Peyton recovered faster than she had expected, and soon, everyone knew they were a couple. She didn't speak or look at Laurent, still mad at him. However, she still conversed with Jacques, finding his company both amusing and annoying.
A week passed. She lazily dragged herself out of bed, not wanting to go out. She stared at the calendar, showing no expressions. It was her birthday, she had finally turned fifteen. She had envisioned this day for a long time when she was still with her grandparents. They promised to throw her a party, and she eagerly counted the days to it. But she was in a strange land, far from her parents. She sighed sadly, knowing she would spend her birthday alone for the first time. She heard her phone ring. She picked it up from the bedside table, lazily answering the call. She could hear someone squeal from the other end.
She knew instantly it was none other than her good friend, Doreen.
"Happy birthday Julianne! I am so happy for you! Soon, you'll be eighteen and when you're eighteen, you're practically an adult."
"Thanks Doreen."
"Why do you sound so sad?"
She clutched the phone tightly. "It's nothing, I'm fine. Super stoked!"
"You're lying."
"I'm not…"
"It's pointless lying Julie, what's wrong?"
"It's just that…I feel so alone Doreen! I have no family here, and no one cares. No one will know it's my birthday and even if they did, they probably wouldn't give a damn."
"It's just for a while Julie, listen, I've gotta get going. School starts in an hour."
"I hope I didn't take up much of your time, goodbye!"
She reluctantly hung up, deciding she too needed to get ready for school, as much as she didn't want to. She didn't trust Rachel, she'd tell Mr. Heathrow the minute she announces she wasn't going. She dragged her feet across the room and to the wardrobe, picking her clothes. It was a Wednesday so she was wearing the tracksuit. In a few minutes, she was ready and going down the stairs.
There, she met a smiling Rachel, grinning from ear to ear. She was holding a cake in her hand. It was very obvious she was the one who baked it, it looked soggy and soft. However, her act touched Julianne. Maybe Doreen was right, she thought, Maybe they care. Rachel gave her a warm hug, distracting her from her thoughts.
"Happy birthday Julianne!"
"How did you…"
"Doesn't matter how I knew. You should get going or you'll be late."
"Thank you so much Mrs. Everton, I really do appreciate it."
"Why don't we go out for pizza when you get back?"
Her face broke into a huge smile. "That would be more than great, I've gotta go."
"What about the cake?"
She had already left the apartment, not hearing what Rachel said. She had a huge smile on her face when she stepped into the class. She knew her classmates were staring at her, probably wondering why she was smiling that much. They however, didn't ask any questions as she made her way to her desk.
"Someone's in a good mood." Jacques chuckled once she sat down.
"Yes I am, it's a lovely morning don't you think? That's why your little stunts won't have any effect on me, not today."
"Oh, I forgot…"
He retrieved a box of chocolates from his bag. "What's that for? Today isn't Valentine's Day! What are you trying to do, seduce a girl as soon as class is over with a box of chocolates?"
"It's for you stupid."
"Me? Why?"
"It's your birthday isn't it?"
"How did you…forget about it. I could kiss you!"
"Please do, it would make my day."
Her cheeks heated up from his comment. Punching his arm, she said, "You're a pig Jacques. Thanks for the gift, I never thought anyone would know it was my birthday."
"Oh, I didn't know it was your birthday. I thought he was just joking."
"Ouch! Wait, who are you talking about?"
"Believe me, you don't wanna know."
"Was it Laurent?"
He didn't respond. That was the answer she needed. "Thanks, but I don't want it."
"Well that's fine by me! Means I can have the chocolates!"
"I'd rather eat them that watch you eat it."
She pulled the chocolates close to her chest. The biology teacher walked into the class. She was sure the teacher wasn't speaking English, she couldn't understand what he was saying! At the end of the class, he announced the project scores. To her surprise, she passed! "I don't have to go to summer school!" She yelped. The day continued smoothly, although she was absent minded. The teachers' words didn't matter, she actually passed Biology. The closing bell finally rang, putting an end to her suffering. She hopped out of the class, giddy and excited. She couldn't wait to get home for pizza.
"Julianne, wait up!"
She stopped in her tracks, hearing her name. She saw it was Kyrie, running towards her. Kyrie wheezed when she got there. "Happy birthday!" She giggled, pushing her wet blond curls over her shoulders. "Thank Kyrie!"
She pulled her into a hug. They remained in that position for a while before she pulled away. "I took the liberty of throwing you a party, I hope you don't mind."
"Why would you…"
"Oh, come on Julie! I knew you'd say no if I told you, so I did it without your knowledge. It's your sixteenth birthday, for crying out loud!"
"Fifteenth," she murmured. "Right, fifteen. But still, with your family so far away, I thought that a party would brighten your mood, especially since the incident…"
She quickly covered her ears with her palms. "I don't want to think about it."
"I thought so too. We care about you Julie, you're just too thick headed to understand."
She suddenly remembered the promise she made to Rachel. "But I have plans for tonight."
"Well, cancel them! They can wait."
"But I…"
"The party starts at 7 p.m. sharp at Spring Day, don't be late! I mean, it is your party."
"But I…"
She stopped talking, seeing that Kyrie was walking away. Sighing, she turned in the opposite direction, heading home.
"Thank goodness you're back!"
Rachel closed the door behind her when she stepped into the apartment. "You should freshen up and get dressed. Then, we can go out for pizza!"
"Yeah, about that," she said, nervously scratching her neck. The smile on Rachel's face faltered. "About what? What's wrong Julie?"
"It's nothing, it's just, Kyrie's throwing this fancy party at Spring Day for me! It would be rude if I didn't show up."
"Oh." The smile had left her face completely, making her look sullen and dejected. "Well then," she cleared her throat, "We wouldn't want to keep you waiting. It's quite lovely Mr. Heathrow's daughter threw a party for you."
"Thanks so much, Mrs. Everton! I should get ready."
She stared at the bright disco balls and the colored lights in awe. It didn't take a while before she saw Kyrielle, dressed in a purple halter-neck gown. Kyrie saw her as well, and didn't waste another moment. She ran towards her, her face beaming.
"I'm so glad you made it, Julie! Come sit with us!"
She pulled her to the booth. Seated there were Tracy, Courtney and of course, Peyton. Kyrie sat next to Courtney and as much as she wanted to sit next to Kyrie, she didn't feel the same about Courtney. Their last meeting was terrible, she was sure Courtney held a grudge against her. She felt the same way about Tracy, she was nice enough, but she still didn't trust her. She pulled a seat next to Peyton, they were practically dating. Practically.
"So Julie, what happened between you and Laurent? I once heard you were all over him."
She glared at Courtney spitefully she knew at that moment the best birthday present she would ever receive, was the chance to wipe the smirk off Courtney's face. She shook the thought off, relaxing into the velvety chair. "I was never into him, I think it's pretty obvious," she lied, "I mean, I'm not dumb enough to have sex with him, unlike some people I know."
Her cheeks flushed when she said 's' word. It was worth it, seeing Courtney's bright red face. "Kyrie, I'm bored," she said to Kyrie, "Why don't we get this party started?"
"I was hoping you'd say that," she giggled.