This Is Me Famous

Chapter 9

What do you want to do for your birthday?" Hayden asked me. I was sprawled out on the couch while he sat next to me on the floor playing a video game. His mom was already in bed for the night. It had been a week since my own mother had left, and we were basking in the peace of not having a four year old running around. 

"I don't know." I replied. "We could uphold the tradition and go tree shopping." 

"I figured that was a given." He nodded. 

My birthday was exactly four days before Christmas, and every year since I was six, my birthday also meant tree shopping. I loved getting to pick out the tree each year. We'd bring it home, set it up, then in the evening after dinner and cake, we'd stay up late trimming it, listening to Christmas songs. On the years that my Birthday was on a weekend, and I had a party, trimming the tree became a party activity. It was the only holiday related thing done on my day, because I found Christmas trees to be magical. 

"What else would you like to do?" 

"I'm not feeling really festive this year." I admitted. "It's probably because of my ankle, but I don't want to do anything."  

He turned and frowned at me. I stuck my tongue out at him. 

"I'd be happy just staying in and trim the tree. We can make egg nog and listen to music, and when we're done, go out back and sit by the fire." I said. 

"How is that any different from any other year?" He asked.

"Well, its seventy five degrees, for starts." I said. He rolled his eyes. 

"What if we changed things up a bit?" He paused his game and turned around. "What if we did the tree thing, then after, drive up to the look out and watch the city lights? I haven't been up there, but Natalie tells me its beautiful at night. We can cuddle on the hood of my car with some hot chocolate and see the lights, and we'll be far enough away, we could look at the stars." 

"Oh, that sounds romantic." I smiled. His eyes were bright. 

"You like that idea?" He said wrapping his arms around me. 

"I love that idea." I said as his lips met mine. He forgot his game and laid on top of me. I locked my arms around his neck and searched for another kiss. 

"We have a few weeks before my birthday." I said quietly. "What will we do until then?" 

"I can think of a few things." He said kissing my neck. "We could go to the aquarium and the zoo." 

He looked at me. "I could take you to Vegas for a night." 

"I'm not interested in Vegas." I scrunched my nose. "I can't get into any casinos for another two years." 

"There are plenty of things to do besides gambling." He chuckled. "Tons of shows and lots of cool tourist spots." 

"Eh. I'll pass." I said much to his dismay. He nibbled on my ear lobe. 

"Fine." He grumbled. "Be difficult." 

"Have you decided what gift your getting me?" I asked coyly. He pulled away and looked down at me. 

"Wait, you expect a gift?" He said with mock surprise. 

"Well, it is my birthday." I said with a smile. 

"I guess." He sighed. "Actually, I thought we'd go get your birthday gift a little early, like say, in the morning." 

I gave him a confused look. 

"What's the one thing you've wanted since you were a kid? The one thing you could never have, because Lucinda is allergic?" He asked. 

"A kitty!" I said excitedly. "I'm getting a kitty?"