Aileen
“What? Her birthday is in a week and you are telling me now?” I asked him.
He looked at me a bit confused, “Why? You are not happy to hear it?”
“I’m not happy to hear it. I’m more than happy to hear it! I’m glad you let me know about it ahead of time. It gives us much time to prepare beforehand. There are a lot of things we need to buy. Yeah, a list would be better.”
He blinked twice before asking, “Wait, by any chance you want to celebrate her birthday?”
“Yeah, of course. Why not? She’s your sister, right?”
“Um, yeah she is. But, she’s not related to you in any way. You don’t even know her in person. Then, why would you want to celebrate? I don’t understand.”
“Yes, I don’t know her in person. But, what does that even make a difference? She’s your sister, we are from the same pack, a family. And your parents aren’t around. So, all the more we should celebrate and make her feel special, right?”
He smiled meekly, “I knew expected you would say something like this. You never fail to surprise me. And I kind of like how unpredictable you are. It’s your uniqueness.”
“Really? I’m flattered. Anyway, so there’s a lot we need to plan. Do you want to do it on the way?”
“Uh, sure. But, I’m not in a hurry, you can take your time”
“You know what? Let’s go to your house today! We can plan the rest there slowly.” I interrupted.
He was stunned by my proposal, “Go to my house? Are you sure about it?”
“Yes, of course, I’m sure. I was even planning to see Becky even before you mentioned the birthday. So, I don’t see any problem. Do you?”
“Uh….” He scratched at his cheeks, “I don’t have a problem exactly…. but I don’t know how she’ll react if I bring you there out of the blue. I mean, she might behave rudely with you, or something along the line. Should you really come over despite all that?”
“Don’t worry,” I assured him, patting his shoulder, “I’m prepared to face anything, no matter what she throws my way. So, it won’t be a problem for me.”
“You are determined, aren’t you?” he quotes, glancing at me.
I smiled, “I am! Especially today! I feel a lot more positive than before.”
“Why? Anything good happened today? Someone confessed to you?” he joked.
“No! Why would you even come to that conclusion? That won’t make me happy at all!”
“That’s a surprise. Aren’t girls around your age supposed to have one or two boyfriends by now? And especially someone as pretty as you must receive lots of confessions, don’t you?”
“That’s…..” it’s not entirely false. There were plenty of times when someone tried to flirt with me, especially that boy from the tennis club. I hate that boy. He’s such a creep.
“Well, I don’t care about boys and confessions. So, that’s not my business,” I replied.
“Don’t care huh?” he mumbled.
“Anyway, We are going to your house now so let’s head offwait, what does your sister like to eat?”
“What does she like? Uh…. she’s a bit picky. But, she likes chiffon cake, melon bread or cream puffs and sweet and sour chicken wings and spicy grilled barbecue, and”
“No need to be so precise,” I replied taking out my phone. I opened the map. “You start driving, I’ll find a shop in the meantime. Just park your car when I tell you to. That’ll be great.”
“As you say, your highness.” He added, turning the car.
I only managed to find a Chinese shop on our route so I stopped by for the sweet and sour chicken wings.
There was a line, so Marshall stayed in his car. While waiting, I realized that I didn’t tell anyone where I was going.
So, I dropped a text to Dave and Mom I’ll be home a bit late cause I’m going to see Marshall’s house to see Becky.
I hope he won’t tell me I’m irresponsible this time. I made sure to inform him.
After buying, we were on our way to his house. We arrived in a bit and after parking his car I stood in front of the door waiting for him to ring the doorbell cause I didn’t want to.
“Why are you standing there for?” he asked, opening the door with the key he had.
“Oh, uh, sorry.”
“Come in, and be a bit prepared,” he warned, walking inside.
I nodded and followed after him.
His house is always so well maintained, that it’s hard to believe only the two of them live here. No matter how productive I am, I always manage to create a messy room without thinking.
He looked around and no one was downstairs in the living room.
“She must be in the kitchen. Wait, let me check. Take a seat here.”
“Don’t worry about me, I’m already feeling at home,” I said, sitting down.
He left and I waited for him to come back.