“Surprise!”
When I entered the room, I stepped into a small party. Miles stood, proudly holding a white frosted cake with a brightly colored butterfly on top. Essie and my father stood next to him, cuddling Charlie who clapped excitedly.
“Happy Birthday, Mara,” my father shouted.
Clenching my fingers into a tight ball, I extinguished the flames I had instinctually called. I was stunned by the realization that my family wasn’t the only ones in the room. I hoped no one had seen my magical reaction.
In addition to Jack and Jill, who were distracted by putting candles on the cake, there were twenty or more of my neighbors present, including Mrs. Ward. My eyes met her penetrating deep blue gaze. The intensity of her stare made me uncomfortable and I quickly directed my attention towards Meg
