1980's / mattia polibio

.31

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Natalia..."

I had barely woken up when my parents shoved a cupcake, with a candle on it, in my face. I was glad they were trying to cheer me up but it honestly wasn't working too well.

I stuck a smile on my face for them as I blew out my candle making a wish. They both grinned wide and cheered for me, wishing me a happy 16. I still had a fake smile plastered on my face as i pondered my wish.

I wish I didn't have to leave. I wish i could stay and work things out with the only people I have grown fond of.

It was no use, knowing neither of the things would come true. They gave me my cupcake taking the candle as they headed downstairs to make breakfast. It was currently 10:20 AM and I wished I was still in bed, not worrying about how I was going to tell all my friends I had to leave. We were planning on leaving around noon. I figured I had a few people to explain stuff to so I shoved myself off of bed.

I picked out a spring light blue dress with little white flowers spread all over the fabric. It was sorta short but my mother wouldn't mind since it was my birthday. I went to the mirror and brushed my hair out. I also tied to strands in the back with a small rubber band. I finally placed my white converse over my socks and applied some lip gloss to my lips. It was much different from my basic everyday t-shirt, jean, and ponytail look. I nonetheless smiled to myself in the mirror because I thought I looked pretty. I then sat thinking about how I was supposed to bring the topic of leaving up to my friends.

After thinking for a minute or two I pulled out a piece of paper and pen. I uncapped the small drawing utensil and began to write.

Dear Bailey,
       I really wanted to be your friend. You are a really genuine person from what I have seen so far, but I have something I need to tell you. I am-

"Natalia the doors for you" I hear my mother shout from the kitchen.

I immediately drop my pen and shoot up from my chair. My eyes are nearly bulging out of my head as I try to control my thoughts. It has to be my friends. Should I tell them now? No, no I can't, its too early. I checked the time to find out it was 11:03 AM. How had the time gone by so fast?! I was still frantic as I forced myself down the stairs.

My parents were finishing up breakfast as they saw me walk into view. "Hey so um, we decided to leave to the airport at exactly noon. Its best to get all your goodbyes out soon." There was a sympathetic smile presented on her face. I gave her a nod focusing all of my attention on the front door.

My suitcase was packed along with my backpack. It seemed as if we were all ready, the last and hardest thing I had to do was say goodbye. With every ounce of confidence I had, I placed my hand on the door nob. Slowly, the door began to creak open, revealing the six boys I've grown closest to. Each one of their heads pop up, revealing surprised smiles. Kairi and Mattia were both there. I didn't want to make them feel bad at all considering I had to leave them soon, so I included them by flashing all of them warm smiles. I felt bad for being so distant with all of them, but there was nothing I could do now besides be honest. I quietly close the door and turn towards them.

"Happy birthday!" they all seem to say in unison.

I smile looking at all of them. "Thank you all."

They pull out a neatly wrapped present from behind their backs. I am now the one who is in shock. I pull my bottom lip over my top one and look at them with care in my eyes. They push it towards me, urging me to take it. I comply at reach for the colourful bag. "You guys shouldn't have."

Ale was the first one to speak up. "It's the least we could do."

I give them a small smile while Alvaro motions to the present that I have yet to open.