Chapter 4
“Danny . . .Danny. Wake up.”
That doesn’t sound like my alarm clock. I opened eyes to see Rita holding a tray full of food.
“Whoa. What’s this for?” I sat up.
“Your birthday, silly. Happy birthday!” She set it on my lap.
I took a bite. “Mmm . . . blueberry pancakes, they’re my favorite.”
“Of course. “
“You want some.” I said, with a mouth full. Did she even know what I said?
“Oh, no thank you, dear.”
“My complements to the chef.” It was like I’d never seen food before.
Rita laughed, handing me a small box, wrapped in pink wrapping paper with a purple bow. “Oh, Rita, you didn’t have too.”
I gave her a hug. “Of course I did. Now open it, I’ve been waiting all day.”
“All day? It’s eight o’clock in the morning.”
“Oh just open it.”
I took off the bow and tore at the paper and opened the box. Lay inside was a silver, heart locket with a long chain. I tried opening it, when Rita said, “Oh there’s nothing inside, at least, not yet,” She frowned, “It doesn’t come with a key.”
No key? To a locket?
“Oh, thank you, Rita. It’s beautiful.” I put it around my neck.
“Knock, knock, can I come in?” Asked mom. She wasn’t in a pantsuit, but a lazy pair of sweat pants and a raggedy, old t-shirt. I also noticed she had on her glasses on instead of her contacts. Her hair was not curled, but put into a tight ponytail.
“Sure.” I said.
“How was your breakfast?”
“ Delicious, as always.”
“Good.”
“Well, this diet is not working, because I’m starving and Niles has extra blueberry pancakes. See you guys later.” Rita walked downstairs carrying my tray.
“Mom, you’re not dressed up today.”
She sat down next to me. “That is, because, I thought we’d have a girls day out today. Just you and me.”
“Really? Just us?” I hugged her. “Thank you, mom.”
“It would be my pleasure, after all, we have to celebrate your seventeenth birthday.”
I think it was that moment that I realized I was seventeen. Not eight, not ten, not twelve. Seventeen. I think I should have some freedom by now.
“Mom, please don’t be mad.”
“Why would I be mad, sweetheart?”
“Well, after all, I am seventeen, I want to make my own decisions.”
“Okay, what decisions have you made?”
Oh boy, here it goes. “Mom, I don’t want to play violin anymore.”
“Oh, Danny, you could have quit years ago, I just thought you liked playing the violin, I mean you had Mrs. Ann eat with us, it was hard to tell if you hated it.”
I let out a sigh of relief. I cannot believe it.
“Here I’ll call her now.” She got up to go.
“Wait . . .mom.”
“Yes?”
“That’s not my only decision.”
“Oh, then, what else?”
“I don’t want to get tutored anymore either.”
“Well, honey, are you sure? I mean, this is apart of school. And you know your father and I want the best for you when it comes to your education.”
“But mom, I’ve been a straight A student since kindergarten, before Joseph even tutored me and these tutoring sessions go on for two hours at a time.” I paused and decided to get it out in the open, “And mom, I never have time to write my essays and it’s making me fail English.”
“What? You’re failing English? I can’t believe this.” She said astonished.
“But, Miss Little said she would give me a C for the quarter if I join the newspaper staff, every Monday and Wednesday for an hour after school. “
She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Okay, then it’s done. No more tutoring. Is that all?” She seemed to be getting irritated now. Maybe I’m pushing my luck with this one.
“Mom . . .I want to date.”
She seemed star struck. “Date?”
“You know date . . . boys?”
“Yes, I know what you mean. You know, Danny, I know your making your own decisions now, but you have to make sure they’re the right decisions.”
“Mom, what do you think I’m going to go out and do? I mean for a date I have to go with my best friend for pete sakes. People go on dates all the time. Why can’t I?”
She didn’t say anything for a moment. “Alright . . .if you feel that you’re mature enough now . . .I will let you go on a date.”
“Really?” Wow, I didn’t think that one would pass the border called mom.
“But . . . ” oh no I don’t like where this is going, “your father and I get to meet this boy you have a crush on.
Just when you think you got something going for you, it slips away. “Deal.” I said frowning.
“Now, get dressed, we have a big day today.” She walked out of the room.
.................................
We drove along the seaside town of Clementine, watching the tide roll in and get sucked back out. The air smelled salty and ocean-like. I spent my whole life in Clementine. It’s so beautiful. Too bad it’s going to be a bad weekend, with the grey sky and all. I could tell it would rain in a matter of time. It’s strange, because it usually rains in April.
And as if she were reading my mind my mom said, “I’ve never seen it so bad out here.” She adjusted the mirror.
“I know, me either.” I was happy my mom was opening up to me for the first time in years. She was becoming my mom I know and love. “So, what will we be doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“On our day out?”
“Oh, well, I thought . . . we’d hit the spa.” She smiled. “They have this guaqomole mask, that I heard is so rejuvenating.”
The spa? Mom, you can’t be serious!
“Oh . . .that . . .sounds great.” I didn’t sound enthusiastic at all and she could tell.
“I promise you’ll like it, you’ve never even been there, how can you judge it?”
How can you not?
“Yeah, your right.” Suck it up. Your now open mother is taking you out, deal with it.
But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that I’d like it, I couldn’t swallow the pill called ‘spa’. The spa sounded just as fun as taking a math test.
We pulled into the parking lot. The spa was called ‘Ocean Breeze Spa and Salon’. It was a big, spread out, white building. It had thick, golden pillars at the front of it with sliding glass doors. Trees and flowers were planted everywhere. It looked like everybody’s paradise or Hawaii, whatever you want to call it.
Inside was cherry wood flooring and elegant side tables, with sleek, leather chairs.
A burly, tall woman, with extremely, curly hair pulled into a ponytail sat at the front desk. “May I help you?” She asked.
“Ah . . .yes, we’re here for the spa and salon day package.” Said my mom putting her purse on the counter.
“Okay, let me just have you fill out this form.” She started digging through one of the file cabinets. “And you can be on your way.”
The only sounds that could be heard were Ms. Muscular getting paper and a fountain trickling.
“Here you go.” She said giving the forms to my mom with an ‘Ocean Breeze Spa and Salon’ pen. “Have you ever been here before?”
“A few times, actually.”
“Oh . . .so, you wouldn’t want a tour?”
“No, thank you.” Said mom giving back the pen and forms.
“Okay, then. Enjoy yourselves.” She said nicely.
We walked down a long hallway into a dim room. A room filled with sand. They made it beachy-looking with fake palm trees and fake rocks that had some calming music drifting out of them. Some call it soothing, I call it weird. Inside was a big Jacuzzi without water. Instead mud or maybe clay, I’m not sure, replaced it.
A woman sat in it with a towel wrapped around her head and some kind of mask on. From the looks of her shoulders she looked bare. Bare as in naked. There were a few lawn chairs laid out where some people were reading. They were wrapped in towels too. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
“Come on, Danny . . .” said my mom yanking on my arm. “This is just one area of the spa.”
Oh great. What other evil acts of torture will I have to endure?
We walked down another hallway into the woman’s locker room. Where woman were undressing and taking showers left and right. Even though I’m a woman, I still had the need to shield my eyes.
My mom walked over to a wall of cabinets that held shampoo and soap along with towels and robes and cheap white flip-flops. She handed me a towel, robe and the foamy sandals then got some for herself and headed over to the lockers.
It kind of felt like the locker rooms at school, only then I knew who I was looking at.
“Mom, do we really need to undress? I mean what’s the point?” My voice was as unstable as my knees were.I’m not usually a wimp, but I am a private person and this is so not my thing.
“Oh . . .Danny, there is nothing to be nervous about. I know this is your first time, so I’m not going to make you get in the mud bath with me, but it is your birthday and you work hard, so you’re going to get a massage if you like it or not, because you will like it.” She smirked.
My mom was already in her robe and I was still in my clothes. I felt embarrassed and people were looking at me. “Here if you’re that uncomfortable, there are dressing rooms back there. Don’t take too long.” I quickly undressed.
My mom put our things in a locker and we headed out.
We went to a section of the building where massages were given and waited our turn.
All of a sudden, a tiny woman, tinier than me, held a clipboard and called our names.
There was another dimmed room that was separated by a curtain. A massage-bed–thing on either side. Again that weird music began to play and instead of relaxing me, it just turned me tense.
“See, is it really as scary as you thought it was?” She said putting her hand on my shoulder.
Actually, yeah, pretty much.
“Um . . .no. Not really, I guess.”
“Good.”
Soon the lady with the clipboard came back with two strong men behind her. When I mean strong I mean like has-my-dad-been-watching-you-wrestle-on-T.V.-strong. They greeted us with smiles.
“Okay this is Greg and Bill. They will be your masusises today.”
“Nice to meet you.” My mom said shaking hands with them.
Then she looked at my no-man-is-going-to-touch-me-expression and said, “You know what, I’m sorry, but would it be okay if we had woman masusises? It’s her first time and she’s a bit nervous.” She said putting an arm around me, whispering to the woman.
“Of course, no, that would be just fine.” Miss Clipboard left and ushered the Wrestler twins with her.
“Now, Danny, take your robe off.”
“What?” I felt my eyes grow as big as saucers.
She laughed. “Take your robe off. This is where the towel comes in handy.” I did what she said, but didn’t feel comfortable with her either. “Now lay down and put your face in the hole.” She gestured me to the massage-bed-thing.
“There you go.” Then she lay the towel down to cover up my lower back down to my thighs.
“I’ll be on the other side of the curtain. Okay?”
“Okay.” I said. Relax. Relax. Relax. I repeated it until I was.
I was surprised how much I liked the massage. It felt really good. All the tense muscles had vanished into tranquility.
Next we headed over to the guaqomole mask. I don’t know what was in it, but man, did it sting. My face is still burning from it. My mom said she felt nothing.
Lucky her.
We did a few more things at the spa. Like the tanning booth. I got a minor tan, but my mom was so bronzed it wasn’t even funny. We also hit the steam room. It was okay, until I started to get clasterphobic. Mom did the mud bath and I just sat on one of the lawn chairs and read a magazine.
The spa was over after that. I rinsed off in one of the private showers and so did my mom, then we put our clothes on and headed over to the salon.
A gay guy did my hair. His name was Clay, I think. He was really nice. He washed, and blow-dried it, than curled it. It looked so gorgeous. I wish I could curl my hair.
Then I got my make up done. Which was new. I’ve only done my make-up. Never have I had someone do it for me. I had a hard time not tearing up when the lady was doing my mascara.
Then after it was all said and done, I met up with my mom. “Oh . . .my . . .god, Danny, you look so grown up.” She smiled, dimples delicately bobbing out.
“Thank you. So what’s next?”
“Our last and final thing to do is get a manicure and pedicure.”
We stuck our feet in the hot boiling tubs and looked out the windows at the sea.
“So, you did enjoy it after all, didn’t you?”
I smiled. “Yeah I did. Thank you.”
“Your welcome.” She said triumphantly.
I closed my eyes. This was so awesome. That was until, I heard the click clack of high heels. I opened my eyes to see Mrs. Creepy in the flesh, standing before me in black capris, a black jacket, and black flip flops. She was talking to the lady at the front desk.
Before I knew it she had her feet in a tub next to my mom. I’ve never been this close to her before. So now I got a chance to look at her face up close. She had long, black, curly hair. It was so beautiful the way the curls just naturally looked so healthy and well, not broken by a hair dyer. Her eyes were this dark, midnight blue color. Not dark enough to be black, but almost. Her fair skin was flawless. Like baby skin. She was tall, even with her high heels off. She looked like a model. Or maybe she is one. High cheek bones, straight nose, puffy, red lips. What more could you ask for?
My mom even looked at her from the corner of her eye. Then I realized she was just looking at the elegant bag that lay on her lap.
“Excuse.” My mom said to her.
“Yes?” Her voice was like perfume, it lingered. It had this ring to it, the low, sensual type.
“I’m sorry, but that is a beautiful purse. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what brand is it?”
The woman laughed. “Of course not dear. It’s Armani. I cannot believe you would even mention it, it’s so old.”
Well, I cannot believe she called my mom dear, when Ms. Creepy is probably ten years younger.
“Oh, well, you’ve taken good care of it.”
“Thank you. Do you want it? I could give it to you if you want.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that.”
“No, here. Take it.” She said taking out a cell phone and a wallet.
“Really? How much?”
“Free.”
Free? Okay, even though I’m pretty wealthy, I don’t give away Armani purses. Especially to someone I don’t know.
“Are you sure?” My mom sounded just as surprised as I did.
Yep, they’re richer than chocolate cake.
“Yeah, take it. I’ve gotten good use out of it, trust me.”
“You know, this is a pretty, small town and I know everyone, but you. Are you new to the area?”
“Oh, yes, I just moved into Grand Gates Estates. It’s up in the hills.” She pointed over her head.
“No, I know that neighborhood. I live there too. Wow, I didn’t know there was a house for sale. Which house?”
Mom, that’s probably why you should read a newspaper once in a while.
“Oh, yes. There’s quite a lot for sale, actually, but we bought the one that’s kind of hidden.”
Kind of? Please, your house is practically invisible to humanity.
“Hidden?”
“Yeah, it’s up a couple streets from all the other houses.”
“Oh, I think I know what one your talking about. It’s surrounded by trees, right?”
“Yeah, that’s it.”
My mom looked down at her toenails that were getting filed, probably wondering why she bought such a creepy mansion. “Wow, that’s huge. It was one of the first houses to be built, I’m pretty sure. There’s a few more hidden ones like that, but than they started to build down low.”
“I see.”
“But, wow, what an elegant home.”
“Thank you. What house do you live in?”
“Oh, it’s a street down from the gates. 1700 Water Way.”
“Hmm . . .I’ll have to remember that. What’s your name?”
“Monique Porter.”
They shook hands. “Genevieve Knight.”
What an uncommon name. I can’t believe my mom just got acuqquainted with Ms. Creepy or Ms. Model Pants, whatever she’s called.
“Oh, I don’t think I introduced you to my daughter.” I looked up from a magazine I was reading. “This is Danielle. She just turned seventeen today, so I thought I’d treat her with a spa day.”
Genevieve smiled a pearly, white smile at me. “Nice you meet you, Danielle.” She put out her hand for me to shake it. I did.
Relunctantly.
I almost wanted to pull away. Her hands were so cold, I could have probably poured hot water on them and steam would have risen. That water must have felt good on her feet. I noticed she was getting French tips done.
“You too.”
“I have a son your age. His name’s Nicholas.”
That must be the person they registered at school the other day.
“Is Nicholas your only son?” Asked my mom.
“Yes, he is my only son. Is Danielle your only daughter?”
“Yep, she’s it.” My mom played with my hair.
“We should have your family over sometime.”
“Sure, here, let me give you my number.”
Wait, okay, this is going too far. It’s bad enough I have to live by these people, but now we’re going to become friends? And I’m going to have to put up with it, I suppose.
My mom gave her a piece of paper. “Here you go.”
“Alright ladies, you’re all set to go.” The front lady said handing my mom the damages or the bill as some call it.
“Well, we better go. It was nice meeting you.” Said my mom.
“And also you. Happy birthday, Danielle.”
I turned to her. “Thanks.”
I tried to make us leave the ‘Ocean Breeze Spa and Salon’ as fast as we could, but my mom didn’t understand the leave as fast as we can part at all.
Once we did get out to my mom’s silver Land Rover, I had to hear how well she connected with Genevieve and how she can’t wait to see that so-called gorgeous home of hers.
Mom, reality check it’s not gorgeous it’s hideous with it’s swampy yard, buggy trees and scary, black fencing.
So I tried to change the subject. “Anyways, I loved spa.”
I broke her out of her reverie. “What? Oh yeah, I knew you would.”
*
It was around two in the afternoon and my mom was taking me out for lunch. “Alright, so where do you want to go?”
“Little Lady’s would be nice.” I said watching the rolling waves crashing on the beach out the window.
“Little Lady’s Bakery? Are you sure? I mean it’s your birthday! Don’t you want to go some where . . . fancy?”
“Mom, we may look pretty, but we’re not exactly dressed for a fancy restruant.” I popped the collar of my worn out, Green Day t-shirt I had gotten a few years back at one of their concerts in San Fransisco.
“I suppose you’re right. Okay, then, Little Lady’s it is.”
It was silent all the way there. We don’t really have anything in common anymore and she knew it.
We ordered two sandwiches, and two cokes.
I remembered when we came here when I was younger. We would get the big chocolate chip cookie and share it. My mom would break it in a half, and say, “Half for you, half for me.” That was when she didn’t weigh as much as I did and was more plump like other moms.
We sat by an old picture that hung on the wall of the little lady herself when her bakery had just opened. She died recently from a stroke. Her three daughters run it now. I forget their names.
“So, no more violin and no more tutoring? I guess, you’ll have more free time then, huh?” She played with her straw.
“Yep. I guess so.” Yes, free time! Is this really happening or is it a dream? A dream come true that is.
“More time to have this boy you like over?” She looked me straight in the eye, and smiled.
“Yep, I mean no. I mean I don’t know.”
“Alright, who is he? I know every boy in this town, now fess up.”
“Actually, mom, I don’t know how to tell you this, but I . . .don’t like anyone.”
“You don’t? Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I just want my options open, just in case Mr. Right is around the corner.”
“Okay, what ever you say.”
“Wait, who has a crush?” I turned to see Wendy standing over me.
“No one . . .not yet.” I replied quietly.
“Hello Wendy, how are you today?” Asked my mom.
“I’m fine. I promised Alex, I’d take her here yesterday, but we didn’t get a chance to, so here we are today. How are you today, Mrs. Porter?”
I looked over at the counter to see Alex walking away with an ice cream sandwich.
“Good.”
“Hey.” Said Alex spitting bits of cookie on my face.
“Hey, how’s your ice cream?” I said wiping it off.
“Awesome! What’s up Mrs. P?”
My mom looked repulsed. She never really liked Alex that much. “Fine. Just fine, Alexanderia.”
“That’s Good.”
“Wow!” Said Wendy looking down at me.
“What?” I imagined a pimple bulging out of my chin.
“You look so pretty! Where have you been?”
“My mom took me to that spa over by the car wash.”
“No way. ‘Ocean Breeze Spa and Salon’? I love that place! Did you get the facial?”
Alex looked like she might throw up. “You went to a spa? Eww . . .girl, you need a life.”
My mom angrily tapped her fingers. “Well, I think I’ll go now. I have a few things to do at home. Do you girls mind giving Danny a ride?”
“No, not at all, Mrs. P.”
She sighed and walked away.
Wendy took her place. “So, who is this crush?” She made quotey fingers in the air.
“Wait, who has a crush?”
“Danny.”
“You do?” Alex looked as shocked as my mom had when I told her I wanted to date.
“No, guys-“ They kept cutting me off.
“I bet he’s really smart and cute. Somebody like Brian.” Suggested Wendy.
“No, he’s probably on the football team. Like . . .Mark or Parker.” Thought Alex.
“Guys-,” I tried again.
“No, he couldn’t be on the football team. You know, Danny, doesn’t like jocks.”
“Well, who is it then?”
“Guys!” I yelled annoyed.
“What?” They yelled back.
“Look . . .I don’t like anybody.”
“I knew it!” Said Alex. “Wait . . .what?”
“I said . . .I don’t like anybody. I just got the freedom of dating.”
“Oh . . .that’s great . . .Danny, but really who do you like?” Pushed Wendy.
“Wendy, did you not just hear me? I said-,”
“No, I know what you said, but why would you ask your mom if you could date if you didn’t like anybody?”
“Okay, I’m confused.” Said Alex.
“I know, it’s weird, but I don’t like anybody. I promise, but when I do, I’ll tell you.”
“Swear?” She said, pointing at me.
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“Okay then.” She relaxed.
“So, you want to know where we went today?” Asked Alex.
“Okay . . .Alex, Wendy . . .where did you guys go today?”
“We went shopping . . .as in birthday shopping.”
“Really?” I smiled. “What did you get?”
“Nice try, but I’m not cracking this year.”
“You better not.” Said Wendy.
“Hey what’s Carson up to? The weekend is almost over and I haven’t seen him.” I added.
“You know, I haven’t seen him either. I tried calling him, but he didn’t answer.” Said Alex.
“That’s unlike him. You don’t think something’s wrong . . . do you?” Asked Wendy, her face stiffening.
“Of course not. Carson’s like that sometimes, he’s probably just out like us getting Danny’s present.”
“Yeah, he probably is.” They started to calm down, but I didn’t. Carson is glued to his phone, he couldn’t have missed that call.
“I’m going to call one more time.” I went into the women’s bathroom, where a women had just finished washing her hands. I dialed his cell phone and it went straight to voicemail. It’s off, is all I could think of. Maybe out of battery. I tried the house. Then it just went to the answering machine. Then the idea of Reggie came up. I called Reggie’s cell and the high, pinched-nose voice I know too well answered.
“Hello?”
“Reggie, it’s me, Danny.”
He paused. “Hey, what’s going on? Ah . . .happy birthday!”
“Thanks, but I was wondering . . .is Carson with you?”
“No. He was here the other day, though.”
“Okay. Thanks just checking.” I hung up. I tried to calm myself down, but my heartbeat wouldn’t let me.
“Anything?” Asked Wendy as I came out.
“No . . .nothing.” I said staring at my phone, like it was a dead bird.
“What are you guys worrying about? I’m telling you Carson is okay. You can’t keep suffocating him. He’s not a girl. He wouldn’t understand.” Said Alex finishing off her ice cream.
Wendy suddenly turned toward the clock and said. “Oh man, it’s already three thirty, we better go.” She took a pair of keys out of her beach bag and walked out the door.
“What are you gonna be late for?” I said.
“None of your bees wax. Now get in the car.” She said as she opened a door for me into her jeep.
We rode up the same hill my mom came down with the wind blowing in our faces.
When I got home my mom gave a box to me. A big box. “Open it.” She said eyeing it excitedly.
In it was a strapless, light pink dress that came down to your calves. The chest had sequins all around it. It didn’t puff out, but just hung. You never know how tiny you are before you see the dress that fits you. It had to be size zero. It was small. At the bottom of the box was a pair of matching ballet flats and a pearl necklace.
“Mom, they’re all beautiful.” I pressed the dress to me and spun with it, like I was dancing.
“I was going to wait to give it to you, but I know the dance is coming up and I wanted you to look absolutely gorgeous with your date.” Carson is hardly a date, but still I smiled.
“Thank you, mom.” I hugged her tightly.
“Oh, sweet pea, happy birthday!” My dad stood by the stairs. “Did you enjoy your day?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Now, get washed up for dinner.” My mom said, pushing me up the stairs.
I hung up my dress and put my shoes away in my closet, then put the pearls in my secret jewelery box.
I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to see Rita.
“Hey, kiddo. Mom says to dress nice, they’re taking you out for dinner tonight.”
“Alright. Got it.”
Rita started to go when I remembered something. “Rita!”
She turned around. “Yes?”
“I have gossip.”
She came into my room and sat on my bed. “Alright, what’s the gossip?”
“The haunted mansion couple were at the spa today, well . . .the wife that is.”
“No way! What happened?”
“My mom got into a conversation with her. Her name is Genevieve Knight.”
“That’s . . .a weird name.”
“I know, but my mom didn’t think so. Heck, now she has our number and is going to invite us over to see the new house, which my mom doesn’t think is creepy at all. Anyways she has a son named Nicholas.”
“Nicholas Knight. How old?”
“My age.”
“Interesting. Very interesting. You haven’t met him?”
“Not yet, I haven’t.”
“Keep me informed, I have laundry to do.” She said like a secret agent.
.................................
After a long, hot shower, I put on a deep purple, shimmery dress and Rita’s locket. I grabbed a soft, white jacket and went downstairs.
It was dead silent down here. “Mom?” I called.
“Yes, I’m here.” She called from the hallway. “I’m just trying to find my
purse . . .got it. Okay, let’s go.”
I climbed down the stairs. “Where’s dad?”
“Oh . . .ah . . .he’s meeting us there.” Normally it’s weird for your dad to take a separate car, but in my family it is perfectly normal.
“Okay.” The sun was setting. It looked beautiful against the beach backdrop, painting-like, as we drove. I suddenly go the bad feeling we wouldn’t be home in time to see Wendy, Reggie, Carson and Alex.
My mom was all dressed up. She had on her best high heels, a light brown, conservative dress and designer sunglasses.
“What resturant?” I asked.
“A Cheese Cake Factory I found down the road.”
“That’s my favorite resturant!”
“And that’s why we’re going there.” She smiled at me.
We were there in a matter of minutes. My mom looked into the rearview mirror and started fixing her make up and fluffing her hair. “Do I look okay?” She asked.
Yeah she looked okay. My mom has always been beautiful, ever since I can remember her. With her dark chocolate eyes, puffy, blonde hair and slender figure she could be a runway model. She might be as pretty as Genevieve except my mom is ten years older in age, so wrinkles kind of ruin it. Besides why does she want to look okay? This is my night. I should be asking that.
“Yeah, mom. Perfect.”
“Okay . . .let’s go.” She said slamming her door.
Cheese Cake Factorys’ always give me this feeling of beauty. Right now I felt beautiful. The whole place looked extravagant as always.
“Can I help you?” Asked a waitress.
“Oh, yes. We’re here with Jim Porter.”
The lady nodded. “Right this way.”
We followed her to this big, long table. Where all my friends sat yelling, “Surprise!”
It was a surprise party? I cannot believe I didn’t catch on to that. I blushed like crazy.
“Oh . . .gosh . . .I . . .thank you.” There were ballons tied to chairs and presents stacked up, and a cake with my name on it. Literally.
Niles, Rita and my parents sat at one end of the table while Wendy, Alex, Reggie and I sat at the other end.
“Were you surprised?” Asked Wendy.
“Very.” I said as I looked around.
“I thought you’d find out by now.” Said Alex.
“Me too.” Said Reggie opening one of the napkins.
“Well, yeah, I’m still trying to figure that out.”
The same waitress that guided us to our table was taking orders and soon our food arrived. I felt starved. When we all finished eating, we ran out of things to talk about.
“So, anything new?” Asked Reggie.
“Nope.” I said
“Well, there is this creepy house in Danny’s neighborhood, that some people just moved into, isn’t that new, Danny?” Asked Alex
“Oh, yeah, guys I forgot to tell you. They have a son that’s our age, Nicholas Knight.”
“I bet he is so creepy. Probably one of those skinny goth kids.” Said Wendy.
“Oh wow, Danny, I had no idea.” Said Reggie, bending down to get a fork he dropped.
“Yeah, the couple’s gothic living in a haunted house or so says Rita. A couple died in it.” I tied to make it scarier than it probably is.
“Really? How did they die?” Surprisingly Reggie was pretty freaked.
“I don’t know, but they weren’t murdered as far as I know.”
“Maybe the son isn’t creepy at all. Maybe he’s gorgeous.” Said Alex.
“Gorgeous? Alex, you can’t be serious. He’s probably anything, but gorgeous.”
She put this sly smile on her face. “Oh, you never know. He might ask you out. I mean his name is really cool. Very unique.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Alex. Anybody that would move into that house has got to be butt ugly.” Said Wendy twisting a finger in her hair.
“Well . . .actually. When we met the mom, she was, well . . .”
“She was . . . spit it out.” Said Alex.
“She was really pretty.”
“Pretty as in . . .” Wendy stared at the wall trying to come up with a word.
“I mean pretty as in run way model. And that’s at like . . .thirty something.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah.”
“Then there is still hope for a future boyfriend.” Said Alex leaning back in her chair.
“Alex, stop.” I was getting angry. I remember when we would tease Wendy about her crushes and she would get mad. Now I felt like her. Of course I don’t have a crush.
Somebody grabbed me by the shoulder. “Hey, ready to blow out your candles.”
It was Rita. She was eyeing the pink, frosted roses. I guess diets are out. I tried to hide my face when some of the waiters and waitresses started to sing along with my parents and friends. I never did well with being the center of attention.
The cake was gone almost instantly and I had just finished opening my last present. Reggie’s gift. It was a silver watch and sparkled in the light.
“Thank you, Reggie. It’s the best watch I’ve ever had.” I said giving him a hug.
He smiled. His pink skin going pinker. He shook his red, curly afro hair. “I thought you’d like it.”
My dad packed up everything while I thanked everyone.
“You guys didn’t have to do this . . .really.”
“Oh come on, if we don’t embarrass you, who will?” Asked Alex.
“You’re right.”
“Come on girls and Regg. We have to get a move on. Your parents are going to wonder where you are.” Said Dad carrying a balloon and half eaten birthday cake.
..................................
It was dark in the car. I could hardly make out my hands. I rubbed the chain of the watch Reggie gave me. I have such good friends. Every single one of them. Right now, I was just tired. I think I could fall a sleep if I really want to. I waved them all bye as we dropped them off at their houses. Mom took the long way with Rita and Niles in the Land Rover, but I told dad I would come with him. The night sky looked uninviting. Kind of like the cold ocean. It was freezing outside. My bed sounded more and more appealing by the moment.
I watched as Wendy ran inside her house and waved goodbye. Then Alex, and then Reggie. And then Carson.
All of the sudden I woke from my dreary daze. I wasn’t sleepy any longer. I was shaking with energy. Carson wasn’t there. He wasn’t at my party. He missed my birthday and I hadn’t noticed his absence. Where could he be?
“Dad?” I gulped.
“Yes, pumpkin. What is it?”
“Where is Carson?”
“Carson?” He scratched his head. “Um . . .I don’t know for sure. I do remember Mrs. Walker talking about vacation at the last fundraiser.”
A vacation?
“He didn’t tell me that.”
“Odd . . .I thought you’d know.”
Did anybody know he was on vacation? Wendy and Alex said they didn’t know where he was this afternoon. And Reggie said he’d been at his house the other night. That meant he left either late yesterday or early this morning. My birthday. He’d missed it. He’d forgotten about it.
I felt like crying, but couldn’t find the tears.