Emotional Butterfly

t w e n t y o n e

Birthday Bash-

The week had flown by in a whirlwind, and before I knew it, it was Friday. Thankfully, I had managed to keep emotional stress at bay for the most part. Well, "mostly" is the better word—Kevin was an exception. I had expertly avoided him since he came back the day after our last encounter. As for Austin, he seemed determined to be a constant distraction. Despite my best efforts to ignore him, his relentless pranks and playful tricks made it nearly impossible.

Today, however, was all about celebrating Cam's birthday, and I was ready to embrace the festivities. It had been ages since I had been to a party like this, and I was looking forward to it, especially after Kevin’s infamous apology. I tried hard to banish thoughts of him from my mind. It was easier now that I was keeping myself busy, and hopefully, in time, I'd completely move past my feelings for him.

But back to birthdays. I absolutely love my birthday, especially the gifts and the attention. Who doesn't enjoy being the center of attention? The excitement builds as my birthday month approaches, but oddly enough, I always end up crying on the day itself. And don’t get me started on the birthday cake. I might get a single bite before everyone else devours it. Seriously, let the birthday girl have her cake first!

My thoughts were interrupted by my phone blowing up and the honk of a car. Rachel had messaged me, saying she was here, and we needed to leave to get to Celestie’s house for the party. Celestie was throwing a surprise birthday bash for her boyfriend. Calling for Jade, I exited my room.

"Jade, let's go! Rachel's outside," I yelled.

"I'm coming. Stop shouting like a dying hyena, Vinny," my sister retorted from her room. Our parents weren’t home yet. Mom, a doctor, was likely spending the night at the hospital, and Dad had plans with his friends. So it was just Jade and me.

A few minutes later, we were seated in the backseat of Rachel's car.

"Hey, genius Emerson," Sierra greeted Jade from the passenger seat.

"Hey, baby Jones," Jade replied, while Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Hi, Jones genes," I greeted them.

"Back at you, Emerson," Rachel responded.

"Ready to party, Vinny?" Sierra asked enthusiastically.

"Hell yeah!" I replied.

"We all love to party, but it must be tough for Jade, right Jade?" Rachel teased while driving.

"Well, you know me too well, Rachel. I could be using this time to read more about the African continent, but instead, I have to attend the party," Jade whined like a child.

"It's for Cameron, Jade. You know he'd be upset if you didn’t come," Sierra reminded her, and Jade rolled her eyes.

"He’d be like, 'Where's the best Emerson? Where is she, Vinny?'" I said, mimicking Cameron’s voice. We all laughed at that.

When we arrived at the venue, Celestie greeted us. She was rocking a short yellow dress that reached mid-thigh.Celestie’s rocking that dress like she’s on a runway. I’m half expecting paparazzi to show up any minute.
Cameron is definitely going to like seeing her in it.

"Hey, sugar momma!" Rachel said.

"Well, well, isn’t our Celestie looking hot as fire?" I added. She blushed as we hooted for her.

"Thanks. I hope I don’t look like a clown," Celestie said nervously.

"You look beautiful, with a capital B," Jade complimented her, and Si agreed.