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The alarm clock must have been ringing for several minutes when Semmelweis finally opened her tired eyes. She didn't know what time it was, only that it was already light outside. With great effort, she got up and opened the door to her room. She would make the bed later; she didn't have the energy for it right now.
As she opened the door, a pillow flew into her face, followed by a party popper. Lorelei, Sentinel and Marsha were standing in her hallway, all three with smiles on their faces. "Happy birthday," they shouted in unison. Oh no... her 24th birthday... another year older…
“I think I clearly said that I didn't want to celebrate, did I?” She shook her head in confusion and tried to push past the guests, but Lorelei stopped her as she threw her arms around the vampire, pulling her close.
“We all wish you a happy birthday, a great day and, furthermore, many presents, Semmel.” This time, she couldn’t help but smile. She couldn't really be angry with her adopted daughter, even though she sometimes wanted to be.
Marsha and Sentinel also hugged her tightly, with Marsha briefly lifting her off the floor. Then the three of them pushed the vampire into the living room, where she found a few presents on the table and a slightly deflated cake. Apparently, baking was not the three women's strong suit.
Semmelweis sighed and sat down. "This wasn't necessary..."
"You know, people like you, even if you're really grumpy sometimes." Marsha handed her the first present.
"From Marie and me, we thought you could use this."
The present was a flat disc wrapped in gift paper covered with bats. How cheesy... She slowly tore open the paper and now held a very old record by her favourite band in her hand. She didn't even have a record player, but she knew this record was special.
Hesitantly, she stood up and hugged both women in gratitude. "It's amazing what you can find. Thank you both so much." There was an awkward silence in the room before she turned her attention to Lorelei's gift. It was soft and felt like something very light.
When she carefully unwrapped the paper, she found a new T-shirt and a really cute skirt. You had to give the blonde girl credit for one thing: she had good taste. The vampire pulled her close and pressed a kiss on her forehead as she thanked her.
Then there was only one thing left, a somewhat carelessly wrapped gift. When she picked it up, she noticed who it was from... Valentina. The vampire hadn't been seen in a really long time. But knowing the woman, it was most likely just nonsense inside.
With that thought, the apartment door opened, and a tall, much too pale woman stood in the doorway. "Well, darling, did you miss me?" She sat down on the sofa, right next to Semmelweis, and grabbed her T-shirt. The kiss that followed took her breath away. It had been a long time since she had been so tender and loving with her...
"Well, open it. To be honest, I didn't know exactly what to give you except maybe a good night, if you know what I mean." Of course, Semmelweis knew what she meant... She slowly massaged her temples before continuing to unpack.
In front of her was a... book? "Carmilla... that rings a bell..."
"Oh, sweetie, you'll know it. Happy birthday."