Give Me a Reason to Believe

When I got back home I could see Lindsey's car in the driveway. I glanced at my phone, it was only 1:37. She was home early, very early. Dread filled my mind as I hoped she was by home on account of my birthday.
I opened the front door as quietly as possible and ventured into the house. I tip toed through the foyer with the full intention of disappearing into my room until dinner. My intentions were quickly destroyed in about 5 seconds though.
"Charlotte hey, Gerard said you have gone out for a while."Lindsey said as she reached the bottom go the stairs.
"Yeah I just got back. I went to that music store."I held up the bag for her to see."I bought a couple of albums. I made a friend too....I think."
"A friend that's great!" She beamed.
Her praise reminded me of my mom. I was in first grade and there was this coloring contest and I had won. I can remember the way my picture looked and now that I think about it, it looked awful. Definitely not first place worthy. Nonetheless I won and I got a blue ribbon because of it. When my mom picked me up that day from school I went running to her holding up the ribbon. She looked absolutely radiant and beamed when she saw the ribbon.
It was the last time I ever saw that smile, because things got bad after that. She was never the same.
"Yeah, he just moved here at the beginning of the month and he's my age too. So that's good."
"It's great. A nice birthday present too."
I cringed slightly at the mention of my birthday but Lindsey didn't seem to notice. She started walking to the kitchen and it was obvious she wanted me to follow her so I did.
"So I know you've only been living with us for a couple of weeks and you probably don't want to make a big deal out of your birthday. I was thinking we just have a nice dinner here and cut a cake. If it's okay with you, I'd also like to invite Gerard's brother Mikey. I think it's time he meet you. It's up to you though. We can put it off until you're ready."
"That sounds great." I replied clenching my teeth.
It did not sound great at all but I would look like an ass if I said no. That much I knew.
She smiled her beaming smile again as she began planning a menu. A few times she would ask if I like this or if that sounded okay or not. After a few minutes the menu was complete. We'd be eating Ceaser salad, fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken and garlic bread and the cake was going to be a white cake with fresh strawberries served with ice cream. I had to admit it sounded delicious but part of me still dreaded it. Not only would I be celebrating my birthday, but I was also meeting new people. Well...person, I wasn't 100% sure Mikey would bring company. I hoped to the god he wouldn't though.
As Lindsey started getting things prepped for dinner she called Gerard to join us in the kitchen. When he joined us a few moments later Lindsey quickly informed him on the menu and asked if he could call Mikey and invite him over.
"Are you sure?"Gerard asked turning to me, he face covered with concern."You don't have to meet him yet if you don't want to."
"No, it's fine."I said shaking my head."the sooner the better."
Gerard studied my face before nodding and pulling out his phone. "Okay then, I'll tell him to be over by 6."
"Okay...I'll just be in my room then." I declared as I slowly started backing away.
Lindsey had already focused her attention on other things. She resumed gathering ingredients ensuring she had everything she needed. Meanwhile, Gerard put his phone to his ear and said 'hey' after I heard a voice on the other line pick up. It was only after I was positive they were done talking to me I turned and practically ran to my room. For once I didn't lock the door either.
I plopped onto my bed and pulled the albums I bought out of the bag, Swoon by Silversun Pickups and Almost Everything I'd Wish I Said the Last Time I Saw You by Wakey! Wakey!. I had heard a couple of songs from each album before and liked them enough to decide the whole albums were worth a shot. After careful consideration, which consisted of me doing eenie meenie miney moe, I put on Swoon.
"Uncle Mikey's coming over."Bandit shouted popping her head into my room. The music was so loud I hadn't even heard the door open."Daddy just called him."
"I know, I said I wanted to meet him so they invited him."I explained as I examined the back of the Silversun Pickups album. "I was there when he called him."
"Are we gonna celebrate your birthday too?!"she asked excitedly.
I looked up to see her jumping up and down enthusiastically. Her face was plastered with hope and happiness. I slowly nodded my head land ears than a millisecond later my ears were filled with her screams.
"Yay!"She squealed. "I'm gonna go help momma cook! Wanna come?"
"No I'm fine. Thanks though I'm just gonna take a nap."
She frowned slightly but didn't question my response. Instead she ran out of the room and thankfully she closed the door behind her. I glanced once more at the time. Almost 2:30 so I had roughly 2 1/2 hours for a nap. I figured I could get ready in 30 minutes...or at least I hoped I could. With that in mind I turned the music lower and climbed underneath the covers. I still had not gotten used to how comfortable they were...it was like being wrapped in a warm cloud and before I knew it, I was asleep.

Notes

Thank you all for reading. I know I was gone for a long while and I appreciate that you still love the story!