by K. K. Allen
Alec’s face twists apologetically. “Sorry about that. I really didn’t mean anything by it. I guess it’s pretty exciting for Rose. Both of your birthdays on the Summer Solstice and all. That’s some coincidence.”
I shrug, unaffected. “I guess so.” I think to tell him about how this is the first year I’ve actually celebrated my birthday on this day but I stop myself.
He looks at me now, eyes curious, waiting for me to say something, but Charlotte interrupts us.
“Kat, there you are. You look so beautiful sweetie. Happy Birthday.” Charlotte, whom I barely recognize, wraps her arms around me and gives me a warm hug. I look her up and down. She looks stunning in her gold and silver glittered facemask. Her dress is a long, flowing, light blue ensemble. Her short blonde hair perfectly frames her face. If someone were to sculpt a statue of Charlotte she’d look believable as a goddess.
I smile up at her happily. Now that Alec is here, things don’t seem as bad. “Everything looks wonderful. Thank you so much for putting it all together.”
Charlotte waves her hand in front of her face to dismiss my gesture. “Trust me, it was nothing.” She looks to Alec and tips her head. “I remember you. Alec right?”
Alec reaches out a hand to shake hers. “Alec Stone, that’s right. My parents are over there.” He points to a couple across the way and I have to take a second longer to examine them. They look nothing like Alec at all. They are an older couple. The man is short and stocky, the woman is tall and skinny and they both have gray hair. I find it refreshing that they haven’t gone costume-crazy either but they look out of place in their regular clothes.
“Oh yes, the professor and his wife. Charlie and Brenda, is that right?” Charlotte has her ah-ha moment and Alec is pleased she remembers. I can see it in his features.
“Well, enjoy yourself, Alec. We’re happy to have you. Kat, I’ll see you in a bit.” Charlotte walks away and immediately bumps into someone else to chat with.
Alec leads me to the refreshment table, adorned with fruit baskets and more flowers and a sculptured centerpiece of Goddess Hecate. He reaches past me and grabs two plastic wine-shaped cups. A pink, watery substance, probably punch, flows from a three-tiered cement-textured fountain. He scoops up enough for each cup and hands one to me.
I turn to him gratefully and smile. “I’ve been dreading this day –.” My confession catches him off guard and his face becomes bright with confusion, but a smile still lingers on his face. “Until now.” I say this and as expected, Alec relaxes again and even smiles.
“Well then good. I’m glad I came. You should have invited me though.” He’s teasing but I feel as if I need to respond.
“You’re right. I should have.”
Again, he smiles as he pulls something out from around his back that’s shiny, red, and wearing a bow.
“You didn’t need to get me anything,” I say with surprise, unable to take my eyes off of it.
Rose approaches us from my left side, timing as bad as ever. “So what do you think?” She waves her hands around proudly.
I give her a nod of genuine gratitude. “It’s beautiful, thank you Rose.”
I watch as Rose’s eyes light up when she spots the present I’m holding “Oh, I’ll take that.” After snatching it from my hand she looks up at Alec and gives him a wary look. “Hello young man.”
“Hello Rose. Lovely party you’ve thrown.”
“Thank you, dear. I do hope you enjoy yourself. But why don’t you two start mingling? There are a lot of people dying to get to know you, Katrina.” I can’t help but notice how vibrant Rose looks in her white short-sleeved dress. It has a sort of sash made from the same cloth draped diagonally across one shoulder and down to her left hip.
Perhaps seeing Rose in her natural element, among all of her friends has changed my opinion of her somewhat. She’s not my estranged, lonely, grandmother, I once believed her to be. No. She’s as charming as socialites come and she maintains a large group of admirers with ease.
Rose leans in so only I can hear her. “You feeling okay?” The question makes me squirm. Why would she ask that?
I nod emphatically, wondering if I’m pale or appear sick. “I feel great.” It’s the truth.
Rose nods her head, smiles and flitters away to the nearest couple and I look up at Alec with a smile. “I guess we should mingle then.”
He makes a face. “I know everyone. You lead the way.”
Having Alec by my side fills my spirit with bubbles as I travel around the party. He sticks by me, easing into every conversation that starts, filling the awkward gaps with hilarity and intellect. It’s apparent that his upbringing has been more than academic. I think of Charlotte’s introduction to Alec, identifying his father a professor, and I confirm my theory.
Although the windows of the great room are ceiling-to-floor in length, I want nothing more than to be outside with the sunshine. I boldly take Alec’s arm and drag him through the patio entryway, breaking free from conversation with the Millers. We stop near the pool and let go of his arm.
“Come on,” I say excitedly, kicking off my flip-flops and sitting at the pool’s edge. I slide my feet, then calves in, until the water reaches the top of my shins. Alec follows me. Our shoulders touch as our feet dangle together below the water.
“So where are your better halves today?” I tease.
He chuckles. “Shopping. Isn’t that what you women like to do?”
“You don’t like to shop?” The tease hasn’t left my voice.
“I love to shop!” He defends. “But I don’t like to spend all my time with Iris and Ava.”
I make a face before facing him again. “Really? Isn’t Iris like your girlfriend or something?”
Alec throws his head back to laugh now. “Is that really what you think? Even after all of the time we’ve been spending together?”
I raise my eyebrows at him. I guess that answers my question. “The way she was touching you, and glaring at me. She called you ‘babe.’ She’s very possessive of you.”
His expression darkens slightly. “Well, no, she’s not my girlfriend – at all. Actually, I went on a few dates with her when I first moved to town.” There’s a sinking in my chest. “She’d ask me to hang out as a group, and then I’d get there and it would be just her and me. I figured it out a little too late but I let her know I wasn’t into her.”
“Wow – fighting the ladies off.” I can’t help but grin.
Alec grins too. “Yeah, being the new kid sure got me a lot of dates.” He laughs as if remembering something. “Ava would ask me out too. Iris found out and they stopped talking for a few months. But those girls can’t live without each other. Once you get past their obsession with ruling everything they are actually decent to be around.”
“Ruling everything?” His words confuse me.
He nods. “Yeah, you know. Captain of this – my parents do this – one day I’ll rule this town – that attitude just drives me crazy.” He shakes his head.
I noticed, I think sourly. I look around the room and everyone wants to be around Rose. Why anyone had a problem with her is absurd.
He gives me a sideways grin. “Just in case you were wondering. They glare at all pretty girls. You should take it as a compliment.”
“So, you’re saying they’ll warm up to me?” I ask this hopefully. Not because I’m interested in being their friend, but because I really don’t want people hating me before they’ve even had a chance to get to know me.
He makes a face. “I’m not sure about that. I was really just trying to tell you that I think you’re pretty – in case you missed that part.”
The compliment catches me off guard. He’s right. I totally missed that part. I let out a laugh as my pulse quickens. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been called pretty – Never by anyone as attractive as Alec.
“I’m sorry, I guess I’m bad at flirting,” he says. His smile melts me to my toes.
I let out a quiet
laugh. “No, I guess I’m just bad at realizing when someone is flirting.” The embarrassment lingers. My cheeks are hot and I know that I’m red.
My eyes look in every other direction except at Alec. I’m afraid that if I look into his eyes one more time, my vulnerability will shine through bright and clear. His hand has inched past the distance between us and it’s on mine. His fingers twist into mine and I blush fiercely.
I look at him now and meet his gaze. He likes me.
In the next few moments of silence I notice how radiant the sun is at this hour. I am invigorated by its strength. It’s as if the rays of the sun pour through my body. It’s so bright I have to shield my eyes when looking up. When I look back down I’m still blinded by the white light. I close my eyes but when the white light lingers I squeeze my lids together tighter. Just then an electric jolt shoots through my insides, like a spark igniting every vein in my body. Exhilarating. Not painful like that day on the beach. There are no headaches this time. All I can feel is the sun transferring onto me as the heat reaches my bones.
My eyes slowly open and close as dizziness takes over me. My head is foggy and I begin to plummet forward into a deep white cloud of nothingness.
The world around me is moving in slow motion. And when I come to I’m blinking and finally opening my eyes. The blinding white light is gone and I’m standing on the beach – alone.
I gasp and whirl around myself. The house is just above me. But, how did I get here? I was just standing on the back patio by the pool with Alec. Confused and a bit disoriented at what’s just happened, I plop down into the sand beneath me.
I see a shadow in the sand – someone is approaching. I look up, having to block the sunlight from my eyesight. It’s Rose. I quickly stand up, brushing the sand off from my backside. She’s just staring at me – knowing, and waiting for me to say something. What does she know?
“What was that?” I ask her. I know my tone is accusing but I don’t care. She knows something and she needs to start talking.
Rose shakes her head. “How do you feel?”
I look at her, incredulously. “How do I feel? I was just sitting by the pool with Alec. There was a bright light and I was falling. And now I’m here. Do you know what is happening to me?” I can hear my voice shaking.
Rose looks around, a worried look on her face. “Keep your voice down. Alec said you wanted some fresh air from the party and you took a walk. He’s inside. Are you feeling okay?”
I shake my head. “I guess not.”
“It’s beginning.” Pure happiness spreads across Rose’s face.
Suddenly, I’m panicking. What is going on around here? I feel more lost now than I’ve been since moving to Apollo Beach. “What’s beginning? Is this what you meant when you told me strange things would happen?”
Rose nods her head. “Yes, and it’s a wonderful thing. Katrina, I promise you. Don’t be afraid of this. Embrace it.” And then she says the words that make my skin crawl. “It’s your enchantment.”
I shake my head, confused. “But, I was just there and now I’m here. Alec must think I’m a lunatic.”
Rose drops her hands from my face and shakes her head. “No, he’s quite enamored with you actually. But I’m sure you’re oblivious to it. Come with me. We’ll cut the cake and before you know it the party will be over. Just don’t make any wishes. Come.”
“Wait, you want the party to be over? Why can’t I make wishes?”
Rose smiles. “We have a lot to talk about.” Not knowing what else to do, I follow her through the back entrance of the house, past the pool and back patio, into the house where all the guests are now migrating. Guests greet me as I pass them. I try to smile back with everything left in me.
Looking around, I finally spot Alec. He stands off to the side of the room with his parents who look uncomfortable in the midst of this madness. I smile, knowing that I like them already.
I search Alec’s eyes, wondering if what Rose told me is true. Did I tell him I needed fresh air? He looks as happy as ever, smiling back at me with a boyish grin on his face. I melt.
“Hello everyone.” Rose cuts off my thoughts as she begins to speak. She stands on the first step of the grand staircase, microphone in hand. The many speakers around the house amplify her voice. Just then a three-tiered cake is wheeled into the room. I do a double take. White frosting with green trim. It reads “Happy 16th Birthday, Katrina” in gold lettering. Gold leaves are scattered around the second layer. I recognize this cake from my vision.
I am still staring down at the cake as Rose begins her speech. My insides churn at the familiar sight.
Rose steps beside me. “I just wanted to take a quick break to thank everyone for coming here today for our Summer Solstice celebration.” Thunderous applause ensues and I am shaken back to the present. I look around the room again admiring the bizarre, yet intricate costumes that fill the room.
Rose smiles brightly. “You all look enchanting as ever.” She puts her arm around me now. There’s that word again. Enchanting. There is a spattering of laughter coming from different parts of the room. I notice Darla French among them. She’s staring directly at me – as if investigating me with her eyes.
“I hope by now you’ve all met my granddaughter, Katrina. I couldn’t be happier to have her here celebrating this special day with us. Happy Birthday, Katrina.” There are cheers from the crowd as Rose takes a pause from her speech to embrace me. Her grip is surprisingly powerful.
Rose continues. “Unfortunately, this year our celebration has to come to an end earlier than normal, but before you all leave I just want to say a few words.” As if on cue the crowd moans as Rose continues. “Many of you have joined in our Solstice celebrations over the years but this has been a day to remember. I’m so delighted to see some new faces here.” Again, thunderous applause ensues.
I smile alongside her, wanting for everyone to make their exit so I can finally talk to Rose and get some answers.
“Alright, I’ll get off the mic. I’ll let Katrina say a few words to all of you now.”
Rose hands me the microphone with a bright smile. As if reading my thoughts, she whispers. “Just thank everyone for coming, dear.”
I take the microphone from her hands, panic rising in my chest. I turn to the large group that stares back at me with hungry eyes, waiting to devour my words. Usually in a moment like this, being put on the spot would terrify me. But, I suddenly don’t feel scared. I don’t freeze. I do wonder what I’m supposed to say to all of these strangers. I scan the crowd quickly for Alec and am grateful for his presence and comforting silent support as he smiles at me.
“Thank you all so much for coming.” I scan the room again, this time with a confidence that surprises even me. “I couldn’t have asked for a more positive welcome to your community and I look forward to knowing each and every one of you. Just – forgive me if I can’t remember all of your names right away.”
Laughter fills the air again. I laugh myself, surprised that I can find humor in this situation. “Thank you.”
A pleased Rose reaches for the microphone, but I’m not done. With a glimmer in my eyes, I put the microphone back to my lips. “And for those of you who may not know this. Someone very special here today shares my birthday. My grandmother, Rose, doesn’t like to brag, but she’s also a year older today.”
A loud applause sounds around the room and people from all directions shout “Happy Birthday, Rose!”
Rose rolls her eyes as she yanks the microphone from me and then gives the crowd a curtsy.
For the next hour, faces are appearing and disappearing in front of me at a rapid pace. I meet people for the first time, get re-introduced to others and things don’t calm down until I notice the number of guests beginning to dwindle. Alec is one of the last guests to leave.
“You taking off too?” I ask Alec once we’re alone again. His parents have left and we are now standing in the foyer saying our goodbyes.
“Yeah, a
bunch of us are meeting up at the Island Grille tonight. You should come with me, get to know some people. I’m sure we’ll play some pool.” He smirks. “And Iris and Ava will be there.” He laughs now.
I smirk. “Thanks. I’d love to but I really should stay and help clean up.” Really, I’m just anxious to find out what is going on with me.
Alec nods, silently letting me know he understands, and then leans forward to hug me. Suddenly I’m wishing for more. A kiss on the cheek follows and when he leans back from me his expression is as surprised as mine. Did he mean to do that? It sure seems like he didn’t. Did I just get my wish? What an amazing birthday.
“Thank you for coming,” I say now. A shout for joy plays in my head. “I don’t know if I could have survived this day without you.”
“You would have been fine. But I’m glad I came.” He turns to leave but stops and looks over his shoulder back at me. “One thing.” My heart skips a beat, anticipating what he’ll say next. “Next time. I better get an invitation.”
“Everything was wonderful. Thank you for the party, Rose.”
Rose and I have finally taken a seat in the great room after everyone has left, exhausted from the long day. I’ve relaxed since my disappearing act earlier, but I’m still anxious to get answers from Rose.
“You are welcome, dear.” She lets out a deep breath then a smile. “Well, it’s time to open your gifts. Charlotte!” The power behind my grandmother’s voice is surprising. I want to tell her to stop. I don’t want my presents. I just want to know what’s going on. But Charlotte is already taking a seat on the couch beside me.
“Rose, your friends are very generous,” I say as I look around me at the stack of presents and cards.
Rose nods her head, as if it doesn’t seem to concern her. “They are, aren’t they?” Then she turns towards Charlotte. “Do you mind, Charlotte? I’m exhausted.”
Charlotte smiles seemingly happy to oblige. “Of course. Why don’t you open your cards first?” She swipes the cards off the table and hands them to me.