All day I've been surrounded by people. But it's like it used to be. I like having them around me. Ever since the incident happened I've hated people around me. I can't stand them. But now it's okay. They want to be with me today. Today means something. It's my birthday. It also means I've been SD going on nine months.
I woke up to Dad cooking me breakfast. I went down and a plate was set in front of me. When I had finished he led me into the sitting room where my presents were waiting. I think Dad may have brought me too much and gone a little over board. But according to him he doesn't know how birthdays work for me yet. I appreciate it.
What I really was looking forward to is tonight. In a little card Dad had given we were the words 'Permission to drink on your birthday.' I wasn't really having a party. I had just invited some people I know over. It was mix. After what had happened I couldn't tell Dad he wasn't allowed. I had invited my school friends, my family, the Pierce The Veil team, All Time Low - for Paris, and Of Mice and Men. They were the people I really knew.
As people were arriving I was just finishing getting ready. I was wearing a tight midnight blue dress. It clung to me, had a rounded neck line and came to my mid thigh. I was wearing a pair of high shiny, black heels I had gotten off of my grandparents for my birthday as well.
I walked downstairs and into the sitting room. I spotted Paris with Matt, Josh, Davie and Kyle. I went over and grinned at them. "Hey," I said smoothly.
"Happy birthday, Effy!" Paris exclaimed. She looked at me and I smiled. Then Paris flung her arms around me to hug me. But it was okay. Matt was next and he kissed my cheek.
"You look beautiful," Matt told me in my ear.
"Thanks," I smiled. I hugged Kyle, Davie and Josh briefly.
"Am I allowed to freak out over your Dad and his band?" Josh asked seriously.
"Sure," I laughed. Josh grabbed Davie and dragged him over to where Mike and Tony were standing.
"Oh, not you," someone complained playfully. I turned around and saw Jack with Alex and Zack.
"Miss me? Paris asked.
"Immensely, blonde one," Jack rolled his eyes.
"Happy birthday," Alex told me.
"Thanks," I grinned.
"You're nearly legal," Jack added.
"Go tell my dad,"
"Good luck, Jack," Zack hit Jack in the shoulder.
"Are the young ones allowed alcohol tonight?" Alex teased.
"Yes," I rolled my eyes.
"I spy beer," Jack declared and started moving his way through to the kitchen.
"I need a drink," I groaned.
"You okay?" Paris asked as we walked.
"Yeah, I think so," I nodded.
I walked into the kitchen and reached for a beer. Mike was standing by the counter now with Phil, Casey and Alan. "Hi," I smiled.
"I have your birthday present, kid," Mike told me.
"You already gave it to me," I frowned, fingering the necklace he'd gotten me.
"No, I got you something for tonight,"
"Oh, like what?" I asked, sipping my beer.
"Come outside in five minutes," he urged. I nodded and exchanged a look with Paris.
"I really want your uncle," she told me. "In a uncle way," Paris added.
"Nice save," I laughed.
Five minutes later I walked outside. Mike was sitting on a bench and I went to sit next to him. He smiled at me and put his arm around my shoulders. "Having a good time?" Mike asked me.
"Yeah," I nodded.
"Sure?"
"Positive?"
"Yeah,"
"Good, you deserve it," he told me.
"You think so?"
"After all the shit you've gone through. And I don't just mean that prick either,"
"What then?" I asked.
"You moved here. Moved half way across the world, that's a big deal, Effy. You'd never met your dad before or me. But it was okay. You got friends. But then stuff with your mom happened, and that stuff sucks. And then Connor. You're seventeen. You'll be a senior in a week. You're too young for all this," he explained. I sighed and rested my head against Mike's arm.
"Thanks," I told him.
"What for?"
"Being a good uncle,"
"I'm not a good uncle,"
"You are,"
"Happy birthday, kid," he said and held a rolled up joint in front of me. My eyes brightened and I smiled at him.
"You're the best uncle," I told him.
"I know, I know," he laughed. Mike popped one in his mouth too and lit us both up.
"Getting high with you is going to be weird," I told him.
"At least your under adult supervision," he reasoned. I rolled my eyes and inhaled in. I held it in for a while until I let it out. Mike watched me, but took a hit himself. I took a few more and it started to kick in. I felt like I was floating. I finished it and looked to Mike. He was finished and watching me. I could see his eyes were red. Is that how I look? "Inside," he told me. I stood up and steadied myself. I haven't done this for so long.
"Carry me," I whined. Mike started to complain but I jumped up onto his back. Mike held my thighs and I put my arms around his neck. He jogged back inside with me and everyone looked up. Dad saw me and smiled lightly. Then Mike started spinning me.
"Mike!" Dad yelled. "Put her down!" he added. I heard Mike sigh dramatically and he put me down. I went over to Dad and smiled goofily.
"I love you," I told him.
"How are you drunk yet?" Dad frowned.
"I not drunk," I complained. "I just do,"
"I love you too," Dad told me. He hugged me and I rested my head on his shoulder. I know I've drank a bottle of beer already. And I know that I just smoked a joint with my uncle so I'm as high as shit right now. But I love him and here right now is probably the only place I'm truly happy. With Dad.

Notes

Hey! What did you think? Effy's had her birthday! Do you think she's getting better? Only one more short chapter left! :( I'm still not getting ideas from you guys, come on! I want to write a sequel :) Do you want it to end? Do you want to read Effy's senior year? :)