It was a special day at Mr E.Z O' Malley's Airport- it was Old Oscar's birthday! He loved celebrating his birthday, as he liked to do what he wanted on his special day. Normally, he didn't mind working, and would happily do his work, but today, he just wanted to make the most of his birthday, as it only came round once a year.

"I think I shall like to have a nap outside." He decided. He had been up for a while, but the sun was shining outside the hangar, and it was very warm- the perfect weather for a nap.

So Old Oscar exited the hangar, and took a deep breath. It was a lovely day- in addition to the sun shining, the birds were singing sweetly. The old plane wondered if they were singing happy birthday to him. He doubted it, but he entertained the thought nonetheless for a while, as he looked for the perfect place to take a nap.

At last, he found one- it was far away from the runway, and it was a very sunny spot as well. He felt very warm as he settled down for his nap.

"Ah, this is bliss..." He sighed, and his eyes drifted to a close...

...

Sometime later, however, he heard a noise that sounded like footsteps, and he stirred. He hoped whoever it was would leave him alone.

Unfortunately, it didn't look like it- but he could make out Mr O' Malley's footsteps as he paid more attention to the noise.

The old bio-plane woke up with a start as the manager of E.Z Airlines footsteps came closer. "Ah, Oscar!" He greeted. "I have a job for you,"

"Yes sir?" Old Oscar asked, although he was cross at having his birthday nap spoiled.

"I need you to deliver some apples to Farmer Ben," Mr O' Malley replied. "Big Jake was meant to take it, but he's ill, and the others are busy right now. Could you take them along?"

"Yes sir, I'll do that." Old Oscar told him.

...

Once he had collected the apples, Old Oscar was soon flying to Farmer Ben's farm with the crates they were in. "Why do I have to work?" the wise old plane grumbled. "Today is my birthday, and I want to make it just right for me."

"Well, work comes first, I'm afraid," The pilot reminded him. "Farmer Ben will be grateful though." He added comfortingly.

"I guess..." Old Oscar replied.

When Old Oscar arrived, he found Farmer Ben waiting for him. Farmer Ben was very pleased to have his apples to his orchard and gave Old Oscar some chocolate for a little present.

"It's not much, but I figured it would both be a birthday present and a little thank you favour for bringing me the apples. I know it's your birthday, but it was still very generous of you to bring these apples down. Thanks Oscar."

"You're welcome," The old plane replied. He was very surprised at hearing this, but he felt pleased too. Now he didn't feel so cross about not getting his birthday nap. "Well, I guess I'd better head back," He said. "Thank you for the chocolate, by the way."

"You're welcome, Oscar. I hope you enjoy the rest of your birthday." Farmer Ben told him, smiling.

"I will. Thank you!"

The two said goodbye, and then Old Oscar flew home to Tarrytown, being mindful of his birthday chocolate melting.

Soon, he returned to E.Z Airlines, and he was determined to enjoy the rest of his birthday how he wanted to. So he decided to go and eat a little bit of his chocolate and talk to the 'lightning bugs' at Lightning Bug Lake for a while.

But just as he was about to take off, he saw Brenda Blue running towards him, her hair askew from under her cap. "Oscar, we need you for another delivery!" She exclaimed. "I'm sorry about making you do another job after you've just come back, but this is urgent!"

"Yes, Brenda?" Old Oscar asked her.

"You're needed to deliver some flour to the bakery. Will you do that?"

"Yes sir- I mean, Brenda." The old plane corrected himself hastily. "I'll get onto it straight away."

"Thank you so much, Oscar. You're a very helpful plane." She told him, and she hurried away again towards her workshop.

"Great- another delivery!" Old Oscar sighed. He hadn't gotten round to enjoying his birthday like he had planned to, and he felt a bit put out.

...

So several sacks of flour were loaded into Old Oscar, and he took off towards the bakery to do his second delivery of the day. The bakery owner was extremely relieved to get the flour needed to make bread, cakes and pastries.

"Thank you, Oscar." She said kindly. "I do appreciate you delivering the flour for me. I was worried I wouldn't be able to do any more baking today."

"That's alright," Old Oscar responded. "I'm just happy to help." Except he did feel sad- he normally was happy to help, but today, he just felt that his plans for a perfect birthday had just flown out of the window. Trying hard not to show how upset he was, he said goodbye to the bakery owner, and he flew home in silence.

...

As soon as his wheels landed on the runway, he noticed that rain had come on, and he was now feeling worse than ever.

"Does this day get any worse?" He asked miserably. "None of today went right, and now it's raining!"

Sighing, he decided to go to his hangar and have a rest away from the rain and his horrid birthday. But as he got closer to the hangar, he heard noises coming from within. Curious, he went closer to the door and entered.

He was amazed at what he saw! A long table laden with party food was right down the middle of the hangar. Silver, blue, pink, yellow and green balloons were up on the walls, and multi coloured streamers were everywhere. On the wall, he could see a large banner which read 'Happy Birthday!'

"SURPRISE!"

Old Oscar jumped as his friends all came from nowhere to wish him a happy birthday. They were all cheering and laughing.

"Welcome to your surprise party Oscar!" Jay Jay told him excitedly. "I hope you enjoy it!"

"It's...its amazing! Thank you everyone!" Old Oscar replied in disbelief and gratitude.

"We're sorry about the jobs Oscar, but it was a distraction for the preparations to be made." Mr O'Malley confessed. "I hope you don't mind."

"It was worth it sir. I had no idea!" The old bio-plane said.

"Happy birthday, Oscar!" Big Jake boomed.

"Thank you. Thank you all." Old Oscar replied.

And so, Old Oscar earned hat sometimes days do not go as planned, but magical things happen when it is least expected.