My choice

Chapter Twenty four - Birthday wishes

July 28 1882

Ava

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I took in a deep breath and streached as light seeped in through the curtians. I pulled my blankets over my head not ready to leave the warmth of my bed. I stayed under my blanket as I looked over at the clock hanging on the wall. The time read nine thirty. It took me a moment to realize why my parents did not wake me up at eight like usual.

I got out of bed and changed out of my pajamas, putting on one of my favroite dresses. I sat at the mirror and began to brush out my hair, while doing so I looked at the small calander located on the table. Setting the brush down, I ripped the old paper off showing todays date.

July 28th. It's my birthday! I grabbed a ribbon and tied part of my hair out of my face.

"Good morning." I said to my parents who were both in the kitchen

Mother was cooking and papa was at the table reading the news paper. I sat beside him, laying my head down on the table I began to read the large words printed on the front. I didn't really care but whatever. "Anything interesting?" I asked

"Yes actually." He responded, "It says right here that Miss Avaline Rose is turning ten years old today."

"And that her mother has made her favroite breakfast." My mother chimed in placing a plate of pancakes with berries on top in front of me

"Thank you mother!" I said excitedly as I picked up a fork

She sat down at the table placing a plate infront of her and papa.

"Are we doing anything today?" I asked wonding if there were any plans

"Yes, you and I are going into town later while papa stays here to finish up some work, and you can pick one thing from any shop as your present." My mother said before taking a bite of her breakfast

"Okay." I smiled

We continued to eat in a comfortable silence until we all finished. My mother and I cleaned up the dishes andput them away. She sent me to get shoes as she got her purse.

I looked through the shop, the shelves had different types of knick knacks, jewelry, books, and clothing items. I looked through the jewlery, my parents gave me a couple dollars as a gift letting me get what ever I wanted.

I picked out a blank journal and a new pen. I hardly used the journals to actually wright, I drew in them mostly but sometimes I would jot down my thoughts. I bought the items and met my mother outside.

"Now we have to stop at the grocers quickley to get some things." She said

"Okay."

We went to the grocer and my mother picked out different types of food for the next few days. Some bread, meat, vegetables, and fruit. She also allowed me to get a few sweets before we went home. I picked the mail from the box in front of the house before we went in. All the letters had my fathers name on them all except one. It had my name on it, I took all the mail imside and set it on the counter
I helped my mother put away the food amd after we were done I picked up the letter addressed to me and opened it,

'Dear Ava,
Happy Birthday. I do hope you get this in time. We all miss you very much, news spread quickly about what happened but I understand if you don't want to tell me every detail. I apologize for not writing sooner a lot has been going on in my life. My parebts betrothed me to the son of Count Heneri Lowell, James Lowell. We are to marry the day after my sixteenth birthday, I still have a few years until then but it will go fast. I hope to see you again soon, maybe I could come to America.

With love, Audrey Kline

Jane sends well wishes also.'

I smiled, I thought they had forgotten about me.

"Who is it from?" My mother asked

"Audrey and Jane. I'm going to write them back!" I stood and was about to take off for my room when my mother stopped me

"You can do that later, there is a superise in the garden for you."

"A superise, for me, whats the occasion?" I laughed

"Just go." My mother smiled and shooed me to the door

"Happy birthday Ava!" Papa said when I went outside, "We hope you like it."

They had set up a party for me. Madame Giry, Meg, and Nadir were here along with Justin and Lacy. A medium sized cake sat on the table a few presents sitting next to it.

"Happy birthday Ava." Justin said running up to me Lacy following

"Thank you." I smiled

The party lasted for about two hours, while the adults were cleaning up Justin, Lacy, and I went inside.

I sat in the center of the couch, Lacy on one side Justin on the other. "Here I got you a gift. Its nothing much but I thought you might like it." He handed me a small white box

I opened the lid to see a necklace. Just a simple round charm on a bronze chain. "It's a locket. My mum helped me pick it out."

"Thank you I love it." I clipped it around my neck letting it fall over my chest

"I got you something too." She handed me a small bag

I reached in and pulled out a hair clip with a flower charm on it. "I didn't know what you wanted, and I thought it was cute."

"Thank you." I stuck it in my hair and turned to her, "How do I look?"

"Like the queen." She laughed

I stood up and spun around laughing, "Thank you both! I love you guys."

"I love you too Ava." Lacy said standing and giving me a hug

"Me too!" Justin bounced up and joined in

"Justin your brother is here to get you and Lacy." Mother said peeking around the corrner

"Okay, thank you Mrs. Destler."

"Bye!" I said by to my friends as they gathered their things and left

"Bye."

"Goodbye." Lacy waved and shut the front door

Once they were gone I went into my room and pulled out sone paper and a pen.

'Audery,
Thank you so much! I almost thought you forgot about me, I've been busy as well so I apologize for not writing. I don't wish to get into details but just know both my mother and I are happier now.

I would love it if you managed to visit me in America. You can meet my friends, Justin and Lacey.

Until next time, Ava Destler

(I have taken up my papas surname)'

I folded the paper and slipped it into an enevlope. I wrote the address on it and sealed it. I took it to my mother who said she could mail it tomorrow. I thanked my parents for the party and headed for bed since I was tired.

I changed and slipped under the covers.

Today has been the best day of my life in a long time.