The next morning.
I got up as usual, not ready to start today.
I went downstairs to prepare breakfast but I was shocked to see a spread of food on the dining table.
This lavish breakfast to me was like a bad omen .
Things like this doesn't happen in this household. ( Except when my Mother is trying to spoil her boyfriends) <_>
" Boo!" I jumped at a the sudden noise.
" Chill" My brother patted my back , I flinched and there was a pause in our movements ,My brother raised a brow.
" What?, you scared me "
I give a nervous laugh thankfully he didn't push the matter .
" What's with the big breakfast?" I said trying to ease the atmosphere and it worked because My brother started smiling getting all excited.
" Sit , sit .... I'm glad you asked" He made me sit and took his as well .
" You probably forgot" he paused and I waited in anticipation,
" Today I'm officially moving out !" He chirped happily, I froze.
' Right ' My brother had at this point, basically moved all he owned, I didn't really know what to feel .
'He's moving out?'
I helped him pack.
I definitely wasn't happy but I raised my head and smiled ," So you're going to be paying rent now ?" ,
He scratched his head , " Yeah it's gonna it's gonna be a pain in the ass".
We both laughed
" Big bro has he's own house now.... you're getting old"
I playfully taunted him,
" Hey that's mean!" He reached out and slapped my arm, I almost drew back but thankfully.
" I didn't well you're getting old too.....soon you won't see a strand of hair on your head !"
I immediately covered my head , " The Lord won't let it happen!" .
" Anyways that's no reason for the lavish meal you should have saved the cash "
I laughed.
My brother shrugged,
"What ?, I decided to splurge" .
" Still you made it seem like you're going abroad or something" . I scanned the table with my eyes.
He paused his movements, then stroked his chin, looking all serious. "It is a good idea to run away from you" ,
"Brother!" I was startled my his comment.
" I'm kidding, I'm kidding," he laughed as he stood up and went into the kitchen.
"Today, we are celebrating two things " He said.
"Two things?" I repeated, racking my brain.
"He's pregnant?"
Don't .
I didn't even know why I thought of that, shaking my head.
I asked, "What...ah, should we really take to you to the hospital to see if dementia is among youngsters?" .
I was offended.
I turned to look at him, but the words hung in my throat.
My eyes widened.
My brother stood there, under the dim kitchen lights, holding a birthday cake.
It wasn't his birthday
" For me?"
I said in a whisper.
"Nope, it's for the chickens outside," He shook his head and let out a sigh as he
dropped the cake in front of me
"What will I do with you?.... Happy Birthday, little kitten" He ruffled my hair and lit the candles.
"I can't believe you forgot your own birthday," he said, taking his seat.
"Make a wish," he urged me.
I stuttered, not knowing what to say. I didn't know what to wish for; I didn't even know if what I wished for would come true. I'm not sure I even believed in wishes.
When was the last time I celebrated my birthday? .
When was the last time something was celebrated in this house?
I couldn't remember; it was like it never happened.
I looked at him as his smile brought tears to my eyes. My lips quivered. "Hey, hey, hey," he stood up and put his palm over my eyes. "You're a big boy. If those tears are tears of happiness, feel free. If not, suck it up," he said, laughing.
I sniffled and removed his hand.
He sat back down.
I was happy; I couldn't remember the last time I felt that way. "Thank you," I croaked as I wiped my tears.
He clapped. "You're welcome," he said, beginning to sing the Happy Birthday song.
I joined him, and it was a merry and blissful atmosphere. I wish it was the whole family, but I was content.
For a moment, I could forget all my worries, all my fears, and I was grateful.
"Congratulations to the world's ugliest brother, who is almost old enough to get arrested and a step closer to being called old," my brother loudly toasted.
"Have you looked in a mirror?" I snickered and clinked glasses with him. "I have, and I know I'm handsome," he said, downing his glass of beer, while I had a glass of orange juice.
"If only wishes come true," I said, "I would light a thousand candles and blow them out."