The Date

60.

For my sixteen birthday, I wanted to have a party with my friends. A cake, fun music, hang out with normal people. And above all hold my boyfriend in my arms. For any common teenager, it would be a typical request. A simple birthday party. For me, normalcy was a fantasy. Something unobtainable.

NO PARTY!

The living room was decorated with beige and black balloons and silver ribbons. There was a soft piano ambiance music playing in the background. In the middle of the room, a table filled with sparkling gifts wrapped in gold. You actually know that Aunt Alice did all the wrapping as they are all done with the same style. There was a pyramid of macarons in soft pastel colors. A bouquet of beautiful giant roses stood in a crystal vase. It was a touch from Grandma for sure. I smiled at the effort.

"It's lovely," I whispered. Alice turned to Grandma and Granpa with a grin.

"I told you, she'll love it," she said. I scanned the room for Grandpa Charlie. Then turned to mom and Dad with a frown.

"Will Charlie come?" they all shared an awkward look. Aunt Alice took my hands in her.

"Well, you see. Since tonight might be a little dangerous with your power awakening. We didn't want things to get out of hand," she explained. I slowly nodded. Somehow, the good humor of my host had dropped a little. Aunt Alice grinned trying to salvage the mood. "let's open the gifts! Let's cheer, it's not every day you turn sixteen," she swirled around dragging me with her. We giggled and went to the gifts. Everyone followed. She handed me a tiny box with a mischievous smile.

"This one is from me," I took the box it fitted in my palm.

"Hey, why are we starting with your gift?" complained Emet. She gave him a world-shattering glare. "Oh, death glare," he placed his hand over his heart pretending he was hit by a bullet. Jasper puffed with laughter. Alice elbowed him in the ribs. He bent over rubbing his stomach.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled with a crooked smile. "But I'll have to agree with Emet. After she has opened your gift all of ours' will look dull in comparison," Aunt Alice pursed her lips at him. I tore the wrapping in eagerness after his comment. It was a small black box, the type you put wedding rings in. My heart slammed in my ċhėst. There was a dent in the front and when I pushed it, the box popped open.

"Oh!" I cried. They all leaned closer. "A key!" I said. I took it out of the velvet interior. It was one of those fancy electronic keys that new cars use. It sparkled in the dim light.

"No, you didn't," Dad called over my shoulder. I stared at the key stunt speechless. Then it sunk in. A sharp breath left my parted lips.

"You got me a car?" I looked up at her with wide eyes. She nodded with a gin. I squealed. It startled Jasper and Grandma, they took a step back. Emet covered his ears. "You got me a car!" I jumped and squealed some more and Aunt Alice joined me in my crazy bouncing dance.

"Hold it, young lady," called Dad. I let go of aunt Alice and hugged him while jumping.

"I got a car! I got a car," I chanted. He chuckled at my burst of joy. He patted my back in misery.

"Ok, ok. Calm down. Let's not forget you're among bloodthirsty vampires," he smiled.

"Hey!" called half of them feeling offended by the comment.