I woke up one hot July morning, the smell of honey quickly filling my nose. I got dressed, brushed my hair, and put on my shoes as always. I stepped outside and walked to the main house. All was quiet. It was kind of disturbing, really. I hurried into the kitchen and slammed the screen door behind me.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Everyone shouted. August, Rosaleen, June, Neil, Zach, the Daughters of Mary- even Mr. Clayton Forrest- stood around the table. A big cake with chocolate icing and fifteen candles sat on a plate in the very middle of them. June started to play 'Happy Birthday' on her celo.
"You didn't have to make me a cake," I said groggly.
"That was Rosaleen and Zach's doin'," August announced. ". We'll celebrate after breakfast."
"Thank you all." Rosaleen moved the cake and replaced it with bacon, eggs, a biscut, and a jar of honey.
Then, she brought the cake back. I sat at the table and blew out my candles. We all dug in, and after the last crumb was gone, I took Zach by the arm and led him into the hallway. "You made a cake?" I asked.
"Everyone should have a cake on their birthday."
"But-you?"
" It doesn't matter. Happy birthday, Lily Williams."
"Owens," I corrected.
"Right." He leaned in and kissed me. I kissed back. We stayed together until we heard muffled giggles. I turned around and saw Queenie's crazy hat duck behind the corner.
"If May was here to see this!" I heard June say, and Neil chuckled.
"Oh my God," I whispered. I faced Zach, and saw him smiling and-blushing. "Well, well, Zachory Lincoln Taylor." He laughed and hugged me.
"We should get back," he said.
"Agreed."
Then, we walked hand-in-hand back to the kitchen, ready to face all of the jokes and teases the family may throw at us.
"Happy birthday, Lily Owens," Sugar-Girl and Cressie yelled.
Cute little one-shot. Heh. Enjoi.
