Cerulean Found

Chapter 35 - Seventeen Candles

I can't help but wonder if Josh has changed his mind and decided to go to Amber's party after all. He couldn't have though, could he? I want to think that he wouldn't, but then where is he? I am starting to get mad at the thought of him with Amber on my birthday.

After dinner my family sings me Happy Birthday as I blow out the seventeen hot pink candles that adorn my white frosted birthday cake. It is a freshly decadent red velvet masterpiece with coconut cream cheese frosting. My absolute favorite.

"Do you want to open your gifts now?" mom asks.

"Sure," I say as I glance at the clock.

"Don't sound so enthused," Justin teases as mom and dad go inside.

"Which do you want to open first?" Mom asks as she and dad lay out a pile of gifts on the table.

"Open mine, open mine," Matty screams as he hands me a small red bag.

I open it and inside is a large shelled frame with a photo of all of us. It was taken just the other day. Dad had put his camera on a tripod as we all posed by the fountain in the courtyard. It is a beautiful image and we all looked so happy, especially mom.

"I picked out the frame yesterday," Matty proclaims. I give him a huge hug as I thank him.

"Thanks Matty, I love it," I say.

"Which do you want next, Mila?" Mom asks. "Oh it doesn't matter, just hand me one."

I spend the next 30 minutes unwrapping my gifts, which consist mainly of clothes and gift cards, which are always appreciated. Cameron then hands me a cool laser cut Birthday card with a nice message about growing up and being proud of me.

"Thanks," I say to my oldest brother.

"Mila, you are way too easy to please. Do you really think I would just get you a card?"

"Yes. Well, you are here. Missing class. What more could I ask of you?" I state.

"So do you not want the rest of your gift?" He asks.

"Depends on what it is," I answer.

"Oh, you'll like it, but I don't think you want it. Do you think she wants it?" Cameron turns and asks my family.

"No, I don't think she does," Dad says with a chuckle.

"Well then I guess, Cameron, you can just keep them," Mom answers.

Them? As if there is more than one gift? What did he get me, I wonder.

"I do want whatever it is. I really really do. Please!" I squeal.

"Fine, if you insist."

"I do!" I yell.

Cameron then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thin white envelope.

Is it money? Or maybe a gift certificate. My family knows I love shopping. But they had said, them. Maybe it was two gift cards!?

I tear open the envelope and pull out two slender pieces of thick light purple paper with heavy black type. As I read the text I start to scream. I can not believe what my brother has gotten me. Not one, but two tickets to see my favorite band of brothers performing in Boston next November!

"So does that mean you like the gift?" Cameron asks.

"I LOVE it!" I scream.

"Is the seating okay, Mila?" mom asks, with a look of worry on her face.