Anybody but Me (DISCONTINUED)

15: Minor Complications

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Charlotte and Chase, happy birthday to you!"

My brother and I blow out our candles, beaming like idiots. This is the first time that we've been out of costume in public since we've gotten here. Usually, we would stay in our wigs and odd clothes, and when we got home everything would be back to normal. Same short shorts with comfy plain tee for me (hot pink), and same soccer jersey with running shorts for him.

Our birthday party is at Pizza Pizza. Dad brought along a confetti cake that we're cutting right now. It's Chase's favourite. It was his year to pick the flavour.

Sometimes, I wonder if he's really turning 15 with me.

I think I'm the last person to turn 15. Usually sophomores are supposed to turn 16, but I'm not even 15 yet! This is sad.

I know you're not supposed to tell people your birthday wish, or else you'll jinx it. You can only say it after it comes true. Which means I can't say it now. Don't worry, it's a totally stupid wish.

Chase hands me a slice of cake. It was circle, of course. One thing Chase and I agree on is that birthday cakes have to be round. Our cake this year has dark purple icing (both mine and Chase's favourite colour) with the words 'Happy Birthday!' written in perfect cursive writing, with white icing. My mom could be a professional baker or chef. She can decorate, and she can cook.

I cut off a piece of cake, stab it with my fork and turn to Chase, who's doing the same thing. "Cheers!" I tell him, tapping my piece of cake with his before shoving it in my mouth. Of course, Chase's cake is already half gone. My brother can eat, and he can eat fast.

"Thank goodness I was smart and didn't challenge you to a cake eating contest." I grin at Chase, relieved. The only time I've ever made that mistake was when we were 4, having our very first piece of cake.

I know what you're thinking. 'Can Charlotte eat fast?'

The answer is NO.

I can eat normal speed or slow, take your pick. But I didn't know that. I also didn't know  that Chase could've out eaten a full grown grizzly bear when he was 4. So basically, by the time I had just put the first bite in my mouth, he was finishing off his last piece at an impossibly high speed.

"You should've! Awwww...." Chase pouts, bringing me back to reality.

"You know you would've won, right?" I tell him.

"Well, duh. A snail eats faster than you. Anything eats faster than you!"

"You're forgetting the fact that you eat faster than...uh...something that eats super super fast!"

"Wow, so specific." Chase rolls his eyes, but he's grinning.

My phone dings, and I take it out. There's a message from Blake.

BlakeTheMaster: hey where r u

I reply. Heyitsamanda15 (that's my screen name for Amanda): family took me out to dinner

His reply comes about a second later.

BlakeTheMaster: where

Heyitsamanda15: pizza pizza why

BlakeTheMaster: idk just curious

'He's just curious?' I think, puzzled. Who texts someone just because they're curious?

I just ignore it and continue eating my cake. It's not like it's that big of a deal.

"Char, can we open presents yet? Please?" Chase begs excitedly. "You eat so slowly, and I can't wait any longer! Please? Please? Please? Please? Plea-"