ASHLEY (broken but strong)

The bed feels so fluffy . Ashley opened her eyes, wait it's morning already? Today is her birthday right?..... “Happy birthday Ashley!!!” She heard. She sprang up immediately. Standing round her bed isher mother, her dad and Luther,her kid brother. They were all staring lovingly at her. Awwn. Her life is so beautiful. Her face creased into a smile. There was a cake with a lighted candle, different balloons and numerous gifts flying around the room. 🎧 Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you 🎧. They all sang and she smiled and shakes her body to the tone. Luther brought the pink coloured cake to her on the bed. He winks at her, she wasn't expecting this surprise at all. They must have planned it without her notice. “Make a wish baby” her father cooed. He is smiling so warmly. She stare at the cake. “I wish that my life become even more beautiful and promising and that happiness is never far from me…. From us” She said and blew the candles. They all clapped for her. Her mother came to her on the bed. “My baby is now eighteen ” her mother squealed hugging her tightly. “Oh yes!” Her father exclaimed and joined the emotional hug. “Big eighteen” Luther said and joined the hug. They all snuggled to each other for some seconds before they finally disetangled. “Happy birthday Ash… have a blast “ her mother said planting a kiss on her forehead. Their family is a very lovely one and Ashley never doubts that she is loved. “We would soon be leaving for the morning picnic. I have to go downstairs now. Freshen up and get dressed. We are going to have a good time “ her father said and left the room. “I am jealous “ Luther said protesting jokingly. He has a test in school and his dad won't take Ashley's birthday as an excuse to miss the test. According to him, school is very important. “Sorry babe” their mother said and he exited the room laughing. Ashley was left with her mother in the bed. Her mother shifted very close her. “I can't believe you are eightteen” she said looking intently at Ashley. There was a special color in her eyes. “Well, I'm eighteen mom, I can't believe it either” Ashley said smiling. Her mother drew her hands and interlocked hers with it. “I am so happy,You know I love you right, we love you…“Her mother said. She was staring right into Ashley's eyes. “And you know I will always be here for you, till my last breath” Ashley knew where the conversation is going. “ Yes mom” “I love that you are growing into a very beautiful young woman. I can't believe you are these grown. I want to reaffirm my love, feelings happiness and support to you. I pray that you grow into a beautiful, adorable and successful woman. I love you so much “ Her mother said tenderly hugging her tightly again. Ashley eased into her mother's arms. Her mother is her confidant. She always affirm that her mother is a gift to her. Everything about her mother excites her; personality, fashion style,charisma. No one needs to tell a stranger that they are mother and daughter whenever they are out. Moments later, they are in the hills of bilss having a picnic. Ashley had chosen it because she wants somewhere calm, quiet and soul lifting. Luther has already gone to school. So she had come with her mother and father. She is elegantly dressed and made up. She keeps posting pictures of herself online leaving her friends awning and wishing they were there. They spread a mat on a flat shaped hill. There were more than enough goodies in the picnic bag. Food,meals, drinks, everything is there. One thing that is common to her family is that everybody gets celebrated on their birthday and because she is turning eighteen today, it is a special occasion. She would be having a big party later in the evening. She had invited all her friends. It is going to be a blast but her she had opted to come to this calm place to relish the special moment. They soon started the picnic. Mother emptied her bag. Cakes, candies,sweets, chocolates. Junk foods only. They would be having real meals in the evening. Ashley ate till her stomach hurts. Her parents toasted to her. To joy, happiness, fulfilment and a handsome boyfriend “ her father teased and she chuckles. She stared at her father shyly. “I know you will have a man in your life one day, a good one” her father said and she nodded. It is quite a picnic.