The weather was dreary. Rain poured heavily onto the open Manitoba plains and thunder rolled in the sky above. But the dull atmosphere did nothing to dampen Fletcher's mood as he practically floated into Jesse and Jennifer's living room. Today was a good day, a special day, and there was nothing that could bring him down. His friends were all sprawled out in various places across the room, looking about as gloomy as things did outside.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" He exclaimed, hardly taking note of their bored expressions as he came to a stop behind the couch. "Beautiful day, isn't it?"
"How is he more cheerful than normal?" Jack muttered, turning another page of his book.
Jesse paused the game on his GameBoy Advance and tilted his head back to get a proper look at his friend.
"What's got you in such a good mood, man?" He queried.
Fletcher's excitement bubbled over. He could barely hold back his words as he tried to let some anticipation build.
"It's June!" He cheered, and the smile that lit up his face would have been enough to light the house, had the lights not already been turned on. A knowing grin crept across Jesse's own face as he caught on. The others were not as quick to understand. They looked up at him with questioning looks.
"Okay?" Jack wrinkled his nose. "And?"
Fletcher remained undeterred as he patiently explained.
"And that means there're only twenty more days until I'm twenty two!" He paused to let out an ecstatic squeak. "It'll be my birthday!"
Immediately the expressions of those around him softened.
"Oh, that's right!" Wren said. "Happy...early birthday?"
"Thank you!" Fletcher beamed, making his way over to the study. "Oh, there's so much to figure out! What should we do? We could make a day trip to Birds Hill Park, we could go to Gimli Beach—no, too many of us don't like the beach—hmmm let's see..." His voice faded into the background as the other five exchanged amused looks.
"Man," Jack shook his head. "The way he treats birthdays, you'd think they were Christmas or something!"
"Birthdays have always been a big thing to Fletcher," Jesse grinned. "He grew up in a house where they're a big deal, and he likes to make sure everyone's gets celebrated. He sees it as their day to feel special."
"Huh. Yeah," Jack replied, and Jesse arched a brow at the rueful tone that crept into his voice.
"He always gets nervous around mine," Jennifer chimed in.
"Can't imagine why," her brother muttered under his breath.
"Hey!" Jennifer launched herself at him, but Jesse was faster. He swiftly stood, dodging her attack, and made his way over to the kitchen.
"Alright. What do we want for lunch? I can whip up a pretty mean pizza?"
The group collectively murmured their agreement and Jesse set to work.
Half an hour later the group was spread out between the dining room and the kitchen, slices of Jesse's freshly baked pizza in hand. Fletcher took a seat across from Jack at the dining room table, still going on about his birthday plans. Just then he paused, a thoughtful look coming into his eyes. He looked directly at Jack just as he took another bite of his pizza.
"Wait a second," Fletcher said. "Jack—I don't think we've ever celebrated your birthday! More than a year has passed since you guys have been with us, so you have to have had one. And somehow it got totally overlooked! Oh no, I'm so sorry! So when is it?"
