Chapter 59: 59

It was the weekend, and from the moment the sun peeked over the horizon, my mom was already bustling in the kitchen like she was hosting the Queen.

Clattering pots, sizzling pans, spices being measured with surgical precision—she was in her element. Her humming echoed from the kitchen to my bedroom, a melody that was equal parts sweet and terrifying because it meant she was taking this whole “birthday celebration” thing very seriously.

Emma arrived early. How early? Let’s just say I was still wrapped in my blanket, dead asleep, when the doorbell rang and she walked right in like she lived there.

I woke up to the sound of voices drifting through the hallway. I dragged myself out of bed, hair a mess, and stumbled groggily into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

What I saw made me stop in my tracks.

Emma was standing at the counter, slicing vegetables like a pro. She had her sleeves rolled up and an apron over her hoodie—my mom’s apron, by the way. On the other side of the kitchen stood Murry.

Murry was here.

My heart thudded. I hadn’t even gotten a chance to mentally prepare for this. Murry and Emma were talking. Laughing. Like it was normal. Like I hadn’t just stepped into the Twilight Zone.

Murry noticed me first. She smiled warmly and walked over, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Hey, sis,” she said. Then she leaned in and whispered, “Cool girlfriend.”

My eyes widened, and I blinked at her, stunned. That was… not the reaction I’d expected.

Emma’s face lit up when she saw me.

“Happy Birthday, babe!” She said, her voice so casual—so bold. She leaned over and gave me a quick peck on the cheek, completely unfazed that we were in front of my family.

My cheeks flushed. Babe? In front of my mom? And my sister?

“Thank you.” I mumbled, trying not to look like I was spiraling internally. “You know, you didn’t have to help out.”

“I know.” Emma replied with a smile, turning back to the cutting board. “But I wanted to.”

She looked over at my mom and Murry, clearly feeling comfortable now. That scared me more than a little. Emma being comfortable meant I had no idea what she might say next.

An hour later, Anne arrived, letting herself in like she always did. She greeted everyone cheerfully, hugging Murry, waving at Emma, and giving Mom a kiss on the cheek.

My mom told me that my dad would be coming before 4 p.m. He had something to take care of for work—even on weekends he was swamped.

It was almost 3 p.m. now. The house smelled like garlic, rosemary, roasted vegetables, and a hint of lemon. Mom was nearly done in the kitchen, looking very proud of herself, and Emma had disappeared for a quick shower before the gathering started.

I was sitting in the living room, now clean and dressed, when both my sisters sat down beside me like I was about to be interrogated.

“Okay,” Murry said. “I didn’t know you liked girls.”

Here we go.

I looked at her blankly. “Well, now you know.”

Murry raised an eyebrow. “That’s it?”

“What do you want me to say?”

She shrugged, a little annoyed but also curious. “I don’t know, maybe... when did you figure it out? Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because we haven’t really talked much since you moved out. And you’re always busy with your bakery, and Anne with her job. I didn’t want to bother you guys with... me.”

Murry let out a quiet sigh and scooted closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder in a soft side hug.

“Fine.” She said. “But you could have told me, instead of Mom telling me, you know...”

I looked at Anne and then back at Murry. “It’s not that I didn’t want to... I just wasn’t ready.”

“Well, I’m happy for you.” She said eventually. Her tone softened. “I really am. Emma is super cool. And she’s funny too.”

“Yeah,” Anne added. “I like her. She fits.”

I felt my eyes sting for a second but blinked it away quickly. “Thanks, guys.”

“So... what’s the plan for college?” Murry asked next, her tone casual but her eyes sharp, like she was trying to read my mind.

“Umm... to be honest? I don’t have one yet.”

Anne quietly sipped her water while Murry looked at me like I’d grown a second head.

“How come?”

Before I could answer, my mom peeked in from the kitchen.

“Girls, can you help me for a moment, please?”

Saved by the bell.

“By the way, honey, is it okay if I invite your Aunt Lily? She lives nearby.”

I froze.

“Mom…” I started.

“I know, I know,” She waved it off. “I’ll just pack her some food later.”

She disappeared before I could say anything more.

The doorbell rang a moment later, and I hopped up to answer it, my heart hopeful.

Emma, please be Emma.

But when I opened the door, I was greeted by a face I wasn’t ready to see.

Kate.

“Happy Birthday, Jenny.” She said, handing me a gift box, leaning in to hug me and kiss my cheek like nothing had changed between us.

I tensed.

And then—because life has the most impeccable timing—Emma’s door opened.

She walked into the hallway, fresh from her shower, her hair slightly damp and her face still dewy.

“Oh hey, Emma.” Kate greeted her, putting on her best fake smile.

“Hey... Kim, right?” Emma said, casually walking toward us, eyes focused on me.

Kate blinked, visibly stunned. “What? No, it’s Kate.”

“Oh, right.” Emma said, not even pretending to be sincere. She brushed past Kate like she hadn’t just dropped a verbal grenade, winked at me and took my hand, pulling me into the house.

Kate followed behind us like a storm cloud.

She was greeted by my mom and sisters, who still remembered her from our “best friend” days. They welcomed her like nothing had changed.

I wished I could say the same.

Soon, Dad arrived. He looked tired but happy. My mom ushered everyone to the dining table, and we all settled in.

Emma sat on my left. Kate, unfortunately, sat on my right.

I felt like I was sandwiched between an angel and a very polite demon.

As soon as we started eating, Kate took it upon herself to become the evening’s entertainment. Her mouth ran non-stop. She shared stories about her old school, her college applications, her plans for the future.

She was charming—too charming. The kind that made you feel cornered.

When she mentioned college applications, I felt the room shift. Eyes turned to me.

“You know what, Jen must just be taking her time choosing schools, right, Jenny?” Kate said sweetly, trying to save me from the awkward silence she’d created.

I gave her a weak smile and nodded.

“I can give you the list of schools I applied to.” She continued. “Who knows, we might end up in the same university!”

I chewed my food slowly, praying for the earth to open up and swallow me whole.

Emma hadn’t said a word. She just sat quietly, eating her food, her expression unreadable. But I knew her well enough to see the irritation flickering in her eyes.

When the topic turned to my college indecision again, Emma gently squeezed my thigh under the table. Not possessively, but supportively. It grounded me.

Then, as if the universe decided I’d suffered enough, the doorbell rang.

I nearly leapt out of my seat.

It had to be Sam.

“Happy birthday!” She greeted me as I opened the door, handing me a paper bag with a smile.

“Oh, thank God! Come in, come in.”

“That bad?” She asked, following me inside.

“You have no idea,” I muttered, hugging her tightly. "And you didn't have to."

“You say that every year I hand you your present.” She teased, making us both laugh.

Sam was greeted warmly by my family and by Emma. Even Kate forced a smile, which Sam returned politely.

Then my mom, bless her curious heart, asked the million-dollar question.

“So, Sam, did you send out your college applications yet?”

I froze mid-bite. I could feel everyone’s eyes shift toward Sam.

Sam, being Sam, understood immediately. She glanced at me for the briefest second before answering with ease.

“Oh, no. It’s still too early. I’ve got plenty of time to worry about that later. Right now I’m just focused on finishing high school.”

Relief flooded me. I looked at her, and she winked discreetly.

God, I love this girl.

Emma looked at me too, and I could tell she was proud of Sam for having my back. I pretended not to notice her gaze, but the warmth stayed with me.

Then there was Kate.

Still seated beside me.

Still talking.

Still smiling like she owned the room.

And I was stuck in the middle of it all—between the girl who loved me quietly and fiercely, and the girl who used to know every part of me but now felt like a stranger.

Why do I have to be seated in between them?

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