More Than A Memory

Annabelle Baker Before

Annabelle Baker Before

Today was my 8th birthday and I was freaking excited. I don't know it yet but I'm pretty sure my parents got me a necklace. Not just any necklace. The necklace that Taylor Swift just advertised for. I've been nagging them about it for a month now and I'm positive that they have to get me the necklace. Oh my gosh I sound like a spoiled kid right now don't I? Well I've got news for you, Taylor Swift is awesome.

Although that's not the thing I am most excited about. It's the thing Michael said he was going to do for me. He told me it was going to be a surprise and that I would love it. I kept begging him to tell me but for a 9 year old he sure does know how to keep a secret. Not even after I offered him some pancake. Michael loves pancakes. If they outlawed pancakes I think he would die. Literally.

I close my eyes when I saw footsteps coming closer. The only reason I was still in bed was because I could hear my parents making me breakfast and they were just outside my door like 30 minutes ago. My dad was planning on surprising me by waking me up early which would have been the worst thing he could ever do. But my mom suggested to make me breakfast in bed. My dad agreed and I was stuck in bed for 30 minutes just waiting on my breakfast.

The door opened and my dad comes in with a tray. There was a plate with waffles on them and a small vase with red roses. My favorite flower. There were strawberries and bananas and orange juice.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They said in unison.

My dad put the tray in front me. I pretend to be shocked even though I already knew. My mom handed me a present. It was wrapped in wrapping paper with the words HAPPY BIRTHDAY written all over it. I was kind of disappointed because it was way to big to be a necklace. Although it could be a necklace and other stuff.  

I smiled, "Oh my gosh thanks mom and dad."

"Open it," my mom said.

I nodded and started unwrapping my present. At first I got kind of excited because it looked like a black box. Maybe they were throwing me off with a huge present but when I open it, it's actually a necklace. That was when I opened the black box. It was a huge box of popcorn. Yes popcorn.

Ok I have to admit I love the present. I freaking love popcorn. It's like how much Michael loves pancakes except it's with popcorn. I was a little disappointed because it was a necklace but once my dad got it open and I got first dibs it was the most amazing thing I had ever tasted.

"Thanks guys." I said.

"That was only your appetizer," my dad said winking.

I looked at them confused, "what do you mean?"

"We didn't want to spoiled anything," my mom said, "but from what I heard from Delilah what Michael's going to be giving you is huge."

Delilah was Michael's mom. She is so sweet and in my opinion the best person in the world. Only because she's the one that helped Michael and I become best friends. Now I wonder what Michael was getting me. It can't be that huge. I mean he's only 9.

~~~~

After 4 cakes and 10 presents, I was stuffed and very happy. Although none of them was a necklace. Oh well I got myself some money and clothes that'll last the whole year. It was getting dark and Michael still hasn't come over and wished me a happy birthday. Had he thought it was tomorrow? No he couldn't. He never forgets my birthday. Could he have gotten hurt? And they say his present was going to be huge. I was waiting all day for him to bring in his 'huge' present but he never even showed. Not even when they sang happy birthday. This is the first time he missed it. Where could he be?

Suddenly a van pulled up in my driveway.

Who's car was that? It looked like the Harrington's car but I wasn't sure. There's one thing that I'm sure of and that the guy climbing out of the van with about ten balloons in his hands was Michael. I jumped off the couch and opened the door. Michael had ran from the van to the house and was about to ring the bell.

"Happy Birthday Annabelle." he said and handed me the balloons.

I grabbed them happily and pulled him inside. His parents were still just getting out the car and probably laughing at how ridiculous Michael looked running with 10 balloons in his arms. I would too if I wasn't so happy that he was finally here.

"Come on," I said, "I saved you a piece of cake."

We ran down to the kitchen where my mom was already cutting some cake for us to eat.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, "but I had football tryouts."

I looked at him confused, "football? since when? How come you never told me?"

He laughed, "I only tried out today. I'm the shortest today. Can you believe it? And I didn't tell you because I didn't know if I got on the team."

"Did you?" I asked excitedly.

He shrugged, "let's just say I kick footballs like I eat pancakes."

I screamed, "oh my gosh Michael I'm so proud of you."

We ate our piece of cake while our parents talked in the living room. It seemed like we couldn't run out of things to talk about. We talked about his football team and how he made new friends. I wasn't afraid of him stop being my friend or anything. I knew he'd be there for me no matter what.

Then finally Michael had an idea, "How about I give you my present."

I looked at him confused, " I thought the balloons were your presents?"

He laughed, "please this is going to be so special you'll be begging me to be your best friend for the rest of your life."

He handed me a small rectangle looking box that was wrapped in all red. It wasn't wrapped neatly of course. I opened it immediately not really caring what was in it. It was always homemade and I couldn't blame him. It wasn't like he had a job or anything.

But when I opened it, I totally wasn't expecting a soft black box that my dad gave my mom jewelry in. Could it be? I opened it and the sparkle of the necklace sparkled back at me. I looked at Michael smiling and shocked. I couldn't believe he got me the necklace. The Taylor Swift necklace that I've always wanted.

"How did you get it?" I asked still a little dazed.

He shrugged, "it only took about two months worth of allowance but it was priceless to see the look on your face. I know how much you wanted it."

I couldn't believe he went that far just to get me a necklace. He was the most sweetest friend I have ever. I was the luckiest person on earth.

"Hey you haven't blow out the candles yet." he suddenly said.

I laughed, "Michael I blew it out hours ago. You just weren't here."

He shook his head, "but that means you should blow out the candles again. I still have to see it."

So I called mom over and she took out the remainder of the cake, stuck a candle in it, and lit it. Then Michael and our parents started singing happy birthday. 

"Make a wish," Michael said when they were done.

'I wish Michael and I stay friends forever' and blew out the candles.