happy birthday

As the cold breeze blew through the coffee shop, people crowded the chairs, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

Laughter, mumbles, and some country music filled the store, bringing in a cozy atmosphere as they bid summer farewell and welcomed fall.

Carefully holding the tray of steaming espressos, Amira moved it to the appropriate location on the table. Her gaze kept returning to the enormous wall clock, which was nearly at her closing time.

Her petite oval face broke into a wide smile that showed off the dimple on her left cheek. Upon observing this, her friend Greta winked at her.

“Happy birthday.” Amira smiled back in appreciation as Greta gently reminded her repeatedly.

Her 18th birthday was today, and this was the start of her journey to freedom.

Freedom to move away from her family and begin a new life, not to mention the fact that she was awarded a scholarship to study at Yale University, one of the top universities in the world.

But she had not told her parents because she knew they did not want the best for her and would beat her up if she said anything about continuing her education.

"Let high school be the final phase of your education." Her father would say this while punching her, but this time she intends to keep it a secret until she finds a new place to live.

But something else surprised her: her stepsister Claudia had texted her that a party was being planned for her while she awaited her arrival, which was strange. This got Amira very excited.

"Today is the best day of my life, Greta. Not only did I receive a scholarship from my dream school, but my parents also hosted a party for me; is not that surprising?" Amira chuckled as she removed her apron and wiped the sweat from her forehead, despite the slight chill.

"I am surprised as well; your parents never throw you a birthday party or give you a present. Perhaps it is because you have reached adulthood and they simply wanted to do something for you." Greta responded.

Amira pursed her lips, thinking back to the last time her parents had done her a favor rather than having her do it herself.

And they would been doing nice things for Claudia. Since Amira's mother left, her father has changed, bringing in a woman who already had a grown child, which is now her family's hatred for her mere existence.

Going to the changing room, Amira changed out of her uniform into her own clothes and said goodbye to Jane, figuring that would give her an idea of what to expect.

"I am coming, I will see you at your party!" Jane yelled as she ran to her destination, leaving Amira on her own to find her way home.

Her phone beeped, and she read the new messages sent by Claudia.

"Mom and dad threw your party at A.M Avenue on Clifford Street; lots of guests are waiting; bring your stupid legs here, loser."

Amira took a deep breath and shoved the phone into her bags, debating whether she should go for a walk or take the bus for a few pennies.

She had felt followed or watched while walking home for the past few weeks, but she assumed it was all in her head at the end of the day. She made up her mind and boarded a bus down Clifford Street, where the avenue was.

She wondered why her parents would throw a party for her in a strange mansion rather than her home; was it a grand party? What motivated them to do that?

Many questions raced through her mind as she quickened her pace and saw lights through the mansion. Despite her father's average wealth, they had never hosted a party at an event center for Claudia before, so why hers?

To avoid spoiling the fun, she noticed Claudia standing outside with a phone in her hands, her face drenched in tears, her lips twisted in anger, and throwing daggers at Amira as she approached.

"Why are we having my party here, Claudia? What's going on?” Amira inquired while trying to contain her happiness because they were never that close and it did not matter if Claudia was crying.

"Shut up and follow me, dad has arranged for some people to do your makeup and dress; are you not happy that a grand party is being planned for you? Why can't mine be any better.”

Amira rolled her eyes, ignoring Claudia's laments, her eyes welling up with tears of joy as her family finally gave her the birthday party she had always wanted, more of a send-off party, but why was it so grand? She was neither a princess nor an influential figure.

They arrived at a room where ladies in uniform greeted her with a smile, which bothered Amira, but her curiosity wanted to know what else was planned for her surprise party.

"Happy birthday, Miss Amira." The ladies wished together, making Amira's cheeks flush red. At this point, she felt special.

They led her to the dressing room, where she was dressed in a stunning black gown that exuded wealth. She was surprised by what she was wearing, but she patiently waited while they did her hair and makeup.

Amira became fascinated by herself and how different she appeared. She could not contain her excitement; her ideal birthday party was becoming a reality. Had her manifestations come to life?

Soon Susan stormed in with an irritating expression on her face, and the lady who complimented Amira's appearance after the job was completed bowed in respect, giving a cutesy look.

As soon as she laid eyes on Amira, her facial lines and disgusting emotions faded into a cold, weak smile that terrified Amira.

Her stepmother had never smiled at her before, except when she was punishing her, so why now?

"Happy birthday, Amira. I know you have a lot of questions, but they will be answered by your father." She paused and extended her hand, gesturing for Amira to take it, which she did at first.

"Everyone's waiting for the birthday girl." Susan spoke in her most faked voice, her cheeks tired from her forced smile.

Amira hesitated before taking her hands, her own hand shaking in Susan's as she led her to a dark room, and when they arrived, it was eerily silent, creeping her out. Soon, a spotlight shone on her father, who approached Amelia with a big smile she had not seen in years.

"Amy, you are here." Her father, Joe, smiled as he hugged her tightly. Amira's eyes welled up with tears; her father had not addressed her as 'Amy' since her mother had left, and it felt good to hear it from him.

Was her mother back? Was he repentant of his sins? Was he drunk or high?

Whatever it was, Amira wished it stayed that way.

"Happy birthday, my girl; you have grown into a beautiful woman. I know you are surprised by what is happened so quickly, but know that this is the best thing that could ever happen to you. I thought about it and decided to throw you a party." Joe stretched out his hands to take hers, and as she accepted his grip, he added, "I have a very big surprise for you."

This successfully piqued Amira's interest; what was the big surprise? Her cheeks hurt from smiling too much, and her eyes were filled with tears from her father's sudden sweet words.

The spotlight was still on them, and everything around them was pitch black, as Amira looked at her father, whose once bright mood had changed to his usual serious mood, leading her to wherever he was.

After reaching the supposed end point to show her the surprise, he said, "Here it comes." Then he clapped twice, and she heard a chorus of people clapping in the darkness, wishing her a happy birthday.

Gradually, the lights returned, the spotlight vanished, and she found herself on the alter with a priest in front of her, an unfamiliar person with a black nose mask behind her, and her guests applauding her in the exquisitely ornate hall.

"It is more than just your birthday, honey; it is your wedding day, the best gift from us, your parents. Do this for your family, don't let us down.” Her father spoke in a serious tone; she had never heard him speak before.