with his only child. She loves Cindy just like any of her child. However, it's obvious the little girl needs a closer mother figure in her life. Something, Raphael never wants to hear her say.

He doesn't trust anyone to love his daughter right, except him and probably her. Wiping her wet hand on a dry napkin, Melissa maneuvered her way through the little children running around the large living room to reach Cindy. Placing a comforting hand on her little shoulder, Melissa kissed her hair. "What's wrong baby? Why aren't you playing with your cousins and friends?"

Cindy stared up with teary eyes. “He isn't coming."

Melissa looked out the window, inhaling. "Trust me, he would come. You mean too much for him to not come." She paused in her words, when Raphael's car drove into the parking space. With a bright smile she stared at Cindy. "I told you he would come."

Too excited to respond, Cindy jumped off the spot and ran put of the house. Raphael's hands were spread out expectant of her embrace. As tiny as she looked, her weight sent Raphael almost falling on his back as he held onto her tightly. Kissing her forehead, Raphael inhaled her smell. "Happy birthday, pumpkin. Forgive daddy for coming so late."

Cindy shook her head, giggling. "It doesn't matter, I'm glad you are here."

Rapheal felt his heart scream, his daughter as little as she is has always been considerate and thoughtful. She wiggled out of his arm after sighting Maverick. "Uncle Mave, what did you get me?"

Maverick chuckled, kneeling in front of her. "I don't know, how about you find out yourself." He said, placing the large squared gift box on the ground.

She tore at the package immediately, Raphael was about to protest and ask her to open it inside instead but Maverick shook his head to let her be. Cindy squealed in delight at the set of barbie toys and a Lego pack in place.

"Uncle Maverick!" She giggled holding onto his legs tightly. "Thank you so much, I love my gift."

Laughing, Maverick lifted her up. "Happy birthday my princess. Thank you for being an amazing daughter. I love you."

Raphael watched the exchange feeling at peace, he couldn't appreciate his friend enough for loving his daughter so much. After Maverick offered to take the box inside, it was Raphael's turn to carry her.

"I missed you, dad. Why did you take so long to come see me?" Cindy asked, leaning her head on his shoulder.

Guilt gripped him, he had been busy with launching another feature of the app for the past two weeks and hardly had time for himself. "Forgive daddy, for being insensitive to your needs."

She placed a light kiss on his cheek. “You don't have to feel sorry for trying your best. Aunt Melissa says you hardly get enough sleep because you work so hard. I don't want you to worry about me, I just want you to come around once in a while. I want to show you off to my friends."

He couldn't help the laughter that rumbled out of his belly, Cindy's talks surprises him. She acts older than her age and it scares him so much that she is growing so fast. "Alright, baby. I promise to work on that."

When they returned into the house, Cindy was more of herself and was no longer sulking. The space was bubbling with their noises as they had fun chewing on every sweet edible put out for them.

Melissa ushered Raphael and Maverick to sit with her by the dining table as they watched the children on one side. She was quick to notice her brother's countenance.

"What happened? You don't look yourself." She asked after serving each of them the cold lemonade she had made for the party.

Maverick mouthed a thank you after receiving his glass. "It's been a long day."

Raphael kept mute, his eyes stayed glued to his daughter. Nothing seem to matter to him anymore, except keeping Cindy safe. His marriage to the Wright family has had him subjected to cameras and name popping up randomly on celebrity gossips. He had tried hard to keep Cindy away from such life, which couldn't be helped since his entire business has to do with media representation. He was thankful that Melissa had chosen to live the normal life of just living. It helped with shading Cindy from the devourers who call themselves reporters. Not only would they remind him of how much Cindy looks like her dead mother, but they won't hesitate to bring up the case of his in-laws and their relationship.

“Raphael!" Melissa called out for the umpteenth time tapping his shoulder.

He jerked out of reverie. “I’m so, sorry. You called me?"

"Of course I did, Maverick won't tell me why you look so lost. I am expecting you to tell me instead." She said.

Exhaling loudly, Raphael held his sister's gaze. "Oliver wants the custody of Cindy." He announced.

Melissa scoffed. “That old man is just joking. That doesn't sound like something he would say."

"No, he isn't joking. Actually he is taking the case to court." Raphael added, causing his sister to stare in utmost shock.