Flora flung her phone at the wall. She remembered her mother's words "I'm sorry dear but your father and I won't be around for your birthday". Like, this was the first time something of this sort was taking place. She grabbed her hair and pulled it hard. She then fell on her bed. Why did they have to spoil her evening for her. She didn't even have the liver to have dinner.
So you'll know, she usually had her birthday party— that is if it was called a party, with her family. Sometimes, they'd invite the Smiths or the Monets or maybe they'd show up together.
But now, she was on her own.
Throughout that day, she was moody. And so was the following day.
She got to school late. During classes she daydreamed and missed the roll call twice. That was strange.
Georg noticed it and decided to question her during lunch.
He didn't understand why she was so gloomy. Like, her birthday was the next day.
"Flora" he called "You haven't touched your lunch" he pointed out.
She jerked. Her mind hadn't been there at all "Oh, I used extra jam and you know it'll hurt my stomach" she said.
She handed him a slice. He didn't buy it "Flora, what's wrong?" He asked.
She sighed "I'm actually wondering if I was really born tomorrow" she replied with a question.
"Your parents aren't coming?" He asked.
She nodded. "Could the day ever get worse?" And she flung her fork at him.
Luckily, he had quick reflexes "Is that why your number wasn't going through too?" He asked as he dodged the assault.
The fork came clattering down to the ground.
"I think it's broken" she said as she played with some strands of her hair.
He smiled and placed his hand on hers "They'll surely come".
After school he decided to walk her home. He made her dinner and they ate together.
"Thank you" Flora said as she cleared the dishes.
Georg smiled "You're like my little sister so it's definitely not a big deal."
Luckily, Isaac's house was next door. He had promised to help take the piano to the Park. "Isaac, come out" he said as he pressed the doorbell.
Ivana opened the door "Georg" she screamed.
"Where's that crazy brother of yours?" He asked.
Ivana laughed "He's inside"
Georg peeped and saw Isaac panting heavily "Seems like someone can do with a heavy detail"
"Georg, please, help" Isaac screamed as he walked to the door.
Ivana burst out laughing.
Although it was really heavy, the two boys managed to take the piano to the park. They met Josephine there. "Hey" she screamed.
They took the piano to where she stood. "So, is this the spot you chose?" Georg asked.
Josephine nodded "I've decided to choose here because of the scenery"
Isaac smiled. She was too thoughtful. "Whatever you say" he asked as they dropped the piano where she instructed.
"So, you're Josephine?" Georg said as he relaxed against the piano.
She chuckled "I am, and you are?"
Georg looked at Isaac angrily "Are you telling me you haven't told her about me?"
Isaac laughed as he gave Georg a pat on his back "It's not to late for an introduction, is it?"
"I'm..." Just then his phone rang. "I'm Georg and I gotta run, mom's worried".
Josephine flashed a smile "I'll never forget you" she said and sat on the soft grass.
So, this is how it felt like when she missed a dose. Earlier that evening she had rushed to the park that she had forgotten to take her medications and it was seriously telling on her.
Georg left. Isaac noticed Josephine wasn't feeling well. "Do you want me to walk you home?" He asked.
"Please do" she said as she got up. Her legs were wobbly.
As they walked through the bridge, Josephine missed her step and slipped. Luckily, Isaac caught her "Are you feeling alright?" He asked.
She shook her head. Before she knew it, Isaac raised her and placed her on his shoulders "What are you doing?" She asked.
He smiled "I'm going to piggy back you home".
She was speechless. She just felt like she was in another world entirely. She let the breeze run through her hair. Sometimes when she felt like she'd fall, she just squeezed his shirt and know she was safe.
Soon, the tears began to fall voluntarily.
When they had gotten to the doorpost of her house, he put her down. He rang the doorbell and said "You'll be alright now"
Josephine smiled "Thank you" she said and her mother opened the door.
"Josephine, I was waiting all evening for you" she said obviously worried.
Josephine gave Isaac one last glance at that time "You have great friends, treasure them" and she was escorted inside by her mother.
"I will" he replied but she had already walked inside.
He got home happy. He didn't know why? Even if he did, he just knew he was happy. Everything looked refreshing to him. Like he was in a brand new place. He felt ecstatic.
Mrs Banks felt irritable. That year would be the first she wouldn't be by her daughter's side on her birthday. That wasn't nice.
She walked to her husband who was sitting in the living room "Tommy, do you think it's nice what we are doing to Flora?"
Tommy laughed "You're still thinking about that?" He asked
She nodded "I've even book two emergency flights for us. I badly want to be with Flora" she whined.
Mr. Banks was feeling sad himself "When's the flight taking off" he asked.
"9am" she replied and smiled "I want us to go shopping for her. I really miss the times we were a family" she added.
Her husband stood up and embraced her "We both know it's better the way things are so let's not push our limits" he said.
Karen let the tears flow. She knew the way things were were for the best. She wouldn't bear having Flora close to her and not being able to treat her like a daughter "You're right Tommy"