The Lost Sister ✓ [COMPLETED]

Ch. 20 *Happy Birthday Star!*

LUNA

"So," I swallow my bite of cotton candy, "it's Star's birthday day after tomorrow."

"Oh?" Marko raises an eyebrow, "you do realize that birthdays don't matter, right?"
"Of course they do," I point out, tip toeing around a group of kids who take up a big portion of the pathway.
"Vampire or not, it matters."

Marko chuckles softly. "You're one of a kind, Luna."

We all met up here at the boardwalk, but at some point, Star went her own way, David and the other two guys went to Max's videos store.
And me and Marko decided to get some candy.

Honestly, it's a good thing Star is out of earshot.
It gives me a chance to talk about plans for her birthday.
I want to throw a party in the cave, but to do so, I need help.
That and I need permission from David.

"She hasn't had a proper birthday since she was young," I say, a little saddened by that truth.
I think about all the moments, when it was Star's birthday.
I think about where she was during her birthdays, what she was doing, if she missed us...

Mom and Dad would always throw her a party. With homemade cakes and gifts...
I miss those times.

"And?" Marko stops walking breaking me from my train of thought, "what's your plan?"
I look at him. "I'm gonna get birthday supplies. Oh and," I tap him on his chest, "I want you to get her a present."

"What?!" He says, "oh come on! I don't even know what she likes!"
"Don't fret, I'll help you," I smile, nodding towards the little arts and crafts stand.
Star has pierced ears, so perhaps a pair of earrings will be nice.
Marko can pick them.
I have something else in mind to give Star.

Marko looks literally like this is the last thing he wants to do.
But I'm not letting him off the hook that easy.
We all are gonna get Star a gift.

"Come on," I flutter my eyelashes, giving him my best puppy dog face. "Be a good friend."

For a moment, he wants to resist, but soon he exhales deeply, caving in.
"Alright find, I'll pick something."

"Yay!" I hug him, "thanks!"
I don't notice the hitch in his breath, or the way he tenses from my touch.

I pull away, and we scan the display cases.
"Anything in particular that you like?" The man asks me.
"It's mostly up to him," I nod at Marko, smiling softly.

He kind of smiles too. Though it's faint.
"Oh, is this a gift for your girlfriend?" He asks.
My chest tightens.

He just labeled me as Marko's GIRLFRIEND.
I'm not his girlfriend! We're just good friends.
I open my mouth to speak, but Marko's voice speaks before I can.

"No, it's for my friend's sister," he looks for a moment, until he picks out a metal sea-star shaped set of earrings. "I'll take those ones."

I glance at him from the corner of my eye.
His face is completely blank as he takes the earrings and gives the man money.
He isn't affected by what was just said.
And he shouldn't.

But...why do I feel a little sad?

We take our leave and walk towards where we all agreed to meet.
I look at Marko. "Don't lose those."
"I won't," he looks at me, "am I good now?"
"Yeah," I reply, noticing David coming straight towards us.