BK 5 - Chapter 38 - Valerie's Birthday
Valerie was so weak, but she was determined to put up a strong front for her family. She was a hundred years old. That was a milestone she never thought she'd see. She looked out the window of the house she shared with Roger for so many years until his death a little over twenty years ago.
She loved her family so much and everything they had accomplished, but she knew her time was almost up. Even though Valerie hadn't said anything to Cat and Trey, she knew they were already aware that her death was imminent.
Her body and mind were tired. Valerie would like to be around to see more grandchildren being born and more finding their mates, but it just wasn't to be. She slowly stood up when Cat came into the room. Valerie saw the worry in her eyes even as she smiled.
"Are you ready?" Cat asked, hugging Valerie. She tried to control her tears when she felt Valerie's sadness.
"I'm ready. Is everyone here?" Valerie asked, trying to hide her exhaustion even though she knew it was pointless to hide it from Cat.
"Not yet. I wanted to get you settled before they all got here." Cat wrapped her arm around Valerie and helped her to the living room. They left Cat and Trey's house after lunch so Valerie could nap at the big house before the party. Valerie didn't think it mattered how much sleep she got. It wouldn't be enough. Not anymore.
Cat helped her onto the couch, putting her favorite blanket over her shoulders. She didn't miss the look in Valerie's eyes. This was her birthday party and her chance to see everyone together for one last time. Cat tried to stop her tears. She wasn't ready to say goodbye.
"Grandma Valerie, I got you the best present," Penelope said, running over and climbing onto the couch next to her. Valerie let a tear slip out, looking at the little pup. Penelope was always gentle with her even though she was so full of energy.
"I can't wait to open it; I'm sure it's beautiful," Valerie said, kissing her little blonde head. Penelope leaned against her and held her hand while they waited for the others to come.
People slowly started to trickle in, and each of them stopped to spend time with Valerie. Everyone could tell they weren't there just for a birthday party, but no one wanted to say it.
Jamie and Raylee were overwhelmed by the size of the family. One thing was apparent: they all loved each other very much. The two women stuck together most of the evening with their mates by their sides. When the four of them spent time with Valerie, they could all see how weak she was.
"Okay, it's time for presents," Cat announced. Valerie looked pale, and she thought it was time to move things along. Penelope gave Valerie a bracelet she made out of beads. Dexter and Raylee saved their present for last. When they carried it over, they sat on either side of Valerie so they could take most of the weight. Her hands shook as she unwrapped the large mural. Everyone gathered around to look at the pictures.
"It's beautiful," Valerie said as tears streamed down her face. She looked at all the images of the people she loved, and her heart broke knowing she would never see them again. When she saw the picture in the middle, it was her and Roger's wedding photo. She ran her hand over it with a smile. They would be reunited soon.
"Grandma, why are you crying?" Penelope asked, climbing onto Dexter's lap.
"I'm just so happy that you're all here. I love every one of you so much. I'm tired now, sweetheart, and I think it's time I rest. I know you are going to do great things when you grow up, and I'm so sad that I won't be here to see it. All of you are going to have extraordinary lives. You will continue to make a difference to all those around you. I'm so thankful I got to be part of this incredible family, but it's time for me to join my love now." Everyone began crying as Valerie spoke. They knew this was her final goodbye.
Each person hugged Valerie as Cat and Trey helped her to her room. Penelope watched in confusion. She didn't understand why everyone was sad. Grandma Valerie was just going to go to sleep. She ran to her mom. Bailey hugged her as she cried. Penelope started crying, even though she didn't know why. She could feel everyone's sadness, which made her sad, too.
"Will you stay with me?" Valerie asked Cat and Trey as she lay down. Cat crawled into the bed and wrapped her arms around Valerie. Trey sat next to the bed and held her hand.
"You two have made this family possible. You gave Roger and me everything we never thought we'd have, and it has been an incredible journey. I'm sorry I can't be here to see more of it." Cat and Trey cried while they held onto Valerie. They could feel her slipping away. Suddenly, she started chuckling lightly.
"Oh, Roger, you look so handsome. Craig, is that you? Oh, my goodness, you're so young. That must be Paula and Emma with you. I'm coming. It's time for me to join you." Tears ran down Valerie's cheeks as she looked at those Trey and Cat couldn't see.
"Don't cry for me, my children. I won't be here anymore, but I'll always watch out for you, just like those who left before me. I love you." Valerie took her last breath as Cat and Trey sobbed beside her. Cat mindlinked everyone that their beloved grandmother had left them. They could hear the sobs from the other room.
"We love you too, mama Valerie," Cat whispered as she kissed Valerie's cheek. She stood up and fixed the quilt that covered her. Trey held Cat as she cried. When they walked out of the room, their family surrounded them.
"Is Grandma Valerie sleeping now?" Penelope asked. Cat lifted her up and hugged her tight.
"Yes, sweetheart, she's sleeping now." She said, kissing her little cheek.
"Then we better be quiet so we don't wake her. Why is everyone so sad?" Penelope asked Grandma Cat.
"Grandma Valerie went to be with your Grandpa Roger," Cat replied. Penelope looked over her shoulder into Valerie's room.
"No, she didn't. She's sleeping in her bed. I can see her. Grandpa Roger died a long time ago, so how can she visit him?" Penelope started getting worried.
"Honey, Grandma Valerie died too. That's why she told everyone goodbye." Cat's heart broke when Penelope's bottom lip started quivering.
"She can't die. Today's her birthday. Grandma Valerie wake up. You can't die on your birthday." Penelope cried against Cat's neck as she yelled for Grandma Valerie to wake up. Everyone shed fresh tears, listening to her pleas.
Once the funeral home came to pick up Grandma Valerie, everyone went home. Cat, Trey, Kitty, Aiden, Thatcher, and Janel stayed at the house to begin working on arrangements for the funeral. The family and those in the community loved Valerie. Her death would be felt by many.
