pte
thday to Alessandra, happy birthday to you!" Everyone fr
om the crowd, their voice almost drow
closes her eyes for a moment, her lips parting as she thinks, then blows out the candles in one swift puff. T
ts of food. My eyes immediately lock onto the sticky chicken wings, glistening in all their messy, m
s the only thing o
liss. This is the life. The crispy edges contrast perfectly with the tender meat, and I feel like I
essandra is dancing with Dad. Her long, dark hair sways as she moves in time with the music, laughing at something Dad says. Her smile is radiant, and
a panic, I whirl around to catch myself. The pile of wings and food in front of me trembles and tips over,
ttered sweets. My heart skips a beat as I look at the disaster I've caused. The wings, the glorious
ng everything sticky. Standing up, I clutch a few
an clean it up for you," a
ncerned. "Please clean it up before Mum finds out," I b
his up as soon as possible," he says, and they nod enthusiastically, starting to pick up the sc
act that they're now covered in dirt. It doesn't matter; nothing will keep me f
ings in your arms?" Mira's voice i
Um... you see..." I scratch the back of my head, unsure of how to explain. "I was leaning
, clearly unimpressed.
y fault! They were so tempting, sitting
r arms. "You and your
It's like the universe mad
chicken was for others, too, Lai
e dance floor, completely oblivious to my wing disaster. "Mum and Dad obviously put t
ay's about Ale, so I'm sure they wouldn't do th
le, not willing to
her tone a little more serious. "I
eat. I turn to her with wide eyes, panic se
g this. "I won't tell, if y
uld you ask such a thing?" I clutch my chicken
ing. "Oh, look, Mum's over there,"
y panic, I shove the entire handful of chicken wing
with herself as she holds o
thing, but luckily, she's still busy chatting with some
erly served," Mira teases as she munches on
ht. Like I can resist when
y, you
. I feel a little guilty for the mess I've caused, but at least the food is still being cle