1989

Chapter 1

[Jenna Adams]

As the gush of wind blew, I shivered due to the freezing air that was whispering to my ears. Today is my 17th birthday which is to be celebrated in my home,downstairs. As much as I want to be happy, I can't. I have this strange feeling that something isn't going to happen right. What am I thinking?! This is my birthday! Be positive Jenna, for god's sake! 

I heard someone's footsteps coming so I hurriedly went back to my chair and pretended to read books. 

"Jenna? Why are you here in the balcony? Your cousins are already downstairs waiting for you." said mom and cooed me to go downstairs with her. I'll have to meet and greet them all again, it's the very same thing that happens every year. Not having any choice, I went downstairs with mom and saw my cousins on the living room with their phones. 

This what I hate the most.

I can't stand looking at them like this! It's like there's no birthday party happening to them. I knew this was going to happen, every year and I'm sick of it already. I'm sick with all the gadgets! Cellphones,Tablets,Computers,etc., why can't they just read books and be more social and aware towards their surroundings. 

"Good Evening to you all! Evelyn,Jacob,Jake,Grace and Alicia." mom greeted to them but they didn't even bother to reply with a smile or a good-evening-too. Sick brats. Why did they even invited these spoiled brats here anyways? Why do they have to throw a party? I'm already happy just with Alice,mom,and dad to celebrate with. "It seems like you are busy with something" said mom, trying to catch their attention but they didn't mind. Mom just took a deep sigh and walked away to the kitchen to prepare the meals and some other stuffs. 

I walked towards her, "mom, you didn't have to throw a party for my 17th birthday. I told you I'm okay just with you,dad and Alice." I complained which made her gave a curious look at me. 

"Jenna, you know me and dad always do this every year for your birthday--" 

"--mom! you and dad don't have to do this every year, alright? Besides, I'm already a teenager. Birthday parties seems like just for kids..." I said and looked sideways. 

"So you mean is that you are ashamed that we throw birthday parties?"

"That's not what I meant! what I mean is that I'm too old for birthday parties mom. Don't you ever think that it's time for me to venture out there? and have some..--" 

"Outings with strangers and your friends? Not happening." she strictly said and continued preparing the foods. 

"Mom! Of course I have to go through all of that! It's time for me to experience something new mom.. and I'm already getting sick just looking at my cousins with their gadgets." 

"Why don't you start a conversation? Maybe they would take their eyes off on their precious businesses and start to have a normal talk." 

"Mom, I don't think that's going to happen..." 

Mom snickered and looked at me in the eyes, "how about Evelyn?" she asked. 

"You know things between me and her are so so not okay." 

Mom sighed and just pat me on the shoulder and gave me a wink. "I get your point. If you don't want to celebrate with those brats. Go upstairs,lock yourself in the room,and do whatever you want and don't even try to go out and head to the storage room, got that?" mom told me, I smiled at her knowing that she's allowing me to spend my time alone. 

I fled leisurely into my room and shut the door behind. Now,now,now, what do I have here? 

I look at the mess lied at my bed.