Chapter Three: Sweet Sixteen
Someone once said, “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect”. I don’t remember who it was off the top of my head, but it’s a quote that I live by. I write to remember all that has happened.
I sit here at my desk every day just journaling things that have happened in my life. Putting pen to paper – or pencil in my case – it’s as simple as that.
Journaling about normal life might seem boring to you, but you’re reading about my life aren’t you? So it can’t be that boring. Speaking of life, it’s seriously flown by. One day I’m in the fourth grade and little Nathan is two… then I blink… Now little Nathan isn’t so little anymore.
He’s eight! Eight years old! I can’t believe it. He’s quite the character too. Mom and Dad say he’s going to be a genius. I think he’ll end up an astronaut or an astronomer. He’s really into space and anything related to that.
Grandma and Grandpa got him a telescope for his birthday and he sits in the backyard every night staring off into space.
But when he’s not at his telescope he’s in his room dressed up as an astronaut jumping around as if he’s exploring an alien planet.
He’s a lot of fun to be around though – even though he can get annoying sometimes – I love him to death. It just makes me feel really old watching him grow up so fast. I can’t believe how Mom and Dad must feel though. I’m turning sixteen in a few days, and if I thought eight was a lot of years, I can’t imagine how Mom and Dad deal with the fact that their little girl is turning sixteen.
Besides the years flying by, not much has changed. I’m in high school now, a sophomore to be exact, and I’ve joined the writing club again. I have gotten more serious with my stories for school and I’m hoping that someday soon one of them might end up published. Fingers crossed!
“Sweetie, Avery is here so you two can get ready for the party.”
I put my pencil down as Mom’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Alright thanks.” I smile and stand up as Avery walks through the door.
“Remember girls, you don’t have all the time in the world. We have to leave in two hours, so don’t dillydally too long.” Mom smiles and closes the door behind her as she leaves.
“Guess. What!?” Avery grabs my arms and shakes me with excitement.
“Uh, what?” I laugh at the absurd smile she has on her face. “Calm down crazy girl!”
“I can’t calm down! I have the most amazing news on the planet right now!” She jumps up and down unable to contain her excitement. She’s never been a subtle girl.
“Well then tell me! Don’t make me wait.” I laugh again.
“Ok ok! So, guess who is coming to your party tonight?!”
My heart flutters before she even says his name.
“Tyler Westfield!”
I guess I should fill you in on a few things. First of all, my parents and grandparents had arranged for me to have a pretty extravagant, and formal, sweet sixteen party tonight at the modern art gallery. They rented out the entire third floor which has a bar, dance floor, and plenty of room for a bunch of crazy teens to release some energy. Anyway, I always feel guilty talking about it because I don’t want to seem like one of those spoiled brats on MTV’s My Sweet Sixteen but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited for it. Especially now that Tyler is coming!
That’s the second thing I should mention. Tyler Westfield.
He’s a junior, super smart, pretty geeky, and all around adorable. He’s a member of the writing club just like me but he’s also the features editor of the school newspaper. I’ve had a crazy crush on him since last year when we first met in writing club. You know how high school crushes usually go? You like someone who doesn’t know you exist, someone who’s way out of your league, and you torture yourself on a daily basis wishing that he would just notice you. Well, that’s not how this is. We’re friends. Pretty good friends actually. Which might possibly suck even more than him not knowing about my existence.
“HELLO?! Earth to Adeline! Are you even listening to me?”
“Ha, sorry.”
“I forgive you. You were probably daydreaming about Tyler. Anyway, we seriously need to get ready. Your mom will kill us if we’re late!”
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Avery and I were the first through the doors of the third floor banquet room. We both gasp as we take in our surroundings for the first time. Mom, Dad, and Nathan come in behind us and smile at our reactions.
“It’s pretty great isn’t?” Dad puts his arm around my shoulders “Happy birthday sweetheart.”
“Thanks Dad.” I smile and then notice Grandma and Grandpa sitting at a table. I run over to them and thank them for making all of this possible.
“Oh don’t mention it honey. We’re happy to do these things for you and your brother. Now go have fun! Your guests will be here any minute.” Grandpa kisses me on the cheek and then shoes me towards Avery.
“Seriously Addie. This is going to be the most amazing party ever!” Avery squeals in excitement and pulls me towards the dance floor as guests fill the room.
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I was pretty bummed I hadn’t seen Tyler anywhere at the party and an hour and a half had already gone by, but Avery assured me he would be there and she kept me busy, dancing and taking pictures in a photo booth.
As I walk out of the booth laughing I see Mom waving me over. “I’ll be right back.” I tell Avery and then run over to Mom. “What’s up?” I smile.
“Are you having fun?”
“Oh my goodness Mom! This is, like, the best night of my life!”
Mom laughs, “Well good, I’m glad you’re having a fun time. Hey, Eric and Jenesis want to say hi before they leave.”
“Aw they’re leaving already?”
“Yeah, sorry Addie.” Jenesis comes up next to me and gives me a hug.
“Ethan and Josie have a soccer tournament out of town tomorrow so we have to head out early. But, happy birthday, sweetie! God, I cannot believe you’re already sixteen! We’re so old Abri!” My mom and her best friend laugh.
“Happy birthday, Addie.” Eric gives me a hug and then pushes his twins forward. “Come on guys, don’t be shy, say hi to Addie.”
I smile at Josie and Ethan, the adorable offspring of Jenesis and Eric. They’re around my brother’s age, and just as Jenesis can’t believe how fast I’m growing up, I feel the same way looking at the twins.
“Happy birthday Addie.” Josie smiles and gives me a shy hug.
“Yeah, happy birthday.” Ethan waves and then runs away towards my brother in the corner.
“Ethan! We’re leaving. Come back here right now!” Jenesis yells after her son. “Sorry about that. Anyway, happy birthday again, Addie. Enjoy your special night.” Jenesis gives me one last hug and then heads towards the door while Eric tries to round up Ethan.
“Thanks for coming guys!” I call out after them.
That’s when I notice Tyler come through the door. Our eyes lock and he smiles and waves as he makes his way towards me.
“Addie.” He smiles as he says my name. My knees go weak. “Hey, sorry I’m late.”
“Oh, it’s no biggie. You’re here now.” I smile shyly.
“Wow, I’m an idiot, I almost forgot to wish you happy birthday!” Tyler shakes his head and I laugh. “So, happy birthday Addie.”
“Thanks, Tyler.” I notice Avery frantically trying to get my attention. When she sees that I’m looking her way she gives me an obnoxious thumbs up then starts clapping. I just shake my head and laugh.
“Hey, let’s dance.” Tyler grabs my hand before I can answer and pulls me towards the dance floor.
The upbeat song comes to an end right as our feet touch the vinyl floor. “Oh, haha. Well, guess we can’t dance.”
A slower song comes on and Tyler pulls me closer. “Come on birthday girl. You’ve got to dance at least one slow song on your birthday. Plus, who better to do that with than your handsome friend?” Tyler winks at me and then wraps his arms around my waist.
We sway to the music and I end the night lost in my Tyler Trance. Avery was right. This was the most amazing party ever.
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We finally make it home and Avery and I are heading up the stairs to my room when my mom calls me into the living room.
“Yeah Mom?”
“Just sit down on the couch. We have to wait for your dad to get back down here.” I can hear Nathan’s door close which means dad must have gotten my sleeping brother into bed.
Dad walks into the living room with a huge smile on his face. “Alright, I’m here. Let’s do this!”
“Ok Addie. You’re father and I – ”
“And your grandparents.” Dad cuts in.
“Yes, and your grandparents. Wanted to get you something special for your sixteenth birthday.”
“Haha, wasn’t the party special enough?” I laugh as excitement bubbles up inside of me.
“Well, we wanted to get you one more special thing then.” Dad smiles as Mom steps away from the desk.
There, sitting on top of it, is a brand new laptop.
“Oh my gosh you guys! Are you kidding me!” I run over to it and start jumping up and down.
“Nope. No joke. Now you can put all of your stories on here.”
I hug both of my parents and thank them for one of the most amazing nights of my life, and for the unbelievable gift.
“I am so lucky to have both of you as parents. I really love you.”
Mom smiles and says, “Oh sweetie, we’re lucky to have you.”
Dad nods, “We love you too, kiddo. Alright, you better get upstairs. Avery is waiting for you.”
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“Oh shush. He was just being a good friend.”
“Alright, think what you want Addie. But Tyler is totally into you.
“Go to bed!” I smack her with my pillow and then shut off my light. I can’t help but smile at what she said, though. Maybe she’s right. Either way, tonight was the start of my teenage years, and so far they were looking pretty good.
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