Her second life

Memories

Birthday countdown: TODAY!

It is Adrianna's thirteenth birthday and the day of the party. She and Madison were the first ones up and they couldn't wait to start setting everything up.

"Happy Birthday!" Madison whispers to Adrianna, trying not to wake Diana.

"Thank you." Adrianna giggled. "I'm a teen." She says sticking her tongue out. Neither of them went back to sleep. They continued to talk until they heard noise in the kitchen.

"My mom is probably down there. You wanna go see?" Adrianna said quietly and Madison nodded her head. They tip toed out of the room and down to the kitchen. Adrianna stuck her head in the kitchen and saw big gold balloons that spelled out happy birthday. She then turned to Madison and both girls ran up the stairs, not disturbing her mother.

"Those balloons were so cool, I haven't seen any like that in so long." Adrianna was partially out of breath.

"I know, I can't wait to see what else the day has to bring." Madison said waving her arms in the air. About two hours had passed until everyone was up and out of bed. Diana left the room and a couple minutes later, Adrianna and Madison were called downstairs.

"Happy Birthday!" Everyone shouted as Adrianna entered the kitchen. She smiled from ear to ear. Everything was decorated beautifully. A huge breakfast was made and they all shared memories of Adrianna when she was younger. She had no recollection of anything they was talking about but she enjoyed listening to their stories.

"Wow, you're getting old, nugget." Her dad joked with her.

"So, how does it feel to officially be a teen?" Alexandra asks.

"It doesn't really feel different. I feel just like I did yesterday."

Everyone finished their breakfast and getting the party ready was the next step. Adrianna's dad mowed the grass in the back yard, Alexandra and Diana started putting up decorations, and Adrianna and Madison decorated the front of the house. Her mom didn't want her to see the back yard just yet. The girls put a few balloons and signs in the front just in case anyone had a hard time finding the house. They were sticking signs in the lawn when a neighbor came their way.

"Hey girls." The neighbor called out.

"Hi Mrs. Jenkins." Madsion immediately spoke.

"Happy Birthday to you Ms. Adrianna." Mrs. Jenkins handed Adrianna a birthday card. Mrs. Jenkins has lived next to Adrianna's family for the longest time, they've become close over the years.

"Thank you so much." Adrianna didn't know anything about Mrs. Jenkins but she didn't want to be rude.

"No problem. Tell you mom I said thank you for inviting my family and I to the party but unfortunately we won't be able to make it. I hope you have a magical night." She says as she turns to go back to her house.

"You had no idea she was your neighbor, did you?" Madison lowered her voice.

"Not at all, I didn't know we were close with our neighbors." She tells her.

Madison decides to tell Adrianna about most of the neighbors her family is close with. With them talking about the neighbors it makes time go by so much faster. By the time they finish it is already almost twelve o'clock and there is still so much to do. Adrianna's dad leaves to get the cake and her mom starts working on the food.

"Why don't you girls go upstairs and start getting ready, we got it down here." Adrianna's mom tells them.

"Okay! see you in a bit." Adrianna responds.

Both girls start doing their hair. Madison pulls her hair up in a neat bun and Adrianna starts to curl her hair.

-

It's time for the party and Adrianna and Madison are dressed and ready to go. Her mom made them wait upstairs until most of the guest arrived. Adrianna could tell her mom wanted the party to be as special as possible.

"Happy Birthday!!!" The crowd of people scream as Adrianna goes in the backyard. She had the biggest smile on her face and she turned to hug Madison.

Everything was set up just like she imagined it. The backyard was lit up like a candle. The cake was gorgeous and the theme was perfect. The flash from the photographers camera was constantly going off. That night Adrianna got to meet so many unknown family members.

"My precious grand baby is growing up. Come give me a hug!" The grandmother of Adrianna pulled her in for a big hug. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends started a conversation with her at some point throughout the night.

"It's time to cut the cake, everyone gather around." Alexandra addressed everyone. They all sang to the birthday girl in loud voices. While the crowd of people were in the middle of singing, Adrianna noticed Diana had a strange look on her face. When the singing was done and the cake was cut, she and Diana made their way to each other.

"Are you okay?" Adrianna asked Diana

"I just want you to know that they're going to be okay. They are still hurting but they will find a way to get through it, especially because they have each other." Diana walked away from Adrianna before she could ask any questions.

"Who's going to be okay?" Adrianna whispered to herself. She shrugged her shoulders and went to the table where the food was.

Adrianna had no idea that Diana was talking about her past family. Adrianna has completely forgotten everything that has to do with her old life. Diana knew she didn't remember a thing but it was important to her to let Adrianna know that with everything her first family had been through, they'll be okay. Throughout the time leading up to the party, Diana has had many "dreams" about Adrianna's family and friends in her first life. She has seen all the tears they have shed over the loss of Adrianna, the ceremonies they held for her, and the comfort they have given each other. 

It was getting late and the party was coming to an end. As the last few guest went home, everyone began turning all of the lights off and bringing everything inside. Madison and Diana grabbed all of Adrianna's presents and brought them up to her room.

"Tonight was amazing. Thank you for everything." Adrianna hugs her parents while thanking them.

On this night, she felt closer to her family than she ever did. Her love for them grew and she actually felt like she belonged in her family. When she came into her new family, she didn't really feel completely comfortable. This was a day that would always be in her memory, no matter what.