Chapter 10

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Jessica's PoV
We flew back to Derry, which I suppose is now officially my 'home'. 
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I woke up feeling happy. Why? It's my 17th birthday! Finally!
I mean, I was a little sad I wasn't with my parents but still!
-
I raced down the stairs.
"Careful love!" Mary yelled from the kitchen.
"Sorry!" I entered the kitchen and threw my arms out. "No need to worry. The birthday girl is here."
"It's your birthday?" Mary had guilt written across her face.
"You didn't know?" I felt like I'd been shit on by a giant.
"I'm only messing with you!" She laughed. I felt a sigh of relief.
"Ah ha ha." I said.
"Of course we didn't forget!" Orla hugged me tightly. "Happy birthday! Here! Open mine first!"
"Okay." I smiled. I took the purple box from her hands, which might I add was heavy! "Jesus Orla!" I sat down at the kitchen table with all eyes on me (all eyes meaning my aunts, cousins, uncle and granda). I took the lid off the present I was looking down at a beautiful pair of green rollerskates.
"Oh wow!" I took them out the box. "Where did you find these?"
"At a charity shop. Mammy got me a pair for Christmas last year! Erin didn't want to go with me, but I thought maybe we could do it together?"
"Of course! I love them!" I hugged her tightly.
"Me next!" Erin pushed the box out the way and slammed down a small blue box in front of me.
I opened it - careful not to rip the paper but Erin got impatient. "There's more paper upstairs! Open it!"
"Erin." Mary warned.
"What?"
"Let her open her present in peace."
"It's okay." I chuckled.  I gave up and tore the paper off. It was a gorgeous silver necklace in the box. It had a green gemstone in the centre of a silver pendant. It was gorgeous!

Next was Sarah. She gave me a voucher to get my hair and nails down with her at her favourite beauticians in Derry.
Then Granda gave me some earrings - with the help of my cousins - or so Orla announced.
"Aunt Mary, where's your present?" Orla asked.
"Here." Gerry handed me a set of car keys. I gasped.
"You got me a car?!" I exclaimed.
"Not quite." Aunt Mary said. I sprinted outside with everyone following me.

"Isn't that dad's car? With a bow on top?" Erin asked.
"We can't afford to buy you a car, but your name is on the insurance now and we're giving your lessons."
"Oh my god! Thank you!" I jumped up and down. I ran up to them and hugged them both. "Thank you."
"No problem, love." Gerry ruffled my hair.
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At school, I was embraced by Michelle upon arriving at school. "Happy birthday! I'm so sorry we couldn't be at your family's funeral."
"But we were thinking about you." James softly smiled.
"Thanks." I smiled back.
"Happy birthday." Clare took me into a hug. She kissed me.
"Girls!" A teacher snapped. "None of that 'business' on school grounds! You hear me! Or it's detention for you both!"
"Jesus. Yes Miss!" I yelled.
-
School was pretty boring if I'm honest. I got yelled at a couple of times because I wasn't paying attention or I was talking too much to my friends.

At home we had a fish supper even though it wasn't Friday, but just because it was my birthday! I couldn't have asked for anything better! Tomorrow uncle Gerry is taking me out for the first driving lesson!

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⏰ Last updated: Jan 19, 2023 ⏰

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