Abrupt Beginning

Chapter 9: What's In A Birthday?

After I finished sipping my coffee, I got up to take a hot shower. The note seemed to sit in the front of my brain, constantly reminding me to worry about it. I was so distracted I used body wash as shampoo and shaving cream as conditioner, I didn't realize it until I couldn't brush through my hair afterwards. After staring at the ceiling for a while, repeating the note's words in my head, I finally got a text from Aidan.
Aidan💙: When's your birthday?
Me: Idk
Aidan💙: then pick a bday

He's right I should pick a birthday. I guess the idea of birthday never crossed my mind.
I had to have Anna help me decide. So I rushed downstairs with a sudden lightness in my heart. Like all the heavy liquid was being cleared out.

"What's wrong with you? You like a toddler on Christmas," Anna said alarmed by my quick entrance. "Anna? I've been thinking. Well actually I haven't Aidan has. Besides the point, when is my birthday? Since I don't know I can pick one right?" I said with a little too much excitement. "Yeah I guess, when do you want it to be?" Anna asked. "How about in a couple weeks? Let's go look at the calendar," I said ushering Anna to her "office". It was more like an adult playground, but she calls it the office.

"Honey, I need more than two weeks to prepare for this big occasion," Anna expressed real concern about this issue. "At least give me a month," she begged. "Or compromise, 3 weeks," I responded.

"Fine, come here," she said gesturing to her desk made entirely out of old soda cans. A calendar was spread across the top, and I had never realized how much Anna had to do. Almost every other day, it said "Photo Shoot" and on this Saturday she had "Fashion Show". "Anna, are you a model?" I asked with eagerness. "No, child, I'm a fashion icon," she replied. "Therefore I must do what I can to keep the title," she smiled. I laughed, but it's she never mentioned it and these various events never conflicted with anything of mine. Like that parent teacher conference day, it was a disaster. I swear that teacher still has a chip on his shoulder about me because I'm Anna's kid. I'm not going to go into it because it involves unrepeatable words.

"Ok, so in three weeks the Saturday is on the 27th, does that work?" Anna suggested. "Perfect, my birthday is on September 27th now," I said decisively. It felt like I had power, to be able to decide these things.

I'm happy we can enjoy something together. I can go to her photo shoots and runway shows and experience first hand the fashion world.

"I have a photo shoot on friday if you would like to join me," she said excitedly. "It's at 11 sharp," she added. "What about school?" I asked, waiting for the answer I was hoping for. "Screw that, I won't make you go that day. You will be *cough* *cough* sick," she laughed. "Thank you!!" I screamed and squeezed poor Anna as hard as my body would allow. "Celia," her voice empty. "What?" I looked up at her face. "If you trying to kill me you are being successful," she retorted. "Oh sorry," letting my arms fall.

~Time passes~
The second week of school was just as rough as the last, but I started to learn the campus. I didn't get lost anymore. My classes were pretty boring, but I had friends to make it better.

In biology, Aidan relentlessly played with my hair, twirling until I had little curls in it. "Stop," I said pushing his hand away. "What are you scared?" He teased, tickling my ear. A small giggle escaped my lips, alerting the teacher that we were flirting. "Stop touching her, lover boy," Mr. Saris said his eyes giving Aidan the death stare. "Sorry sir," Aidan apologized, pulling his hand away and sulking deeper into his chair. His head barely visible from his teacher's eyes. Mr. Saris continued, "So the esophagus is considered the second part of the digestive system, sometimes referred to as the 'travel tube'..."

"So did you decide on your birthday?" Aidan whispered, quietly scooting his chair closer to me. "Yes," I replied. "Then speak up girl," his hand placed on the small curve of my hip. "September 27th," I said softly. "That's nice. I must start preparing," Aidan responded. "Right, and what are you going to do to prepare exactly?" A grin spreading across my face. "You'll see," Aidan said mischievously.

I rolled my eyes and finally started paying attention to the lesson. I knew everything he was explaining, but I had no idea where the knowledge came from. So I happily enjoyed not having to take notes.

The rest of the day mulled over time, until finally Monday ended and I could sleep. I looked down at my phone as the screen lit up.
Aidan💙: goodnight😘
Me: sleep tight😘
Aidan💙: don't let the bed bugs bite😘