It was the beginning of summer. Charlotte suddenly felt in the mood for ice-cream, and decided that very second to buy the biggest ice cream cone she could find. Who cared about gaining a few more pounds? It's not as if anyone was going to notice. She found a seat on a park bench, and got lost in her own thoughts while licking the dripping ice cream. It was a beautiful hot sunny day and the ice cream was melting at a rapid speed. She couldn't believe how time flies. Christmas was in two months and it felt like yesterday that they packed away the Christmas decorations. What happened to the time?
It was nearly time for her to go pick up the kids from school, but she was tired. She was so tired of this old daily routine and she felt as if she could just run away. She even considered it for a minute. What would they do if she just disappeared? Would they even miss her? Everyone at home was so demanding and busy with their own lives that they wouldn't even notice if she was gone. Did they really need her? She was only good for driving them around to all their activities and they did not care for her as much as they used to. Life is difficult she thought. You look forward your whole life to raise a family and live on your own and then in the blink of a moment everything is over. Your kids leave home and there is nothing left to do.
Once upon a time she had a life. She wanted to become an artist but she had given up on this dream long ago. The twins were seventeen now, and off to college next year. What was she going to do with herself? Jeremy was always at work and she was so busy with the kids that she never even thought about the time after they left. It was time that she found herself a hobby or even a job...but who would hire her?
It was then that she noticed the little bird sitting next to her on the park bench. He sat there as if he didn't have a care in the world. He was sitting so close that she could touch him.
"Hey little birdie, what are you up to? Do you want some ice cream? She held out the ice cream and suddenly the bird flew away. Flying away just like her two babies are going to fly away next year. She suddenly remembered about the twins and for once decided that they could wait for her. It was after all her birthday, so she deserved some time alone.
She finished her ice cream and slowly walked back to the car. While she climbed into the car her phone rang. It was Jeremy.
"Hey love, don't worry about picking up the girls, I already did. Can you meet us at home in twenty minutes?"
She couldn't believe her ears. At least he picked up the kids from school, but did he even remember that it was her birthday? When he gave her a list of chores this morning she could hardly believe that he would do this to her on her birthday.
She didn't mind doing chores for him, but seriously, not on her birthday! She had nothing else planned because everyone that she phoned for lunch had something else planned, besides, everything was such a rush this morning. Jessica and Jordan woke up late and she had so much to do that Jeremy said he would drop off the girls at school. They hardly said goodbye now that she thought about it... She parked the car in the driveway and got out of the car.
Suddenly the garage door opened and everyone she knew was standing there in the garage. But somehow the garage did not look like a garage anymore.
"Mommy, Jordan shouted. You have to come see what we did today!"
Everyone, including all her friends moved away and when she entered the garage she couldn't believe her eyes.
"Everyone came to help mommy, we changed the garage into a studio for you!"
In the corner of the garage was a big table with all her favorite water and oil paints. There were paintbrushes in every size and a big easel set up for her....ready to start painting at any time.
Jeremy walked towards her and hugged her.
"I hope you are not too angry with us. The girls had the day off from school and it took months for us to get everything ready for today. I know how you're going to miss the girls next year, and I know how much you loved painting. We wanted to do something special for you..."
Charlotte smiled at him and the girls. No wonder all of her friends were not available today. It was the biggest surprise ever, and she knew now just how much everyone loved and appreciated her.
