“You can’t tell me what to do and you better just shut up”, I screamed.
“No, you shut up!, that’s no way to speak to mom”, Isabelle said.
“What’s your problem? Get out of here, nobody called you”, I replied.
Our mom sat right in front of us in the living room and watched us go on with our unnecessary drama.
“Girls, Girls!!! What’s happening there!”, Dad asked from the kitchen.
“Daddy Daddy”, I feigned some tears and rushed to kitchen with Isabelle following me.
The tears were really necessary because as the last born I knew I was always going to be my Dad’s favorite.
“Oh Mirabelle, what’s the problem?”, Dad asked.
“Crocodile tears”, Isabelle said whiles pushing my head.
“Isabelle don’t be silly!!!”, Dad pulled me away from Isabelle.
“Daddy, mom said she would organize a really big birthday party for me if I be on my best behavior this term. I have been a good girl, I was even first in my class this term, only for mommy to say you two are going on an emergency trip right on my birthday which is two days away”, I complained bitterly.
“Oh my dear, is that why you’re crying? Don’t worry, just leave everything to me”, Dad said.
“You’re the best”, I shouted.
Morning of my birthday
I was just a kid but I was smart enough to know that a birthday party needed some decorations here and there, some preparations here and there. None of that was happening in our house. Both our parents were also around and very relaxed. I had become a laughing stock for that sister of mine.
Oh maybe I really needed to get into some character to remind everyone it was my birthday.
“Daddy, what’s today’s date?”, I asked
31st July, 2023, he answered.
“Anything comes to mind?” I asked.
“31st July, 31st July, nothing rings a bell” Dad replied.
I walked back into my room with so much tears in eyes. I hated everyone at that moment. The only person whom I thought really had my back didn’t really have it.
I was really angry. I started making plans to be a really stubborn child since being on my best behavior got me nothing.
“Mirabelle, Grandma wants to talk to you”, Mom shouted.
“Hi, Grandma”, I said over the phone.
“Happy birthday Mirabelle, would you like to spend the day with me?”, she asked.
“Of course!!!, I shouted
Anything to get me away from these people I thought were my family.
I dressed up quickly and got into the car with everyone else.
Right in front of Grandma’s house was a very big picture of me with the writing, Happy 8th birthday Mirabelle.
My joy knew no bounds. Inside grandma’s compound was a whole birthday party with my friends and family.
Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, they all sang beautifully for me as I got out of the car.
I ran to grandma and gave her a really big hug because I really wanted a birthday party and she made it happen.
She led me to the cake table for me to cut the cake.
Even though I was angry with my family, I still called them to cut the cake with me.
“Make a wish”, Dad said.
I closed my eyes and wished for an iPad to be amongst my presents.
“Huuuuuw” I blew the candles
There was a whole lot of fun activities. A lot of food and drinks. I had the best time of my life for some hours.
“We have to leave”, Dad said.
“But it’s my birthday party Dad”, I said almost about to cry.
“Yes dear, we know that and we booked a flight for you and Isabelle to come with us on our trip to Dubai as a birthday present. You can have all the fun you want….”, He said
“You are the best!” I interrupted him with a hug not even knowing what Dubai was. I was happy because I heard "fun".
“Mirabelle!! Mirabelle!!”, Isabelle shouted my name whiles tapping me.
“Why are you hugging your pillow?”, She asked.
I opened my eyes only to find myself in my room
“Wait, what?? What am I doing here? I’m supposed to be at my birthday party”, I told Isabelle.
“Your birthday? Your birthday is in two days. Wake up, mommy wants to see you. She is talking about not being able to celebrate your birthday because of an emergency trip she and dad have to embark on, on your birthday”, Isabelle broke the news to me.
“No mommy you can’t do this to me, I have been on my best behavior since the beginning of the term. You always do this , that’s why I love daddy more” I rushed to the living room, shouting on top of my voice.
“Mirabelle stop it!!!”, Isabelle shouted.
“You can’t tell me what to do and you better just shut up”, I screamed……..