Just Another Day
It's my birthday tomorrow
No one here could know
I was born this Thursday, 22 years ago
"Let That Be Enough" - Switchfoot
Today is my sister's birthday. But don't tell anyone.
You see, we're not really twins. Sharpay and I, that is.
Because of a silly cutoff date for kindergarten enrollment, Sharpay and I ended up in the same grade. From the first day of school, our class assumed we were twins. We were brother and sister in the same grade, so we must be twins. Right?
They were wrong, but we played along with it. It was more fun that way.
As I look across the row from me now, I can see she's upset. She always is on her actual birthday. All she really wants is some recognition, but she won't get it today. As far as these Wildcats know, Sharpay and Ryan Evan's birthdays aren't until May 26th.
Ms. Darbus turns her back to the homeroom class to write on the chalkboard and I pull the small box out, setting the glittery gift on top of Sharpay's desk. I see her eyes flicker down to it quickly before softly turning to me.
I let a small smile form on my lips as I whisper "Happy Birthday, sis."
I can see the tears welling up in her eyes as the bell rings. Neither of us jump from our seats as our eyes stay connected, Wildcats passing between.
"Are you coming, Shar?" I hear Gabriella ask from her spot at the doorway. My sisters eyes float over to her.
"Go ahead, I'll catch up with you."
All the students are out of the room now as her fingers gently touch the pink bow. She leans across her desk to place a kiss on my cheek as she pulls the ribbon from the package and tears the paper. I can't help but smile as she creaks open the necklace box and a tear falls down her cheek.
Her face is priceless as she pulls the chain from the box and has me fasten it around her neck, her fingers coming up to touch the charm that dangles from the delicate silver thread.
Virgo. Hard working, innocent, perfectionist, sensual.
Her sign.
Not mine.