3,nov,2002
california \los angeles
winter arrived early that year, and the nights had grown cold and wet. June, in her usual hurry, had a heart full of excitement. It was Amelia's 16th birthday, a day she intended to make unforgettable. Clutching a chocolate cake and a beautifully wrapped gift, she dashed to her car, her mind brimming with thoughts about Amelia's reaction.
June: (muttering excitedly) "I hope she loves the cake and the gift. It has to be perfect."
Her car journey felt like an eternity, every red light seemingly conspiring against her. Finally, she arrived at Amelia's doorstep and knocked eagerly.
June: "LAPD, open up the door!" (she laughed)
Amelia's voice responded from behind the door, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
Amelia: "Who's there?"
June: "Your partner in crime, silly!"
Amelia recognized June's playful tone and couldn't help but smile as she swung open the door to her friend's beaming face.
Amelia: (smiling) "Well, what's my crime, madame?"
June: (grinning) "To be the most beautiful girl in the world, of course!"
June couldn't contain her excitement as she presented the cake and gift.
June: "Happy birthday, sweetie!" (she hugged Amelia tightly)
Amelia's eyes welled up with emotion, and she hugged June back.
Amelia: (teary-eyed) "Oh my goodness, you remembered. Thank you so much, June. This means a lot to me."
June: (teasing) "Remember? How could I ever forget my sister's birthday? You're more than a best friend, Amelia. You're family, and I love you."
Overwhelmed by gratitude, Amelia clung to her friend.
Amelia: "It's just... I was questioning myself, you know? How could any mother do that to her child just to be with her toxic husband? Was she really my mother? I miss Dad so much..."
Tears threatened to spill from Amelia's eyes as the haunting memories of her past surfaced.
June: (softly) "Amelia, please don't overthink it. Leave your past behind. I promise you, your dad never wanted you to feel like this. This self-doubt, it's like self-harm. If she was your mother, she'd never have done this to you. If she doesn't care about you, then you shouldn't have to care about anyone who doesn't deserve you. You've got amazing foster parents who love you like their own. They know how incredible and talented you are. You'll be happy there, trust me. Just be happy; there's nothing to worry about."
Amelia managed a weak smile, feeling the warmth of June's comforting words.
Amelia: (sniffles) "You're right, June. I agree with everything you say. Thank you for lifting me up. You're just like a sister, and I can share anything with you. I love you."
June: (wiping Amelia's tears away) "I'm always here for you, my love. Okay, enough of crying. Let's cut that cake!"
They moved to the dining area, where Amelia's favorite chocolate cake awaited them. June placed a candle on it, ready for the birthday tradition.
June: "Okay, come on, Amelia, make a wish."
Amelia closed her eyes, her heart full of hope, and blew out the candle. It was a quiet moment filled with dreams and aspirations.
June: "Let's cut the cake!"
Amelia took the knife, and together they sliced into the cake. June sang a joyful rendition of the birthday song, her voice brimming with affection.
June: (singing) "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."
Amelia's smile grew wider with each note, and when the song ended, they both clapped in delight.
June: "Now, for some birthday dance!"
June played "On the floor'" by jenifer lopez, one of their favorite songs. Amelia and June danced as if they were hitting the club, the music setting their spirits free.
Their laughter echoed through the house as they danced with wild abandon. The room was filled with the radiant glow of Amelia's happiness, a stark contrast to the dark shadows of her past.
Amelia: (panting) "This is the best night of my life, June. Thank you so much."
June: (chuckles) "Stop thanking me, silly. You deserve this. Little Stuart." (laughs)
Amelia: (gasping) "Stuart? Well, okay, you're Stuart's best friend!"
June: (laughing) "Alright, fine. I'll accept that title. Stuart can't compete with us."
June couldn't contain her excitement as she held two art exhibition passes(amelias gift) behind her back.
June: "Okay, close your eyes..."
Amelia chuckled, playing along.
Amelia: "Alright, my eyes are closed. What's the surprise?"
June: "Wait, open your eyes on 3... 1, 2, 3!"
As Amelia opened her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of the art exhibition passes. Her excitement was palpable.
Amelia: (yelling in excitement) "OMG, you're joking, June! You have no idea how much this means to me! The exhibition entry deadline was already up!"
June: "It's not your problem, Amy. The point is, we're going to the exhibition tomorrow!"
Both friends couldn't contain their joy, and they erupted into cheers and laughter.
Amelia: "This is incredible, June! But... what are we going to wear?"
June: (laughs) "We'll figure that out later, don't worry. The important thing is that we'll be there, surrounded by art and beauty."
Their enthusiasm for the art exhibition was contagious, and they knew that this special day was just another chapter in their unforgettable friendship.
As they sprawled on the bed, exhausted from their dancing, their laughter and happiness lingered in the room.
The night continued to unfold with laughter and heartfelt conversations between Amelia and June. Their friendship was a source of strength for Amelia, a beacon of light in her often tumultuous life.
June playfully teased Amelia about her birthday wish, which Amelia had initially hesitated to reveal.
June: (laughs) "Well, well, what have you wished for?"
Amelia blushed, her voice filled with shyness.
Amelia: "Um, well, it's a wish, and I can't tell you that."
June: "Ohhh, seems like somebody wished for something she can't even tell her best friend." She teased Amelia.
Amelia: "Hey, no, I'll tell you... I wished that I had somebody true and real in my life with whom I could spend my life without worries and fear. But this world is so cruel; I don't think my wish is ever going to come true."
June looked at her with genuine affection.
June: "Listen, Amy, you're such a kind soul, and in the end, kindness wins. So you don't have to worry about anything. You're so beautiful... you can pull eight to nine guys at a time." She laughed.
Amelia joined in the laughter.
Amelia: (laughs) "Stop, June, you know I'm not that type of girl. But seriously, tell me about you and Jack. What's going on between you two?"
June hesitated for a moment before sharing her thoughts.
June: "I don't want to talk about it, Amy... It's just that he's so busy; he hasn't texted me in a month. And honestly, I didn't bother him either. It's a matter of priorities."
Amelia nodded in agreement.
Amelia: "Exactly, June. It's all about priorities. Nobody is so busy that they can't reply to a single text. I can't bear to see you like this, June. Please, consider moving on from this toxic relationship."
June felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that Amelia cared so deeply for her.
June: "You're right, Amy."
Amelia continued with a mischievous smile, trying to lighten the mood.
Amelia: "Well, if I can pull seven to eight guys, then, sweetie, you can pull half of the world. Why get worried about one idiot? Screw him... he doesn't deserve you, girlfriend!"
June laughed wholeheartedly.
June: "Yeah, girlfriend! That means we can rule the world together." She chuckled.
Amelia was filled with excitement.
Amelia: "Yeah!" She exclaimed, "Hey, June, I'm feeling so tired after dancing like a crazy stripper. Let's get some sleep."
June chuckled.
June: "You were good, even though you could be a good stripper. You should think about that." She laughed. "Let's sleep; we have to wake up early and slay. Goodnight, sweetie."
Amelia couldn't help but laugh.
Amelia: (chuckles) "Shut up, June. Goodnight!" They exchanged laughter as they settled in for a peaceful night's sleep.
Amelia felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing she had a wonderful best friend like June and loving foster parents. However, the shadows of her past still lingered in her mind, and she chose to keep them hidden, not wanting to burden June with her pain.
The night held the magic of endless possibilities, and they slept peacefully, knowing that their bond would help them face whatever challenges life threw their way
🍂