Free

Everybody seems happy, dancing, talking, laughing. Well, except for me. The forgotten girl.

It's my birthday today. Not that anyone remembered. The only reason we're having this party is because it's also her birthday. Little Miss Popular.

Ugh. I was her once. I was the one everybody loved. I was the one Fabian loved. Not any more.

Yep, so it's my birthday, and I'm sitting alone in the corner of a room, close to tears.

Happy birthday to me. . .

…...

I woke up this morning expecting, I dunno, at least someone to acknowledge that I exist or something. But no, just a grunt from Patricia and a 'hey' from Mara. And when I went downstairs, somebody yelled surprise and I thought it was for me, but then I realised that she was behind me and I sat down in silence.

"Oh, you guys!" she said in her American accent that used to be cute but now was kind-of annoying.

"Anything for you," Fabian kissed her on the cheek and they turned to sit down.

"Erm. . . Joy. .. that's Nina's place, if you don't mind moving."

…...

School was no better. Nobody even looked my way, or said hi or anything. Nobody remembered that it was my birthday. . .

And when I got home, Amber announced that we were having a surprise party for Nina. Yaaaaayyy.

Of course, Amber criticized me on my choice of outfit.

"Joy! What you are wearing is way too casual! This is Nina's birthday party, we have to look our best!"

Ugh. Somebody hand me a gun.

…...

Fabian held her hair back as she blew out her candles on her enormous chocolate cake.

"Three cheers for Nina! Hip-hip-hooray!"

I clapped weakly, and Patricia noticed.

"At least try to make an effort Joy," she said cruelly. I blinked back tears. That's it. Enough is enough.

"Oh, I'm sorry that I'm a upset," I said.

"Why should you be upset?" Eddie sneered, defending his girlfriend.

"BECAUSE MAYBE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AS WELL TODAY AND NONE OF YOU BOTHERED TO REMEMBER!" I yelled, before stomping off to the sofa in the corner as everyone stared at me in shock.

"You didn't have to get all worked up about it, Joy. You could have just told us."

…...

"Hey," came a gentle voice from next to me. It was Mick, who had just returned from Australia.

"Hi," I said, "Come to yell at me like everyone else?"

"No," Mick said, "I actually came to say, happy birthday."
"You're just saying that because I told you," I scoffed.

"Nope," Mick grinned, "I got you something," he pulled the package out from behind his back.

"Mick!" I smiled widely, "You didn't have to!" I ripped open the paper and gasped as I took in what was inside.

"Oh, Mick! It's beautiful!"

"Just like you. That's why I got it."
I looked at him in astonishment.

"Really? You think I'm beautiful?" I asked.

"Not just beautiful," he said, cupping my face in his hands, "exquisite."

I leaned in and kissed him, and sparks flew. I felt amazing. I felt free.

It may not have started out like it, but this was truly the best birthday ever.

Happy birthday to me~