Three Brood Instigators

53. Hot Party

Chapter 5: Redemption & Compromises

It was January already, Clayne knew it was the best time to get away and refuse waking up, but, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

"Oh, guys," Clayne cringed for January 13. "You didn't have to."

"Maybe we shan't, but congratulations Clayne, now, you've just reached puberty," Febby celebrated.

"You are 13 now, motherfucker," Herman patted.

"Hehe, look at you, big guy," Ben said.

"Yeah, yeah," Clayne touched his head. "No cake?"

"Man, we ain't gonna celebrate like some typical McDonald's birthday celebration, man!" Drock argued. "Are we done, ye? I am going back."

Drock left, just like that. "Well, look who's determined for something," Febby said. "You can stay here, right, Goran?"

"I own my market, I can work anytime," Goran reminded. "Of course, unless it's an emergency, so, mhe, it's fine."

"So, Clayne, since you are presumed to be in puberty, how do you feel?" she asked, Clayne blanked. "Clayne?"

"Wut? Sorry, I, you guys disturbed my sleep, that is why," Clayne said.

"Well, you are officially—according to the entire world—a teenager now," Febby said. "Have any bucket list in mind?"

"Bucket list, the fuck is that?" Clayne asked.

"Seriously Clayne, don't you at least know some things about every American kid's dream?" Rob asked.

"I have a bucket list too," Goran said. "But uhm, I don't write them. I keep them in my brain, you know, that sort of thing."

"Yeah, yeah, guys, to be honest, I don't need that shit. I am 13, I am old enough to make my own plans, so what?" Clayne asked.

"You've entered a new life, pal," Herman patted again. "It is important to have... some commemoration... some life goals," Herman said. "What is your vision, purpose?"

"Man, that's some typical parenting bullshit," Clayne swayed

"Oh, Clayne, Clayne, Clayne, did you just take some cocaine or something, you have a weird head," Febby implied.

"I do?" Clayne was confused, touching around his head after.

"I was referring, metaphorically," she said.

"Well, I am up to do the working, not answering some schoolbooks questions," Clayne said.

"Alright then, if you liked working so bad, Ethan told us that some nerds are having a sweet 12 nerdy birthday party up the hills, said that they are starting some charity program. But of course, knowing how lame they look, I don't care if it is up to no good—your birthday deserves better," Febby said. "So?" she approached. "Are you up to it?"

"Uhm, uhm," Clayne took the time to decide. "Uhh, sure, ok, ok," he immediately said. "Why did you look up close like that?"

"Nothing, just wanna know if you have the right mind to decide,"

"HAHAHA!" Herman laughed suddenly. "Sorry."

"It should be easy, nerds love experiments, probably something is worth stealing," Goran described.