She opened her many presents, it seemed as eveyone close to her was in the room. Thanking them she moved over to the corner and looked around. No one appeared to be out of place. She had a feeling she was being watched but everyone was having a good time. No one was staring at her.
A chorus of happy birthday interrupted her thoughts. She smiled and moved closed to the table to blow out her candles. Everyone cheered. Her brother grabbed a piece of green frosting and smeared it across her nose. He quickly lunged out of her grasp and laughed. She grabbed the paper napkin her mother offered her and dabbed at her face. What a great guy, she smirked. Wait till he goes to bed tonight. Revenge will be sweet. She helped her family pass out pieces of the vanilla cake and stopped to sit with her grandmother on the sofa by the fireplace.
"Hey, Nan, Are you having a good time?". She snuggled closer to her so she could look at her face.
"Yes, dear, a bit tired but it is a glorious party. Are you excited to be sixteen now?" She placed her cup of tea on the coffee table (a bit ironic, don't you think?) beside her plate of cake.
Grandmother moved closer to Kelly, their heads almost touching.
"Have you seen anything strange yet?" she whispered. Her eyes were showing concern.
" Something... no, Nan. What do you mean?" Kelly touched her grandmother's arm.
"It's just that...I mean...you're older now. I was wondering if it was true? They were here before you and..." Kelly's mom stood over them, causing her to pause.
"Is everthing okay here? Some of our friends are about to leave and I think you should see them to the door, Kelly". She pulled her up from the couch and pushed her gently into the direction of the guests. Kelly looked back. Her mother was on the couch now speaking quiently. What are they saying? Why is Nan shaking her head? They look upset. I cant seem to make them out.
"Goodbye Kelly! Happy Birthday! It was a wonderful party! Happy 16th! " cheers from the guests as they made their way out of the door. She smiled at them and shook their hands. Hoping everyone would leave quickly, she tried to keep her comments short.
She looked back at the couch but her mother and grandmother were gone. The cleanup duties had begun and she joined in wondering what was going on.
