Linda's Story

Silver Chain

Linda O'Shea had wanted to do something big for her thirteenth birthday, but she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. Thirteen was a big deal- she was a teenager! She was going to have a lot of firsts- first boyfriend, first kiss, maybe a first job. Thirteen was a big deal! Therefore, her party had to be the greatest party she'd ever had.

"What do you want to do for your birthday?" Shelia Walters asked her friend.

"I don't know. Something fun, something big. Something I'm gonna remember forever."

"So you'll be inviting Kevin White?" Kevin White was the boy who was Linda's secret crush.

Linda smiled and blushed a little, "maybe."

"I think that's a yes," Sheila laughed. "Come on- I'll help you make birthday invites!"

*********

Linda and Sheila spent their Saturday afternoon making birthday invitations for Linda's party next Friday.

"I'm glad your parents agreed to let it be a coed party," Sheila smiled as she hit her fist against the recently licked envelope.

"It's my first one. Can you believe it?"

"How's your Dad taking it?"

She sighed, "he was against it at first. Still is, I'm sure. But he's letting me do it, so.... that's good."

"I'm glad they're letting you have one- they're much more fun than an only girl's party."

"I hope so!"

**********

The party was about to start in an hour and a half, and Linda was helping her Grandma with last minute decorations.

"Nonna," she started, straightening the table cloth. "Where's Papa?"

"He said he was going to pick up your cake."

"Oh, good! I like that plan. Is it a chocolate cake?"

"With chocolate icing, just like you asked for."

Linda turned around and saw her sister, "Wendy!" She frowned, "you're leaving?"

"You bet your ass. I wouldn't be caught dead at a party with snotty thirteen year olds!" She waved and slipped out the door like she hadn't just crushed her sister's spirit. The door opened, "Sheila's here!"

Sheila came in through the door with a big present in her arms, "happy birthday, girl!" She put the present on the round table marked "Presents" before hugging her friend. "Where's your sister off to?"

Linda sighed, "somewhere else."

"Where's your brother?"

"Oh he's banned to his room for the night. I told him he couldn't be here- he ruins everything," she was maybe being dramatic, but Jimmy just didn't treat her like he used to. "Mamma's at her sister's tonight- something about an emergency. Papa's out getting the cake."

"You can't have a birthday party without cake!"

"This is true.... wanna help finish setting up?"

"Sure!"

*********

The party was well underway, with Grandma Rosita in charge of rowdy thirteen year olds. Linda was having a great time; she had long since  forgotten about Wendy leaving, and about her mother's flimsy lie. Though, at thirteen, she couldn't tell Marni was lying.

"Linda," Sheila came up to her, "why don't you ask Kevin to dance?"

"Well... I don't know how. What if he says no?"