Adopted by Brendon Urie

5

Max's POV

I didn't want to go dress shopping. I also didn't want to go dress shopping with my adoptive father. I never wore dresses, but Brendon insisted I wear one for the party that I didn't want. Don't get me wrong, I was grateful, but I wasn't used to all the attention. I would be much happier with no party, and no acknowledgement of my 16th birthday.

"What do you think of this one?" Brendon jarred my thoughts.

I nodded, not really paying attention. All I really knew was that the dress was black, to match my mask. I couldn't wait for this to be over. It wasn't only my birthday today, but I didn't say anything about it.

"Great. We'll get it." He smiled and kissed the top of my head. I didn't have the heart to tell him that he wasn't very father-like in my eyes. He tried, but he would never be Dad.

*****

I excused myself from the party, heading inside. I slipped off my shoes, and mask, taking a small cupcake, birthday candle, and lighter from the kitchen. I slipped out the back door and started to run as fast as I could to the biggest tree. I climbed up and sat on one of the wider branches, and lit the candle.

I spoke. "I hope you can hear me, Celeste. Happy Birthday. It's been ten years without you. Sixteen years old. I feel really old. I can't believe I ever lived without you three. I miss you."  I felt tears start to spill from my eyes. I laughed bittersweetly. "I promised myself I wouldn't cry, but like every other year, I can;t seem to keep that one promise.  I got adopted this year, Celeste. Brendon's really nice. I'm sure you would like him, but he could never replace you. I don't know how to tell him that. He's throwing us a birthday party. Well, technically it's only for me, but I'd like to pretend it's for both of us. Happy Birthday, Celeste." I held the cupcake up. "Make a wish."

The wind blew out the candle gently. I felt like she was right next to me. I sat there for hours, tears streaming from my face, watching the stars.

Unknown POV

"Happy Birthday, Max." The wind blew out the candle on the cupcake. I watched the stars, isolated, but I wasn't alone. Max was sitting right next to me.