“So what did you buy me?” He asks, and she rolls her eyes.
“I’m not telling you, mister. That’s a secret!” She scrunches her nose, and he purses his lips and frowns.
“You’re supposed to be six years old.” He huffs, and she giggles.
“I’m six, not stupid.” She rolls her eyes again while she runs away to play with the dog.
“Happy Birthday!” I burst, throwing my arms around him.
“That’s the third time today.” He states, while my face drops.
“Shut up before I go get the hose.” This time, his face drops, not so fond memories filling his brain for sure. Then I realize he hasn’t seen his cousin from the other side of the world since Christmas and drop my arms, ashamed.
“Oh, sorry, I-”
“No worries.” She dismisses and walks up to him, giving him a quick hug.
Soon enough, everyone gathers to have dinner. Everyone’s talking and laughing, all while telling stories about Jake. Emily excuses herself and appears with a lit cake, and we all get up to cheer on the birthday boy. I’m sitting next to him and amprivileged to see his face light up as he watches every loved one sing him happy birthday. He blows the candles, everyone claps, and he turns to me and pecks my lips. I blush when everyone cheers louder, and he kisses the side of my head.
“Time for presents!” Miss Patty gets up and moves to the pile to get the biggest present on it. I feel myself shrinking in my chair, and I don’t even know what it is yet.
He hugs her and starts unwrapping the guitar he has been talking about for a year now.
His eyes shine, and he hugs Miss Patty again, but more emotionally.
“Thanks grandma.”
“You deserve it.” She kisses his cheek, and one by one, everyone gifts him fun games, clothes, and basically all this stuff he has been wanting for forever.
Oh, I hate myself right now.I’m giving him a miserable photo!I can’t give it to himnow. Especially after everyone saw the guitar.
Miss Patty arches an eyebrow.No, I mouth to her, and she rolls her eyes, hands on her hips.
“Maddie has something, too.” She says.
I glare while he turns his gaze to me once again.
“I don’t. I forgot.” I burst. Clearly, I didn’t forget anything. The lonely, childish small bag on top of the table can attest that.
“Then who’s the owner of the Lightning McQueen bag?” Joey asks, and I bury my head in my hands.
“You brought me a Cars bag?” Jake chuckles, happy.
“It’s for later…” I end up saying.
At least, it’s not in front of all these people.
“Dirty present? Didn’t know you had it in you, Madelaine.” Aaron comments, arms crossed, with an arched eyebrow, andI die.
“NO! No, I promise.” My eyes dart to my dad. “Dad, I swear-”
He only laughs along withJake’s entire family.
And thank god, later came. My family went home, and the Wests went inside, leaving me with him and an empty table, illuminated by tiny lamps.
We sit next to each other, facing the front of the house. I pass him the bag sideways.
“It’s not a guitar but, uh, I thought it could mean something.”
