14. Callie
Chapter 14
Callie
Sophomore Year
Tomorrow is my birthday party and Mom’s making a big deal about me turning 16. I don’t understand the excitement but maybe that’s because nothing will change? Sure, I’ll get my license soon but I walk everywhere I need to go and if I can’t walk either Mason or my parents take me.
We’re at the store now getting the few things she didn’t get online. She’s gone all out on decoration and balloons. There’s a balloon arch in our dining room right now waiting to be put together. There are large balloons in the shape of a one and six that she swears were necessary. I, for one, am not big on parties, but Mom loves celebrating birthdays so I always let her do what she wants. This year it’s just on a larger scale than most.
“Cal, what do you think about a fruit and veggie tray? Or maybe we can make a tray with crackers, cheese, and pepperoni?”
“Can we do both?” I ask, not wanting to decide between the two.
“Of course we can! Let’s head over to the produce section so we can grab what we need.”
Once we’ve got all sorts of fruit and veggies, crackers, and pepperoni in the basket we begin walking back towards the front of the store.
“Oh wait, we’ll need to grab a few two-liters of soda, don’t you think?” she asks, turning around before I’m able to answer.
“There. I think we’re done now. Let’s go.” She loops her arm through mine and pulls me to the checkout lane.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALLIE!!” Amber and Jen scream as they round the house into the backyard.
We’re all sitting on the back patio. The balloon arch is put together and sitting up against the wall in the dining room where I’ve been told all pictures will take place.
“Thank you!” I say, wrapping them both in a hug.
Cassidy and Rose are now rounding the corner so I sneak away to go say hi. I know they can’t stay long because they’re working today but they closed up for about a half hour to celebrate me today.
“Thanks for coming, y’all!”
“Of course, wouldn’t miss it for the world. Happy Birthday, Cal,” Rose says, pulling me into a hug.
“Happy Birthday!” Cassidy says before hugging me.
Everyone is giving me hugs today and I’m not a hugger, but this is the one day I’ll accept them.
“Thanks, guys. Are y’all busy at the store today?”
“We were busy this morning but it calmed down after lunch. How this evening will go, I don’t know. Could go either way based on sales lately.” Rose says and Cassidy nods her agreement.
“Hopefully it won’t be a drag tonight. Mom’s got a bunch of appetizers and drinks over there. Go grab something.” I hear two car doors shut and soon enough Mason and Matt come barreling into the backyard yelling Happy Birthday.
I can feel my cheeks getting warmer. I hate being the center of attention and this absolutely guarantees that I will be.
Both of them start laughing and can’t finish the song. Thankfully.
“Happy birthday Cal.” Yet another hug. But this one is more than welcomed since just the scent of Mason can calm my nerves and bring me back down to earth.
An hour later I’m seated in the center of the patio and everyone gathers around me. Mom insisted that it was time to open gifts so here we are.
I start with my gifts from my parents and continue opening them as Mom places bags in front of me. So far I’ve opened a bunch of books, a bookshelf, a canvas tote that says “there’s no such thing as too many books ” under a stack of books, gift cards, and money. I’m probably the easiest person to buy for.
The last gift is in a small light purple bag. There’s a ribbon tying the handles together with a small piece of paper that reads “For my girl. The one that brings a smile to my face by simply being.” I carefully untie the ribbon and slowly open the bag. Inside there’s a white box about the size of a business card.
Pulling the box out slowly I set the bag on the ground beside me. Everyone leans in to try to get a peek at what’s inside. Looking up to find him I am met with the face of someone who’s feeling all the feels right now. He offers me a smile and I shoot him a wink back.
Inside the box is a beautiful silver bracelet with two stones, one diamond and one sapphire, wrapped inside an infinity symbol. Tears threaten to spill as I look up and lock eyes with Mason. His smile is all it takes and I’m a crying mess.
Everyone slowly walks away toward the table where the food is set out leaving Mason and me alone. He pulls me into a hug and the tears come even harder. I still haven’t told him “I love you” back but the more time we spend together the easier it gets to imagine myself doing so.
Our sophomore year is almost over and in a few weeks, we will be spending the week on the beach with my family. It’s the Callahan annual beach trip and this year my parents told me I could invite Mason. I wasn’t about to ask any questions. Thankfully, his parents were okay with it knowing that my parents would be there with us and that we’d be staying in separate rooms.
Despite staying in separate rooms, this will be the first time that we’ve spent this much time together. To say I’m looking forward to it would be the understatement of the year.
My phone buzzes against my thigh as I’m walking to fifth period. It’s a text from my sister, Emily. She’s a grade below me and the complete opposite of me. My hair is dark brown, hers is a light shade of blonde. She’s got mom’s blue eyes; I’ve got dad’s green eyes. She’s a girly girl and I’m a tomboy.
Emily : Hey Cal! Do you think Mom and Dad would let me bring a friend since you get to bring Mase?
Ugh, I knew this was coming. No part of me wants to spend a week with Em and her friends. Em and I are sort of close but she’s still annoying in that younger sister way… and all her friends are the same. They’re too peppy and outgoing for my liking.
Me : I never would have thought they’d tell me I could invite Mason. So maybe?
Em : Wow, thanks. That was extremely helpful. Guess I’ll just have to ask, even though I don’t want to.
Me : There’s only one way you’ll find out and asking me isn’t it.
Em : Ugh, whatever Cal. I’ll see you after school.
I’m not sure why she’s mad at me but I put my phone back in my pocket as I make my way into the classroom. I don’t feel like dealing with her right now.
I don’t want to be here. In this classroom or even at school. I’m at the point in this school year where I’m ready to take our finals and be done.
I just want to be on vacation. I want to be far away from school desks, teachers, the drama, the cliques… all of it. Except Mason.