Reflection: Adopted by Fifth Harmony

Birthday (Part 2)

We pull away when we hear footsteps coming towards the kitchen and Dinah’s voice loudly talking on the phone, no doubt about some more party details. She and Camila appear in the doorway to the kitchen, and Camila comes over to hug Lauren. Lauren hugs her back, but watches me over Camila’s shoulder. I wink and smirk, then go back to Ally’s room.

“Hey mama,” I say, sitting on her bed, she’s apparently looking for a top to wear.

“Hey Paige. Happy birthday.” She says coming over to kiss the top of my head, “I got you a present, I think you’ll like it.”

“Really? Can you tell me what it is?”

She shakes her head and giggles, “No, it’s a surprise. You’ll find out at the cookout.”

I roll my eyes and flop back on the pillow, “But.. I haaatee surprisesss!” I whine.

“Sheesh, babe, you’re 17, but you still whine like you’re four. Do you like this shirt?” Ally holds up a flowy tribal print shirt. It’ll look cute on her, so I nod. She quickly claps her hands together and tugs the top on, ruffling her hair.

“Okay, I’m all set. Who isn’t ready?”

I snort, “Normani.”

“Well, you go get her and speed her up, and we’ll be waiting for you.” Ally smiles, “See you in a few.” I get up and kiss her cheek, then make my way to the room Normani and I share.

“Hey sis,” I say, standing behind her in the mirror where she runs her hands through her now blue hair.

“Hey little one,” she giggles, “Oops. You’re not so little anymore. How does it feel to be 17?”

“Um…. the same as yesterday?” I laugh, confused by the question, “They told me to tell you to hurry up.”

Normani pushes me playfully and laughs, “Okay, okay, I get it. I’m ready.” She grabs her phone and her keys and I follow her out into the living room, where everyone is dressed and ready. I can’t help but notice that Camila is sitting on Laurens lap, whispering to her and Lauren has her eyes closed. She looks peaceful. No, Paige, ignore it, my mind immediately tells me, “Are y’all ready?” I ask, “Cause I’m ready to party!”

Camila jumps up and cheers, “Yay! Time to be social!”

We all laugh and leave the apartment, getting on the elevator (oh boy), and pile into the car, making the hour long drive through L.A traffic to get to Dinah’s house. We pull up in front of a large house.

There are pink, white, and black balloons decorating the front lawn, and there are cars lining the entire street.

Dinah is the first to get out, and when I say an entire army swarms out of the house, I’m not kidding. People of all shapes and sizes come out of the house to hug her. As I’m the last to get out, I hear snippets of the conversation, “Where is she?”

“Is she pretty?”

I stand back and watch the girls interact with Dinah’s family, with my family and I can’t help but smile. I’m pulled from my thoughts as a little girl appraches me, tapping me on my arm. I look down, “Hi, sweetie.”

“I’m Regina! I’m your cousin, cuz Dinah is my sister. She’s rude sometimes.”

I chuckle, “I know she is. And I’m Paige, nice to meet you.”

She grabs my hand, “Come on. My mommy would wanna see you.”

Suddenly, I’m nervous. What if she hates me? What if she’s heard? Before I can panic, Camila appears by my side, “You okay?” She walks along with us into the house.