Just As I Am

Nine

Things changed ever since Melissa and I broke up our friendship. For one thing, I had to work harder so that I could get good grades because I was no longer friends with Melissa. I also had to say goodbye to shopping with Melissa. She had graciously allowed me to keep the clothes she had bought me earlier but I knew I wouldn't get any new ones. I couldn't help but think about what Melissa had said earlier on. That I was going to regret breaking my friendship with her. I think I was starting to regret doing that but I know that having no friend is better than having a fake one.

I couldn't wait for my birthday! I was already planning a birthday party. I don't even think Dad knew my birthday was fast approaching.. He always forgot my birthday.

"Hey, Dad", I said when I saw him taking an apple from the fridge.

Dad waved at me.

"Do you know what 21st March is?' I asked Dad.

"Uh..Thursday? Is it a holiday?" Dad guessed.

"No, Dad! It's my birthday! You forgot it, didn't you?"

I knew he had forgotten.

"No. I didn't forget it".

"Dad, don't lie to me. I knew you would forget it. You always do".

I stormed out of the kitchen into my bedroom. After my anger had cooled off, I started making plans for my birthday party.

I woke up extra early on my birthday. Thankfully, it was a Saturday. I did all my morning things and set the place up for my birthday party. Streamers here, balloons there and ribbons over there. Food and drinks were placed on one side of the room. Loudspeakers were on the other side of the room. Even though the place wasn't as big or fancy as Melissa's house, I didn't do a bad job, if I should say so myself.

I don't know how I single-handedly pulled this off, but I did. It wasn't really single-handedly because Dad helped me but I did everything mostly by myself. I couldn't wait for 2:00 p.m. When it was 1:58 p.m, I waited at the door. 2:00 p.m. No one came. 3:00 p.m. Still no one came. 3:30 p.m. I finally gave up and went into the sitting room. Tears were threatening to fall out of my eyes. No one wanted to come to my birthday party.

"Karen, are you alright?" Dad asked me.

I shook my head and burst into tears. Dad pulled me closer and I buried my head into his chest and soaked his shirt with my tears but he didn't mind. After my crying fit, I managed to tell Dad what the problem was.

"No one came to my birthday party", I told Dad.

"Maybe it's too early", Dad said.

"Dad it's 3:35 and the party was supposed to start at 2:00".

"Okay. I have something for you", Dad said, motioning for me to follow him.

I followed him, curiousity building up with every step I took. We finally arrived at our destination. The garage. My eyes widened in surprise at the sight I saw. In the garage, was a Kia Sportage.

"Is that mine?' I asked.

Dad nodded and I pulled him into a bear hug, something I hadn't done in quite a long time.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much!" I gushed.

"You're welcome".

"Wait. How did you know I needed a car?"

My Dad was bad at giving presents. When Mum was alive, she always helped me decide on what gift to give me and vice versa.

"Paula told me".

"Paula?"

"Yes, Paula. The girl from our church. The one with black hair and....."

"Dad, I know who she is".

How did Paula know I needed a car?

"Since no one's coming to your birthday party, what do you think about both of us going on a picnic?"

"Dad, I thought you were busy. What are we going to do with all this food?"

"I can't be too busy on my daughter's birthday and we'll have an eating contest, just the two of us".

We then jumped into Dad's car and headed towards the local park.