Life Unimagined (Wattys)

Back In The Barrio

   Thanksgiving had come and passed. They had leftovers to last them for a few days. As December approached, so were they too California and the big concert date. The girls had already done another small venue and it seemed each time they played the more comfortable and crowd hungry they got. It was finally December the 10nd, Jay’s birthday. So they gave her a call later that afternoon.

“Hello?”

“Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear JAAAAAAaaaaaaay, Happy birthday toooooo youuuuuuuu!” Everyone sang.

“What’s your boyfriends first name? What’s your boyfriends first name?” Tre continued singing to the tune of Happy Birthday.  They all laughed as Billie punched his arm.

“Aww! Thank you guys so much!” Jay said.

“Are you crying Jay?” Caitlin asked.

“A little.” Jay sniffled.

“Why what happened?”She asked worried.

“Nothing just tears of joy! You guys are so awesome and I love you.” Everyone smiled.

“Aww we love you too Jay!” Hedda said.

“Did you get your presents?” Jessica asked with anticipation.

“Yes! Thank you so much! I love them!”

“YAY!!” She cheered.

 -Earlier at the orphanage-

Jay woke up around 7 as usual. Ever since the girls left she had to take over their chores early in the morning. Vicky said it was her punishment for not telling her where the girls went. Vicky knew she knew, but Jay stayed in denial as promised.

“Alright, I need you to sweep and mop the halls before we open up at 9!” Vicky said setting the mop and bucket down by her door.

“Um… I was wondering… can someone else do it? Since it’s my birthday and all?”

“Aww today is your birthday isn’t it?” Jay smiled nodding. “You deserve something special, and I’ll go get it.” Vicky smiled stepping out of the room. She stepped back in with a sponge. “You can clean the floor with this instead.” She dropped it in the bucket, and grabbed the mop. “Be sure to get all the cracks and crevices.”  Jay’s smile faded. “You let over $25,000 waltz right out of here. Do you really think I give a shit if it’s your birthday? Nobody cares. You’re just a price tag to me.” She pulled a small bottle out of her pocket and tossed it to her. Jay caught it and looked it over. It was some pain pills. “Take one of those if your arm hurts. I can’t have you lagging.” She stepped out.

“Damn.” Jay said under her breath. Jay got up and pulled her hair back. She started her chores. It was 8:30 when she started scrubbing the floor with the sponge. The other children were waking up now. As a child would walk by they’d whisper happy birthday to her. She would smile and nod. Vicky stepped by with coffee in hand. After she passed Jay she tilted her cup just enough to spill out a little.

“Ooops! You missed a spot.” She gave Jay an evil smile and continued on her way.

“You missed a spot. Stupid bitch.” Jay mocked as she turned and scrubbed.  

It was 10:30 when Jay finally got done with everything. She was tired and sweaty. She looked out the window and saw the mail man approach. She quickly ran to the door excited hoping to find a birthday card from the girls. The man handed her a small stack of envelopes and she flipped through them as she stepped in. Vicky quickly jerked them  from her hand. “Looking for something?” Jay put her head down as Vicky shuffled through them.  “Awww no letter for you. It seems your little friends don’t even care about you anymore; After all they did forget your birthday.” She looked to see Vicky with a vicious smile on her face. “It seems to me like they don’t care.”