William's 30th Birthday

Author's Note: So this is a short story I wrote for my English class, and I was hoping that at least someone would enjoy reading it. Hope you enjoy it!

   - Kinsey

            Seven friends received the navy blue envelope in the mail. Each one was identical, except for the elegant block lettering on the front indicating the intended recipient. Once opened, the card read:

“You are cordially invited to the 30th birthday of William Benji,

held on the 30th of October at 8:00 PM

on the deck of The Transitioner.

Please RSVP by next week if you wish to join William

in the celebration of his birth.”

            The first person on the boat was Alex Benjamin, accompanied by his wife, Katelyn Brown. She had decided to not take his name because she was better known as Katelyn Brown, the famous astrologist. They were a prime couple as they both worked for NASA, her being an astrologist and him a scientist. They were greeted with the sight of a typical party, complete with balloons, streamers, and a nice swan ice sculpture sitting on top of the words “Happy 30th Birthday William”. Then the captain came out.

            “Can I see your invitations please?” The captain said. Alex handed him his, explaining that Katelyn was his plus one. “You are the first ones to arrive, so please, make yourselves comfortable.” They sat down in two of the white chairs and began to wait.

            “Where is William? Shouldn’t he be here greeting his guests?” Katelyn whispered to her husband.

            “William will join us shortly. We have to pick him up on an island not far from here.” The captain had appeared behind Katelyn, speaking abruptly making her jump.

            “Okay, thank you.” Katelyn patted her hand on Alex’s arm, as if to say ‘This guy is a little creepy’.

            As the other guests started arriving, Alex started recognizing some familiar faces from his high school days. Among the arriving was the then-comedic genius, Mark Dress, and his sister Jenna, who Alex used to have a crush on but would never admit it. His entire clique from high school was there: Hailey Williams, Tanner Smith, Chuck Bolder, and Juliette Stratis. They all shared hugs and memories as they waited for the captain to begin their journey.

            “Where’s William?” Juliette asked.

            “We have to go pick him up off of an island, apparently.” Katelyn, with her naturally sweet personality, had easily won over Alex’s old friends.

            “He’s probably having fun with the island ladies!” Mark, being the stereotypical comical guy, had changed the least since high school.

            “Having fun? I hope so. Since everyone has arrived, let’s get going!” The captain smiled, showing all of his teeth.

The captain turned to return to the engine room and when he was out of earshot Jenna asked, “Does anyone else think that guy is kind of creepy?”

            “Yes! I know exactly what you mean!” Katelyn said. They smiled at each other in recognition of their mutual understanding.

            The conversation ceased as a loud rumbling coming from the bottom of the boat began. Hailey stumbled back as the boat lurched forward, but luckily Tanner was there to catch her.