*May 23, 2009*

"Happy Birthday!" My family sings, carrying a cake and placing it in front of me. Candles lit, heat warming my face as I lean forward, and close my eyes making a wish, I breath deep then let all the air out of my lungs blowing every candle out except one.

"Looks like Bonnie has a boyfriend!" My little sister Jasmine, smiles. Ever since I can remember, my family has always made such a huge deal out of birthdays, making sure the birthday girl or boy was happy, and always has a huge surprise birthday gift for them.

"So since your 21 now, what do you plan on doing?" My grandpa asks, I just shrug my shoulders and help my mom cut the cake. Truth is, I don't know what I'm going to do. I do have a job, which I'm quite happy at, I work at a local pet store, taking care of the animals, running the cash register, ect. But I've never finished school, I dropped out about 2 weeks into grade 10, so I've actually only completed grade 9. I plan on taking my GED. Finally realizing that I do have a plan, a smile forms on my lips.

*A Few hours Later*

"Bonnie, honey we have a surprise for you!" My dad calls for me, I walk in to find everyone standing, grinning madly. A confused look on my face, I walk closer to my parents, as they begin to speak."Now we know how hard it's been for you the past couple of years, and how stressed you are about your future. So we did some searching and found a job opportunity for you." My mom looks as if to burst."Honey, you're going to Hawaii!"

*That Night*

Once everyone has left my house, I turn and thank my parents one more time, then watch as they leave too."Wow" I smile, that has to be the best birthday gift ever. I grab one of the letters my mom gave me, from my new job, it says I'm going to be running the business during the day, hiring and firing people, ordering the animals. Looking at the job title, it says I'm going to be the manager, I burst out laughing, excitement filling my body.

Flipping the channels on my T.V, I stop on CSI:Miami, "Now that's what i'm talking about."I smile, watching a young couple making out.

*Bring, Bring* Running to grab the phone, I don't recognize the number,
"Hello?"I ask,
"Hello, is Bonnie there?"
"Speaking." I sit down on my couch, continuing to watch T.V
"So great to finally speak to you. This is Keira from, Sea Shell"
I mute the T.V, realizing it's the pet store owner I'm going to be working for.
"Same to you."
"I heard that you've never been to Hawaii?"
"No I have not, but I can't wait."
"Oh yes, you'll love it here. Now the reason I'm calling is that I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Instead of our arrangements for you coming here on the 30th.I need you here at the store on the 25th."
My mouth drops open, "Oh" is all I can get out.
"Which means you'll have to leave tomorrow night. That won't be a problem, will it?"Kiera asks,
Lists of why I can't go tomorrow fills my head.
I take a deep breath,
"No, not at all."
"Great! Okay so take the 6:00 pm flight to Honolulu, then get the next flight out to Kona. Phone me when you are about to land, and I'll come pick you up."
I begin to write down her instructions,
"Don't worry about getting a place, I know it's hard to find one on such short notice. I've actually got a place for rent, a few blocks away from the church, on Waikiki. So you can rent that until you get all settled. And again thank you so much, for coming so soon. I'll see you soon."
"No, thank you."
I hang up, and place my head in my hands.

Grabbing the phone again, I call my mom telling her everything.
I buy my ticket online, and begin packing my bags, waiting for tomorrow night to come.