Claimed by the Biker Giant (Maxine and Tank) novel Chapter 238

Storm POV

Looking in the mirror, today I am dressed in one of my best dress pants and a shirt. I even had a tie, at Dad’s insistence. I felt like I was going to one of my mother’s boardroom meetings rather than my Babe’s birthday party. It’s a big day for her, in many ways, the first time around, so many people, a few she has yet to meet, and to have her legs or no legs on display might be overwhelming for her; it’s the baby step to get her out of the place. She has refused to leave home since she arrived. Partly because of her hard start, partly because she loves the painting room. Mum was making an area just for her, and Cloe was showing she had a good eye for details and a steady hand, already completing work for Mum. Think we have found something Cloe can do sitting down, or at least within her mobility range, until she gets legs, next year. Also, her online schooling, when completed, will give her work-from-home availability, and Mum is already looking at areas where she can utilise her skills at work. At least we trust her, being family, or fingers crossed, will be one day.

Ready as I will ever be, I wait nervously at the top of the stairs. Mum said she would bring Cloe to me. I am looking down the stairs. A number of people are already here, and the number has swollen beyond the twenty-first thought. Some brought friends with them, and Dad growled at a few, but didn’t kick them out. Great-grams have yet to arrive, and that will make the party liven up; that woman can make you feel inferior with a look. I am used to it now, and it doesn’t bother me, but Cloe might be intimidated by the woman. I asked Dad to warn them to play nice, because if I knew Grams, she would play by her rules. Sometimes they cause trouble, and I, for one, want this to be a good night. If Great-grams starts her drama. I will move Cloe out of her sight and have nothing to do with that old battleaxe for the rest of the night. I have never put up with her snootiness. It won’t start now. I am told Great-grams had mellowed; I hate to think what she was like before then. I heard stories, and knowing a lady, I believe most of them.

Voices came down the hall, so I turned from people watching and saw a goddess. She took my breath away. The transformation they had made to Cloe was outstanding. I reached down. and picked Cloe up out of the wheelchair.

“You look stunning,” I whispered and kissed her cheek. She smelled like apple blossoms.

“Thank you, the ladies did a great job. Do you like the clips in my hair? Penny enjoyed doing my hair.” I could see Penny puffing up with pride as Cloe mentioned her hair. I think she mentioned it deliberately for the sake of Penny, encouraging Penny as much as she could. My girl’s the best, always encouraging others when she can. I had noticed that once she got used to us, she became more complimentary. It made Mum and Dad smile. She gave the boys and Penny compliments for their schoolwork, and Penny comes to show off her work nearly every day, looking for the accolades from Cloe.

“They had a good base to work with. You made it easy for them. I gave her another kiss on the cheek as I walked proudly down the stairs, my woman in my arms, as people looked up to watch us descend. Oo’s and Ah’s, words like stunning, gorgeous, and I have to admit, I agree with every word. Cloe was, all they say and more.

We walked out through the crowd, which had to have reached forty by now, and into the BBQ area. Her wheelchair was waiting, all prettied up by Penny. She spent a long time blowing up balloons and covering the wheelchair with streamers, glittering stars, and a huge sign on the back reading “eighteenth birthday girl. All painted by Penny.

Reluctantly, I lowered her into her wheelchair. Penny rushed forward and fiddled with the dress, straightening it and making it look nice.

“Care for a drink?” I asked softly as well-wishes began to pour in, bombarding her. I just hope she was ready for all the attention she would be getting.

“Please, can I have an orange juice?”

“Back in a tick.” I moved away for the juice and waited for my turn. When I was walking back, Dotty stopped me.

“Give her this tablet, she will need it. I bet her legs are aching.” I nodded and took the tablet. Pushed between some girls beside the wheelchair, talking girl talk, and offered her the glass, then opened my hand to show her the tablet. Cloe looked at my hand, looked up at me, then back down, took it, and swallowed the tablet with some juice. Her trust in me had grown over the two weeks; she no longer blushes at everything I do, and has even asked for help occasionally. That’s a huge jump in my book.

The sounds of the helicopter arriving were a sign that the Great-grandparents had arrived. I tried to talk Dad out of agreeing to let them come to a teenager’s party, but it fell on deaf ears; even Mum didn’t want them here, but we lost out. Tank talked with Uncle Simon and Grandpa Savage; they both agreed that the oldies should come, and wouldn’t stay for long, getting too old for long nights. I find that hard to believe. Great-grams has endless energy to fling out double-sided compliments. They are on warning, though. I feel Cloe getting upset; they are out of here.

The crowd moved aside as Great-grams walked towards us, her eyes on Cloe. I am grateful that she had her back to her arrival. I didn’t like the way Great-gram eyed her, judging her. I wanted to protect Cloe from this woman, who always had a way to make you feel inferior, and we are family; no wonder Grandpa Savage doesn’t have much to do with her. He makes the obligatory visit when he takes Mum and Dad out and about, not like he can hide from her, but from when I understand the bridge was broken, and it would never truly be repaired between them. Not as well as it could have been, if this woman had stopped acting like she was above us all. Apparently, she behaved for a while when Savage came back, but that didn’t last long. Great-grams fell back into her old ways, and we all gave up. It’s best when Great-gramps comes alone; he’s much more upbeat and fits in well. They were in a club once, so you would think that bat would be better.

“Grams had dementia; some days can be harder than others. Please forgive her,” Great Gramps said in a soft voice.

‘Great-Gramps, if you need a break, send for me. I can help. Nurse my aunt until she passed away. It was not always easy, but I am here if you need a break. Don’t take it all on your shoulders. Maybe once a week, I can come over and spend time with her while you take the day off, go fishing, or take a ride, whatever, but you too need to recharge your batteries,” Cloe offered, her face earnest.

“You think you can handle a day with her?” he asked incredulously.

“Sure. Tell me when, and maybe Storm can organize the chopper to take me to you.” Cloe didn’t back down, and somehow I am now involved.

“Done. Each Wednesday, I go fishing with my pals, but I haven’t been able to go for months. I will send a chopper to collect you, and you can spend the day, and I’ll send you home when I get back.” Great-Gramps looked at me, smiling more than I have seen in months.

“Don’t lose this one, she’s a keeper.” He patted me on the shoulder as he headed off in the hunt for his wife, and what trouble she was causing. At least now we can put a label on her, and in a way, I feel guilty for having bad thoughts about her.