When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 28: Serena's Heartfelt Secret

Fall 29

I rummaged through my dresser looking for something nice to wear this evening for Sera and Serena's birthday party tonight. Sadly though, most of my nice, party-type clothes had been replaced with maternity wear. There had to be something in here!

I eventually pulled out a black empire-waisted flowy dress that was just below the knees with long bell sleeves. I pondered at it for a moment before nodding to myself. I quickly slipped the dress on, accenting it with a baby pink belt so it didn't look like I was going to a funeral.

Though my belly wasn't completely hidden, the dress did make me appear a little smaller. I looked in the mirror before I decided to apply some neutral makeup to enhance my facial appearance. I studied myself a bit more before placing a pink, silky headband on my head.

I strapped on a pair of black one-inch heeled ankle boots and grabbed the two perfectly wrapped birthday presents from my desk. I looked at my appearance in the mirror again, smiling slightly, before leaving my room and waddling downstairs, where my parents were laughing about something. They turned their attention towards me with bright faces.

"You look great, Clara!" Mom exclaimed.

"You do." Dad began, "Have fun!" He exclaimed, a blush rose to my face.

"Thanks, mom, dad. I'll see you after the party!" And with that, I left the farmhouse for the celebration.

-

I made my way to the port, where I was greeted with a balloon arch, some music from a nearby record player, and a few tables. One of the tables, I noticed, was for presents, and the other one was a buffet table with a sheet of orange cupcakes at the end. There were also some smaller round tables for guest seating. I looked back at the balloon arch in fascination. It was nicely made.

"Hi, Clara!" Sera welcomed me. I looked over at her from the balloon arch with a smile.

"Oh, hey, Sera!" I exclaimed before looking behind her. "Where's Serena?"

"Bathroom. She went in not too long ago, but she shouldn't be long! I'll let her know you're here. Until then, have fun! Help yourself to some food, dance, oh, and just put your presents on the table with the rest of them!" I smiled and nodded as Sera went back to mingle with her other guests. I placed my gifts on the table.

"Good evening, Clara!" I looked over towards Ray. Though his appearance didn't really surprise me, considering what happened to Leonel and me at his party. I'm pretty sure the adults are going to be supervising our parties—at least until our eighteenth birthday.

"Hey, Ray!" I greeted, as he smiled.

"Did you walk here by yourself?" He asked as I noticed Yue approaching behind him with her arms crossed.

"Do not do this today." she scolded him through gritted teeth. Ray jumped in surprise, turning towards her.

"Yue? W-what are you doing here?" He asked slightly nervously as I noticed Yue's eye twitch in annoyance.

"Today is my daughters' birthday. Did you just ask me what I'm doing here?" Yue asked in annoyance and anger. I noticed Ray becoming slightly nervous.

"Ah...I-I never..." But before Ray could finish.

"You're right. You never think! You don't realize how much this divorce has hurt us!" Tears began to stream down Yue's face.

"I loved you, Ray. But I'm starting to think you don't really know what love is." I shifted awkwardly as Yue noticed.

"Sorry you had to see and hear that, Clara." Yue said, wiping her teary face.