serendipity

t w o

I rushed down the stairs and plopped into an empty seat next to my brother. I looked at the dining table. "Yes!! Mac and cheese for breakfast! Woohooo!" I excalaimed. 

"Good morning to you too,"my brother, Payton, said. I rolled my eyes at him. He was always so prim and proper, so fancy. He makes me look like I'm a lost girl picked up from the jungle. I made a mocking face at him as I reached for a bowl of mac and cheese. 

"I'd like to tell you how disgusting you look but since it's your birthday, I'm being extra nice," he said to me. " Thanks...I guess,"I thanked him, although I didn't think it was necessary. 

I finished my mac and cheese in a flash, but my stomach was probably in love with it and wanted more. I headed to the kitchen and but was sent back to my seat by my parents. They made me wash my mouth and go to the living room. Payton just followed behind. They then walked back to the kitchen and left me in confusion.

"Pay, what's happening, seriously?" I asked him. Thoughts of what would possibly occur were running through my mind. I was so confused. I looked at Payton for help, hoping he would tell me what was about to happen or at least give a few hints. Being his usual self, he shrugged and ignored me. So much for 'being extra nice'.

Mom and Dad finally came back into the living room and sat down in front of us. Aiden was standing by me, ready to listen to whatever my parents were about to say. "Happy sixteenth birthday, Carina!" Mom and Dad said cheerfully. Warmth filled my heart. I sighed, I thought they were about to say some important announcement or something.

"Yeah, happy sixteenth, wierdo," Payton said, playfully punching me. I let out a small chuckle. It was nice to see Payton act human for once. Mom and Dad handed me three wrapped gifts. I excitedly opened them, a wide smile plastered across my face.

 The first present was from Mom, it was a brand new phone. I had been longing to get a phone. I thanked her with a bone-cracking hug and unwrapped the next one. The second was a laptop. It was already set up by Dad, since it was from him anyway. He must have grown tired of me borrowing his laptop to make online researches for homework. I can't really blame him though, but I would love to blame my teachers for that. I thanked him but without a hug, because I always felt awkward when we hugged.

The third present was from Payton, obviously. I unwrapped it and found the book series I have been bugging him about. I should really bug him more often. I flipped through the pages of the books, it might just be a joke. As I flipped through the pages of the last book, a small note fell out. 

There were words written in careful handwriting on the small note. The handwriting was recognisable, they were obviously Payton's.

He had written 'The cat will be out of the bag soon' .

What did he mean? Did he mean Mom and Dad were about to let me know something? Or did he literally mean a cat?

I was still trying to figure out what he meant, when Mom and Dad took the books out of my arms. They put all my presents on the table and had their strict faces on.