Page 118 of Manic

I laugh, the sound surprising me with its genuineness. "Your secret's safe with me."

We stand in silence for a moment, watching the scene before us.

Rev and Dalla are organizing an impromptu volleyball game, their competitive spirits on full display.

Tindra is in the middle of it all, her face flushed with excitement.

"You did good, you know," Starla says suddenly. "Planning all this. It means a lot to the kid. It’s hard to believe she’s fifteen."

I feel a flush of pride, mingled with a twinge of something else. "Thanks. I just... I wanted her to have something normal, you know? Something that wasn't wrapped up in all the club drama."

Starla nods, her expression thoughtful. "It's a fine line we walk, isn't it? Between the life we've chosen and the normalcy we sometimes crave."

Her words hit close to home, echoing the doubts that have been swirling in my mind lately.

I take a deep breath, the chlorine-scented air filling my lungs. "Yeah, it is. Sometimes I wonder..."

I trail off, not sure how to voice the conflicting emotions churning inside me.

Starla waits patiently, her presence a steady comfort at my side.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierces through the air, startling me out of my thoughts.

I turn to see Tor, his muscular frame silhouetted against the late afternoon sun, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"It's time to sing to the birthday girl!" he bellows, his voice carrying across the pool area.

I can't help but smile at his enthusiasm, even as I hear Tindra's exasperated groan from the pool. "Come on, Dad! I'm not a kid anymore," she protests, her light gray eyes rolling dramatically.

Tor cackles. "You're still my kid, so get your ass up here and let your ol' man sing to you."

I watch as Tindra makes a show of reluctantly climbing out of the pool, water cascading off her lithe form.

She's growing up so fast, I think, a bittersweet pang in my chest.

Where did the time go?

"She's just like you, you know," I murmur to Tor as Tindra approaches, her steps deliberately slow. "Stubborn as hell."

He winks at me, his voice lowering. "Takes one to know one, babe."

As everyone gathers around, I feel a surge of love for this makeshift family we've created.

The club members, their kids, all coming together to celebrate our daughter.

It's a far cry from the life I once led, and for a moment, I'm overwhelmed by how much has changed.

The singing begins, voices ranging from tone-deaf to surprisingly melodic.

Tindra stands in the center, trying to maintain her cool teenager facade, but I can see the pleasure in her eyes.

When the last notes fade away, I step forward, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"Here, sweetie," I say, handing her a simple white envelope. "This is from your dad and me."

Tindra takes it, curiosity overcoming her attempt at nonchalance.

As she tears it open, I hold my breath, watching her face closely.

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