The Mafia's Flower (ON HOLD)

Chapter Two

There was always that strange euphoric feeling of waking up on the 18th of June, each year. Something that washed over me, almost announcing to just me that I was becoming more older than I had been the previous day. But no matter how the feeling came, I always welcomed it with a bright wide grin. This year's was different, I was finally going to become a legal adult. 18 had never felt so much better.

Joan had woken me up with the clanging of kitchen utensils against each other whilst she sang—quite horribly if I might add—a birthday song to me. And this was by 12am on the dot.

Not seconds after my eyes and brain had fully become awoken by the sudden noise—that almost made my heart jump away from my body—that Belinda, Matthew and Taylor barged into my room with a medium sized fundant iced cake in their hands, all singing horribly—apart from Matthew—a birthday song at the same time. My heart melted with that same euphoric feeling in my chest.

"You guys," I muttered with gladness before silently making a wish and blowing out the one candle they'd set on the cake. It was only 12 in the morning but they'd made it seem like it was 9am already.

"So what'd you wish for birthday girl?" Belinda inquired while stuffing her face with icing.

"She's not supposed to tell, dumbass." Taylor backfired.

"And since when did you become her mouthpiece, smart ass?" Joan joined in, as usual, always taking sides with Belinda.

"Since the both of you use your assholes to think. And yes, I am a smart ass. Thank you." Taylor seemed to finish before taking down a huge bite on his cake.

"What the fuck did you just say-"

"Hey guys!" Matt cautioned with his eyes, flicking them between Belinda's and mine almost simultaneously.

"For crying out loud Matt, the kid's 18 now. She's basically an adult and probably should stop getting called kid." Taylor threw me a wink, his long black hair barely masking his eyes in the process. "Besides, cursing isn't new to you Fiona, right?" Taylor asked with a raised brow and I happily gave a nod.

"Even while I was still 17, cursing wasn't new to me. Matt just thought it was." I giggled while taking a bite. Matt's eyes widened with shock, as if I'd just discovered gold. "Matt, we live in America. Cursing isn't new, grow up." I replied nonchalantly.

"Says the kid who just turned 18." Belinda laughed and we all joined in.

Somehow, it had turned into a cake fight in my room and we all found ourselves laughing our heads off. The whole place had turned into a cake studio with multiple splashes of icing and flour everywhere. Even my night gown and my hair was all sticky from the sugary substance but I didn't mind one bit. A part of me wishes Michael were here though, to be a part of this. But I knew that was just wishful thinking, he wasn't even at home. He'd spent the night over at work and I wouldn't be surprised if he forgot—again—that today was my birthday.

By 2am, we called it quits and decided to rest before the full day came into view. They'd once more wished me happy 18th birthday before retreating to the staff quarters.

I took another bath and after brushing my teeth a second time, I looked at the reflection in the mirror and thought about Belinda's question once more.

'So what did you wish for...?'

I wish he would come today. I thought with a sigh before allowing myself to return to bed with a hopeful heart for the day.