the summer things changed

It's My Party

It's 12 a.m on August 14th, my birthday. I sneak downstairs and into my kitchen, pulling out a box of hostess cupcakes and squeezing 14 candles into one. I hated hostess cupcakes, but it's like a tradition for me, every year since my 6th birthday, I snuck downstairs at 12 to sing happy birthday to myself. I light each candle with intention, reflect on previous birthdays, and hope that the next will be better. As I blow out my candle and make my wish, I get a notification.

Bug 🐜
Happy birthday Stevie ❤️

Stevie J. 🎸
Thank you Anthony

Bug 🐜
Are we still on for tonight?

Stevie J. 🎸
Yeah

I made it back to my room and climbed into my bed, and within seconds I fell asleep.

I woke to the smell of chocolate chip pancakes in the air, usually, breakfast meant bad news but there's no way they would ruin my birthday like that, right? Giving in to my curiosity, I got up and got ready before heading downstairs. I sat at my usual spot at the kitchen island and waited for the pancakes to finish.

"Good morning Stevie"

"Good morning, so what's the occasion?"

She took a moment to stacks the pancakes onto a plate for me and slid it to me with a bowl of strawberries. 

"It's your birthday"

I just smiled and started eating my pancakes, when I was done I got up and hugged my mom.

" And what's this for?"

" Because I love you, Thank you"

I headed back upstairs and started getting ready, it was 10 am and I was told to be at the Larusso's at 5, I had plenty of time but I wanted to straighten my hair. I took a very long shower, and after my fifth concert, I decided I should probably get out.  I started the long process of straightening my hair, I only burned myself twice which was an improvement from the last time. After I finished I went downstairs for lunch before picking out what I was gonna wear tonight, Anthony told me to wear something nice in case we decided to go out for dinner, but I didn't want to wear anything too flashy in case we just ended up staying at his house. I settled on a cute top and a skirt. I also decided to put on light makeup...for pictures. When I was finished I headed downstairs, my mom agreed to take me to the house and even extended my curfew a few hours since it was my birthday. When I arrived, I texted Anthony to tell him I was there, I got no response. I couldn't hear the usual bustle of the Larusso house but I could see that their cars were there so I just decided to ring the doorbell.

Two years ago

We waited quietly in the dark dining hall for Harper to bring Anthony, I still had no clue what lies she told him to convince him to come so late but I just hoped that it would work.

"Hold on let me get the lights"

That was our cue, hopefully, no one messes this up

"SURPRISE"

The look on Anthony's face when he realized what was happening was definitely worth the stress of planning and keeping this a secret for the past week. Anthony was feeling especially homesick and wasn't excited for his birthday so I had to make sure it would be one he wouldn't forget.

I made my way over to him.

"Happy birthday bug, I hope this is ok"

"It's perfect"