(Chapter Two)
A Birthday
The next week, Jack and Elizabeth arrived at the Weise's house a little after 3, and Opal answered the door. "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Thornton!"
"Hi, Opal." Jack thrilled the little girl by saying.
"Please come in," Opal quickly remembered her manners and invited her guests in.
"Hello, Elizabeth! – Jack."
"Hi Ellen. It is so good to see you again."
After the fun was over, Opal announced brightly "It's cake time!"
Her mother gave her a stern look. Opal's eyes seemed to say "I'm sorry mommy".
"I mean, is it time for cake now?" Opal recovered from her mistake.
A slight nod from her mother assured her that she was right.
They were all served a piece of chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
"Chocolate is my favorite!" Opal exclaimed.
"Shh," her mother's eyes seemed to say.
"This is Sooooo YUMMY!" Opal managed around a mouthful of cake.
"Is your cake alright dear?" Jack whispered for only Elizabeth to hear.
"It's fine. I just have a slight headache."
"Are you alright?"
"Oh Jack, I'm fine. Don't worry, please. It's just a headache. I'm fine," Elizabeth reassured Jack.
"Okay Honey. Let me know if it gets worse."
An otherwise unnoticed nod was her silent answer.
"Happy Birthday Opal!" Elizabeth said before leaving for the short walk home with Jack.
The day was wonderful. Everything was bright. But something told Elizabeth that things would not always be this bright.