The Beaten and The Ginger

15. The Birthday Party

Note from author: This chapter is 2662 words.

Today was the day. Simon is going to Jack's house.

Not for Jack. It's his sister's birthday today. He was invited to the party, and he was asked to help set up the party.

Now, Simon is sitting in the passenger seat of Jack's car. He was nervously fiddling with his fingers while Jack blared rock music.

Jack was a decent driver save for a little speeding and the music that hurt his head.

Jack pulled into his driveway, parking his car with little thought as to where it was. They both got out of the car and went to the front door.

The house was basically a mansion. Everything was clean and shiny, including the patches of flowers that were in the front yard.

The inside was even more incredible. It was a modern home with all the marble and pizzazz.

Jack had already started walking to the back of the house and Simon followed him.

"What do your parents do for a living?" Simon asked.

"They own some companies or something. I'm supposed to inherit them." Jack replied.

They went out to the backyard where Jack's parents were. Jack's mom looked like an older female version of Jack. She had the height, freckles, and red hair that Jack did. His father was a brunette, but still taller than his wife.

They looked over at Simon and Jack.

"Hey, Jack." Mrs. Merridew said. "Is this your little friend?"

"Yes, Mum. His name is Simon."

"Nice to meet you, Simon. Jack, can you and Simon set up the tables and games? Your cousins won't arrive till 5:00."

"Yes, Dad." Jack went to get the games out and Simon started to set up the foldable tables.

Mr. Merridew went inside to speak on a phone call and Mrs. Merridew spoke to Jack.

"I'm going to pick up Olivia from school. Try to set everything up by 4:30. We will put out the food once your cousins get here." She went into the garage and her car engine started.

Simon had finished setting up both of the tables. One for presents and one for the food.

Jack walked over to him. "Did you set them up right?"

"Yes," Simon replied.

Simon followed Jack and helped him set up the rest of the party. Once they were done, Jack groaned and sat down on the top of a small play set. Simon stood around a little awkwardly. He had only come because Olivia wanted him at her party.

"I'm bored." Jack said suddenly.

"Okay?"

"What do you want to do?"

Simon shrugged. Jack rolled his eyes. "What do you even do in your free time?"

Simon shrugged again.

"Fine. I'll give you a house tour." Jack stood up and went inside with Simon behind him.

"Why are we doing this? I won't be at your house again," Simon asked.

"You might. We need to waste time anyway."

Simon followed and let Jack tell him all about his house and family. He never really paid attention though. He would never need to know about Auntie Ella or Jack's dead great-grandparents.

"Do you want to go to the basement or the second floor next?" Jack asked after his long rant.

"Basement," Simon said. He doubted there was anything interesting on the second floor besides a few bedrooms.