Taken | Emmi Butler

one

Emmi

I remember the day like it was yesterday, the birthday that went from happy to horrifying within hours. My dad was vlogging in the front seat about the days plans, his old habit of filming while driving peeking its way back into our lives. "In honor of little Loofus turning eight," he had said, "we're off to the waterpark!"

I remember how excited we all were, the joy painted onto our faces as if we'd never been so thankful and happy. I remember how Avia was wearing her red leotard rather than a bathing suit, her blue Trixin top hanging loosely from her shoulders. Brock and Daxton were both giggling, and Gavin was happily listening to his iPod as we drove along the unpopulated Idaho highway. I was wearing my favorite black and white striped one piece, the one with the pink heart in the middle. My hair was in a high ponytail, like the ones Mom would do for our cheer performances. My Shaytards towel was on my lap, my ankles crossed. I stared ahead out the window, trying to calm the excited aura in my brain while we drove. I couldn't contain it that well, though. We were going to the waterpark, perhaps the best place in my little mind!

We were meeting our grandparents and cousins there at the park, where we had reserved a cabana specifically for today. My Olaf-shaped birthday cake was in the trunk, surrounded by my presents and the rest of our supplies. I remember how special I felt when I picked out the plates and party hats with Mom, just the two of us at the store. I rarely got moments like those with her, considering I had so many siblings.

"Emmi, what are you going on first?" Avia whispered. I noticed Dad was still vlogging, the camera faced towards me. I made a silly face at the camera before he shut it off and began to talk to Mom. 

"The wave pool," I said to Avia, already picturing the chlorinated waters and how I'd try to jump the artificial waves. My goal was to successfully jump three of them, seeing as I'd always fall into them rather than over during my previous attempts. "I'm going to finally jump the waves!"

"Good luck, Em," Mom's beautiful laugh was heard from the front seat.

"Thanks," I giggled. "Are we almost there? I'm so excited!"

It was Dad's turn to laugh that time, nodding. "We'll be there in about ten minutes. Prepare to have fun!"

I heard my brothers and big sister cheer, making me erupt into happiness once again.

I thought it would be the best birthday I had ever had.

-

"Mommy, I jumped the waves!" I ran up to my mom, my smile as big as the state of California. "I actually did it this time!"

"Good job, honey!" She beamed, hugging my tightly. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Dad vlogging us, his smile big as well.

"High-five, Loof!" He chuckled, holding his hand out. I slapped his hand with a toothy grin, quickly going back to find Avia in the pool again.

We stayed in the wave-pool for hours, enjoying the beautiful weather and sunshine that accompanied us. Avia and I were both having the time of our lives, that is, until Mom called us out to check up on us.

"C'mon," Avia grabbed my hand. "We should go do something else, anyway."

I nodded in agreement, letting Avia lead me over to where Mom was sitting in a chair with Daxton. She put more sunscreen on Avia and I, giving us both kisses. Dad was with the boys in another area of the park, and our relatives were off as well.

"Mom, can Emmi and I go over there?" Avia had asked her, pointing to a waterslide across the park. I can instantly recall her tone of voice, and how animatedly she was talking. "Please?"