A few day's later, it was Saturday.
It would have been Annie's birthday.
Instead, it was now Gloria's, she who had assumed Annie's life and identity. The afterlife was going to be crazy for a person with two identities. In addition to that, there would be two people with Annie Billing's identity. That cowled stranger would have a lot of fast-talking to do to explain everything to everyone.
It was his fault anyway.
Marie had baked a small cake and presented it at the family breakfast that morning. It was a simple butter cake covered with icing and a birthday wish. There was no trace of chocolate, lest Mother be tempted to somehow, through some dubious means, claim it all for herself.
Gloria's relationship with the older bespectacled girl had been amiable. They had greeted each other politely. They had helped each other with chores and responsibilities. Only Gloria could no longer call her Big Sis. She was not sure if she could still confide in Marie.
Mother gave Gloria a brand new handbag. Did she not have enough already? Especially now that she had her favorite pink handbag back. Although it did require some serious cleaning - who knew what it had been through. Marie had promised to take care of it.
Father's gift was a thick paperback biography. It promised to be an interesting read. Though it was cheaper than Mother's present, the book was of more value to her. Even Marie's cake was more practical than another handbag.
Though she should not think of Mother harshly. It was the thought that counts. Yes, the thought that spending lots of money equaled love. Wait, that did not sound right.
"Thank you, Father." Gloria smiled her appreciation when she had received her gift.
Marie cut a slice of cake and served the birthday girl first. "Here, Gloria. Happy Birthday."
Father glanced at his oldest daughter. Mother stared longer.
"Thanks," Gloria told Marie.
"Marie, did you just call Annie 'Gloria'?" Mother asked.
Oh oh.
Even Second Sis realized what was going on and was looking at Marie for her explanation.
"Mmmm, yeah," Marie replied as if nothing was out of the ordinary. She continued serving cake. When Mother's incredulous expression remained, she added, "Gloria is such a nice middle name, it'd be a shame not to use it."
Nice save, Marie!
On that note, Gloria had better be careful about calling Marie around her parents since she could not use 'Big Sis' anymore.
Her parents accepted Marie's explanation. "Should I call her Gloria too?" Mother mused, "It is a rather good middle name I chose for her, don't you think so, dear?"
"Why don't you ask Annie?" Father wisely deflected the question.
"I don't mind being called Gloria," the birthday girl said when Mother had turned her attention on her, "It is my name after all."
"Then it's settled!" Mother declared, "From today on, we'll call her Gloria!"
"Say, Annie, I mean Gloria," Second Sis began, "We're going out today."
"What?" Gloria stopped with a piece of cake on her fork near her mouth.
"It's your birthday, let me at least buy you lunch," Second Sis said.
"Oh, okay," Gloria agreed, "But can we leave a little later. I'm almost done with my homework."
"Homework on your birthday?" Carrie asked disdainfully.
"It's my birthday," Gloria argued, "I get to do what I want."
"Fine," Second Sis acquiesced.
***
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