(aurelia's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Belly's sixteenth birthday was coming up, and Aurelia was so excited to her. She loved birthdays, and she was glad she would get to celebrate with Belly. Even though she was a year older than her, she still enjoyed celebrating with her. Belly was like her sister, and she always wanted her to have a good birthday. This morning Aurelia had texted Harvey, as she now usually did in the morning. She still couldn't believe she had her first kiss, and second kiss with him. They were the most magical experiences she's ever had, and she couldn't wait for their next date. 

She went through her morning routine and then went downstairs to help prepare Belly's birthday breakfast. She always had Mickey Mouse pancakes with a lot of syrup on the morning of her birthday. Aurelia thought it was cute and sweet, and it had become tradition. Aurelia had been helping her mom with finishing decorating the table when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. 

"Morning, everyone." Belly's voice was filled with happiness and excitement. Everyone had immediately responded, greeting her and saying happy birthday to her.

Susannah was the first to get to her, pulling her in for a tight hug. "There's the birthday girl, looking like a vision in floral. Happy birthday."

Belly laughs, smiling widely while hugging her back. "Happy sweet sixteen, Bells." Jeremiah chimed in, hugging her next.

"Now Belly Button's getting old finally. Happy birthday." Steven teasingly said to his sister as he ate a piece of bacon.

Aurelia rolls her eyes playfully at him and walks over to pull Belly into a hug. "Ignore him. Happy birthday, Bells. I love you."

"Thank you, Aurie. I love you too." Belly giggled, hugging her tightly. "Thanks, everyone." She added, smiling at the group when the two girls pulled away from the hug.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart." Laurel pulled her daughter in for a hug next. "Your Mickey Mouse pancakes are ready." She told her.

"Actually, I'm not really, uh, hungry." Belly admitted, surprising the group though her mom seemed the most disappointed.

"Oh." Laurel nodded, her face falling slightly.

"Shall we open gifts?" Susannah suggested.

"Yes!" Aurelia grins. "You gotta open mine first, Bells." She eagerly said, going over to where she kept the gift.

"Oh, you're gonna love mine." Jeremiah cut in, picking the box up to show Belly with a wide smile.

Belly giggles, the smile never leaving her face. She found it amusing how excited the two siblings were. She couldn't help but let her gaze flicker to Conrad, who hadn't even looked up at her once since she had walked down and her face fell a little. Aurelia notices this and walks over to her, linking her arm with Belly and guide her to the living room. "Come on, birthday girl. We've got a lot of gifts to open."

She couldn't help but notice how Belly's eyes continued to flicker to her oldest brother. She sighed, wishing Conrad would stop being a jerk and make up with her already. He needed to apologize to her, but she knew it was harder for him. She hoped he would soon. She didn't like seeing Belly or her brother upset. She sat on the floor near Jeremiah, who sat near the coffee table he leaned against, sitting criss cross with her hands in her lap as she eagerly watched Belly open the gift she got for her. It was in a box, wrapped nicely with a big bow on top.

Belly smiles at her as she begins to unwrap the box, making sure not to ruin the pretty bow on top. Aurelia watches her intently, her smile widening as she continues. Belly looks down into the box and lets out a small gasp, her eyes widening. "You didn't!"

Aurelia's smile grew wider while watching Belly's reaction. "I did!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Belly carefully pulled out the contents of the box, revealing a beautiful charm bracelet with various meaningful charms. Each charm represented a special memory or an inside joke between them. "Aurie, this is amazing! It's perfect." Belly said, her eyes shining with happiness.

"I'm so glad you like it! I wanted to give you something that would remind you of all the fun times we've had together." Aurelia explained, her smile never fading.

Belly reaches out and pulls her into a tight hug, squeezing her tightly. "I love it so much. Thank you, Aurie."

Aurelia hugs her back, the smile on her face growing. She was so happy that Belly loved her gift. It meant the world to her that her friend loved the present she had picked out. She hoped that Belly would always treasure it. "You're welcome, Bells. I'm so glad you love it."

Belly pulls away from the hug, and carefully slips the bracelet onto her wrist, admiring the way the sun shines off of the various charms. The next few minutes went by with her opening the gifts the rest everyone else got her. Her mom got her a first edition book of poems from a rare book dealer and it had Susannah's favorite poem marked in it. 

It was one that she taught all the kids growing up and as Belly had read it out loud, Aurelia and the boys said it with her. Though Aurelia noticed Conrad mumbled it, his gaze still on the ground. She frowned a little, turning to face him. He glanced up and caught her gaze. It was usually hard to tell what Conrad was thinking though she usually could easily read him. As his little sister, she learned his expressions well. But in this moment, she couldn't decipher what he was thinking.

He broke his gaze away from her, turning his attention back to the floor. Concerned grew in Aurelia and she wanted to say something to him, but she didn't and turned back as well, her gaze landing on Belly. Today was Belly's day and she didn't want anything to ruin it. Belly continued to open her gifts, laughing and smiling at each one. Susannah got Belly a pearl necklace from her mom. 

Aurelia sat up straighter at that, furrowing her eyebrows as she felt a little jealous and upset. Why was did Belly get that necklace that was her grandma's and not her on her birthday? She tried not to be jealous, but it was hard. She had thought and hoped she would get that necklace since she was a kid, and her feelings were hurt. It was stupid, but she couldn't help but feel a little sad.

Her frown deepened as she watched Belly slip on the necklace, admiring it. She didn't understand why she got it and not her. She knew it was selfish, and she tried not to be upset. Though she couldn't help it. It hurt. She was glad Belly liked it, but it still hurt. A lot. She didn't see her brothers sharing a look after noticing how quiet and sad she suddenly got. Jeremiah, who was sitting right next to her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze. She leaned into his touch, appreciating the comfort. She knew she was being dumb. She should be happy for her friend and not upset because of a stupid necklace. But she still couldn't help but feel the hurt and the jealousy.

Belly continued opening gifts, getting a hoodie from the college Steven was planning to go to. And from Jeremiah she got a good luck charm to add to her bracelet. He had added that it was a good luck charm for her to pass her driving test. Aurelia glanced back at Conrad, surprised when it was his turn to give Belly his gift and he said he forgot. Conrad never forgot Belly's birthday. Ever. She wondered if it had something to do with the night he and the boys crashed Belly's first date. Maybe he felt too guilty or upset to celebrate her birthday. Whatever the reason was, Aurelia was disappointed and saddened by it. He should just apologize and make things right. She hoped he would.

"Uh, that's...That's cool. I wasn't really expecting anything, so..." Belly admitted, her voice trailing off. 

"Oh, so I got to go. I promised Cleveland that I'd show him some knots today, so..." Conrad confesses as he stands. "Happy birthday, Belly." He then left the room and Aurelia furrowed her eyebrows. 

Aurelia and Jeremiah shared a look, both of their gazes filled with concern and worry. Neither of them could believe that Conrad had forgotten Belly's birthday. Jeremiah then suggested to Belly that they could take his car to pick Taylor up at the bus station. Aurelia found it sweet he wanted to cheer her up. She hoped he would succeed. The two teens stood up and headed out to go to the bus station. She watched them leave, hoping things would be alright. Steven had left shortly after as well, saying he was going to have lunch with Shayla.

"Aurie, honey, you okay?" Aurelia glanced at her mom, who was looking at her with concern. She was the only teen left with the two adults. Susannah looked at her daughter with a mixture of love and worry. Aurelia nodded, forcing a small smile.

"I'm fine, mom. Just a little tired, I guess," She replies, trying to keep her tone casual. She didn't want to talk about the necklace and how she was feeling. She knew it was petty and selfish. Laurel looked unconvinced but decided not to push. Aurelia stands up. "I think I'm gonna go hang out in my room for a bit. Oh, mom, I was going to hang out with Harvey a little later too, is that okay?" She added.

"Of course, baby. Just let me know when you head out." Susannah smiled warmly at her daughter, leaning over and kissing her cheek.

"I will. I love you, mom." She murmured, smiling and returning the kiss.

"I love you too, sweetheart." Susannah replied. 

Aurelia turned and left the room, heading back upstairs to her bedroom. She walked in and closed the door, plopping down on her bed with a sigh. She stared up at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts. She hated how petty and jealous she was being. It wasn't like her, but the necklace had meant a lot to her. As a child, she had always hoped he would receive that pearl necklace of her grandma's for a birthday present. Even as a teenager, she still hoped. Belly was family, technically not biological but still family. She knew how close she and her mom were, but she didn't think that meant she got to get that necklace.

She knew she should just let it go and be happy for Belly. She should be grateful that her friend loved it. It was a very beautiful and special piece of jewelry, after all. And she knew Belly wouldn't rub it in her face, which is why she was so upset with herself for being upset about something like this. She didn't want to be that person, the kind that got jealous and petty. But she couldn't help it. Her feelings were hurt, and she was upset. It wasn't fair. She wasn't sure how long she had laid there, lost in her thoughts, when she heard a knock on her bedroom door. 

"It's open." She called out, sitting up.

The door opened, and she noticed her mom standing in the doorway. "Hey, honey." Susannah's voice was soft and gentle. "I wanted to check on you. You seemed upset earlier, and I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Aurelia felt her cheeks flush, a sheepish expression appearing on her face. "Yeah, I'm okay, mom. Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I just... I've had a lot on my mind." She admitted, biting her lip. She wasn't sure if she should tell her mom the truth or not. It was embarrassing and childish, and she knew she should just let it go.

Susannah sits down next to her daughter on the bed, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close. "Sweetheart, you can tell me anything. I promise I won't judge or be mad." She reassured her, her voice soothing.

Aurelia looks at her mom, seeing the sincerity and love in her eyes. She sighs softly, snuggling up to her mom. "It's just...I'm happy Belly likes the necklace, but I...I'm upset and hurt too." She confesses. "I had always hoped to get that necklace as a present, you know? I-I mean, I know you and Belly have a close bond and all, but I'm your daughter. I was really close with grandma too and I always dreamt of getting that necklace. It's so stupid and petty and I feel so dumb and immature for even feeling like this." She rambled.

"Aurie, look at me." Susannah says softly, gently grabbing her chin and making her daughter face her. "First of all, it's not dumb or petty. I get why you're upset and it's okay. Second, I'm sorry you feel like I gave that necklace to Belly and not you. I would've given it to you, but the thing is, it doesn't matter if I did or not. I know this might not make sense or mean much, but the thing is, you've always had something far more special and important than any piece of jewelry."

"What?" Aurelia asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Susannah smiles warmly at her, leaning forward and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Your heart, sweetheart. It's full of so much love and kindness. You're always putting other people's feelings before yours. And that's something money can't buy. That's something no piece of jewelry or fancy accessory could ever replace. I know you always wanted that necklace, but I didn't want you to get jealous of Belly. I didn't want to make things weird. And I'm sorry if I did, sweetheart. But I want you to know that you have nothing to be jealous of. You are far more special, but than anything I could ever give you. But, I hope you're not too upset about the necklace. There's something that your grandma wanted me to give you for a birthday and even though it's way too early for it, I'm going to give it to you anyway. Close your eyes."

"Why?" Aurelia asked curiously.

Susannah laughs lightly, giving her daughter a playful nudge. "Just do it, Aurie."

Aurelia sighs and closes her eyes, waiting. A few seconds later, she felt her mom slipping a small box into her hand. "Okay, open." She opens her eyes, looking down and seeing a small, square velvet box. "Open it." Susannah urged.

Aurelia slowly opened the box, her eyes widening and her jaw dropping when she saw what was inside. Nestled in the black cushion was a beautiful silver locket. She carefully picked it up, gently running her finger over the delicate chain and locket. The locket was shaped like a heart and had a simple floral pattern engraved into it. 

She slowly opens the locket, a soft gasp leaving her lips as she saw the photo of her and her mom inside. "Oh, mom, it's so beautiful!"

Susannah smiles, leaning over and kissing the top of her head. "Your grandma gave that to me when I was pregnant with you. Said it was a family heir loom that she wanted me to give to you. It's been passed down through our family for generations. She told me to only give it to you when the time was right. I think now is a good time. She would've loved to see how much you've grown into the wonderful young woman you are today. I love you so much, Aurie."

Aurelia looks up at her mom, tears filling her eyes. She leans up and hugs her tightly. "I love you too, mom. So, so much."

Susannah hugs her daughter back, squeezing her gently. "I know you've always wanted the pearl necklace and I'm sorry I couldn't give it to you." She whispers. "I feel so bad about it. But I want you to know that no necklace or fancy piece of jewelry could ever amount to the special gift that is you."

She hugs her mom tighter, feeling her emotions overwhelm her. She was so thankful for her mom and for how much she loved her. She couldn't have asked for a better mother. "Thank you, mom. I love the locket. It's perfect." She pulls away, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry I've been acting so weird about the necklace."

"Aurie, there's no need to apologize. Like I said, I get it. And I'm sorry that you're hurt. But I hope you know that you are worth more than any necklace or piece of jewelry could ever be. And I'm so lucky and grateful to have you in my life. You're my baby girl, and I will always love you. Now, let me help you put the necklace on." Susannah carefully took the necklace from her daughter, carefully unclasping the chain and wrapping it around her neck. Once the chain was fastened, Aurelia held up the locket, admiring it.

"Thank you, mom. For the necklace, and for understanding." She smiles softly, leaning up and kissing her cheek. "And for being the best mom ever. I don't know what I would do without you."

Susannah returns the smile, wrapping her arms around Aurelia's shoulders to pull her to her side. "You're welcome, Aurie. And you're the best daughter a mother could ask for. I'll always be there for you. Always." She kissed the top of her head, her grip tightening around her.

"Same goes to you, mom." Aurelia snuggles into her mom's side, enjoying the comfort and closeness. She was so thankful to have a mother who was so understanding and caring. It meant the world to her. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." Susannah murmurs, leaning her head on top of hers after Aurelia had leaned her head on her shoulder. "Do you still have some time before you have to meet up with Harvey? Maybe we could watch a movie together or something?"

Aurelia lifts her head, looking at her mom and smiling. "Yeah, that sounds great, mom. What movie do you want to watch?"

Susannah thought for a moment, smiling as an idea came to her. "How about your favorite Disney princess movie? You've always loved the Cinderella movies, so why don't we watch one of those?"

Aurelia nods eagerly, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah! Yes can start with the first one and watch all of the series!" She excitedly replied.

Susannah laughs, amused by her daughter's excitement. "Alright, alright, we can do that. Now, come on, let's get comfortable."

Aurelia grinned, jumping up from her spot on the bed and grabbing her TV remote. She turned the TV on, searching through her streaming service for the Disney princess movies. She quickly found the Cinderella movies, clicking on the first one and setting the remote down. She then plopped back down onto the bed, snuggling up to her mom as the opening scenes started. She was so excited to watch her favorite Disney movies, especially her favorite Disney princess. They were a guilty pleasure of hers and she didn't care. Cinderella had always been her favorite, and she had watched the movies many times. But she didn't mind watching them again and again.

As the movie played, Aurelia's gaze drifted to her locket, and a smile appeared on her face. She loved her new necklace, and she was touched her grandma had left it for her. It had another picture of her and her grandma when she was little on the other side. When she turned it over she realized there were words engraved in the back, and it was only then that she noticed the words 'Always with you'. Her eyes watered and she leaned against her mom, her smile growing wider.

Susannah looked at her daughter, a tender smile appearing on her own face. She was happy her daughter liked the necklace, and she hoped it would help ease her feelings about the pearl necklace. She had also wanted her daughter to have the locket, but she knew she was still upset about not receiving the pearl necklace. It was hard for her, knowing that she couldn't give her daughter both of them. But she was glad her mother had left the locket for her.

"It's so beautiful, mom." Aurelia says, glancing at her. "Thank you. I love it. I really do."

"You're welcome, sweetheart." Susannah replies, leaning over and pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'm glad you like it."

The two of them cuddle on the bed, watching the movie together and enjoying each other's company. Aurelia felt a lot better and her mood had improved considerably. She was still a little upset, but she was mostly over it. The necklace her grandma had given her was special and meant the world to her. She would treasure it always. And she was grateful her mom had shared it with her. Just like the locket said, her grandma and mom would always be with her, no matter what.