Lucky for me, I had gotten Callie's phone number for the Thanksgiving trip. Incase Mom's phone died and there was an emergency. Mom things. She was worried she would lose me or something crazy. She had to take precautions- that's what she told me.

But, now was when I actually needed it. So I was rather grateful for Moms protectiveness. It came in use now.

L: Hi Callie. It's Liv. Are you busy tomorrow morning?!

Hopefully not. I knew Mom took off work and was planning to call me out of school. Tomorrow was special. I knew Mom would be beyond happy if Callie was there, too. So, I was going to make that happen. Hopefully.

Callie replied very quickly, even though it was pretty late- especially for a Tuesday night.

C: Hey Liv!

C: I am not. What's up?

I smiled. Thank god.

L: Yay!! I wanted to do something special for Mom.

L: Cause it's her birthday.

I was sure she knew. But, I wanted to remind her just incase. Dad never remembered Mom's birthday. But, that was Dad. He was horrible. Callie is nothing like him- at all.

L: I was thinking like breakfast in bed. But, I think it would make her even more happy if you were there, too.

I knew Mom would love it if Callie was there.

C: Aww!! Of course!

C: I would love to be there. Do you need me to get anything from the store?

L: I don't think so. Can you come over at like 9:00?

C: I'll be there!

L: Yay!! Thank you. Mom will be so excited.

C: I can't wait

My plan was working out perfectly. Despite my last minute planning. I was so glad.

I woke up bright and early- aka at 8. Today was Mom's 30th birthday. That was a big deal.

I tried to be quiet when I opened the door to her bedroom, but Mom's eyes opened.

I rushed over to her bed and hugged her. "Happy Birthday Mama!" I whispered.

She smiled, hugging back. "Ooh thank you honey. Good morning." She said quietly.

I sat next to her, and she laid back down, rubbing her eyes.

"Do you feel older?" I giggled.

"Mm. 30. Yeah, I think I do." She joked.

"You're not old!" I told her. "I have a surprise for you. But, you gotta go back to sleep so I can set it up."

"Oh?" Mom rose an eyebrow. "Ok, I'll try my best."

I smiled. "I love you. Happy Birthday!"

"I love you too."

With that, I rushed back out of her room, closing the door behind me. I think Mom would like this birthday surprise.

I googled a recipe for french toast. I wasn't a chef. I knew how to make some things, and I knew how to follow directions. I cooked with Mom all the time, especially as a kid.

But, I didn't know how to make french toast.

I knew Mom loved it, though.

Callie knocked on the door at 8:45. Early. Good, because I knew Mom wouldn't sleep in for much longer, and I needed a little extra help. I wasn't doing bad, I was just very slow.

"Good morning!" Callie smiled brightly when I opened the door. She had a gift bag, flowers, and balloons in her hands.

"Morning! Thanks for coming!! Mom's still sleeping." I laughed.

"It smells so good in here. What are you making?!" Callie walked toward the kitchen as I closed the door.

"French toast!" I smiled proudly.

Callie set the things on the counter. "Wow. You're amazing."

"I just followed a recipe." I shrugged.

"You did great! Do you need any help? What can I do?"

"Um can you make the coffee?" I had an idea on how to use Mom's coffee machine. But, I knew Callie actually knew how to use it.

"Sure!" Callie nodded, getting right to it.

"I made you some too. Are you hungry?" I asked as I washed blueberries.

"I'd love to have some! Thank you!" Callie smiled.

I nodded, and got the three plates ready, then waited for Callie to be finished with the coffee.

"Ok... are we ready?" Callie looked at me.

"I think so." I nodded. I was very excited.

I carried Mom's plate and her coffee, and Callie carried the gifts she had brought.

Callie opened the door, since my hands were a little more full.

Mom was awake, on her phone. She smiled when she saw the two of us, putting her phone down.

"Happy Birthday!" I said for a third time.

"Happy Birthday Ari!" Callie said.

"Oh my goodness," Mom laughed as I handed her the plate and the mug of coffee. "French Toast!"

"Liv made it all by herself!" Callie credited me.

I giggled.

"It smells wonderful Olive." Mom smiled.

I watched as Callie let go of the balloons, and then placed the gift bag and flowers on Mom's nightstand.

"Thank you guys so much." Mom took a bite of the french toast. "Oh this is amazing. Are you guys going to eat?"

I nodded, "I made us plates too. Be right back."

I went back out to the kitchen and grabbed both Callie and I's plates.

As I walked back in, I heard Callie say "She texted me- she planned this."

"Here!" I made my presence known as I walked back over to the bed.

"Thank you!" Callie smiled more as she took the plate.

"Olivia, this is seriously amazing." Mom said.

"Thanks. I tried," I laughed.

Callie took a bite, and immediately hummed her approval. "This tastes wonderful!" She told me.

"Thanks." I smiled and took a bite for myself. It was pretty good. I was proud of myself.

I looked at Mom. She was glowing. Her eyes were shining bright and her dimples were overly popped out.

I was glad she was happy.

She deserved that.

She deserved a good birthday.

And, it was nice that Callie had gotten her a gift. My dad had never done that.

I was happy she had Callie.