Michelle looked in the mirror with disbelief.
"What's wrong sweetie?" her dad asked.
"I can't be 5, I'm 15."
"Of course your 5." her mother replied.
"No I'm 15."
"It's her Birthday, Tiffany, I see no harm in her pretending she's older."
They don't believe me. "So if I'm 5 then, where's Tommy?"
"Who's Tommy?" her mom asked.
"Oh, I see." her dad mouthed "invisible friend" to his wife. "What does Tommy look like?"
Michelle pushed pass her dad an down the hall to where Tommy's room would be but when she opened the door all that was there were books and papers piled on a work desk.
He's gone. That means I'm next.
"Michelle, close my office door and go back to bed." her mom said.
"Time's going backwards." she shouted.
Her dad smiled. "That would diffidently make an interesting story.
"Backwards... That's it, I need to turn the Cuckoo's head back around!" She ran pass her parents and down to the living room, throwing the double-doors open. But the clock wasn't there. "The Cuckoo Clock is gone!"
"What cuckoo clock? We've never owned a cuckoo clock." her dad stated.
Oh right. "Idiot."
"Hey, that's not nice." her mom said. "Apologize to your father."
"Not him, me." she replied. "Dad isn't going to buy the clock for another 10 years. The clock must still be at the antique store, I need to get there!" Dashing around to make a run for it only to be caught by her dad.
"Hold it right there little lady! Your going straight back to bed." he stated carrying her.
"But I need to get to the store!"
(Later, at the party)
The room was filled with laughter from the other children. They had played party games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs, and Simon Says. Michelle was not entertained by any of it, she just wanted everything to go back to normal. Even if she had to deal with Tommy and he wasn't nearly as bad as the clown her parents had hired. He followed her around, juggling and pulling balloon animals from thin air. Michelle almost wished she could forget this day again. Finally it was time for cake, then presents and the day of torment would be over.
This is so boring. Michelle picked at the slice marble-flavored princess-themed cake in front of her. Just when she thought she was in the clear the clown decided to pay her a visit.
"Why hello there birthday girl!" he said in a loud voice and pulled out a balloon, folding and twisting it before holding out the finished creation to her. "Would j'ya like a puppy?" Without warning Michelle reached up and pull the cone-shaped party hat over his face before letting it fly back and hit him. "Yikes! Looks like someone isn't a party person." With that the clown left.
"Hey, are you ok, Michelle? You look sad." younger Ryan asked.
"I need to get out of here, I'm getting younger by the second." Michelle replied.
"But it's your birthday, you're getting older." April said.
"You don't understand by this time tomorrow I could disappear."
"When you disappear can we have your presents?" a girl across the table asked.
"Look, just keep my parents busy, I need to get to the antique store." she stated and ran out the door. After several blocks she was able to she the store not that far away. Come on just a little further.
"Hey kid, do you know the time?" a tall lady in front of her asked.
She shook her head, went around the lady and continued running. Finally, she came to "Abigail's Antiques"; in the front window stood the old cuckoo clock.
It's here! Oh thank you! Now to fix this mess. She pull on the door but it wouldn't budge; that's when she noticed the sign on the door that read "On Vacation". This can't be happening. No no no no! Michelle hammered the door with her fists but it was no use. "Come on, open!" she yelled. Everything around her came to a stop when a hand fell on her shoulder.
"Michelle, what did your father and I tell you about coming into town by yourself?" her mom asked.
"But this is the clock Dad is going to buy in ten years. I need to get to it!" Michelle stated.
Her mother raised an eyebrow at the cuckoo clock then rubbed her head. "Since it is your birthday I won't ground you for running of, this time. Now come on lets go home."
"Ok." she sighed and followed her mother home.
(That night.)
""...Goldilocks saw the three bears standing around the bed and ran home to her Grandmother. The end.""
"Can you read me another story Mom, please? Just one more." Michelle asked sweetly.
"No, not tonight. It's time for bed." she replied and tucked Michelle in.
"Is she still awake?" her Dad asked as he walked in the room.
"She's afraid to go to sleep." her Mother told him.
"Michelle We've had enough of this time travel nonsense you keep taking about." he said. "You will not disappear."
"Tommy did."
"Stop with this 'Tommy' who is Tommy?" her Mom asked.
Her Dad sighed. "Maybe if you read her one more story she would calm down."
"I've been reading for three whole hours." she retorted.
"You two shouldn't fight over me, it isn't worth it. I won't be here for very much longer anyway." Michelle replied softly.
Her Mom felt her forehead. "She isn't warm."
"How about we leave your night-light on, alright?" her Dad added.
"Just try to get some sleep. Everything is going to be fine." her Mom said.
"Goodnight Sweetie."
"More like 'Goodbye'." Michelle stated.
Both adults looked at each other with worry before leaving the room. Michelle slowly drifted off to sleep.
A/N: Sorry for the wait
For those of you waiting for "Kai's Journey" to update. I'm sorry it has taken me so long. School is being a pain in the butt. I should be able to update it soon though so don't worry.
