The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

9 - Celebrations - Tallulah POV

Cool air greets me as I walk into the natural healing shop, a nice change from outside. Miriam is behind a counter restocking a shelf. The calming scent of lavender drifts through the air.

"I'll go with you," I call out.

She puts a final bottle on the shelf. Getting down from the ladder, she comes to stand in front of me. "We will leave the day after the 4th of July, so you can enjoy the festivities with your family and friends." 

"Will you come and join the celebrations?"

She claps her hands together, a wide smile graces her face. "If you would like me to be there, that would be nice. I've never experienced the 4th of July celebrations before. I mean, we have fireworks on the islands, but I would love to experience them with you and your family."

We sit around talking about little things - getting to know one another - in between customers. I look at my watch. Oh, lord! It's almost time for my shift at the family shelter for the abused.

"I'll talk to my mom about when the picnic will start and then I'll come back and talk with you some more tomorrow."

We say our goodbyes, and I race through town trying to make it on time. Kaitlyn will kill me if she has to stay longer and miss shopping with her friends. Mom wants to talk about my birthday coming up - maybe I can stay longer at the shelter.

My birthday comes quicker than I would like. My mom went all out for my birthday this year, since I will be leaving soon. She even invites Miriam, which is nice to see, since it will make my life easier if they get along.

Purple and black streamers and balloons suffocate our covered porch. A slight breeze knocking them into Danny's head is a source of entertainment. Spencer chuckles, and Danny gives him a sour look before trying to throw one at him.

"Helium, Danny. Helium," I shout, "almost as light as your head."

He runs at me, picks me up and starts twirling me in the yard.

"Say I am the handsomest, smartest guy you know." he demands, still spinning me around.

"Momma always told me not to lie," I reply - I'd smile if I could.

He starts going faster. "Say it."

My head spins. "You'll get dizzy before I say it."

Sure enough, he falls with both of us a minute later.

"I win." I breathe out, my world stops tilting.

Danny heaves in. "But I am still the most handsomest man you know."

"The cutest boy," I say before jumping up and heading for the porch, ducking behind my dad.

"Kids," he chides, and Danny knows, from his tone, to settle down.

Jared couldn't make it, but Spencer and Kaitlyn are sitting off to the side, where mom is complimenting Kaitlyn on her new dress - a latest fashion trend she tells me. What do I know about the latest trends? I like my blue jean shorts, athletic tops, over-sized hoodies and occasional sundress just fine.

I've not seen the cake yet, but mom probably has purple flowers on it, like every birthday. I don't mind the flowers, it tells me she cares.

Everyone sings "Happy Birthday." Before the last note is sung, Spencer jumps in and says I need to blow the candles out before the house burns down.

I huff. "It's only nineteen candles."

"Twenty, but who's counting," Danny comments, and Spencer high fives him - boys.
The candles are out, and I bounce on my feet.