“Wake up birthday girl!” Linda’s loud voice pulled me out of my slumber and I heard the annoying buzzing of party noise makers as my eyes adjusted to the light. Everyone was gathered around my bed and Sierra was holding out a lit birthday cake.
I looked up, confused at them, “This couldn’t have waited until I showered?” I asked and Zane shook his head.
“Nope, this is when you’ve officially turned 18, right to the minute,” he replied and I gave him a thankful smile.
“Thanks guys!” I exclaimed as I leaned forward and blew out the flickering candles.
“Well, you better get dressed; we have a full planned day ahead,” my mom said as she assured everyone out.
“Actually, I was wondering if we could do something else instead,” I said and everyone stopped.
“Sure, honey, what did you have in mind?” she asked and I smiled.
“There’s this little town just off of Milan, I’d really like to visit it,” I replied and Zane’s smile widened.
“Sure, if that’s what you want, then that’s what we’ll do,” he replied then shifting uncomfortably he added, “and you have a call waiting.”
“Call waiting?” I asked and Stephanie rolled her eyes.
“Both Zane and I have already cussed him out but he still wants to talk to you,” she replied and my heart clenched.
“Kyle,” I stated glumly and I turned to look at Jasmine. “I’d appreciate it if you hung up on him and told him I don’t wish to speak to him ever again, but you can add in a few swear words here and there if you wish,” I said sweetly and Jasmine smiled.
“Of course, happy birthday,” she said then shuffled out.
“Well, I suppose I’ll go shower then we can get going,” I said and Stephanie laughed.
“Nope, it’s your birthday so we let you sleep in, but there’s no time for a shower now. Pull your hair up and through some sweats on.” I gaped at them, then, seeing they weren’t changing their minds, grabbed my suitcase and began filing through the clothes.
“Fine, no shower, but I’m wearing a dress then,” I said with a smile and Sierra giggled. “What now?” I asked and Stephanie shook her head.
“You don’t really think I’d let you go out on your Birthday in sweats, right? Just follow me,” she said and I sighed. We walked down the hall until we came to a bright pink decorated door.
“You’ve already decorated it?” I asked and she laughed.
“Of course I did! The paint job was horrid,” she said as she opened the door and ushered me inside.
“So what are we doing in here?” I asked and she shot me a fake glare.
“I’m giving you one of your many birthday presents,” she said as she led me to a large door in the back of her room.
“What’s this lead to?” I asked and she clucked her tongue.
“My walk-in closet.” I gave her a confused smile as she turned the knob and gave me one last mile before opening it so that I could see inside.
“It’s the one at the back,” she said as I poked my head around the door. My eyes searched for the outfit and when they found it, I gasped.
“It’s gorgeous, Stephanie!” I exclaimed as I ran into her closet and grabbed the hanger down.
“I know,” she said with a proud smile then tapped the watch on her wrist. “Hurry up and put it on, we’re on a schedule.”
I smiled back at her and nodded, “Okay.” She shook her head with a smile, and then walked out, shutting the door behind herself. Smiling, I stripped off my pajamas and carefully pulled the dress on over my head. I turned to face myself in her mirror and my smile widened. The dress sparkled blindingly in the light, fitting my every curve perfectly, and complimenting my pale skin wonderfully. I slipped the diamond covered shoes onto my feet and felt a strong sense of happiness. Happy birthday to me
, I thought to myself just before the door got flung open again.
“Ready to go?” Stephanie asked and I smiled.
“Yes,” I replied and as I walked out I felt her gently put something on my head. I shot her a confused glance and went over to look in the mirror. My light blonde hair was pulled back with a sparkling, diamond headband.