Serena

I miss being a kid.

The feeling of having essentially no responsibilities and being carefree, that starts to lessen as we get older.

Personally, I wasn't much of birthday person. I didn't really celebrate mine much, the only thing I was really excited for was the cake. Even presents didn't catch my attention, I'd happily sit in the corner and eat a slice, rather than open my presents.

However, seeing the little kids running around right now, I thought maybe I was the only kid like that.

I really didn't think that I would ever plan a little kid's birthday party, at least right now in my life.

I've just never really been much of kid person. I didn't have an issue with them, it's always been a little difficult for me to along with them. The idea of having a lot of kids running around the place, it wasn't my most favourite thing.

Although, right now I wasn't so against the idea.

I felt like I had been handed a great responsibility, organising Bea's birthday party.

Liam was included at first, however I wasn't a fan of his ideas and sort of just took over. He seemed to be completely fine to let me run the show, but the only thing he said, was that he'd pay.

I tried to get him to budge on that, but after multiple arguments, he made it absolutely clear, he was going to pay for it all.

There was a tiny part of me that thought I could go to the extreme with the party, so that the price was hiked up, because Liam was such a pinhead. However, I remembered that this was about Bea and her day, not him.

Plus if he was so willing for the money to come out of his pocket, why was I even arguing?

Thankfully, over the years I had made a few contacts, which came to be really helpful when planning. I spent a couple of weeks calling around and getting everything together for the party.

I also had Will help with some of the arrangements and because he was basically an overgrown child, his suggestions were great.

He was really just in it for the cake.

Since Bea really wanted her party to be princess-themed in some kind of way, I thought that it would be perfect to create an 'enchanted forest' for her. It would be magical enough and everyone could dress up.

I had already instructed Liam to tell whoever was invited, to dress up in some sort of magical costume. They could be any fantasy person or creature, they wanted, but nothing that would scare the children.

A few weeks ago, I had dinner with Will at a restaurant called 'The Orchid'. The place seemed perfect to have the party. The restaurant had specially created a garden at the back, hanging flowers and fairy lights. The space was quite large and there was a glass rooftop, which provided protection in case of rain.

I really didn't think that they would allow me to book the entire back garden for a whole afternoon, but after a lot of begging and pleading, and money, plus a huge cake as an incentive, it was arranged.

Bea and Liam had arrived not too long ago, with Bea already in her fairy princess costume. She wore a beautiful tiara and her hair was done half up, half down, her beautiful dark curls hanging loose around her.

After a lot of screaming and squealing on her side, she ran off to see all her friends dressed up and I was left with Liam.

"She's a popular one," I noted, watching Bea interact with everyone, with all of them wishing her for her birthday.

They all looked eager to wish her and seemed to be hanging on to her every word.

For a four year old, she could really talk.

"I know," Liam replied, his eyes fixed on her.

"She's gone on you then," I commented.

Liam, who was looking at Bea, turned to face me with a quizzical look. "What do you mean?" He asked.

I couldn't help but smile and pointed towards Bea. "This was you in high school," I said. He continued to look confused.

"Liam, you were one of the 'it' boys," I said, putting air quotes around the 'it'. "The golden ones. You, Holden, Andre and Chris," I added.

He blinked slowly, as if he didn't know that himself. Liar. He totally knew it.

I could vividly remember the way he would walk down the corridors, along with the other boys, as if he owned the place and he were king.

"You were popular too," Liam replied.

I let out an ugly snort. "No, I was just friendly with most, not popular," I corrected him.

It was the truth. I really wasn't popular, since there were probably a whole lot of people in my own year that wouldn't even know me, if they heard my name. I only started getting a little more attention after becoming friends with Liam again, and then after when I started dating Holden.

"I don't doubt that Bea will be though," I smiled, looking at the little girl of the hour.

"Most likely," he said, also looking at Bea.

When I turned towards him again, I saw that he wasn't dressed. I mean, he was in casual clothes, in shirt and jeans. It was only then I realised his costume was in my hand.

"Here-," I said, holding out the bag that I had with me, in his direction.

Liam raised a brow and looked at me skeptically.

"What is this?" He asked, eyeing the bag, as if it carried some harmful substance.

I rolled my eyes at his actions.

"Everyone is in a costume of some kind. You can't be in causal clothes," I told him and didn't wait for an answer from him, as I shoved the bag into his chest, and Liam was forced to take it from me.

"Go change," I ordered.

He was about to open his mouth, in what I assumed would be clear protest, I spoke first.

"You promised, Bea," I reminded him.

Liam closed his mouth, glared at me and stomped away.

It's fun giving out orders.

After a little while, the party was in full force, with all the guests arriving, the kids playing about and eating. I couldn't exactly fit a huge bouncy castle in the place and I probably wouldn't even be allowed, but I got a trampoline instead, which seemed to be doing the job.

I had hired a face painting artist and someone who seemed like the expert of creating massive bubbles, which the kids seemed to love.

Whilst everyone was having fun, including the adults, I then remembered I was still waiting on a certain adult to return from putting on his costume.

Stomping into the toilets, I knocked on the only locked cubicle in the room.

"What is taking you so long?" I asked Liam.

"What the hell are you doing in the Men's room?" He responded and I rolled my eyes.

"Taking a piss," I replied dryly. "What do you think, Liam? I'm here to get you out. Bea's waiting."

"I'm not coming out like this," he whined, like one of the children outside.

I smacked my hand on the door to the cubicle. "Don't be a baby," I told him and I could hear him mutter something. "She wants you as her prince. Just wear the damn outfit."

"This is so stupid," Liam replied.

Upon hearing the door unlock, I took a step back.

Liam came out the cubicle, with an annoyed expression on his face, with his brows furrowed and a pout across his lips.

"Happy?" He asked me, gesturing to his costume.

I had gotten Liam a dark prince outfit. It was basically the opposite of Prince Charming and I thought that was hilarious.

His costume was completely black, apart from some red accents, such as his cuffs, the padding on his shoulders and the sash going across his body.

I knew that Bea wanted Liam to be her prince and his costume was completely contrasting to her pretty pink, princess dress, but I had gotten her approval beforehand. Thankfully, she said it was perfect.

She didn't seem to mind or care much about matching costume or even Liam's costume at all. Bea just wanted her one to be the prettiest. I felt as if I could make Liam dress in burlap sack and she'd be happy.

I thought he would look, out of place, but instead Liam looked like a dark prince. Great.

"Very," I replied.

He did not look happy to be in the costume.

"Now, let's go," I said, turning to leave.

"What are you wearing?" Liam asked. I turned to look at him and he just looked confused at my outfit.

"It's a princess costume," I pointed out.

Liam scoffed. "What fairytale are you from?" He asked, giving me a once over look.

"I'm a medieval princess," I informed him.

I thought I'd try to be a little different and decided to go with a medieval kind of look instead. My dress was a deep red colour, with golden sating trimming on the neckline, waist and the sleeves. With a gold satin front panel as well. The sleeves were flared from the elbow.

"Now, unless you want to swap costumes, shut up," I told Liam, who seemed to be holding back a smile. Prick.

I just walked out the 'men's room', not caring if he followed me.

As I walked out and noticed Bea, I began taking steps towards her, noticing she was talking to Cinderella - well someone who was dressed as her.

"Are you happy to eat peas now?" Bea asked her and I covered my mouth, trying to stop myself from laughing.

Cinderella looked completely confused and she glanced up. When she saw me, I just nodded my head at her.

"Oh, um. Yes, so very happy. I love peas," she replied, and Bea seemed very happy with that answer.

I guess she'll be eating her peas from now on.

I watched on from the side, with a drink in my hand, as Bea happily played musical chairs with her friends.

She looked so happy, I guess I could call the party a success.

"You did a good job."

I turned to the side at the sound of the voice, only to see Liam standing beside me.

"I know," I replied, hiding my smug smile by taking a sip from my glass.

"How did you even find this place?" He asked.

In all honesty, I was slightly surprised he was trying to make conversation with me. He really hadn't been the most talkative lately. Maybe this was his way of trying to be better?

"I came here for dinner once, with Will. We started talking about how this place looked like somewhere a magical quest would take place. Then when Bea mentioned princesses and fairy tales, it just reminded me of that," I smiled at him.

Liam nodded knowingly at my words. "It's nice," he commented. "Where is he by the way? I thought he would be here?"

"He has some work at the cafe. He texted not long ago, that he really couldn't make it," I told him.

Will was really excited to attend, even though it was a kids party, but then some issue cropped up. I left out that a part of his text included to bring back some cake.

"He works in a cafe?" Liam questioned.

I smiled and nodded. "Yeah, owns it as well. It's not far from my shop," I told him, proudly.

"How did you meet?" Liam asked.

I am internally shocked about Liam's interest in my relationship. I really didn't think he cared or wanted to know anything.

"Through coffee," I said, letting out a little laugh. "He spilt some on me and I snapped at him."

"Then you fell in love?" Liam asked, now looking completely lost.

I smiled. "He says, he did."

According to Will, that was the moment he fell for me. I didn't really believe it, since I always thought it took longer to fall for someone, but like them, that seemed plausible.

There was also the fact that I basically accused him of being on some kind of watchlist the first time I met him - I didn't really know how that was loving behaviour.

"You didn't?" Liam questioned.

I looked down at the glass in my hand, smiling slightly. "Not until I was sure he'd catch me," I said.

After the last time, I don't think I wanted to make the mistake of falling for someone, but then get hurt, because they didn't feel the same.

Although it was a little clear to me that Will probably liked me more than a friend at the early stages, I still had to be sure. I would always carry that worried feeling within me, as if I couldn't trust feelings.

As I looked back at Liam, I saw him giving me a puzzled look. He most likely didn't understand what I meant by that, but it was fine. I didn't expect him to know or understand. At least, not now.

"Where are your parents?" I asked Liam.

"Dad got food poisoning and Mum stayed back to take care of him," he informed me.

"Oh, hope he gets better," I frowned. "I'll ask the photographer take more pictures so they can see everything," I then said.

Liam nodded. There wasn't a full smile on his face but I saw his cheek twitch slightly. I couldn't tell if it was a muscle reflex or he wanted to smile - I chose to go with the latter.

"Thank you," he said.

"You're welcome," I replied.

I don't think anyone would be able to tell we were once really close friends? We seemed so awkward, as if we'd only just met not too long ago.

Before we could talk anymore, a man dressed as Captain Hook came over to me and began to tell me how he muted he liked the party.

Throughout the small conversation, I could feel Liam's eyes on me. I couldn't tell why and tried to ignore it, even though it felt like it was burning a hole at the side of my head.

After Hook left, I turned towards Liam, who clearly had something to say.

"Who are these people? Don't tell me you got them from street?" He asked, clearly referring to Hook and the other non-parents here.

I gave him a dry look. "Do they look like they're from the street?"

In fact, those people were probably the best and most-accurately dressed. How dare he assume that?

"More importantly, do you truly think I would drag people off the street to be around Bea?" I asked Liam.

He nodded. "Fair enough. But where are they from?"

"Cinderella, is someone I know," I said.

When Liam raised a brow at me, I shook my head gently. "Her name is Minka. She bought her wedding dress from me. On the day of her wedding, her veil was torn, so I took an Uber from my shop to her wedding venue, racking up a massive bill, but got the veil to her," I explained.

I do go above and beyond for my brides, but in return, I do get some benefits, like hiring Minka and her friends for this party. They're actually a part of a Disney show.

"Couldn't she just go without one?" Liam asked.

I shook my head at him. "She was looking forward to it and I'm determined to make all my brides' dreams come true."

"How noble," he said, but since it sounded like he was mocking me, I elbowed him in the ribs, cause him to cough slightly.

It was either that, or I borrow a sword off one of the knights.

"Who is that with Bea?" I heard Liam's voice.

I turned around hearing him and saw an annoyed look on his face, like he wanted to kill someone.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"That. Over there," he pointed at the area ahead. "Who is he?"

I turned my head slightly, following the area he was gesturing in. I saw that Bea was stood with one of the actors, holding his hand and with a beaming smile on her face.

Her 'prince' wore the exact opposite of Liam's costume. Whilst Liam was clearly a dark prince of some kind, this one was anything but that. He wore a red trousers, and a white, royal prince uniform top over it.

"Charming," I said.

Liam whipped his head towards me.

"No, he's not," he instantly replied.

"No, you idiot. He's Prince Charming. From the fairytales," I told him.

Unfortunately, it didn't seem like Liam saw it that way. Instead, it was like my words added more fuel to some kind of raging fire within him. What was his problem?

Instead of saying anything else, he walked forwards, towards Bea and the Prince. I quickly followed, since I could tell from his face he did not seem happy and that he would cause some kind of issue.

"Bea, why are you holding his hand?" Liam asked her.

"He's my prince, Daddy. I'm going to marry him," she grinned and then looked at her prince, who just politely smiled at her.

"The hell he is," Liam growled, stepping forward.

"Liam!" I snapped at him. "There are kids around," I reminded him.

Bea continued to smile. She looked as if she had won a prize. I don't even think she noticed that Liam was really not happy right now.

"That's sweet, Bumblebee," I said, and she seemed to like my words.

"No, it's not," Liam snapped at me and I rolled my eyes at his 'dad behaviour'.

She was a four year old with a crush, she wasn't exactly running away with him. I really didn't understand why he was so bent out of shape about it.

Liam then took another step forward. "Step away from my daughter," he warned Prince Charming, who seemed be in a fix on what to do, with Bea holding onto his hand and Liam looking murderous.

I placed my hand on Liam's arm. "Would you relax? It's a sweet gesture, that the princess has found her prince," I said, looking at Bea. I was hoping he'd understand my words.

A mini-crowd had formed around us, and honestly, this was just embarrassing. For him.

"Will you marry me?" Bea asked Charming. Both Liam and I looked at her in astonishment.

Although her question was innocent, it really wasn't helping with the situation.

"Bea!" Liam shouted and she jumped closer to her prince, probably the opposite effect to what was intended.

"Stop it, Liam," I tried to grab his coat, but he slipped out of my grasp and stalked towards Charming.

I honestly didn't know if I was more shocked or amused by what I saw.

Liam, who had on black gloves as part of the outfit, then took it off and slapped Charming across the face with the glove.

"Did you just...did you just slap him with your glove? Zorro-style?" I asked Liam, the disbelief evident in my voice.

Prince Charming seemed to be shocked as well. His polite smile seemed to morph into an annoyed one. Clearly being slapped by a glove didn't settle right with him.

"Oh, my Lord. What the hell are you doing? Are you seriously challenging him to a duel? You don't even have a sword," I pointed out, my voice sounding a little frantic as Bea came next to me and hugged my legs.

The two idiots then began a scuffle with each other.

These were meant to be two grown men.

The other adults looked me, as did some of the children, although some were chanting for them to fight.

"Enough," I shouted, caused the two 'men' to part. "Both of you, stop whatever you're doing right now. You are at a children's party, but that doesn't make you one. I suggest you start acting your age," I told them.

Both of them looked down and muttered something that sounded like an apology.

"This is the best party ever!" A little kid then screamed into the silence, which had everyone laughing.

I then onto Liam's arm and dragged him away from Bea, who was still with the prince.

"Have you completely lost it?" I asked him, who turned his head slightly, to glance back at Bea.

"I thought I was her prince," he muttered, kicking the ground with his shoe. His words actually took me back and it was actually kind of cute.

"She's a little girl, Liam. She's just infatuated with someone dressed as a prince," I said.

He just nodded.

"Are you seriously threatened right now?" I asked.

Liam shook his head. "No," he mumbled, before walking away from me.

I couldn't help but laugh a little.