How Far We've Come

Chapter 9

December 15th approached fast and the plans for my birthday party became more and more complicated. This was different than the little kid parties I used to have. If I called one person, I was obligated to call their friend's friend and other friend. At one point, the guest list became so long, I doubted the number of people could fit in my house. Finally, I had enough. I put my foot down.

"That is it!" I raged. "The only people I want to invite on this list are the first four! The rest are just add-ons to add-ons!"

My friend, who was a junior turned to me. "Well, you have to invite all the other people if you invite those people!"

I shook my head. "I don't care if Clary's friend's brother's girlfriend's best friend gets angry when I post the party pictures on Instagram. Nuh uh," I wagged my finger. "I'm just inviting Clary. Not any of the other nonsense."

She sighed. "Your call. I mean, it is your birthday party..."

I laughed. "Okay good. Now I want Clary, Lina, Jessica, and Vanessa. That's it. Make it small."

Sabrina, my junior friend, crumpled up the old paper and jotted down the names I told her. "Yes, Your Highness," she teased. "Anything else?"

I shook my head. "Nope. I'm inviting Clary and Vanessa for a sleepover and... that's it. Jessica and Lina can't come because their parents are pretty strict," I explained. "Well, actually, Jessica's parents are strict. Lina just can't come because her grades aren't the best right now. As in, not A's."

She nodded, understanding. "And what about me?" she joked.

"Haha," I blandly laughed. "I thought you had another party to go to?"

"Indeed I do." Sabrina slung her bag over her shoulder. "See you Monday! Have fun at the party!"

I walked her to the door and grinned, "Right back at ya!"

She gave me one last smile and walked out the door, which I closed soon after. I walked back into the kitchen and tapped my pencil to my chin. "What to do? What to do?"

My mom walked in, her black hair tied back in a simple ponytail. "Got everything figured out?"

"Well, I'm inviting Clary, Jessica, Lina, and Vanessa," I answered.

My mom pursed her lips. "That's a pretty good list."

I frowned. "Yeah, but I don't really know what to do. I mean, there aren't really any new movies coming out and I don't really see what else we can do..."

"How about I take you all out for dinner?" she suggested. "And then you can all watch a movie at home on Netflix."

I smiled. "That's actually a really good idea!"

My mom crossed her arms. "Why do you sound so surprised?" I grinned.

Soon, it was December 15th, a Saturday, and the clocked ticked by. Each hour passed and took me closer to the party. I looked at the clock. 6pm. They should be here by now!

Finally, five minutes later, the doorbell rang. The sweet sound hit my ears and I bounded to the door. When I reached the door, I stopped right in front of it and took a deep breath, not wanting to seem desperate, and opened the door.

There Vanessa stood, wearing a green floral blouse and dark-wash jeans, along with a cute white cardigan. "Nice outfit," I complimented. She smiled, "Thanks! I love your dress, by the way. Oh, and here's your present." I took the present and placed it on the expensive spruce table.