Evelyn Wohl and the Way Back Home

Chapter 6- The sixteenth birthday

A/N
This is what Zara’s aesthetic photoshoot would be.

No. It couldn't be possible. How could she belong to a land whose existence had been oblivious to her a day prior? How do you expect a teenager to react when out of nowhere you inform her that she is a resident of a mythical dimension? Why didn't mom and dad tell her this before? And now a whole new burden of saving a land? Ugh.
She tried to process these thoughts as she kept tossing and turning in her bed. Maybe it was a silly dream which would break upon the morrow. She had to sleep over it.

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday my dum dum, Happy birthday to you" sang Andromeda as she entered Zara's room. She opened the blinds so that the sunshine filtered through the room on the now awake Zara.
"G'morning mom" yawned Zara. "And thank you!" she said in a sleepy voice.
"Your father would be so proud of you." Said Andromeda as tears of joy mixed with long lost sadness streamed down her face.
"Look at me. Such a old silly lady crying on her princess's sixteenth. Just remember that I'll always be with you no matter what and I love you very much." Andromeda said wiping away the tears.
"Oh mom! Please don't cry. I love you too." Zara replied emotionally.
"Go freshen up. I'll cook you pancakes with maple syrup. Your favourite."
"Thanks Mum." Said Zara as she blew a kiss.
Zara went to the washroom with her phone to check the birthday wishes on her timeline. Meanwhile, Andromeda exited Zara's room praying forever for her daughter's happiness.

At five-thirty in the evening, Zara stepped out of her room dressed in the selected white lace dress with hair and hints of slight makeup done, looking absolutely regal.
"Oh my god.. you look beautiful darling!" Andromeda said coming out of the kitchen with a plate of pancakes gorged with maple syrup.
"Thanks Mum. Now let me stuff my face with this." Zara said taking the plate from Andromeda.
As Zara ate the pancakes, she thought how different her birthday was going be this year, starting with the first wishes. It was the first time in years that someone beat Evelyn in wishing her the first. Jeremy. She couldn't wait to see him today. Maybe she'd finally tell him today how much he meant to her.
Honk Honk, came the noise shouting the arrival of Evelyn who was here to pick to Zara to go to Shaw's bar.
"Goodbye Mom! See you around ten-ish. I love you." Zara said she paced down the flight of stairs.
"Come here, give your mom a hug."
Honk Honk Honk blared Evelyn's horn.
"Sorry mom. Later maybe."
"Goodbye darling. Have a nice time." Said Andromeda with a final look.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZARA!" screamed Evelyn as Zara approached the Volvo. "As every year, I again wished you first!"
Evelyn looked perfectly beautiful and rosy dressed in a black sheath.
"Yeah sure." Zara said smiling secretively.

"Welcome everyone to the Sixteenth birthday of Zara Leur, now my friend and sister from almost 14 years. I just want to say, I love you Zara for always being there and tagging me in memes." Said Evelyn.
"To Zara." Said Evelyn raising a mocktail toast to Zara.
"To Zara" the crowd repeated raising their drinks.
Chris Davins stood with Aimee Roberts and Mia Geller, two girls from school, talking about the last chapter of Dianna Verez's book as the party was in full swing. Meanwhile a boy with reckless blond hair sat in the corner, not even pretending to blend in.
Most of the classmates were now seizing control over the dance floor. Evelyn being the first to start dancing on Jennifer Lopez's 'On the floor'. No one noticed the bartender tipping tequila in the drinks. Meanwhile Jeremy noticed Zara sipping away her drink and thanking everyone for coming and waited until the coast was clear to start talking to her.
"Hey Zara. I have been meaning to talk to you." Said Jeremy nervously.
"Hi there Jeremy. First a compliment, you look dashing in this outfit." Said Zara confidently pointing to the black leather jacket and blue jeans of Jeremy. Sure, drinks made her confident enough to confront the otherwise somewhat intimidating Jeremy.
"Thanks Zara. What say let's step out for a stroll?" Jeremy asked.
"Sure." Zara said with the goofiest grin on her face.