Justin's POV

The date is getting closer for Andy and my birthday. My little princess is turning seven, she's grown up so quickly. She's getting to the age where she'll start becoming like a pre-teen. It scares me because I'm not ready for that kind of stuff.

Maybe this birthday I can give Andy what she's been wanting for years. I know if Andy ever received this gift she'd start shredding tears in seconds. I'd be named the best father in the world.

"Justin, we need to start setting up you and your daughter's birthday party!" I hear Mom yell from the living room.

"Coming!" I say entering the living room. I see she has bought supplies for the birthday party. The materials were all colored pink. Andy's favorite color.

"So where do we start?" I say picking up a large polka dot pink ribbon.

*************

Birthday Party.

The house quickly piles with our guest. We don't have much guest since the guest are mostly family and a few friends. The birthday princess, Andy, really is happy to have everyone celebrate our birthday.

Once the party starts, I can tell Andy's trying to look for someone. It distracts her through the party dinner. I see when everyone eats their delicious burgers I made with the help of Mom and Jessica, Andy never touches her burger.

"Babe, what's wrong?" Jessica asks, noticing I've been glimpsing at my daughter strangely.

"Don't worry, baby. It's nothing to worry about." I say, finishing my burger.

Out of the blue, I hear the doorbell ring. Before I can answer the door, Mom and Andy open the door. I can tell the person who rung the door might be the person Andy wanted to see. When Mom and Andy return, smiles appear in her face.

"Come in, Kathy! Do you want a burger? My dad made them." Andy grasps on Kathy's hand.

This can't be, Kathy? I haven't seen Kathy in a long time. She still looks good from the last time I saw her, the time she broke my heart.

"Justin?" Jessica shakes my shoulder.

"Sorry, babe." I can't stop looking over at Kathy. Her wavy medium length blue hair seems to fade and begin to show a color of white blond hair. She still has the same pale skin, but something is different. I try to make out what she has printed on her shoulder. I'm not entirely sure if it's a butterfly or heart with cracks around it.

Before I could figure out what she has printed on her shoulder, Andy pulls my attention to her. "Daddy! Daddy, I wanna you to see someone special. Someone who you might say an old friend?" I stand up and follow her to the kitchen making sure Jessica knows where I'm off to.

I push through the kitchen doors and see a young woman leaning over the island table, eating one of my burgers. "Kathy," I say feeling a little nervous.

Kathy sets her burger back on her plate, "Look who it is, it's my beloved friend, Justin." Kathy smiles while coming close to me and giving me a big hug. "I missed you, friend!" Kathy says.

"Me too," I awkwardly replied.

She let's go of me. I notice Andy left us alone when Kathy let's go of me. Kathy then takes a good look at me, "Uh," she laughs. "So, how's life been?" Asking the simplest question anyone would ask.

I nod. "It's good. I, uh, I'm starring in some films. I recently starred in an animated film for Andy to see."

"Shrek, huh?" Kathy smiles.

"Um, yeah." I awkwardly laugh a little. "So, what about you? How's life been?"

Kathy rubs her palms together, "It's been pretty great. Tommy's been making friends with some of his classmates at a different school."

"That's cool, uh, wh-where is Tommy anyway?" I fold my arms. "I he'd be here with you."

"Tommy couldn't make it today but I'm sure he's happy your daughter's birthday is today and sends her tons of happiness." Kathy presses her lips together.

"That's fine. I kind of wished Tommy would be here. Either way it's great to see you again." I don't know what to do. I somehow feel nervous just being near her. I hope no one notices it.

"Yup, uh, how's Jessica? I hear you and her are," she fakes clearing her throat.

"Jessica is great. And the," I copy Kathy's fake clearing throat, "is true."

"Ah, that's, that's awesome. I'm so proud of you, I hope Jessica will have the slight chance to be Andy's mom. I see Jessica is a great role model."

"Uh-huh. She's perfect, but it's too early to think about those things right now. We've barely started dating."

"Yeah," Kathy pauses. "Can you keep a secret? I don't really want everyone to know about this. I'm trying to keep it private from people because well I don't think I'm ready to talk," Kathy fake smiles.

"I for sure will keep your secret," I grasp my jeans for support. I wasn't sure if this was good news or bad news. I just hope it wasn't bad.

"Justin, you remember my boyfriend, Ray?"

I nod. "What about Ray?"

"Well," Kathy slowly springs out a little smile. She pulls her hand to me. On her finger I get a good sight of a ring. A small simple ring covered with tiny diamonds around the ring.

"He proposed." I say without realizing my tone of voice was depressing.

"Yes, and we're planning on having our wedding this summer near our house in Florida."

"You moved in with Ray?" I ask out of the sudden.

"I have been for a while now. Isn't this exciting? Tommy is going to have another chance having a father!" Kathy cries in excitement.

I try smiling at her, but somehow it's hard to since I liked her in the past and I liked her a lot that I thought we would end up together. That was before Ray came into the picture and practically took her from me.

"That's wonderful news. I'm glad you are getting married and I wish you the best for you and your future husband." I don't know why I keep sounding depressed. I need to man up and think about my life without Kathy. I'm fine without Kathy. I have Jessica the perfect woman for me.

"Aww, you too sweet." Kathy beams in happiness. "Um, well I'm to greet everyone. If you don't mind."

"Not at all, go ahead." I say giving her some space to exit.

"Happy Birthday, J," Kathy says before joining everyone in the other room.

I stay back and think about what happened. Kathy getting married, Tommy living in Florida, Kathy moving on, Kathy having a family with another man. What a huge birthday surprise I got today. Biggest news I have ever received.

I shouldn't feel depressed about being without Kathy. I should be happy, acceptable for her rightful decision. Seeing her makes me think about the fantastic memories I had with her. I refuse to think about that and start thinking about Jessica. She's the woman I'm destined to be with, I feel she is the woman I'm supposed to end up with. She's the one I want to be with, or should I say need to be with.

"Daddy?" I heard Andy's voice in the background.

"Yes, princess?" I say turning toward her.

"It's time for presents!" She says taking me back with all our guest to open our gifts brought by our friends and family members.

💕😊😘