An Artistic Duo

Chapter 7

Monday, July 2

I woke up to the sound of whispers and hushed tones, but before I opened my eyes, I realized what was happening and kept them closed.

"Shhh, okay, 1-2-3!" I heard Alessa say then they all started singing the famous birthday song.

I opened my eyes and gave my three friends a smile. "Thanks guys," I said.

Alessa sat on my bed and sad, "So how does it feel to be seventeen like the rest of us?"

I rolled my eyes and shrugged. "I don't feel any different, but its still my birthday so who cares!" I exclaimed.

Suddenly, there was an announcement that class was starting in twenty minutes. I jumped out of my bed and gave my so called friends looks. "Why didn't you guys wake me up earlier?" I shouted.

"It's your birthday," Kelsey said like that should explain everything.

They looked at me like I was the crazy one when I jumped out of my bed and started getting ready at lightning speed. When I was done, we went over to the School and went our separate ways.

I sat down in the seat next to Eli, and readied myself for torture.

"Birthday girl!" Eli greeted with an annoying smile on his face. "How does it it feel to finally be a big kid now?"

I made a face at him and turned around to face the front just as Bailey called for attention.

"Hello, artists," she said. "Today, we'll be working through the entire period, practice makes perfect!"

I turned my head to Eli who was standing up to go get supplies. "Would you get me an easel and paint?" I asked. "I am the 'Birthday Girl.'"

He laughed and shook his head as he walked away, coming back with only enough stuff for him. Asshole.

After class was over, I stopped by the Center House to sign up for a time slot for tomorrow, but when I realized that no one was there, I worked on my half for a bit, making sure not to look at Eli's. I am a trustworthy person. When I was done, I went back to my cabin. When I opened my door, I jumped as people yelled, "Surprise!"

Our small cabin was decorated with a sign on the back wall that said 'Happy Birthday Lace!' with drawings all over it. There was a cake and chips on the one desk we had and the beds had been pushed back to the wall to make more room. There were only about fifteen people there, but it still looked crowded in our small cabin.

"Thanks guys," I said with a smile and walked over to Alessa. "I know you did this," I said to her.

"Now is that any way to treat someone who went through all this for your special day?" She said gesturing to everything around us.

"I wanted to keep it on the down low," I reminded her.

She shrugged. "Too late for that now, so just have fun!"

Someone turned on the music and Alessa danced away to talk to some other people. I rolled my eyes at her retreating back but smiled. This was a nice party or get together type thing, and people did seem to be having a good time so far. Maybe I should just enjoy myself.

I walked over to a girl I knew, and started talking to her for a little bit, then started rotating around the room. Then I saw Kelsey standing alone and went in her direction.

"Hey, why are you standing all alone!" I asked.

She glanced around, "I don't know anyone here other than Alessa and Bianca," she said.