Grand entrance

The evening wasn't like any other, but Elizabeth had a huge smile on her face since morning as she prepared for her birthday, the one she had waited for, and now she was in her room getting dressed while her parents and brother received guests outside since the party was to be held in the garden. She told her mom not to invite many people but just some close friends, and she knew her two weird friends would be there causing trouble and teasing her by calling her miss legal and yes, she was going to be an adult, and hence she couldn't wait to finally go out with Tyler in public. It wasn't old news that Tyler was not her age but far too young for her, just like her friends said the first time she told them about Tyler being 25 years old. Elizabeth was too excited to let such bad thoughts ruin her day as she wore her princess dress she had chosen specially for her birthday, and now she has to show everyone just how beautiful she was and steal everyone's hearts

"Elizabeth, get out here the guests are waiting!'' She heard her mom's voice yell from downstairs and her heartbeat quickened as she smiled even more and wore her stiletto shoes matching her dress and a beautiful tiara on her head. She wasn't a fan of makeup but for the day she had chosen just light makeup

"Coming mom!"she shouted back and quickly got up from her chair to look at herself in the mirror and was completely satisfied with how beautiful she looked, and hence she made her way out of her room not forgetting to carry her phone because Tyler would call when he got to her house and she had to admit she was a bit nervous to introduce the man to her parents

As Elizabeth made her grand entrance to the lovely garden decorated in beautiful flowers and lanterns, she was greeted by a wonderful sight as all the guests gathered around to sing the birthday song while clapping. Her eyes became teary as she elegantly walked to them only to see her parents smiling and Jake brought in the Strawberry cake and her eyes lit up with delight, her two troublesome friends DS were clapping and sing for her as she stood before the cake ready to cut and was happy because it was her favorite cake with number 18 on it which made it even more special

"Happy birthday Elizabeth!"everyone chorused as her mom and dad pulled her in a bear hug

"Happy birthday princess...may you have lots and lots of happiness"her dad said with a cheerful smile

"Happy birthday baby...you are one year older but still my little girl"as always her mom was so emotional about it just as she did every year on her birthday and Elizabeth heard her mom sniffle and knew she was sad but not about her birthday, but she sensed something was wrong with her mom to be hugging her so tight as if it was their last day

"Mom, it's okay I'm right here...it's just my birthday you know"Elizabeth pulled back from her mom's embrace and held the side of her face as she whispered to her with a smile and wiped a few tears from her face and Carol sniffled more and kissed her daughter's hands. If only she could come clean and tell her precious child about what was to befall her and the fact that the night was the only night she had with her family after that fate would take it course forever,

"I... I know my baby... I'm just happy...you are 18 years old...happy birthday sweetheart"carol said with tears and kissed her cheeks then her forehead and again Elizabeth had a strange feeling but couldn't wrap her fingers around it

"Yes honey...we are just happy for you"her dad chimed in and Jake wrapped his strong arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him

"Yes baby sis...it's your birthday...now let's cut the cake because I'm so craving this...BTW, get ready to dance for us"Jake said in a playful voice and whispered the last words that had Elizabeth feeling shy and elbowed her brother to shut up

"Happy birthday bestie!" Tammy and Tessa came forward and shouted which startled Elizabeth and her parents but soon all laughed and took the gifts they brought

"Thanks guys"Elizabeth hugged them both for a while and moved back as her smile doubled

"Let's cut the cake dear"Carol took Elizabeth by the arm and let her go to the small table where the cake was and gave her a small knife and Elizabeth took it with a small knife. She was happy and lucky to have such wonderful parents who did nothing but make sure she was happy. Her families weren't rich like some wealthy family, but she was happy with what she had and wouldn't wish for anything other than to have peace in her life

"Make a wish sis"Jake moved close and whispered to Elizabeth who nodded and closed her eyes for a while to make a wish and soon opened them

"What did you wish for...tell me"Jake asked with a mischievous smile and Elizabeth elbowed him to keep quiet only for Jake to groan, but his sister ignored him as she positioned her hand to cut the cake and everyone had their cameras on to capture the most beautiful day and just as she was about to cut the cake

"I don't think it's...a good idea to cut the cake without me"the heard a serene woman's voice says and everyone including Elizabeth and her parents turned towards where it came from only to see a black-haired lady elegantly dressed in a red dress with her hair in an up do holding a blue well decorated box in her hands and beside her was a small lady wearing a blue shirt dress with heels, and she too had a decorated box in her hands and both stood mysteriously with smile on their faces that made everyone wondered who the people were because they really didn't seem like middle-class people judging by their clothes. Of course carol had gone pale at the sight of Helena the doctor who saved her doctor's life in return that she married her son once she turned eighteen and now the day had arrived

"Hello Elizabeth, you look stunning dear...happy birthday"Helena walked to Elizabeth and said as she handed her the box and with some hesitation Elizabeth glanced at her parents wondering who the lady was because never in her life had she ever seen her come to her house

"T...take it dear...she's my friend"carol said nervously and with a smile Elizabeth reached for the box and guessed there was a giant gift in it because it was really heavy

"Thanks... Umm?"she made a thinking face not knowing who the lady was and Helena smiled,

"Helena... I'm Helena dear"

"Thanks aunt Helena welcome"Elizabeth said with a smile without being aware of the tension around and Helena glanced at carol and her husband with a cold expression because she gave them enough time to tell Elizabeth about the marriage, and hence Elizabeth needed to know her before she even came, but it seemed they didn't even dare mention her name which only meant that they didn't tell their daughter about her getting married to her son. Helena made gestures with her cat-like eyes and Carol understood what was coming and with nervousness she gripped her husband's hand for support because she was feeling weak.