The next day October was excited. This is the first birthday in three years that she spent it with her sister. She took a shower and got ready for the day. When she went into the kitchen she saw Rebecca reading the newspaper.
"Anything interesting?" October asked as she grabbed a pop tart.
"You remember the amulet that was stolen a few months ago?"
"Yeah you mentioned something about it."
"They still haven't found it or the person who took it. There were no finger prints or any type of evidence at the scene. They have no leads at all." Rebecca put the newspaper down.
"That's odd. I hope they find it soon. What kind of amulet was it?"
"They aren't saying."
"Oh so the thief could sell it and no one would know it's stolen. Nice."
"So are you ready to go looking at houses? Larry is picking us up soon."
"Yeah I'm ready, but is there something you want to say to me?"
Rebecca thought about it for a moment. "No, I don't think so."
"Nothing comes to mind?"
"Not a thing."
"Oh…ok."
How could Rebecca forget it's her birthday? They were just talking about yesterday. Maybe she was just too excited about looking for a house with Larry. Rebecca will remember it's her birthday. How could you forget your own sister's birthday?
Larry soon arrived with Nick and the four of them started looking for a house. Larry and Rebecca saw a few houses in the newspaper that they wanted to check out so they went there first.
The first house they looked at was nice on the outside. It was lavender with white trimming and a beautiful rose garden under one of the windows. The inside however was not as charming as the outside. The carpet was an ugly brown that October couldn't tell if that was the normal color or if the cleaners didn't do their job right. The walls had so many nails and staples it looked like the last people to live here put them on the wall randomly. The rooms were too small and the bathroom had some mold.
"I thought they were supposed to clean the house before they sell it?" Nick asked.
"They are." Larry answered. "Obviously they were slacking on the job."
The second house was a little nicer, but not by much. Half of the lawn was brown which wasn't that bad, but it was the inside that made them decide not to get it. There was a strong odor right as they walked in. when they asked about it the sales person said that they have cleaned thousands of times and can't get the smell out and they have no idea where it's coming from. The four of them didn't even stay to look t the rest of the house.
It was like that the rest of the day. All the houses looked nice on the outside, but wasn't that good on the inside. October and Nick were getting tired of looking at House, but Larry and Rebecca wanted to look at one more.
"Come on guys. Sixth time's the charm." Larry said; October and Nick groaned.
"Last one we promise." Rebecca said.
The last house they looked at was nice on the outside, but so were the others. It was baby blue with white trim and the green lawn was surrounded by and iron fence. When they saw inside it wasn't like the others at all. The carpet was cream in color with white walls. The bedrooms were a good size and the master bedroom had its own bathroom. There was no mold in either bathroom.
"So what do you guys think?" Larry asked.
"I like it." Rebecca said.
"Me too. It's better then the other ones we looked at." October agreed.
"I like it too."
"Then it's agreed? We all like this house?" Larry looked at the three of them.
"Agreed." The three of them said in unison.
"Then it's settled. We'll get this house."
Larry and Rebecca filled out some paper work while October and Nick were talking about which room they wanted. After ten minutes of them going back and forth between the rooms they finally decided which one they wanted. Nick was going to take the room next to the master bedroom and October was taking the one that was across the hall.
"Are you two ready?" Rebecca asked.
"Yep." Nick said. "And we figured out which room we wanted."
"That's good. Then you'll be all set when we move."
October was hoping that since they were done looking at houses then Rebecca would wish her a happy birthday, but nothing was said when they headed back home. She was debating whether she should remind them or if she should say something. Then again she shouldn't have to remind her sister about her birthday.
The rest of the day October stayed in her room. She was upset and hurt that no one wished her happy birthday especially Rebecca. How could she forget when they were just discussing it yesterday?
October didn't know how long she stayed in her room until Rebecca came in and said she was going to the museum. October looked out her window and saw it was night. October told Rebecca to give her a few minutes and she would be ready to go.
October went over to her dresser and got out the make up she had gotten when she and Rebecca went shopping. She had never worn it, but she decided to put some on for tonight. Ahkmenrah said he wanted to see her with make up so tonight was a good time for it. Maybe he would remember it was her birthday. October knew that he of all people wouldn't forget…would he?
October put on two shades of purple eye shadow. She put a light color on her brow bone and a darker one on her eye lid. Then she put on her black mascara. October was never good with putting make up on, but she thought she did a good job. After that she and Rebecca were off to the museum.
"Are you all right?" Rebecca asked on the ride there.
"I'm fine." October said, staring out the window.
"You seem distracted today."
"Do I? I wouldn't know why?"
"You aren't mad that we are moving in with Larry, are you?"
"No."
"Then what's wrong?"
"Nothing." October snapped.
The rest of the drive was quiet. October didn't know which was stronger: her anger or hurt.
By the time they got to the museum everyone was awake; October could see movement as she walked up the steps. When they got inside it seemed like the whole museum was in the lobby an October's anger quickly vanished.
"Happy Birthday!" Everyone yelled.
October smiled as she looked around. There was a happy birthday banner that was hanging across the desk. There were also balloons and streamers dangling everywhere.
October looked at Rebecca. "I thought you forgot."
Rebecca laughed. "Then I'm very good at acting."
"I seriously thought you forgot."
"How could I forget my baby sister's birthday?"
October playfully hit Rebecca. "I hate you."
"Happy birthday October." Larry said.
"Thanks you guys."
Ahkmenrah came up and kissed October. "Happy birthday."
October was so surprised by the party and she was happy. She was mad at Rebecca because she thought she forgot, but Rebecca was just planning a surprise party for her.
October opened the present that Rebecca gave her. It was a new book about Egypt. Next was the present from Larry. He got her a dream catcher. Rebecca had told him that October had nightmares some times so Larry thought that would help. Nick gave October the present from him. He gave her a candle that had Egyptian writing on it.
"Thank you guys. I love my presents."
"Now it's time for my present." Ahkmenrah said as he took October's hand and led her away.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Ahkmenrah led her to the roof and she was confused until she saw a blanket spread out with two lit candles. There was a plate with a small cake that said Happy Birthday and a present next to it.
"Ahkmenrah, this is nice." October hugged him. Then they sat down.
"I know cake isn't as good as a real dinner."
"Are you kidding? I love cake. It's much better then dinner."
Ahkmenrah chuckled. "Well I'm glad you're happy."
October took a bite of the cake. "Mmmm, white cake with cherry filling. My favorite."
"Rebecca bought it."
"Would you like to open your present?"
"Of course I would."
Ahkmenrah handed October her gift and she unwrapped it to reveal a box. She opened the box and she was amazed at what she saw. It was an amethyst that was on a silver chain.
"It's beautiful."
"I'll put it on you." Ahkmenrah took the necklace and placed it on October. "It suites you."
"Thank you." October kissed him. This was the best birthday she ever had.