Are We Family

Ten long years. It was Pwy’he’s tenth birthday, eleventh if you asked Char and the house was in full swing. Given the differences in the human and Quatarrian calendars, it wasn’t often he got to celebrate his aging but when he did, Lore tried to help him make the most of it. The morning started as usual with their early training session but after that, Lore had planned a busy day for the both of them. After having the same low effort haircut for the last ten years, Pwy’he had decided that the first port of call was the hairdressers.
“So, what were you thinking of then Pip, same as usual?” The hairdresser cleared a chair for him and draped a towel around his neck.
“Actually, I was wondering if I could have something like Lore’s please?” Despite living in Wales all of his life, he had adopted Lore’s Middle English accent. The hairdresser gave a shocked look.
“Of course I can. Finally sort this mop of yours out. Just have to go get my clippers, I was expecting the usual.” She disappeared into the other room. Pwy’he jumped up and down in the seat, beaming at Lore.
“Trying something new?” Lore sat in the chair next to him. “You sure about that?”
“Yep!” He couldn’t stop smiling. “What’s next after this?”
“Well, that’s up to you.” Lore revealed a map of possibilities. “We’ve got eight hours to fill till your party so…” They giggled.
“Ok.” His bouncing picked up speed. “What about mum?”
“She’ll be joining us after we’ve sorted your hair out.” Lore patted him on the shoulder as the hairdresser reappeared.
“Big day then?” As the words left her mouth, the floodgate that was an over excited ten year old burst. Revelling in his excitement, she started shaving his head. Given Pwy’he’s general dislike for haircuts, he was surprisingly calm for the duration of his stay, only losing his nerve when other customers joined them in the shop. Even then, he was still much better than he usually was. “And there you go.” She twirled his chair around to face the mirror. “What do you think?”
“Lore?” He called his parent over and scanned their hair before his own. “Perfect.”
“No Piper. Do you like it.”
“I said, it’s perfect.” He waited for the towel to be removed before he dismounted the chair and ran to Lore’s side. Lore smiled and handed over a small stack of bills.
“Boy’s haircuts are only a tenner.” She handed back the other notes. Lore thanked her before leaving.
“It has its advantages doesn’t it.” They took Pwy’he’s hand into their own as they left the hairdressers. Outside, standing by their car, Char had been waiting. She did a double take as she saw them approach.
“No tears. I’m sorry what? Ten years of complaining about haircuts and he allowed her to cut it like that. How was he?” Char really couldn’t believe her eyes.
“Fine. He chose it and was perfect. He did get a little worried towards the end but apart from that, he was great.” Lore smiled.
“Where to now then?” Char knelt down and put her hand on Pwy’he’s shoulder.
“The cinema. Lore’s favourite film’s showing. They said you said I could watch it because it was my birthday.”
“I said not in my house.” Char scowled at Lore.
“That’s why we’re going to the cinema.” Lore laughed opening the back of the car for Pwy’he. Char shook her head.
The line for the ticket booth was longer than they had anticipated but because of Lore’s pre planning, they were able to avoid most of it. Tickets collected and sweets snuck in, they made their way to the screen. Lore checked their watch before remembering that their past selves were in England not Wales when they saw the film last but thought better safe than sorry. Pwy’he sat between his parents, enjoying nibbles of both of their chosen snacks while neglecting his own. For Char, an hour and a half in hell awaited but for Pwy’he, a rare chance to do something he couldn’t on any other day. The bright colours and music distracted Pwy’he from the more adult jokes much to Char’s pleasure but despite not understanding the bulk of the things that made the film funny to Lore, he still left the screening with a smile.
“I loved it.” He bounced down the hallway.
“Where to next then?” Lore pulled out the map.
“There.” The day progressed with the family bouncing around the local area and surrounding fields as they made the most of his birthday. Given that he only got one every year and a half, it was a special occasion and one Lore intended he celebrate as fully as they could. From the cinema they visited a castle before stopping for brunch in his favourite café. Once again to Char’s disliking, they practiced their sword fighting in the house before rounding off their eight hours with a drink by the river. Given the damage their mock battle had caused, Char stayed behind to make sure the house was ready for the actual party.
Lore’s phone buzzed in their pocket. “Hey. Yeah, we’ll start back now. Love you. Bye.” It wasn’t a long call but it didn’t need to be. “Come on then, show time!” Lore extended their arm to Pwy’he.
The two of them gathered their blanket and started back to the house. It wasn’t far and in the early afternoon sun neither of them could complain. Their families unique connection to time caused more than a few issues when planning surprise parties but this time, Char and Lore were convinced they were on to a winner. As they turned onto their street Pwy’he stopped, confused.
“This isn’t right. There should be more cars.” He looked to Lore who stared at him blankly. Apprehensively, he approached the house.
Lore felt a bolt run down their spine as their plan was executed. “Surprise!” Alodrass, Sky, Brian and Char appeared out of no-where with a blinding flash of white light. Pwy’he bolted back to Lore and clung to them as if his life depended on it. He was shaking like a leaf as Lore carefully attempted to peel him away. They repositioned him in a hug as the shock broke into tears.
“I’m sorry. I thought it would be nice for you to get at least one surprise today. I changed your watch in the cinema.” Stunned looks surrounded them as Lore tightened their grasp. Pwy’he giggled. “It didn’t work, did it?” He shook his head. Human Party Hosting.