Oh, Heather

Chapter Thirteen

Heather’s birthday was coming up that Friday, and her friends were determined to give her a great birthday party. 

“Oh come on. You’re turning 18, we have to give you a party.” Miley explained.
“We could just do something small.” Leo added.
“We could just do it at your house, I bet your mom wouldn’t mind.” Vance said.
“Fine. I’ll ask her.”
“Yay! We have to go shopping for decorations.”
“Let me ask her first, then we can.”
“Okay! But I’m going gift shopping later today, even if she says no.” 
“I think you enjoy this more than I do.” Heather laughed.

“She enjoys everything more than any of us.”
“Well I’m sorry, would you rather me hate everything?”
“Sometimes I think that would be better.” Leo replied.
“Rude!” She scoffed.
“I’m just kidding Miley.” 
“You need to sound less serious then.”

He lightly shoved her, jokingly rolling his eyes. Everyone made their way to their fifth period class with a promise to meet up before going home. Fortunately, they all walked home, so nobody would miss their bus. Heather and Vance got there first, and Miley and Leo showed up not long after.

“I asked my mom if it was fine and she agreed. So if you guys don’t have to be home by a certain time we can go shopping now.” she said.
“My moms won’t mind.”
“My dad’s probably asleep, and he won’t notice anyway.”
“My parents won’t care either.” 

They walked to Heather’s first, dropping off their things and letting Heather get her money. They made it to the store, wasting no time to head for the party section. They left with bags full of red party decorations, plates, and a tablecloth. All of the things they bought had “18” written along the side. They made it back to Heather’s, storing everything in her closet. Miley, Leo, and Vance left, determined to get her something before Friday. They spent the next hour trying to find a good set of gifts. Miley got her a book while Leo and Vance got her art supplies. It wasn’t much, but Heather told the three not to get her a lot. 

That Friday at school, they talked about what they were going to do for the party. Heather once again reminded them that she didn’t want it to be a huge thing. When they made it to lunch, Miley started writing down their ideas.

“She has to have cake. Obviously.”
“I’m not a big dessert person.” She replied.
“You don’t have to eat it, but it has to be there.” 
“And someone is going to smash a cupcake in your face. Rather it’s one of us or your mom, I’ll make sure of it.” Leo said.
“If any of you do it, I’ll get you back.” She threatened.
“I bet you will, Heather.” He joked.

She walked to chemistry, hoping it would go by quickly. But of course, that was never the case. They had to do more partner work. To Heather, every moment she had to spend with Jada was like walking barefoot on legos. But, she did her best to stay calm. 

“Happy birthday, by the way.” Jada mumbled.
“Hm?” Heather asked, looking up from the paper.
“I said happy birthday.” 
“Thank you?” She hesitated.

Jada rolled her eyes, taking the paper from Heather and answering the rest of the questions. She wasn’t sure what to say. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered more each time they talked, she wondered if they’d ever go away. She didn’t mention that to her friends, and she wasn’t sure that she ever would. After school, Miley, Leo, and Vance walked home with Heather to help decorate. They strung the banner between the walls of the hallway. They evenly distributed the plates, silverware, and cups on each side of the table. Miley’s moms, Sara and Vanessa, were invited. They contributed cupcakes to the large group of desserts. The cake, cupcakes, cookies, and pie all sat in the middle of the table with random table decorations around. Heather refused to let them sing happy birthday to her, but they made her blow out candles. As she was blowing them out, Alyssa reached for a cupcake, pushing it onto her nose the moment she sat up.

“Mom!” She yelled.
“Gotcha.” She replied, taking a photo of the pale red icing dripping from her nose.

She immediately grabbed a napkin, wiping away the icing. 

“I told you someone was gonna get you, I meant it.” Leo said.
“I hate you guys.” She joked.
“We love you too Heather.” Miley replied.
“We have to get photos before we eat the cake. Mom, will you take the photo please?”
“Sure Heather.”

They took a few photos with Heather holding her cake. She took two with her friends, one was with her brother as well. And she took a third with her mother. She printed them out, also posting them on her instagram. This was the best birthday she had in a while.
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This was  a fun chapter to write, hope you enjoy!