“Ugh Lisa is going to kill me,” Katie sighed. “I got an idea, it’s not perfect but it should make everyone sort of happy.”
The group now looked at Katie with confusion as she sighed. “Okay so Julia you still want to be the oldest and I’m guessing you don’t want to be older.”
“Uh NO!” She exclaimed. “I’m still two years away from thirty and that number is freaking me out.”
“Okay this is the plan,” Katie stated. “What if I make Cole 27 and Kumiko 33? It cuts the age difference down, keeps Julia the oldest and keeps Kumiko your aunt Mika.”
The girls shrugged as they looked each other over. “Guess it works,” Claudia said. “Doesn’t sound like one of your more ambitious plans though Katie.”
Katie frowned as she looked at Claudia. “I didn’t want to do this PERIOD,” she fumed. “And I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t lose your cool and turn Julia into a freaking first grader. Now we have Cole and Kumiko crushing on each other and freaking out about their age difference. I’m shaving down the age difference so they won’t be as freaked out. Hopefully it works now can I please get to work before Lisa finds out PLEASE!!!”
“You don’t have to yell,” Claudia said meekly as she kicked at the dirt. Mika smirked as she looked at her girlfriend. “Sorry Claud you kind of had that coming.”
Katie exhaled and shook out her arms as she looked at Cole and Kumiko. She now wished for Kumiko to become 33 while Cole became 27. As the group watched intently the ring warmed on Katie’s finger. For both the changes were subtle at best. Cole’s face seemed to become more rugged as he aged up two years losing any smoothness he had left. The opposite occurred for Kumiko. Kumiko features softened ever so slightly while her chestnut colored hair seemed to glow a bit more. Sighing Katie turned to the group with an exasperated look. “Okay it’s done,” she sighed. “If those two can’t deal with a six year age difference then I got nothing.”
“Well six years isn’t that bad,” Julia shrugged. “Age doesn’t mean as much when your an adult. Besides Cole always did like older women.”
“Good to know,” Katie sighed. “Now please no matter what don’t tell Lisa.”
“Tell me what kid,” Lisa asked in a stern voice.
Katie winced as she turned around to look at an obviously upset Lisa. “Oh fuuuuuccck meeeee!” She groaned.
The group now tried to explain the situation to a very angry Lisa. Lisa took this all in stride as she listened to Kellie, Claudia, Julia and the others talk about how Claudia attacked Katie and stole the ring. They also mentioned how Cole was trying to distract Kumiko before he started crushing on the woman. As Lisa looked over at her friend she could see her and Claudia’s brother happily talking and flirting. Katie looked as a small smirk began to crack across her face.
“Well glad Kumi found someone at least,” she said. “She’s been single WAY too long. Still I can’t believe you did that Claud. Do you have any idea how badly things could have gone?”
Claudia flushed wildly as she stared at the ground.”Yea I um Uh,” she trailed off unable to continue, feeling incredibly embarrassed about the whole situation. “Well on the plus side,” Julia remarked. “Me and my sis were able to kind of clear the air so some good came out of it.”
Lisa looked over at the taller younger woman with a puzzled look. “Great now Katies a family therapist,” she thought.
“Um Ms. O’Toole,” Mika added quietly. “Can I talk with Claudia. I think I can explain better if you don’t mind.” Lisa sighed as she threw up her hands. “Be my guest,” she sighed. “I only came back here because Jason noticed a commotion. Oh and don’t worry Katie thankfully he doesn’t know what the hell is going on.”
Katie watched as Lisa began to walk back towards Jason only turning to mouth the words I’m watching you. Katie groaned as she now frowned at a still embarrassed Claudia. Mika now placed a hand on her girlfriends shoulder leading her away from the group. Once out of earshot the two began to talk.
“I’m a jackass huh,” Claudia groaned. Mika furrowed her brow as she glared at Claudia. “Oh at the very least,” she said angrily. “Seriously Claud What the fuck. I know you and Julia have issues but you tackled Katie like you were a freaking linebacker. You got some serious apologizing to do to everyone.”
“I know, I know,” Claudia said sadly. “I’m sorry Mika...I...really just lost it Okay. Please, don’t be mad.”
Mika sighed as she looked at her girlfriend. “Look,” she said. “I....I know your sorry Okay. I can forgive you, you owe me that’s for sure, but you and me....were good. I’m not going anywhere.” Mika now gently kissed Claudia on the cheek. “Your definitely taking me out to dinner though,” she said. “And I’m not paying.”
Claudia nodded sheepishly still looking at the ground.
“And you better buy me flowers too for our dinner date.”
“Okay no problem,” Claudia said glumly.
“And you have to give me your car.”
Claudia’s head shot up as she stared at Mika with a look shock. “Kidding,” Mika smirked. “Just trying to get you out of your funk. You look awful when your all mopey.”
“Bitch,” Claudia smirked as she gently tapped Mika’s arm.
Sighing the two girls now took each others hands as they walked back to the picnic. “Cmon Claud,” Mika said. “Let’s go properly meet Cole and Julia.” Claudia now smiled as she and her girlfriend once again entered the backyard.