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I awoke this morning to the normal sounds of yelling and shouting. It was my birthday, but to my parents, it might as well be any other day as they began to fight as they always do. As I got out of bed and headed down the stairs, I began to hear their argument.
"Well, if you had simply washed the dishes!" My dad ranted, swinging around a glass bottle. He was drunk. Like every morning. I couldn't help but wonder how many little girls’ routines involved their parents fighting?
"Maybe you could actually get a job you deadbeat!" My mom fired back at him.
"I tried, but you know it's hard to get a job at the moment."
"Tried? You mean you auditioned for a few commercials and then gave up!"
"It's not my fault I never made it to the big leagues! I swear someone paid to stack that show and cut me out." If there was anything good about my parents fighting it was that they didn't even notice me. As I walked right past them and opened the fridge, I was reminded why that was also a bad thing. When they forgot about me, they also forgot to buy me food. It was no matter today though. Normally I would find, but today I knew that I was going to have a sleepover with the Suzuki's, and they always had some food laying around that I could swipe.
Perhaps it was slightly wrong for me to steal some of their food, but Sunny never minded when I took a bag or two of chips home with me. I don't think he knew how bad things were.... but I think he suspected something was wrong, he may be quiet but he's also pretty observant.
"Hey mom, dad, I'm going to go out for a while, ok?" I told them as I grabbed my backpack and headed out the front door. They didn't answer me back as they were both too involved in their argument. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew not to stay around. My parents almost never acknowledged me, but when they did... It was always bad. It was only nine in the morning and my birthday party wasn't until at least five tonight. On a day like today I would normally spend the entire day with my friends but today that was an issue. They were getting ready for my party. I supposed I could go to the park, though I was unsure what I would do there. Perhaps I could go for a swim at the small lake nearby. I remember when me and my friends found that out a few years ago. It was perfect as the water was almost always crystal clear. I would need my swimsuit though; I had forgotten to take it with me.
I decided to risk going back inside to nab my swimsuit before actually heading out for the day. When I opened the door, my parents were still arguing with each other, which made it easier to slip upstairs where I opened my cabinet and pulled out a pink swimsuit. I quickly made the change, swapping my current clothes for the suit and walked outside again, ready for the secret lake.
As I was walking to the lake, I noticed that it was very hot today and there wasn't a single cloud anywhere, but that's my fault as only a few days ago it rained, and I had wished for clear skies. I had got my wish as it was easily eighty degrees. As I got closer, I noticed that the park was full of people playing on the playset as their parents grilled burgers and chicken. I didn't recognize anyone at first but as I got closer, I noticed that grown man and his wife were grilling burgers who I recognized.
"Hey there Aubrey!" Kel's dad Mr. Reems called as I walked by him. "Happy birthday! Do you want a burger? My sons are around here somewhere but I'm sure they won't mind." I nodded my head and he put a burger on my plate as I carried it to the far ends of the park. Before ducking under the trees, I looked around to make sure that nobody was watching me. When I was sure that I wasn't being watched I ducked into the secret lake. When I came out of the trees, I was expecting to be alone, but I wasn't. A blond boy was hanging his legs off of the small dock, dipping them in the water. I marched up to him,
"Basil!" I yelled as he visibly jumped backwards in surprise. "What are you doing? You know you can't swim." I asked. He blushed from embarrassment as his diamond eyes looked at me.
"I just wanted to feel the water and I know that we can't go to the beach yet." I sighed,
"Well, at least you didn't fall in. I don't know what I'd do if you did." I said as I sat down next to him, tearing apart my burger into two halves and offered him one. He tried to wave it away,
"You need it, Aubrey." He refused. He was one of the few people who I had told him about my home life. I offered him the burger again,
"You need it to." I argued.
"It's not the same." He said as he finally took the burger. They still leave plenty of food, a lot of it is expensive though." I snorted. Basil's parents were wealthy and that was a really sad because despite that, Basil never got what he wanted. He just wanted a nice family who would want to spend time with him. His parents were always on some trip through and always left him behind. I doubted if they even remembered him at times with how busy they were for the short periods of time that they were here.
"What are you hoping to get for your birthday Aubrey?" He asked after a moment of silence.
"If I say my wish out loud, it won't come true." I sorrowfully said, even though I'm sure he already knew of my wish.
"To kiss Sunny~" Basil teased as I playfully punched him in the chest. Though I did feel much hotter all of a sudden and I doubt it was the sun causing it. At least not the giant ball of fire sun. He gave a small laugh and smiled as he looked out over the lake. I finally took a bite of my own burger and found it bursting with flavor and rich texture. It wasn't much, but my stomach greatly appreciated it. My wish was the same one I had the last several years: that my parents would stop fighting. Sure, it was a lot to ask, but nothing was impossible in a wish! That's also why I was so strong about not saying it. I knew it was just superstition, but I thought that if I somehow believed in it enough, it would happen. After I finished my burger, I slipped into the lake as Basil stayed at the dock, his legs dangling off the edge again. I was still concerned about him but understood that it must be hard to see your friends swim and not be able to.
"You could always try to learn Basil." I asked, swimming up to him.
"I guess. It's just that I don't know... I'm just a little scared I suppose." He replied. "You know what? I'll ask Sunny if he wants to learn too. Maybe we can learn how to swim this summer. Although Mari has been awfully set of doing something for the annual talent show so I might have to ask her afterwards. I wonder what it will be. She was so sad when she got ill and couldn't do it last year as it was the first high-school level one. Would you do something?" He asked, I shook my head.
"I'm not sure what I'd be that good at. Besides, I'm more the person to cheer you on! What about you?" He shrugged right back.
"Ah, fair point. I can't think of anything either. Maybe Sunny will join though. He does sure seem to love that violin we bought him." It just occurred to me that after all of this time, I had not seen Kel nor Hero. I wondered why they did not come back here,
"It's likely family stuff. They get to spend time with their family, and I guess in a strange way we are too." Basil commented, somehow able to read my thoughts. I gave him a strange look. He nervously rubbed his arm. "I mean, were both basically orphans as our parents don't want us, we would like to think of you as a sister. Not in a weird way of course. It's just that... I feel comfortable with you as you have been going through a lot of the same as I have, and we can be family to each other, can't we?" I took a minute to think about this. Eventually I nodded. As strange as the idea was, it did make sense.
"I guess it does, brother~" I teased back as he laughed. We were both quiet for a long time before I finally pulled myself back onto the dock.
"Do.... do you think that what has happened to our families will happen to us?" Basil asked gloomily. I looked at him. "That we will start fighting and grow apart." I noticed a few tears forming on his face as I got down on my knees and gave him a hug.
"It won't be like that ok. I promise." I whispered to him. He whipped his face and then stood up. "Thanks Aubrey."
"Of course! I will see you tonight!" I said as I waved goodbye to him and then excited the hangout. As I exited, I found that more time had passed than I thought as almost nobody that I had seen as I walked in remained. I guessed it was roughly two or three as the sun was just beginning to lower from its perch in the middle of the sky. I knew that I needed to go back home to get dressed for tonight at some point and figured that just like a band aid, doing it fast would be the least painful way. As I walked up to the door, I noticed that things were quiet again. I slowly opened it only to slam it closed again as the sound as shattering glass came through the door. I seemed that my father, or maybe my mother, was having a drunken rage again. It was an unfortunate event that occurred more than it should, and I feel that Mari was getting a little suspicious from all of the "random" cuts I would ask her to help treat. I was thinking about what I would do when the door slammed open, throwing me backwards as my father burst out ranting.
"I told ya I didn't drink your stupid cheap wine! Now, I'm going to go and get some actual beer that only professionals like me would drink. Stupid director, he had to hire stupid Jerin Jerings rather than me for his stupid movie. It should have been famous only if I was in it, but no that bum is taking my money."
He often ranted about this. He always complained that he felt cheated and yet from what I overheard, it was his drinking problem that caused all of his problems. Either way, with one parent out of the house I felt much safer and after dusting myself off I headed on inside where my mom was sitting on the couch and watching the TV. She only watched those cheap shows where the plots were bad, the obstacles stupid and often senseless, and the moral inexistent, or comedies with jokes so bad that they made cheap jokes seem carefully crafted. It was mostly empty noise to both of us by now as it went on whenever my dad wasn't home as neither of them really had jobs but survived on their credit cards and what little was left of a family fortune. They were always hungry for money though, just didn't want to work for it and their plans... sometimes made me worried.
"I wish she was a foster child and not ours. Then we could at least make money from her." I shook my head even though I knew I could never get what my father had once said to me out of it. I hustled into the hallway and climbed the ladder to my room, taking off the swimsuit and switching it for my normal clothes. Perhaps I have already mentioned it, but for obvious reasons my birthday party was going to be at the Suzuki's house, so I wanted to make sure I was dressed well. Though I might have picked my nicest dress just in case he noticed me. It was a gorgeous purple nightgown that I had decorated with golden swirls and lining to transform it into a dress. Perhaps it was a little too fancy for a birthday party, but I doubted that anyone would care. I also spent what was probably far too long brushing my hair as it took a lot of work. Having waist-length hair was beautiful, but it was also a lot of work. Perhaps I would cut it someday, even if it was only a little. By the time I was ready it was already four, so I decided to head over, even if I was a little early.
After a short walk I knocked on the Suzuki's door. A minute later it opened to reveal Mari standing in the entrance,
"Oh, Aubrey! Your early!" I blushed,
"Hello."
"That's quite the dress," Mari laughed, "is this your birthday or the prom?"
"I just wanted to make a good impression!" I reasoned to her.
"For Sunny." Mari finished smugly. I didn't say anything but did feel my ears start to burn. "Well, you're quite early, though I guess you can come on in. Sorry, we are still getting things perfect. You know how they are..." Mari sighed sadly. I nodded and gratefully headed inside. Inside Mr. Suzuki was talking on the phone while Mrs. Suzuki was messing with a banner that read Happy Birthday Aubergine. I really wish that she had just used the shortened name and it didn't help that the letters were done in made with purple paint. As I walked into the room, I heard some of Mr. Suzuki's conversation,
"Yes, I know we have a huge meeting, but it's my son's friend's birthday. Yes, I know how much money this deal is worth! I promise this party was not my idea. My grandfather and father both made sure that this company was very honorable and wealthy and it’s my job to continue that. I just need to clench this deal and-" I ignored the rest as I made my way into kitchen where to my surprise someone else was already here hard at work cooking.
"Ah, hello there Aubrey. I was hoping by coming early I could make this as a surprise... but I guess you decided to arrive early as well. So, well, I would appreciate you not watching me." Hero commented as I laughed. When I turned around, I jumped in surprise because all of a sudden there was an additional raven-haired boy standing near me. I nearly immediately launched into a massive hug and tackled him in it.
"SUNNY!!!!" I grinned, still hugging him. "Oh, I'm so glad that your here!!!" I exclaimed excitedly. He didn't say anything back or even make a gesture, but I was essentially strangulating him. I loosened my arms and was letting go when he pressed my arms back around him, burying his face into my shoulder. Both Hero, me, and even Mari who had poked her head in the room laughed at his silly antics. I walked back out to the living room with Sunny still attached to me and saw Mari sitting on one of the couches, making party hats.
"Hey Mari?" I asked, as she looked at me. "Me and Basil were talking earlier, and I was wondering, were you planning to do anything for the talent show this fall?" Mari gave me a soft smile.
"It's a little early to be planning something for the fall; isn't it Aubrey? I'm sure I will do something though as I will find my name on the signup somehow. Anyways, Hero is just making your cake. I already made some of my cookies, you can have some if you want! I was going to prepare milk to go with them, but Sunny really wanted juice, so-." As if to make her point, I heard a sipping from next to me and found that Sunny had one of the said juice boxes. Me and Mari talked about all kinds of stuff for a long time before we were eventually interrupted by the door. Mari walked over and opened it, revealing both Kel and Basil.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!" The tan child exclaimed, "Happy birthday to you!!!!"
"KEL!" I yelled as Basil gave a nervous smile. "Yes, happy birthday."
"Well," Mari commented, turning to me, "I'm sure your eager to open your presents, but first let's all head into the kitchen because a certain young man has been working very hard on something." She asked as we all followed her into the room. On the counter there was a large vanilla cake that had strawberry frosting and was adorned with small triangle slices of watermelon and even a gladiolus made out of watermelon placed on the top of the cake. Hero was giving the largest smile I had seen in a long time.
"Suprise!" He grinned, "I've been getting really good at carving watermelons and wanted to surprise you with this!" Kel just looked at him in wonder.
"That's amazing Hero! Dad never lets me play with knives!"
"That's because..." Hero started then stopped. We all knew what he was going to say, but Hero was too nice; everyone knew that he couldn't say what he was thinking. So, I said it for him.
"He's reckless?" I added and he nodded.
"Oh, come on! I'm not that reckless!" Kel complained, but this was also the guy who insisted that he could juggle eggs. It went as badly as one can imagine it would.
"Anyways, I'm sure that you all want to dig in, so go ahead and grab some plates. I'll cut this thing up!" Hero smiled and I gave a light snicker. It was funny to the see Hero of all people saying "cut this thing up" as he is usually so mild and calm. Mari helped hand out plates and forks to all of us while Mari plopped a slice of cake on everyone's plate. I took my fork and took a big bite of the cake and couldn't help but smile. It was full of fruity flavors complimented by the vanilla cake. Mari handed out apple juice boxes and I gladly took one.
"Now. Don't. Spill." Mari commanded Kel. I rolled my eyes. That juice stain had happened about a year ago and she was still going on about it. She turned to me again, "How about you open the rest of your gifts." she suggested as her mom helped her bring all of my gifts into the living room and place them in the middle of the room. I noticed that Mr. Suzuki was still on his phonephone as I walked into the living room, still taking small bites out of my cake.
"Alright first we have.... Kel's gift." Mari said, handing me an orange square box about the size of a tissue box. I opened the wrapping paper to find a piece of paper. On it read one free win against me. I rolled my eyes as Kel grinned. Hero, who had joined us on the floor, just looked nervous. Next Mari handed me her gift. It was the shape of a small tube, and I was very curious to see what it was. I tore it open to find a bottle of hair dye.
"Suprise!" Mari exclaimed, "I know your parents are pretty strict about it and I know that I really shouldn't be doing something like this, but I knew that you always wanted to dye your hair! I figured that you'd like a bright pink color. All I ask is that you save it for a special occasion, ok?" I gave her a giant smile and hugged the bottle.
"Thank you so much!" I cried. What she said was true, my parents were quite strict on that kind of stuff. Ironic wasn't it... they said a thirty-dollar bottle of hair dye was expensive and yet spent who knows how much on their drinking habits. Perhaps that's why he was so strict.
"Now, I tried to think of something practical and yet fun for you. I hope you like them." Hero commented. "Sorry that I didn't have time to wrap it." He apologized as he handed me a cardboard box and a to-go bag. I opened the box and found a bunch of easy-to-make cereal packets, alongside some canned goods and water bottles. I looked at him confused. "The fun thing is in the bag... but Mari and I were talking and... Well, it's the least I could do." I nodded at him. It... It was really nice of him to do that for me, even if it did bring forth unpleasant memories. I opened up the bag to find a very large pink object. I reached in and immediately felt that it was remarkably soft. I lifted it out to see that it was a giant blanket.
"I figured that you'd love something like this! I hope that when you sleep with it, it reminds you of us." Hero smiled. I smiled back and wrapped the sweater around me.
"Next up we have Sunny's." Mari pulled a large rectangular box forward and looked at her brother. I looked at him too, only to realize he was laying super cutely on the floor asleep. "Sunny!" Mari cried then sighed. "Well, I'm sure he would still want you to have it."
"I'm sure he's all the gift she wants~" Basil teased as I felt like my face was suddenly pushed into a furnace it was so hot.
"BASSSSIILLL!!!!" I covered my face with my hands, and I yelled. I heard soft giggling from about where he was sitting. When I uncovered my face, I noticed that Hero and Mari were talking to each other. I wondered what they were up to as I grabbed Sunny's present. I unwrapped it only to find that there was nothing inside. Mari said this and shoved her brother. Groggily he opened his eyes.
"You didn't get her a gift!" She hushedly yelled. He blinked at her.
"I wanted to give it to her myself." He muttered as he reached into his pocket. "Close eyes?" He asked and I closed my eyes, wondering what he could have in his pocket. I trusted Mari and Hero enough to stop him if him or Kel had any evil ideas planned. I felt something slide into my hand, or my finger more or less. "Ok." I heard him mutter softly and I opened my eyes. When I saw what was on my finger, I just stood there. It took me a minute before I could finally understand it. On my second finger he had placed a pink candy ringpop... Sunny had given me a ring. Sunny had given me a ring!
"SUNNY HAS GIVEN ME A RING!" I exclaimed, unable to control my joy at this. At least until I saw Sunny blushing hard enough to heat the entire house, Basil looking like he was melting and Kel laughing his head off.
"EWWWWWWWWWWWWW!" Kel complained, making a disgusted face.
"Be nice." Hero scolded his brother. I still felt nothing but ecstasy at this moment. He had given me a ring!!!!
"Uh, a-alright! Now, for the last gift. This one is from Basil." Mari finally said with a cough, trying to get everything back on track.
"I erm. I couldn't wrap my gift. I'm sure you already know what it is." He went to his backpack and carefully lifted out a flowerpot. "These are called alstroemeria! They signify a strong bond between friends! I know it's probably not the best gift, but I hope you can appreciate the sentiment!" I nodded my head. I really did appreciate all of his flowers! We all sat for a while and talked about everything a normal child would. The latest spaceboy episodes, the Pet Rocks, and Sweetheart films. Before I knew it the clock had already reached eight and Hero got up.
"Alright, well, our folks are expecting us back home. Have a happy birthday, Aubrey!" He wished me as he, alongside Kel, grabbed their belongings and went outside. Basil was getting up as well, but I bolted up and grabbed his hand.
"Come on Basil! Can't you stay. Plllleeeaassee!!!" I pleaded. He smiled nervously.
"I can't Aubrey. My parents would want me-"
"Who cares about your parents! They don't care about you! I swear they wouldn't even know!" I pleaded, though I could see the pain I had caused him on his face.
"... If Mari will allow it, I guess so. My parents won't be home for another few days and I'm sure my grandma won't mind." I jumped into the air.
"Come on Mari! He has to stay!" she smiled and waved me down.
"Alright, alright. However, we don't have enough bed mattresses for all of you. So, I’m sure someone doesn’t mind sharing.” I gave her a disappointed look. She just shrugged. “I’m not the one who insisted Basil to stay. I’m going to get ready for bed. I would urge you to do the same as well.” I nodded I was getting pretty tired. I had forgotten to bring any sleepwear, but I was used to sleeping in my daytime clothes. So, after brushing both my teeth and hair, I laid down on one of the bed mattresses that Mari had laid on the floor of her and Sunny’s room. I was almost asleep when I felt someone lay down next to me. I went to turn my head around, when I saw an arm wrap itself over me and give me a hug. Only one person could make me so safe with their cuddles. He shifted a few times and eventually put his legs on top of mine as well. Today didn’t start out the best, but I can say that this was certainly an unforgettable birthday, and I had my friends beside me.