That evening, Sam and Grace took Kay out to dinner at the Seascape. Kay was very excited to
be dining at such a fancy restaurant. Dinner was perfect, except for a small interruption by
Julian and Ivy Crane.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Bennetts," Julian said condescendingly. "Fancy running
into you here."
"Hello Julian, Ivy," Sam said politely.
"It so nice to see you again, Sam," Ivy gushed.
Kay was puzzled by Ivy's tone, but didn't say anything.
"Sam and I were taking our oldest daughter out for her birthday," Grace explained.
Ivy looked at Grace as if she hadn't even noticed that she was there. "Oh, how quaint!" she
exclaimed with saccharine sweetness. She turned to Kay. "And how old are you today, dear?"
"I'm seventeen," Kay replied, fighting the urge to squirm under the older woman's scrutiny.
"Well, I hope you have a wonderful birthday," Ivy told her.
Kay could detect a note of sarcasm in Ivy's voice and found it peculiar. "Thank you Mrs. Crane,"
she said politely. She noticed how uncomfortable her father looked in the Cranes' presence. She
also caught Ivy giving her father a wistful glance before joining her husband.
"How about dessert?" Kay suggested, hoping to break the tension.
Sam looked visibly relieved at Kay's question. "Great idea," he said.
Over a slice of triple layer chocolate cake, Sam and Grace gave Kay her birthday presents.
"I hope you like this, dear," Grace told Kay, handing her an envelope.
Kay opened the envelope and gasped in delight. "Jessica Simpson tickets! Thank you so much!" She
leaned over to give her mother a big hug.
Grace smiled and returned the hug. "I'm always listening to you play the CD, so I thought you'd
like to hear her live."
Kay nodded happily. "I love it, thank you."
Sam handed Kay a small brightly wrapped box. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."
Kay gently tore the wrapping off and opened the box. She gasped again. "Daddy, it's so beautiful!"
Inside the box was a birthstone ring and matching bracelet. She slipped both pieces of jewelry on
and hugged and kissed her father. "Thank you very much!"
"You're welcome honey," Sam said, returning the hug. "It's not every day your little girl turns
seventeen."
"Well, how about we head home?" Grace suggested. "I'm sure Jessica would like to give you her
gift."
Kay nodded, knowing about the party that was awaiting her. "Sure, let's go."
*************************************************************************************************
When the Bennetts arrived home, Kay was the first to enter. Jessica was sitting on the couch,
watching television.
"How was dinner?" Jessica asked interestedly.
"It was really nice," Kay replied, slightly disappointed that there was no surprise party.
"Did anyone call?" Grace asked.
"Simone called for Kay," Jessica replied. "She told me to tell you that she'd be at the Book
Café for a few hours if you wanted to do something after dinner."
Kay nodded. "Thanks, I guess I'll meet her there."
"Do you want a ride?" Sam asked.
"Sure, if you don't mind," Kay replied.
"Anything for the birthday girl," Sam said, smiling.
"Can I drive?" Kay asked, smiling mischievously.
Sam laughed. "Not a chance." He put an arm around Kay and they walked out the door, but not
before Sam turned back and winked at his wife. As soon as Kay and Sam were out the door, Grace
and Jessica raced out the back door to get in the Russells' car, which was waiting for them.
A few minutes later, Sam pulled up in front of the Book Café. "Have a nice time, honey," Sam
said, leaning over to kiss Kay on the cheek.
"Thanks Dad," Kay replied. She unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. She waved to her
father as he drove off. Kay thought that the café looked closed, but the sign said that it was
open. She opened the door cautiously. "Hello?" she called out uncertainly.
"SURPRISE!"
Kay jumped back in shock as the lights in the café turned on, and confetti and streamers flew
through the air. She covered her mouth to keep from shrieking.
"Oh my gosh!" Kay squealed. "I can't believe this!"
Simone stepped forward to give her best friend a big hug. "We finally got you this year."
"You were in on it?" Kay demanded happily.
Simone grinned and nodded. "Happy birthday, Kay."
As soon as Simone pulled away, Kay's family surrounded her, wishing her well. "I wish Noah was
here," Kay said wistfully.
"Did someone mention my name?" a deep male voice asked.
"Noah!" Now Kay really did shriek. She ran up to him and threw her arms around her older brother.
"When did you get back? What are you doing here? Why aren't you at university?"
"An hour ago, to see you, and because I wouldn't miss my sister's birthday for the world," Noah
replied with a laugh. "Happy birthday, squirt. Save a dance for me, will you?" Kay nodded.
"And for me too," Sam said as he put his hands on Kay's shoulders and steered her to one of the
center couches. "Time for presents!" he announced.
Simone sat down beside Kay and handed her a brightly wrapped package. "From me," she told her.
Kay opened the package and smiled. She held up the iridescent fuschia shirt for everyone to see.
"Thank you Simone, I love it." She gave Simone a hug.
Eve Russell stepped forward and handed Kay a medium sized package. "This is from Whitney, my
husband, and myself."
Kay unwrapped the present and found two black leather-bound books. One was a photo album and the
other was a journal. Both books had her initials embossed in gold lettering on the front.
"They're beautiful, thank you Dr. Russell. Tell Coach Russell and Whitney that I love it."
Eve smiled and promised to relay the message.
One by one, Kay went through all of the gifts she had received. She had a kind word for everything.
She got a lot of nice clothes, and some really good books and stationery. Kay was surprised when
Reese handed her a rather large present.
"Reese, you didn't have to get me anything," Kay said.
"Just open it," Reese urged.
Kay opened the box and started laughing. She pulled out the boxing gloves for everyone to see.
"If you ever get angry or upset and want to vent," Reese explained.
"Thank you, Reese," Kay said. She gave him a quick hug. Simone and Jessica felt their jaws hit
the floor.
For once, Kay's display of affection didn't leave Reese with a goofy expression on his face. He
simply smiled back and let the next person present their gift.
The next person was Miguel. He had an apologetic expression on his face, and Kay couldn't help
feeling sorry for him. She gave him a small smile, letting him know that she forgave him.
"Happy birthday, Kay," Miguel said, handing her a box. "This is from me and Charity."
Kay's smile vanished for a split second, but returned almost as bright. "Thank you Miguel. Thank
you Charity." She opened the box and gasped. Unlike the previous times though, this was a gasp of
dismay. She pulled out a baseball glove and softball. "Wow! New softball gear. Thanks guys, I don't
know what to say." She tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice, but Noah and Simone were
able to pick up on it and frowned.
Kay shoved the offending gift back into the box and nearly threw it aside. She stood up abruptly.
"Let's dance everyone!" she announced. "Noah, let's hit the floor!"
A space had been cleared away for people to dance. 'Invisible Man' by 98 Degrees was playing, so
Kay didn't find it awkward to be dancing with her brother.
"Miguel's gift was a disappointment, huh?" Noah remarked.
Kay decided to play dumb. "What are you talking about?" she inquired.
"Come on Kay, I'm your brother. I can read you pretty well," Noah prodded. "And I also know that
he got you a baseball glove last year, when you really needed a new one."
"I don't want to talk about it," Kay said softly.
"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to," Noah told her. "But I want you to know, that
I'm here for you if you need me."
Kay rested her head on Noah's shoulder so that no one could see her eyes welling up with tears.
"Thanks Noah," she sniffled.
Noah patted her back comfortingly. "Anytime, little sis," he replied.
A few minutes later, the song was over, and Kay and Noah were separated as 'Tearing Up My Heart'
by N SYNC began to play. Simone made her way over to Kay. "Are you all right?" she asked, concerned.
"Of course I'm all right," Kay replied. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I saw your face when you opened Miguel's gift," Simone countered. "I know you were upset by it."
"Look," Kay was starting to become annoyed. "I already told Noah, and I'm telling you, I don't
want to talk about it, okay?"
Simone looked hurt. "If that's the way you want it, then fine." She turned to leave, but Kay caught
her arm.
"Simone, wait," Kay pleaded. "I'm sorry, but now's not the time or place to be discussing it. Later,
I promise."
Simone was satisfied with Kay's answer. "Okay, later."
After several more fast songs, 'I Want It That Way' by the Backstreet Boys started playing. Reese
came up and tapped Kay on the shoulder. "Do you want to dance?" he asked hopefully.
Kay nodded. "Sure," she replied. She let her hands rest lightly on his shoulders and Reese held her
loosely by the waist and they swayed to the music.
"Are you having a good time?" Reese asked.
"Yeah, I am," Kay admitted. "Better than I thought."
When the song ended, the lights dimmed, and everyone started to sing 'Happy Birthday'. Grace appeared,
holding a beautiful white cake with purple and yellow flowers on it. In the center were eighteen
candles; one for each year, and one more to grow on.
"Make a wish, sweetie," Grace urged.
"I bet I know what she'll wish for," Jessica whispered to Simone. Simone couldn't help smiling.
Kay stared at the candles and then closed her eyes. A wish popped into her head and she wished with all
her might. I wish that I could find true happiness. She took a deep breath and blew out all of the
candles. Everyone cheered for her.
As soon as everyone had a slice of cake, Kay went to get something to drink. On her way to the
refreshment table, she passed by Jessica who had a knowing grin on her face. Kay stopped to take
Jessica down a few pegs. "For your information, I did not wish for Miguel to fall in love with me
or for something to happen to Charity," she said icily.
Jessica's mouth fell open in shock. Before she could say anything, Kay brushed past her.
Some time later, people started dancing again, and Miguel approached Kay to ask her to dance.
Kay smiled apologetically, although she wasn't at all sorry. "I promised my dad that I'd save a
dance for him." With that, she went to find her father.
Miguel watched Kay leave with a confused expression on his face. He wondered if something was wrong
with Kay, but he shrugged it off, and decided to dance with Charity instead.
As soon as Kay had finished dancing with her father, she decided to call it a night. "I'm really
tired. I think I'm going to turn in early," she told Sam.
Sam looked concerned. "Are you sure? It's not even eleven yet."
Kay nodded. "I'm sure, Dad. It was a great party. You should stay longer. I'll walk home. It's not
that far."
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to be out alone at night," Sam said doubtfully. "I'll drive
you home. Go get your mother and Jessica and Noah."
"I'll walk Kay home, Chief Bennett," Reese volunteered.
Kay flashed Reese a grateful look. "See? Nothing to worry about," she told her father.
Sam nodded in agreement. "Okay, sweetheart. Your mother, Jessica, Noah and I will see you tomorrow
morning." He gave Kay a big hug.
"You bet, Dad," Kay replied, returning the hug. She let go and turned to Reese. "Let's go."
The two teens left the Book Café quietly, leaving Sam to explain Kay's disappearance.
***************************************************************************************************
"Thanks for walking me home, Reese," Kay said softly.
"Don't mention it," Reese replied. "You looked like you wanted to get out of there."
Kay laughed. "You seem to be rescuing me a lot lately," she commented.
"I don't mind," Reese told her, pushing his glasses up.
The two of them walked in companionable silence the rest of the way to Kay's house. When they
reached her doorstep, Kay turned to thank Reese again. "Thanks for everything."
"You're welcome," Reese replied. "I hope you had a happy birthday."
Kay nodded. "I did," she admitted.
"Um...would you want to play some basketball tomorrow at the Youth Center?" Reese asked hesitantly.
"Is Miguel going to be there?" Kay asked cautiously.
Reese shook his head. "Well, I didn't ask him yet."
"Well, if you don't ask him, then I'd love to join you," Kay told him.
Reese was surprised, but didn't let it show. "Okay, how does one o'clock sound?"
"Great," Kay responded. "I'll see you then."
Reese nodded. "Yeah, see you then," he echoed. "Good night."
"Good night," Kay echoed, smiling. She opened her front door and went inside.