The Rockstar Within Me

The Rock Star Within Me - Chapter 53

Copyright 2013

"SURPRISE!"

I could barely contain myself when the door opened and crowds of people were waiting behind it.

My mouth fell open, and all I could do was keep looking back between the people and River. 

It took a couple seconds to register who these people were.

My mother ran up and hugged me first. 

"Happy birthday honey!" She exclaimed, as I hugged her back.

"Mom?" I questioned, still unsure it was really her standing there, embracing me.

"Are you surprised?" She asked eagerly.

"More like shell shocked." I told her truthfully as I gazed out into the crowd and saw many familiar faces.

Most of my family was there, even the extended parts. Some friends from school were there too and stood beside some of industry people that had been invited. As well there were some actors and musicians that I had met in the past. 

I looked back to see River but he had disappeared from my side. 

Jess was the next person to come up to me and give me a hug.

"Do you like it?" She wondered excitedly 

The entire rooftop was done up with paper lanterns and chic decorations. There was a dj on one side of the patio while a big buffet and bar was on the other. The entire party was littered with baby blue and white decorations from balloons to streamers; there was not one thing that was touched by the two colors. Most people after yelling surprise went back to the conversations they were having before.

All my friends and family were dressed up casual for the Southern California weather but they all looked spectacular as well. This was a surprise party no doubt and I was thoroughly overwhelmed.

"How did this happen?" I asked both my mom and Jess who were looking at me with the biggest smiles on their faces 

"Well I always planned on flying out for your birthday but Jessica had the idea for a surprise party!" My mother explained proudly.

"Do you like it? I did all the decorations and I invited everyone I could think of." Jess chimed it, but then she paused.

"I'm sorry that you had to spend the entire day with River.” She looked apologetic and as if she even pitied me.

“Drew had to call him a week ago and explained what our plans were, hoping River would be nice enough to let you have the day off, but River refused. He said he wanted to celebrate it with you too. And then he insisted on driving you over here... I'll tell him to leave now, seeing as he's no longer needed."

Jess moved away to go find him but I grabbed her arm and pulled her to a halt.

"No, no! That's okay. I don't mind if he stays."

Jess eyed me suspiciously for a couple moments.

"Something happened... Didn't it?" Jess asked, pretty much daring me to answer. How she was able to sense the truth when I had given no indicators was fairly impressive.

My face flushed and I stammered only to have her cut me off.

"We'll talk about this later." She muttered, eyeing my mother who stood beside us, listening attentively.

I nodded.

"Alright," Jess suddenly said, a lot less serious. "I'm going to go see how the guests are. Happy birthday Al, hope you have a good night." And with that, she danced away to go mingle with other people.