The squeak of helium filling balloons echoed in the backyard. Colorful arrays of pink, green and blue swirled in the air, creating an arbor for Lacey’s favored guests to walk under. The party was set to start at 7:00, but Lacey didn’t know if she could wait that long. It was 5:00 now and her excitement was beginning to bubble over. The sun was high in the sky, no clouds were in sight and the scent of freshly cut grass tickled her nose. Perfect.

She left the party yard and ran to her room. It was time to begin the “beautifying process.” Her party dress was strewn with layers of shimmery gold fabric and the full skirt was decorated with rose-kissed flowers. She twirled and let out a small giggle as the gold hem sparkled in the sun’s rays with each turn. The dress was secured with several buttons lining the back and a rose-colored sash around her waist.

Lacey marched to her closet to find a pair of flats that complemented the gorgeous ensemble. Slipping the shoes on, she headed to the bathroom in an effort to tame her curly mop of hair. She secured the loose ends of her hair with ornate, rose-gold clips. Looking at her reflection, large brown eyes stared back at her. Sixteen years old today. Downstairs, the backyard was brimming with balloons, candy, chips and soda. Soon, her friends would be here to celebrate her life. Lacey reached for a conservative-colored lipstick and applied it to her ashen lips. It was going to be a magical night.

Making a popping sound with her lips, she studied her makeup one last time in the mirror. She couldn’t believe that her party was already here. She descended the stairs like a princess meeting her subjects. Her parents, standing on the landing, released a series of “ooohs” and “aaahs” as Lacey stepped carefully down the stairs. Lacey saw her mom hold captive tears in her eyes. Her father gave her the “dad” look of pride.

She loved her parents so much. They had been a part of everything they could in her life. Their work made attending games or art projects difficult, but Lacey knew that no matter what, she was one of their top priorities. And today, that was clear. They were so generous and kind. She gave each parent a tight squeeze and headed out to the yard to eagerly wait for her guests to arrive.

Looking at the clock, Andrew slipped on a dark-washed pair of Levis and grabbed his black tee off of the floor. Hanging in his closet was a navy blue checkered flannel. It was Andrew’s favorite shirt. Well, it was also his lucky shirt. He remembered the first time he wore that shirt he found five dollars on the bathroom floor at school. Then another time he decided to don the flannel he got an “A” on his history test. This shirt was good to him and the plans he had for tonight needed a little bit of luck thrown his way.

Andrew sat on his bed to lace his Nike Airs. His phone lit up on the side table next to his bed. Lacey’s name flashed across the screen. Swiping the lock button he punched in his four digit code and read her message. The text read, “It’s tonight! Andrew, I am going to be sixteen! EEK! I am so excited! Can’t wait to see you! (:”

He smiled. That girl was full of energy and life. Lacey’s character reminded him so much of his mom. The sting of that loss would never go away. As he sat on the edge of his bed all he could think about was how much he wanted to be sharing this moment with his mom. She would have been overjoyed to hear that he had fallen for the girl next door, his best friend.

Andrew’s fingers hovered above the keys of his phone. He texted back, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” The phone made a “swoosh” noise as the message sent. He lifted his arm to shimmy his sleeve so he could look at the time. It was 6:45. It was time to head over. Popping a piece of gum in his mouth and grabbing his gift, he tried to steady his nerves as he walked over to Lacey’s house.

Hues of blues music floated in waves across the backyard. Andrew stepped into the dream that Lacey and he drew out and outlined in her notebook just days before. Perfect.

He looked around, searching for a mass of curly hair and bewitching brown eyes. It took him a couple seconds to find her, but then he heard it. Lacey stood off to the side with a hand over her mouth trying to stifle that adorable giggle she possessed. The dress she was wearing was absolutely stunning on her. Her nest of curly hair laid securely in a bun with lovely clips. She was beautiful.

After she caught her breath from laughing, Lacey turned to see Andrew standing on the deck watching her. Immediately, she raced toward him to give him a great, big hug. He definitely anticipated it because he propped one foot back to secure his footing for the impact. He twirled her around and set her down.

“Thank you so much for coming! Can you believe it is here?” Lacey questioned with excitement glimmering in her eyes.

Andrew felt like all he was doing was staring at her, but he couldn’t help it.

Finally, he cleared his throat and responded. “I can. Happy Birthday, Lacey!”

He gave her another great, big hug before she started heading off to talk to some other girls and guys.

The night progressed just as they had planned. People arrived, snacks and drinks were consumed, music from the 80’s and smooth jazz played in the background and the festivities ended with cake and presents.

It was around 10:00 when people started to leave. Andrew stayed to help clean up before he would head home. Lacey’s parents started picking up cups on the lawn and putting away leftover snacks and treats to devour on another day. He spotted Lacey sitting on the edge of the deck just staring at the starry night. He walked over and sat down beside her. The silence was nice. Stars shot across the sky, creating a beautiful picture of light.

Lacey leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. “That was the best birthday EVER, Andrew. Thank you for everything you have done for me.” She yawned and closed her eyes.

Andrew watched as her breathing slowed. He whispered, “Anytime, Lacey. Anytime.”

In that moment, he knew he couldn’t tell her yet. The time wasn’t right. Picking her head up off of his shoulder, he made her stand up and walk to the couch in the living room. She fell asleep almost immediately. Poor girl. Parties did have a way of making someone exhausted. He pushed the runaway strand of hair off of her face and tucked it securely behind her ear.

Andrew meandered back to the yard and waved to Lacey’s parents before heading over to his home.