I stared in the mirror at my chest, wishing more was going on in that department. After all, I wasn’t a little kid anymore. Someone needed to tell my boobs. It’s like they hadn’t grown a single bit in the last two years.
“Are you almost done in there?” Sara barked at the door, tapping her fingers along the wood.
“Almost.” I rolled my eyes and pulled my shirt back down, hoping one of these days they would come in and no longer look like ant hills.
“Mama is making you a cake!” Her excitement caught my attention.
“Really?” I squealed as I opened the door quickly.
“Yep, she’s in the kitchen now!” Her toothy grin made me chuckle. Sara hadn’t quite grown into her two front teeth yet. But I only made fun of her once about it. I’d felt guilty when she’d cried, and I didn’t want to be the cause of anyone’s tears in this house. I zipped past my little sister and made my way into the kitchen where the smell of chocolate lingered in the air.
“You’re making me a cake?” I grabbed her around the waist and gave her a squeeze just as she turned her back to the stove.
“Well, it’s not every day you turn fourteen.” She placed her soft but frail hands on both of my cheeks before pressing a quick kiss to my forehead.
“Happy birthday!” Mama and Sara both sang in unison.
A genuine smile spread across my face. “Thanks!”
“Is it almost done?” Sara bent down and tried to peek through the gap in the oven door.
“Almost.” Mama’s giggle caused my chest to tighten. She didn’t laugh very often, and it was nice to hear when she did.
I spotted the can of frosting on the table. It was already open and begging for a taste. So, I did the rational thing and swiped my finger across the top layer before shoving it into my mouth. The rich chocolate melting on my tongue was heavenly.
“So good,” I moaned, basking in the sugary deliciousness.
“Hey, no fair! You told me not to touch it!” Sara folded her arms and pouted at Mama then back at me.
“It’s my birthday; I’m allowed.” I giggled as she stuck her tongue out at me.
“Speaking of the birthday girl, I got you something. I know it’s not much.” She pulled a box from under the counter, and my heart began to pound. The entire day had gone by without any mention of gifts, and I assumed she just didn’t have the money. I wasn’t mad, but this definitely made my heart skip a beat, and I bounced on my toes with excitement.
“Thanks, Mama!” I stared at the box as I took it from her hand. I didn’t waste any time ripping it open.
“I hope you like them.”
I threw the paper to the side and found a brand-new pair of shoes—turquoise high tops that folded down to yellow. Everyone at school had a pair, they were the in thing. Mine didn’t have the star on the side like the name-brand ones, but I didn’t care. They were awesome, and I loved them.
“They’re so cool, thank you.” I hugged them against my chest before turning my affection to my mother.
“You’re welcome, sweetie. I’m glad you like them.”
And I really did. It wasn’t easy for her to come up with money to get us gifts for the holidays, but she always did the best she could. Maybe I didn’t get the things the other kids got, but I was thankful for what she managed to provide.
“I love them,” I gushed, examining the shoes from side to side, giving them a thorough inspection.
The sound of the door slamming made us all jump, and I knew the happiness and peace would be short-lived.
“Go ahead and take them to your room. Sara, go with her.” Mama shooed us both out of the kitchen, and then she bent down to take the cake out of the oven.
“But I want some cake.” The whine that escaped Sara’s lips stopped when Duane marched into the room. He didn’t have to say a word to show all three of us that he was in a bad mood.
Figured.
We did as our mom had ordered and shuffled our feet to our room, shutting the door behind us. Minutes after we’d hidden away, the sound of metal hitting the wall was followed by my mother’s muffled words, too faint to understand. Not long after, their bedroom door closed, and I knew that was the end of my celebration. My cake now littered the kitchen floor—Duane made sure none of us got any.
Sara didn’t say another word, although I knew she was fuming on the inside. Instead, she stared at the ceiling until her eyes started to drift closed, deep sleep immediately following.
I waited a bit before sliding out of my bed and then slowly cracking the window to climb out. The summer days were longer, and a hint of light still brushed across the woods, leaving me without the need for a flashlight to make it to our shed.
But a small light was illuminated the closer I got. Jackson was here, and my heart began to pound faster. Somehow, I knew he would be. Some nights when I came out here, I’d be alone, left to my own thoughts. But not tonight.
“Hey there!” He nodded as I ducked my way into our spot.
“Hey.” I couldn’t help but stare at him.
He’d gotten a haircut recently, and as the light reflected off his eyes, he seemed different. Older, maybe. I wasn’t sure. But definitely different.
“Close your eyes,” he muttered as soon as my butt hit the ground.
“What? Why?” I was always suspicious.
“Just do it,” he demanded, and his grin caused my eyes to close on command.
I heard the flicker of a lighter, and my body grew tense. It took me a second to realize this was Jackson and I was safe and allowed my body to relax.
“Okay, open them.” My eyes fluttered open, and a flickering candle on top of a little white cake sat before me.
“Happy birthday.” He smiled, staring at me, my eyes drifting between the sugary goodness and those honey-colored eyes.
Without a second thought, I blew out the flame and then leaned forward, pressing my lips against Jackson’s. It was our only kiss since the first time, and it felt right. Actually, it felt necessary.
As we parted ways, we continued to stare at one another.
“Thank you.” My voice shook, and I wanted to kiss him again.
“It’s your birthday.” He blew me off and ran his finger over the side of the icing before sticking it into his mouth.
“Do you want to share it?” I tried not to focus on his tongue as it ran across his bottom lip.
“Nah, it’s for you.” His smile was genuine.
“Then I think I’m going to save it to share with Sara.”
“Good idea.” He took it from my hands and then intertwined his fingers with mine.
“That was really nice of you to remember.” I stared at our fingers. Linked. Just like us.
“I’d never forget your birthday,” he whispered and leaned forward, pressing his soft lips to mine once more.