A Tribird’s Love

Chapter 11

Ariah

The rest of the day passed by very fast and I completely failed at assisting my mom with anything. After getting home and becoming more acquainted with my new found senses and taking a much needed nap I was up walking around downstairs amazed by the complete change of scenery my mom had put together in such a short notice. If you ask me she was already planning on throwing me a party, she was just waiting for me to agree to one. The grand hall had a balloon wall of pink and purple with three sets of additional confetti balloons, one set spelling out my name and the other two spelling out “Happy Birthday.” There was a huge pink and purple flower bear with a confetti bow tie sitting next to the entrance to the basement. The basement door was open and you saw small lights light up the stairway instead of turning the light on. I was in awh of everything I saw once I made it down the stairs, to say the least my mom’a went out of her way to celebrate this day and make it special for me.

Our basement is actually bigger than our house to my surprise, but not really. My dad expanded it and made safe rooms and tunnels for the safety of myself and mom, can you say paranoid much? But anyway, the opening of the basement was the size of a small hall, enough space to fit about five round tables, a small dance area and of course another kitchen area. There were three tables set up for sitting, with pink and purple elegant everything, the centerpieces were cute glass vases with marbles in them and flowers. What really caught my eye was the photo area and dessert table. In the corner near the dance area were metallic purple balloons, silver confetti balloons and pink balloon columns with a silver shimmy backdrop. In front of the column on the left was a light up number one and the other was a light up number two. Now that dessert table was everything, in the center was a two tier cake. The bottom layer was pink with roses and the top layer was of a glittery purple with a little pink icing melting over the sides and the number sixteen on top. Of course Miss Mom’a had to add cupcakes to the mix and had them perfectly planted on each side of the cake. There was chocolate covered everything, cake pops, pretzels, strawberries, and marshmallows. It was also a candy buffet mixed in with all of that.

I went back upstairs in search of my mom. I originally came down to see what I could help with but got distracted by the beautiful creation she was putting together. I got a whiff of the smell black orchids and something else, but it smelled amazing so I just followed my nose. The scent took me outside and there was my mom sitting on the patio reading a book. As I got closer to her I inhaled a little deeper and the full scent of black orchid & patchouli oil hit my nostrils. My mom just looked at me and laughed. “I see you’re welcoming your sense of smell, it’ll get stronger once you shift.” she softly spoke to me. “You smell amazing, no wonder dad is crazy about you, I never knew you smelled like this. Only thing I ever smelled on you were your different fragrances you wear.” I was literally surprised. “Oh my sweet child, I still have my normal fragrance on, your wolf is recognizing my natural aroma. No matter what fragrance I have on, your wolf will catch my natural aroma first because it stands out, that’s with anyone. Your sense of smell will change now when you’re around others, you’ll also be able to smell other supernatural  beings as well. Even though I’m not a wolf, my sense of smell is powerful as well. You’ve always had a faint smell of plum berries to you and today that scent is a little stronger.”

After our little chat about my changes, my mom informed me that she was just taking a little break from her event planning. She got up and went into the kitchen and turned on the deep fryer to let the grease start to heat up. Turned on a pot of boiling water and asked me to start chopping up bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. When I was done chopping up the veggies I was given another task, dice up the fruit and place them on a tray but I had to place them in sections instead of all together. I was told something like everyone doesn’t want their fruit mixed, of course I’m me so I had to let my remark be known. “It all goes in/out the same way, why does it matter?” Mother Dearest wouldn’t be herself if she didn’t throw me the parent look.

I watched as my mom moved around the kitchen like it was her second nature, not spilling or dropping anything as she moved from one task to another. She pulled out a skillet and dumped eight sticks of  unsalted butter in it, as it melted she minced some fresh garlic up and added it to the melted butter. When it started to get a little color she started the shred parmesan cheese into the mix and seasoned it for a little more flavor. When the chicken was out of the grease she tossed it in the mix and drizzled parsley on top. Soon she was putting the pasta and salad together, the smell was making my mouth water and my stomach started the growl. I forgot I had not eaten all day until I started smelling the completion of the food. My mom looked at me and made me a nice chef style sandwich to hold me over. “After you eat that, you have to go and start getting ready. I’ll bring up the outfit I picked up today and if you want me to do your makeup just let me know.” I didn’t realize how late it was until she said something about getting dressed.

I rushed upstairs with a half eaten sandwich and a jaw full of a bite I had taken before sprinting up the stairs. I grabbed my phone and saw a few text messages and calls from Nesha, the fact that she was in school blowing me up like that is beyond me. I even had a few messages from Tyler and one message from Valtino. 

First thing first I opened Tyler messages and just smiled.

Tyler: Hey Riah (if you don’t mind me calling you that). I was just making sure you’re enjoying your special day and I hope I’ll be able to take you out tomorrow for a belated celebration. 

Tyler: It’ll be our first date, I’ll pick you up.

Me: Hi! No I don’t mind you calling me Riah. I don’t have any plans that I am aware of so tomorrow sounds good. Just let me know the time and I’ll be ready.

Reluctantly I open Valtino’s picture message and of course it’s a selfie of himself. I just shake my head and roll my eyes.

Valtino: You’re going to eventually fall for this smile. I won’t have to keep pursuing you, sooner or later…. 

See you tonight. (winking emoji)

Saving the best for last, instead of me responding to any of her messages, I just facetime her. I'd rather we talk instead of text because lord knows our messages will end up being a book, especially with the fact that she has messaged me over a dozen times already. We do a little catching up while I shower and wash my hair. I remind her to be here by six, we say our goodbyes and I start blow drying my hair. Only time my hair is straight is either after I blow dry it or get it flat ironed. While I’m on my last section my mom walks in with a suit bag and a shoe box, she comes over to me and finishes up the last section. My mom knows I’m not really a dress person so I am hoping and praying that the bag does not hold a dress. I walk over to my bed and nervously open the bag up. Yet again today the biggest smile develops on my face.