Dinner with my parents was always one of my favorite parts of the week. We didn't get to do it every night,they were both doctors with schedules that swallowed them whole most days but when we did, it felt like the world slowed down just for us.
The chandelier's warm glow spread across the long dining table. The smell of roasted chicken and sautéed vegetables filled the air.
I cut into a piece of chicken and cleared my throat dramatically. "Sooo… birthday prep update."
Dad put his fork down immediately. "Ah, the famous birthday we've been hearing about for weeks," he said, smiling. "How are the plans going, princess?"
"Absolutely amazing," I said, sitting up straighter. "Everything is ready—music, food, guest list."
Mom smiled warmly. "I'm glad, sweetheart. But remember, a party doesn't have to be extravagant to be meaningful."
"Extravagant?" I gave a playful gasp. "Mom, it's my eighteenth birthday. It has to be perfect,magical. Everyone will be talking about it.And…..I want fireworks"I said grinning
Mom's fork clinked against her plate. "Fireworks? At eighteen? Clara, that's…"
"Perfect," I cut in before she could ruin it. "It's perfect, Mom. Imagine it….the music dips, and the sky explodes with fireworks. Everyone will be talking about it for months. You want me to be remembered, don't you?"
Dad chuckled, already softening. "I don't think people will forget you anytime soon, sweetheart."
"Exactly!" I pounced. "But fireworks will make it iconic."
Mom gave him a look, the kind that said don't you dare encourage her. "Fireworks are dangerous, Clara. And expensive."
"Mom." I dropped my fork and clasped my hands together. "I'm turning eighteen. That's like… adult-adult. Do you still see me as a little kid? Because if you do, then fine, no fireworks. But adults get fireworks."
Dad laughed. "That's some twisted logic, but I can't lie…it's persuasive."
"Thank you, Dad." I batted my lashes at him.
Mom groaned. "You two… fine. Fireworks. But only if you promise not to go overboard with the alcohol. I already gave in on that one."
"Mom!" I squealed. "You're the best!"
"I didn't say yes to the alcohol. I said less alcohol."
"Same thing," I said quickly, ignoring her frown.
Dinner ended on a victorious note for me. I was about to excuse myself when Mom stood. "Wait, I almost forgot. I have something for you."
My heart skipped. "For me? What is it?"
She disappeared upstairs. I tried to play it cool, but my legs bounced under the table. Dad chuckled. "Patience, Clara."
Minutes later, Mom came down with a large white box in her hands. She set it in front of me with a mysterious smile.
I tore into it like a child at Christmas. When I lifted the lid, my breath caught.
Inside was the most stunning gown I had ever seen—silky blush pink, strapless with a sweetheart neckline, flowing into layers of soft tulle that shimmered like starlight.
"My birthday dress!" I squealed, leaping up. "I can't believe it's finally here, Mom! When did it arrive?"
"This evening," she said, smiling. "I wanted to surprise you."
I ran around the table and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! It's perfect,just like I imagined."
"Don't forget your old man," Dad teased.
I hugged him next, laughing. "Thank you, Daddy. You always spoil me."
"Anything for my princess," he said, kissing my forehead.
"Go try it on," Mom urged.
I squealed again and bolted upstairs, clutching the gown. Eighteen was going to be unforgettable.
The next day at school, I could barely keep my mouth shut. My friends had been waiting for details.
"You guys," I said dramatically, dropping into my chair during recess. "It's here."
Aurora gasped. "The dress?"
"The dress." I nodded proudly.
Joanna clapped her hands. "Tell us everything!"
"Gold. Strapless. Perfect." I sighed like I'd just described heaven. "I swear, it's like it was made for me."
"I can't wait to see you in it," Elena said, already munching on her third cookie. "You're going to outshine everyone. As usual."
"Obviously." I flipped my hair, and they all laughed.
Just then, Jason walked past the classroom door. He caught my eye, gave a little wave, and that heart-stopping smile. I waved back, pretending to be casual, but inside my stomach flipped.
Then I noticed who was walking right behind him.
The nerd. Adrian.
I frowned. Of course he was glued to Jason like a shadow. It was infuriating.
"Okay, spill," Joanna whispered, elbowing me. "Why haven't you two started dating already?"
"Yes," Aurora chimed in. "The way he smiled at you? Clara, you're killing him."
I laughed, though I felt my cheeks heating. "We're just… friends. For now."
"For now," Elena teased in a singsong voice. "You're totally going to be the hottest couple in school."
I rolled my eyes, but inside, I loved the idea.
Finally, the big night came.
I stood in front of my mirror, breathless. The blush pink gown hugged my waist perfectly, glittering under the lights. My heels were silver stilettos, my hair styled in soft curls that tumbled over my shoulders. My makeup was subtle yet flawless, a pink gloss highlighting my smile.
Around my neck rested a delicate diamond necklace—Mom's gift. I touched it gently, heart swelling.
Aurora burst in, gasping. "Clara—you're gorgeous."
"I know, right?" I spun, my dress flaring. "It's just… everything. Perfect."
Aurora squeezed my hand. "It's your day, baby girl. Time for your grand entrance. Everyone's waiting downstairs."
"Is Jason there?" I asked.
"Yes. Everyone is."
My pulse quickened. "Then I'm ready."
We walked downstairs together.
The moment I appeared, the crowd hushed. All eyes turned to me, admiration filling the room. It was exactly how I imagined—me, the queen of the night.
They sang, I cut the cake, laughter and music filling the air. Everything was flawless until Jason walked toward me. My heart soared… until I noticed who was trailing behind him.
Adrian.
My smile vanished.
He wasn't invited.
Before either of them could speak, my voice cut through the music. "What is he doing here?"
Jason frowned. "He's with me."
"I invited you, Jason. Not him. What the hell is that loser doing at my party?"
Adrian stepped forward, holding out a small wrapped gift. His voice was soft. "Happy birthday, Clara."
Rage boiled inside me. I slapped the gift to the ground and stomped on it.
"How dare you? Do you think you belong here? Look around, Adrian,does this look like a place for your kind?!"
"Clara, listen…." Jason began.
"No! Get out of my party, you ugly nerd. With your stupid glasses and pathetic stutter. You disgust me." I shoved him, hard. "Get out before I throw you out."
Adrian froze, his eyes on the floor. The music had stopped. Everyone was watching.
Fury surged through me. I grabbed a glass of wine and poured it over his head. Liquid dripped down his hair, his glasses.
"I hate you," I spat. "Your very presence makes me want to puke. Get out. Now!"
Adrian's head snapped up, and for the first time, he met my gaze. His eyes locked on mine, steady, unflinching.
The room went silent.
We stared at each other, seconds dragging like hours. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.
Jason looked at me with pure disgust. "You're a bitch. I never liked you, but now? I hate you."
Gasps echoed around me. My chest burned with anger, but I forced myself to shout after them, "I don't care what you think, Jason! Neither of you matter!"
The fireworks exploded outside just then, lighting the sky with glittering sparks. Everyone rushed to the balcony in awe, but I stayed behind, trembling.
It was supposed to be the perfect night.
Instead, I left the house, entered my car and drove off, boiling with anger.