“Wow, I don’t know what to say,” I said, breathless, and I reached up to touch the gems. Stephanie smiled, satisfied, and then pulled my emerald pendant out of her pocket.

“You can’t forget this,” she said she fastened the clasp around my neck. “Now, you’re complete,” she said and I laughed.

“Thanks Stephanie,” I said and she rolled her eyes.

“You act like I care…” she said with what sounded like forced sarcasim and I sighed, I suppose she’ll never admit we’re friends.

“Ready to do?” My mother’s peppy voice called through the door and the corners of my lips turned up in a smile.

“Yes,” I replied as she flung open the door and motioned for us to hurry along.

“Right this way Birthday girl,” Sierra said as she linked her arm through mine.

“You look gorgeous,” Zane whispered into my ear from behind me and I jumped out of surprise.

“Why thank-you,” I replied as I turned around and gave him a peck on the lips.

“You’ll have to wait until later for your birthday present,” Zane whispered and I giggled nervously.

“Okay,” I whispered back and Sierra rolled her eyes.

“No more whispering! This is a group activity, be team players you guys,” she said and we all laughed.

“Wait!” Stephanie exclaimed, suddenly coming to a halt. “Do we have to take a ‘taxi’?” she asked and Lance looked uncomfortable.

“Yes, that’s the only reasonable transportation,” Zane replied and Stephanie glared at him.

“Fine, but if I get so much as a drip of water on me, someone is going to die, got it?” she asked and everyone nodded. Stephanie’s stone features finally softened as Lance threw his arms around her slim shoulders, and she began walking again. Once we were outside the sun shone brightly in my eyes, and I was momentarily blinded. I clung closer to Zane as my vision returned slowly.

“It’s so bright out,” I heard Sierra whisper and I giggled.

“It sure is,” I said, finally able to see again.

“You’ll want to go down this street, then take a right,” Jasmines soft voice protruded from behind us, meekly. “If they ask if you, ‘destinazione?’ Answer, Milan, from there, you walk.” I expected Stephanie to protest, but she simple bit her lip and looked away.

“Well, let’s go,” I said with a smile and we took off walking down the dirt road.

Once we rounded the corner we saw a familiar looking canal with a bright yellow water taxi in it. My mother hopped down into the boat and walked over to where the captain was seated. After a few seconds of talking my mother pulled out some Euro’s and set them in the man’s hand, then motioned for us to climb aboard. Zane hopped in first then turned and helped both Sierra and I into the boat.

Landing gracefully, I planted a kiss on his cheek and smiled, “Why thank-you,” I whispered into his ear and he smiled in response. Lance was next to get in, his face was a bit paler than usual as he looked up at Stephanie’s terrified face.

“Okay, don’t worry I-”