It's Billy's Favorite

Chapter VIII

Billy's birthday was two days away and I could feel Jane turn to excited to exhaustion. She worked a little around the neighborhood to make money so she could get him a present. She wanted to steal one but I convinced her not to. She also bought things from the grocery store so we could have food to eat at his party. She also prepared a pizza delivery and paid for everything. My mother kept going to the club or the bar and every night she left grandma took us out to eat. The day before his birthday Jane didn't go to school but grabbed the ingredients for his birthday pie and birthday breakfast. When I got home she was picking what outfit to wear.
  "You didn't go to school?" I asked. "I couldn't. Too much stuff to deal with." "Alright. You need to stop stressing why are you so fixed on this party?" "Well, I'm trying to make myself proud I guess. Mom always takes care of his birthday but now that he is older I actually want him to enjoy. I have to admit his other birthday's I wished something bad would happen just so it wasn't perfect. But this time I just I can't stand it. Rose keeps trying to act like she's better but she's not. I want Billy to learn from me not her." "You're not his mother though." "I might as well be. I feed him, bathe him, change him, help him fall asleep. I mean I more than she is at least." "Just don't stress it will be good. He's gonna have a great time we're gonna get this day over with and then everything will be back to normal." "I guess so." "Please don't ditch school. I'm worried I have to look out for a letter so mom doesn't lose her shit." "Yeah we should expect a letter. But it's fine. She's too drunk to notice me." "Alright well since she's not going to be home I'm going out with Enzo. Want to come?" "No I'm fine." "Alright. I'll be home in a few hours."
Enzo and I skated for awhile and drank milkshakes.
"Alright I have a serious question." Enzo said. "I'm listening." "Did you see that girl in English class?" "Which one?" "The girl with the black hair." "Oh yeah." "What's her name?" "Bella." "She's so fine." "Ask her out." "Dude I can't do that." "Why not? She's really nice I've known her since kindergarten." "I think she has a boyfriend." "What makes you think that?" "That football player always is with her in the halls." "Jack?" "Is that his name?" "Yeah I've seen them. He has a girlfriend but Jack is a fucking dick. He probably is just talking to Bella because she might be on his list." "I really like her." "Go ask her out. She's really nice and funny." "Do you like any chicks?" "Eh I'm not interested in anyone from school. Besides I had this one crush on this girl Maddie and she fucking embarrassed me in front of the school." "How so?" "Well, I asked her out in fifth grade and she just screamed really loudly and said she had a boyfriend." "Damn. That's harsh. She still around?" "Yeah, she always gives me looks. I can't stand her or all her friends." "I should find you someone." "I'm good." "You're boring. When I was in fifth grade I had so many girlfriends. Not at the same time, but they all adored me." "So now you want Bella?" "I just want to hangout with her. Those other girls were popular and I just wanted to fit in. But she seems genuine, and she's like fucking stunning." "Hmmm. I should probably head home soon." "Alright man. I'll see you tomorrow. Is there a dress code?" "No dude. Just wear what you always do." "Noted. See you tomorrow."
When I got home my mother was in the kitchen cutting apples.
"Where did you go?" "I spent time with my friend?" "Who?" "Enzo." "I don't know him." "Yeah. I've tried to talk about him with you but you've always shrugged me off." "Fine. Explain I want to know who he is." "His name is Enzo Giordano, he's my age, skateboards, and is coming to the party tomorrow." "And when we're you going to tell me that?" "I tried a little ago but you went out." "So you couldn't stopped me." "Sure. Next time I will." "Is he going to be a problem?" "No he just wants to hangout with me. He won't do anything bad." "Good. Because that spotlight is reserved for Billy." "Yes, I know." "I need you to wake up early." "4 am I know." "And make sure you look nice tomorrow. Like take a shower and brush your hair." "Yes." "I'll wrap the gifts before Billy wakes up. Is your sister making pancakes?" "That's what she said she was going to make." "Good. Go to bed."
When I went to bed I looked at my sky roof. My room had a small one that never opened because the handle was stuck but I didn't want to open it. I didn't want any potential rain dripping on my floor. The moon was pretty tonight and peaceful. I stared for hours until I fell asleep to the sounds of crickets and frogs burping outside. There was also the sound of strong wind and coyotes. I've seen them all over the place eating rabbits or trying to intimidate the neighbors dog. When I woke up no sun had shined yet. But I heard my mother doing dishes in the kitchen. When I went in I saw the time being 4:15.
  "Good you're up. The pie is almost done go wake up your sister. Today is a big day."
  When I walked in my sister's room she was organizing.
  "Mom says it's time to get up." "I know. I'll be there in a few minutes. Don't wake Billy." "I know."