Victoria Clarke smoothed the trembling napkin beneath the vase of flowers and glanced once more at the clock. Less than an hour remained until the guests arrived, and she still couldnt calm her nerves. A 60th birthday was a milestone, and she wanted everything to be perfect.
Emily, are you almost done? she called toward the kitchen, where the clatter of dishes drifted out.
Yes, Mum, Im finishing the salads! her daughter replied. Better check on Kevin; he said he was off to get some sparkling water.
Victoria sighed and walked to the room where her soninlaw stayed. Ten years under the same roof and she still couldnt get used to his leisurely pace. Everything for him was in a minute and just getting there. Right now Kevin was glued to his laptop, scrolling through something on the screen.
Kevin, you were supposed to go to the shop, Victoria said, trying to keep her tone soft, though a hint of irritation slipped through.
Yes, yes, Mum, Im leaving now, he answered without looking up, his fingers still clicking the mouse.
The guests will be here any moment.
Ill be quick, dont worry.
She left the room clenching her teeth. The same old story, day after day. If it werent for Emily, she would have already shown Kevin the door. Ten years together and still no progress. He kept promising to save for his own place, yet the promises never seemed to lead anywhere. At least they had the granddaughterLilywho was the one bright spot in her life.
Grandma, is the cake coming? Lilys twelveyearold voice echoed from the hallway, as if shed read her mind.
It will be, love. Your dad is supposed to pick it up from the bakery.
Lily frowned. Will he remember? Yesterday he missed my swimming lesson even though he promised to drive me.
Victoria patted Lilys head gently. Dont worry, Ill remind him. Now put on that lovely dress we bought last week.
When Lily disappeared back to her room, Victoria returned to Kevin.
Dont forget the cake. I ordered it from The Sweet Corner on High Street.
I remember, he shrugged. First the water, then the cake. Itll be all right.
Fifteen minutes later Kevin finally tore himself away from the computer, threw on a jacket, and headed for the door.
Kevin, have you taken the money for the cake? Victoria called.
Its already paid, isnt it? he paused at the doorway.
No, I only put down a deposit. The balance is due on collection.
Emily peeked out of the kitchen holding a wallet. Mum, the cards on the tabletake it, please. Kevins always short on cash, she said with an apologetic smile.
Kevins finances were always tight, but Victoria kept quiet. She didnt want the celebration to start with a fight. She took the required pounds from her purse and handed them to him.
Just be quick, and dont forget the sparkling water, she urged.
When Kevins door shut behind him, Victoria returned to the table setting. Today she would host not only family but also former colleagues. She had spent thirtyfive years teaching English and literature, earned their respect, and now, five years into retirement, she didnt want to end her life on a sour note.
Dont worry, Mum, Emily hugged her shoulders. Everything will be fine.
Im not worried, Victoria lied. I just want it to be proper.
Emily nodded. It will, Mum. Youre the best hostess.
The doorbell rang. First to arrive were Victorias brother Michael and his wife Sarah.
Happy birthday, Vicky! Sarah kissed her cheeks and handed over a large gift bag. You look radiant! Sixty is the new forty!
Thanks, dear ones, Victoria said, touched. Come in, make yourselves at home.
Soon other guests filtered intwo former teachers, neighbour Margaret with her husband James, a cousin from the suburbs. The flat filled with chatter, laughter, and congratulations. Yet Kevin was still missing.
Emily, give Kevin a call, Victoria whispered to her daughter as the guests settled at the table. Hes taking longer than he said.
Emily stepped aside, dialed, and returned with a strained smile. Hes on his way, Mum. Said there was a queue at the shop.
Victoria only shook her head. She knew those queues. He was probably hanging out with friends or glued to his phone.
Lets not wait any longer, she announced brightly. Lets start the meal!
The guests dug in enthusiastically. Victorias cooking was superb, and the table was a spread of English classics: coronation chicken, smoked salmon, roast beef with horseradish, mushroom pâté, stuffed peppers, and a towering bowl of salad.
Time passed, and Kevin still hadnt appeared. Emily had gone out several times to call him, each time returning more nervous. Victoria saw her daughters worry and tried to distract the guests with conversation.
Remember the trip to Brighton, Vicky? Sarah laughed. Those union holidays back in the day?
How could I forget! You and that swimming instructor, remember?
Shh, stop it, Sarah giggled, nudging Michael. Hes still jealous!
Laughter broke the tension, and for a moment Victoria forgot her own anxieties. Then a knock sounded at the hallway door.
Finally! Emily exclaimed, rushing to open it.
A stranger stood in the foyer, holding a large box.
Good afternoon, Im from The Sweet Corner. Did you order a cake?
Yes, Victoria replied, bewildered. Didnt Kevin collect it?
No, the man shrugged. Were closing soon and no one picked it up, so I thought Id deliver it myself. Peoples celebrations matter, after all.
A lump rose in Victorias throat. Where was Kevin? What had happened to him?
How much do I owe you? she asked, pulling out her wallet.
After paying the courier and placing the cake on the kitchen counter, Victoria turned to Emily.
Wheres your husband?
I dont know, Mum, Emily said, tears welling. His phone has been silent for half an hour.
Alright, Victoria steadied herself. Go help the guests. Ill sort the cake.
When Emily left, Victoria sank onto a stool. Ten years of Kevins unreliability, his broken promises, all borne silently for Emily and Lilys sake. Today he had crossed the final line.
She lifted the cakea delicate sponge with buttercream roses and the words Happy Birthday!and set it on a serving platter. Lily popped her head into the kitchen.
Grandma, wheres Dad?
I dont know, sweetheart, Victoria admitted. But look at this beautiful cake!
Lilys eyes sparkled. Can I carry it to the living room?
Of course, but be careful.
Lily took the platter, tongue peeking out as she concentrated, and trotted into the dining room. Victoria followed, ready to catch it if needed. Lily managed perfectly; the cake arrived on the table to delighted applause.
Just as a neighbours husband raised his glass to toast Victoria, the front door slammed open. Kevin staggered in, reek of cheap whisky.
Here I am! he announced cheerfully. Happy birthday, everyone!
An awkward silence fell. Victoria felt a chill seeing the pain in Emilys eyes.
Kevin, Emily whispered, where have you been?
Whats the big deal? he shrugged, heading to the table. Had a drink with a mate, celebrated a bit and look, the cakes already here! I sorted it!
The cake was delivered by the bakery because you didnt collect it, Victoria said icily.
Whatever, Kevin plopped into a vacant chair. Now, pour the drinks!
Guests exchanged uneasy glances. The festive atmosphere was ruined. Someone coughed politely; Sarah began gathering her purse, clearly ready to leave.
Thank you all for coming, Victoria said suddenly, standing from her seat. I truly appreciate you sharing this day with me. I have an announcement.
Everyone fell silent, even Kevin stopped reaching for his glass.
For ten years Ive let my daughter and soninlaw live here without interfering in their marriage, she began, each word a struggle. Ive endured disrespect, irresponsibility, and lazinessall for Emily and Lily. But today is my birthday, and Im giving myself a gift.
She turned to Kevin.
Kevin, you have 24 hours to collect your things and find somewhere else to live.
What? You cant
I can, Victoria replied calmly. This is my flat, and I decide who stays.
Emily looked down, her fingers whiteknuckled around a napkin. Are you sure? she asked softly.
Absolutely, Victoria affirmed. Ive made up my mind.
Kevin roared, slamming his fist on the table, making the china clink. Fine, Ill go! My feet wont be on this floor any longer! He staggered toward the door, knocking over a chair as he left. The hallway echoed with the slam of the door.
A small voice cut through the tension. Can I have a piece of cake now?
Everyone laughed nervously, the tension easing a little. Victoria began slicing the cake, her hands trembling but steady. She wasnt certain shed done the right thing, but she knew she could no longer let the past dictate her present. That cake truly marked the end of an old chapter.
Guests gradually drifted out, understanding the celebration was over. Soon only Victoria, Emily, and Lily remained.
Mom, Emily said, moving close to her, I need to tell you something
No need to say anything, love. I understand.
No, you dont, Emily shook her head. Ive wanted to leave him for a long time but feared youd oppose me. What would you saykeep enduring, or choose the childs happiness?
Victoria pulled her daughter into a hug. Sweetheart, I see how you suffer. Lily sees it too. She needs a happy mother, not a façade of a family.
What will happen now? Emily whispered, clinging as she did in childhood.
Everything will be alright, Victoria assured. Well get through this together.
By evening Kevin, sober and silent, returned to collect his belongings, casting pleading glances at Emily. She stood firm. Ten years of empty promises had hardened her heart.
Could you at least leave me the TV? Kevin muttered while packing.
Its mine, Emily replied evenly. Just go, Kevin. Just go.
When he finally left, Victoria turned to Emily. I have some savingsenough for a deposit on a flat for you and Lily. Youre a senior manager now; the bank will back you.
Emilys eyes widened. Really? I thought wed keep living together
Well stay until youve bought a place, Victoria said, smiling. Then Ill visit, bring tea, maybe a new neighbour too.
Mom
At thirtyfive you can still have another child if you wish, just choose the right partner this time.
Emily laughed through tears. Youre impossible!
I just want you both happy, Victoria said earnestly. And you know what? This birthday turned out better than I imagined because its the start of a new life.
They embraced in the kitchen as the sun set over the quiet street, the days last light slipping away. On the table, the untouched cake with its frosting roses and Happy Birthday! inscription stood as a silent witness to the changes that had just begun.
Six months later Emily, Lily, and Victoria moved into a cosy twobedroom flat in a new development. Victoria visited often, helping with small repairs and offering advice. A year after the party, a new neighbour, physics teacher Simon Harper, knocked on Victorias door, bearing a bunch of daisies and tickets to the theatre.
Colleagues say you love Chekhov, he said shyly. Theres a performance of The Cherry Orchard at the local drama centre.
Victoria smiled and welcomed him inside. Come in, Simon. I was just about to have some tea with cake. Join us?
The story ends with a simple truth: when you finally stand up for yourself and let go of the weight of others failures, you create space for new beginnings and genuine happiness.
