In the Rain

Chapter 7: Birthday dinner

It wasn't long until Chelsea had made the suggestion of having Vaughn's cousin's stay for dinner that the pizza Vaughn ordered had arrived. Vaughn opened the door, taking the pizza from the man and paying him the appropriate change. Julia and Mirabelle stared at the big pizza Vaughn had in his hands as he set it down on his kitchen counter.

"Vaughn, that's a huge pizza! Did you only order it for you and Chelsea?" Mirabelle looked at him in surprise, while Julia already took a slice out for herself.

"Yeah...I figured Chelsea probably hasn't eaten in a while, so..." Vaughn started.

"Don't you mean you actually wanted us to stay for dinner, right?" Julia replied, simply grinning and eating. Vaughn hated it when Julia was right. Especially now.

Mirabelle simply smiled at Vaughn, not wanting Julia to probe him anymore, but she continued to look at Chelsea. Something about Chelsea seemed...odd. For Vaughn to save someone was a bit out of his league. His actions weren't impossible, but it was hard to believe. They gathered around Vaughn's table and started to eat the pizza. Much to everyone's surprise, Chelsea ate the least amount and took her time.

"So, Chelsea, where are you from?" Mirabelle looked at her.

"Um...well...what do you mean? Where I used to come from, or where I live now?" Chelsea had her mental shields up; she could tell Mirabelle was friendly, but she didn't want to say too much or Mirabelle would get more nosy.

"Where you used to come from. Where did you live when you were a kid?" Mirabelle could sense Chelsea's uneasiness, and Julia was especially interested and watched Chelsea. Vaughn continued to eat, subtly listening to the conversation.

"Well, I used to like in a place called Forget-Me-Not Village. But when I was five, my mother left me there, so my father and I lived in the city until a few months ago..." Chelsea looked away, being in deep thought.

"Oh really? that's interesting." Mirabelle smiled. She backed off a bit, then Julia looked at Chelsea.

"Chelsea, how old are you?" Julia asked, curiously.

"It depends. What day is it today?" Julia gave her a strange look.

"Today is Summer 14th. Why?" Julia stared

"Well, then that means today is my birthday. So, I'm 18 today." Chelsea secretly smirked and smiled.

" What? We should make you a cake or something!" Julia suddenly became energetic.

"It's no need Julia. I am just glad I'm 18." Chelsea smiled more. "But thanks for the offer. Besides, I think of the clothes you brought me as a gift."

"Alright, but I still think you should do something to celebrate..." Julia nibbled away at another piece of pizza. "Oh shoot! Mom, it's already 7pm! We were supposed to do a final check on the animals today!"

"Alright, Julia. We'll go." Mirabelle gave Chelsea a hug. "It was nice to see you, Chelsea. I hope to see you again soon." Mirabelle waved and Chelsea gave a goodbye to both of them as the got in their car and drove away.

Chelsea looked at Vaughn, who was behind her. He seemed distracted by something...but she couldn't figure out what yet.

But she was glad. She had a dinner with friendly people, especially the one who saved her. She was grateful for what she had.

Vaughn looked at her and mumbled "Happy Birthday."

"Thanks." Chelsea smiled at him, which made him blush slightly.

She had had a wonderful birthday dinner.