11 Birthdays Read Online Free PDF Page B

always be good at the same things.”
    She gives me a hug. “Hey, I’ll see you in a few hours. I can’t wait to show you my costume!”
    Ack! My party! I had actually forgotten! And it starts in two hours! I glance in the driveway to see if my mom’s car is there, but it’s not. I use my key to let myself in. I only get two steps inside when the shape on the couch moans. It’s Dad, still in his robe. That’s not a good sign.
    “Dad? Are you okay?”
    He groans. “I feel like I was hit by a truck.”
    I run over to the couch and kneel down. “Were you? Hit by a truck?”
    He shakes his head. Sweat rolls down his cheek. “Just an expression, honey. I’m really sick though. Fever, the whole shebang. I don’t think I’m going to be much help tonight at your party.”
    “It’s okay,” I assure him. “It’s not that big a deal. I’m only eleven. It’s not even that big a birthday.”
    He shakes his head again. It clearly takes an effort. “Every birthday is a big birthday. It’s a celebration of your birth. It reminds me and your mother of how happy we were eleven years ago today when you entered the world.”
    “Really? I thought it was all about the gifts.”
    He narrows his eyes at me to make sure I’m joking. “I’d laugh, but I’d just start choking.”
    “I’ll get you some water.” I stand to go, but he stops me.
    “Honey, I know this is a hard birthday for you, but I hope you still have a good time.”
    I don’t answer at first. Dad never even asked what happened at last year’s party. He simply stopped mentioningLeo’s name when he saw how upset I was. “Thanks, Dad. I’m sure I will.”
    In the two minutes it takes me to get him a glass of water, he falls back asleep.
    I’m definitely going to need a new DJ for my party.

Chapter Six
     
    This has got to be the itchiest dress I’ve ever had the misfortune of wearing. And the red shoes are so tight I can’t feel my toes. I hobble into my parents’ room.
    “Is it too late to cancel the party?” I demand.
    Mom’s sitting at her vanity table brushing her hair. “What, honey? Yes, of course it’s too late to cancel the party. Your friends will be here in fifteen minutes.”
    I sigh and sit on the edge of her bed. “I just wish we could have done something, I don’t know, smaller. Like a slumber party or something.”
    She puts down her brush. “Then why didn’t you say that when I asked what you wanted to do?”
    I shrug. “I dunno.”
    But I
do
know. I didn’t want to seem lame. Like Leo would have a big party and I wouldn’t, and everyone would be talking about it.
    “It’ll be fine,” Mom says. She leans over and straightens my collar. “And you look adorable.”
    I shake my head sadly. “I don’t.”
    “You do,” she insists. “Ask your father.”
    “You look great,” a rumbly voice wheezes from behind me. I jump up and whirl around. The unmoving lump in the bed that I thought was pillows is my father!
    “Dad?”
    “Youngest daughter? Is that you?” He reaches a shaky hand out from under the covers. “Come closer in case this is the last time I see you.”
    Mom laughs. “Honestly, Stuart. You’re the worst sick person I’ve ever known.”
    Dad coughs and says, “You’ll regret saying that when I’m gone.”
    Mom rolls her eyes.
    “Hey, how did the presentation go?” I ask her. Mom’s smile fades instantly.
    “Not my best,” she admits. “You better go do your hair, it’s almost seven.”
    My hand reaches up instinctively. “I
did
do my hair.”
    “Oh,” she says.
    “Have fun tonight,” Dad croaks.
    I frown. “I’m not promising anything.”
    I run into Kylie in the hall. She’s dressed as the Little Mermaid. I try to swallow the jealousy at how pretty her costume is, but it’s hard.
    “Happy birthday,” she says.
    Finally!
    “Thanks,” I mutter. “I hate my costume.”
    She looks me up and down. “Yeah, it’s pretty bad.”
    “Gee, thanks! Way to make me feel