Just As I Am

Chapter 21

Jasmine

The morning after my birthday was sort of surreal. I really didn’t get any rest the night before; there was simply too much on my mind. I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and took a long hot shower. The moment the water hit my face, I realized I didn’t have on a shower cap. I guess it was a good thing I didn’t have anything planned for the day. My muscles were tense and I had a massive headache, so I could’ve cared less how I looked. I felt a lot better after the shower and two Excedrin. Nothing like steam to clear your head. I put on a tank top and capris and grabbed my blow dryer. I’d just finished when Tamia knocked on the door to tell me breakfast was ready. After assuring her I would be down in five minutes, I combed through my hair and pulled it back into a ponytail.

The table was set with an elaborate breakfast when I entered the kitchen. It was almost like a buffet. There was French toast, waffles, chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, sliced fruit, and fresh squeezed Orange juice. Everyone, including Jermaine, was sitting at the table smiling. It was kind of freaky; even Tia seemed a little too calm in her highchair.

“What?” I asked, self-consciously smoothing down my hair.

“Oh, you look fine!” Mia laughed. “We didn’t really get to celebrate your birthday as a family, so we wanted to do something nice for you.”

“Thank you so much, but this really wasn’t necessary.” I hugged her.

“Cool, so does that mean I can keep the gift I got for her?” Jermaine asked. Trey slapped the back of his head, causing Tamia and T.J to laugh. I’d just settled into my seat when the doorbell rang.

“Jazzy, honey, can you get that for me?” Mia asked.

I got up and went to the door. It was just after ten o’clock on a Sunday morning, so I wondered who it could have been. Probably Isaiah, though I wasn’t sure. Things seemed so weird between us last night. I thought he would call when he got home, but he didn’t. I made a mental note to call him after breakfast. I was so caught up in my thoughts of Isaiah that I opened the door without bothering to see who it was.

“Surprise!” My mom shouted, throwing her arms around me. “Oh, my little girl has turned into a young lady! Happy Birthday, sweetie.”

“Mom? Dad? What are you guys doing here?” I asked, still wrapped in my mother’s arms. Perhaps it wasn’t the best welcome, but hey, I was shocked.

“It’s good to see you too, punkin.” My dad responded, kissing my forehead.

“Well come in. Breakfast is getting cold.” Mia said from behind me. She and Trey were standing there smiling at us. Dad and Trey brought in the bags while Mia, mom, and I walked back into the kitchen. My mom forgot all about me when she saw Tia, but I didn’t take too much offense to that. Everyone seemed helpless when it came to that little girl.

“How was your flight Kelly?” Mia asked. That began a long list of complaints about American Airlines. My dad and Trey walked in after five or so minutes, and my mom hadn’t even warmed up yet. Thankfully, we sat down at the table and mom got distracted by all the food.

“Hey, Wayne, I have tickets to the Playoffs tonight. I figured we could all go see the Mavericks beat the Thunder.” Trey said.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” My dad answered. I almost asked if Dashawn could come, but I wasn’t about to bring him up in front of my parents. I’m sure mom already had plans to meet him anyway.

“Dad, how long are you guys staying?” I asked between bites of my French toast.

“Why?” My mom asked. She was sitting to my left, and I could just feel her looking upside my head.