Captured

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Soon enough, July 7th rolled around and it was Amira's birthday. Just a week after school let out, there was another celebration to be had. Friends and family were spread out on the lawn of her backyard and the present table was full. Her father's side of the family was pretty rich so she had grown used to receiving so many gifts. It was like one big family reunion, almost everyone was there. Some of her friends from school were huddled away in a corner, checking out her cousins and whatnot. 

Rylee was a bit late arriving to the party, and Amira was starting to worry. What if she doesn't show up? What if her parents won't let her come? Then, there was a gentle tap on her shoulder and she turned around to face her girlfriend. 

"You made it!" She said excitedly.

"Of course I did, I wouldn't miss this for the world. After all, you're turning 17!"

"It's not that big a deal, we do this every year ahaha." She smiled.

"I know but still! I feel so young now... My girlfriend is older than me." Rylee jokingly pouted then let out a laugh. "Oh well, I hope you like your present babe, happy birthday!~"

"Ouu what is it?!" Amira said, examining it.

"You'll have to open it and see!" 

She let out a squeal of excitement as she started untying the little pink bow on the box. Her heart rate was picking up speed as she carefully removed the lid of the box. 

"Oh it's beautiful, Lee! Thank you!" She said.

"I found it in my grandfather's attic, he was planning on selling all of the junk he had stored up there so I thought I'd take a look. When I saw it I thought of you so I asked if I could take it home. Since I know that sunflowers are your favourite I thought you might like it. Painted it myself," Rylee exclaimed, grinning ear to ear.

"It's the best gift I could ever ask for, other than you of course." She gave a sly wink then proceeded to lift the camera to take a picture. She decided to focus the lens on the table of snacks laid out, specifically the cupcake tray. It was decorated with cute pink, purple, and blue marshmallow bears. The camera shuttered and took the picture. It spit out the image just a few moments after and she turned away from the table to show her girlfriend the photograph.

"Good thing it works, I didn't test it out beforehand haha-" Rylee's laughter was cut short. "Wait, where did you take that picture?"

"Hmm? Just over at the snack table-" She turned around to where the tray had previously been. It was missing. "I swear it was there just a minute ago..."

"I know, me too. I saw you take the picture, there is no way the cupcakes ran out that fast."

"So then where did they go?"

"I have no clue, maybe some kid took it. You know how kids are, all they want is sugar."

"I guess..." Amira doubted Rylee's suspicions. The youngest family member at the party was 9 and he was paralyzed from the waist down. It would be hard to miss a kid in a wheelchair rolling around with a cupcake tray in his lap.

"Come on, let's party and leave the cupcake worrying to someone else. I'm sure your mom can have some more made." Rylee said, kindly urging her to forget about the picture.

"Yeah, you're right. It's probably nothing. I'm gonna go put this in my room first though, okay? Wouldn't want to break it on the first day." Her lips brushed Rylee's cheek lovingly before retreating inside the house. 

***

The air conditioning was cool on her clammy skin which gave her goosebumps. The house was mostly empty, safe for the few cooling off and using the bathroom. Amira slowly walked through the hallway, staring down at the picture in her hands. Something about it just didn't seem right.

Once she reached her room, she tucked the photo into the side of her mirror and placed the camera down on the dresser. Looking up at her reflection, she smiled. There was a beautiful girl staring back at her, and a beautiful girl waiting for her outside. She walked up to her window and peered out into the backyard. Everyone looked like they were having fun and she spotted Rylee talking with Rebecca, Vanessa, and her sister Alissa. Her sister and her girlfriend had always gotten along quite well. The three of them would hang out from time to time but with Alissa being away for college, they never really saw each other much. At least she's home for my birthday, she still has yet to miss one. Amira smiled to herself before heading back outside.