The Magical Land of Birthdays No. 2: The Mystery of the Birthday Basher
To everyone with a half birthday Together we have the power to make the world a happier place Sprinkles Anything is possible if you follow your heart and keep believing Sprinkles and Smiles AMIRAH KASSEM
CHAPTER ONE
Amirah Phone call Mama's voice carried through the open window all the way to the backyard where Amirah was watering a small patch of purple violets Amirah jumped up and dropped the watering can which tumbled onto its side and spilled water all over her bare feet Amirah didn't mind though Now that summer was here the weather was hot hot hot The cool water felt wonderful as it cascaded over her toes Amirah dried off her feet at the back door and walked inside Mama was holding out the phone Who is it Amirah asked But Mama just smiled mysteriously as she gave Amirah the phone Hello Amirah said into the phone Hey it's me her friend Paulina replied Paulina What's going on Amirah exclaimed She wandered into the next room and flopped onto the love seat That's uh that's actually what I called to ask you Paulina said Amirah tilted her head There was something odd in Paulina's voice She usually sounded so cheerful her sunny laugh was one of Amirah's favorite things about her But today there was no sunshine in Paulina's voice Just sadness Oh you know not much Amirah said I planted some violets in the backyard I want to make candied violets It's not that hard but you need super extra fresh flowers and then you dip them in a Amirah's voice trailed off when she realized that she was the only one doing any talking She took a breath Hey she said trying to start over What's wrong
There was a long silence Amirah started to fidget not sure what she should say next At last Paulina spoke I was just wondering why you didn’t come to my birthday party she said the words tumbling out in a rush I thought I really thought you’d be there Amirah sat up straight her heart pounding You had a birthday party she asked Of course Amirah knew that it was about time for Paulina’s birthday she kept a list of the birthdays of everybody she’d ever met but this was the first she was hearing about a birthday party It was yesterday Paulina said in a small voice I mailed the invitations a month ago A month ago Amirah repeated racking her brain as she tried to remember if she’d received an invitation to Paulina’s birthday party No She hadn’t That was something Amirah would never forget But I I never got one You didn’t Paulina said in surprise I know I sent one Yours was the first one I made You’re the birthday princess of Chihuahua after all Amirah tried to smile but her mouth couldn’t quite manage it I’m so sorry Paulina she said I would never have missed your birthday party if I’d known about it The invitation must’ve gotten lost in the mail Paulina mused You know looking back it did seem a little weird that you didn’t RSVP But I figured you’d just show up anyway I always RSVP for a birthday party Amirah said firmly Don’t I know it Paulina said with a laugh Now that she knew Amirah hadn’t skipped her party on purpose the sunshine had returned to Paulina’s voice But Amirah was feeling worse and worse about what had happened I’m so so sorry she told Paulina I promise I’ll find a way to make it up to you
