"Really? A birthday party? At our age?" Cynthia asked, sounding exasperated. "Sara, you're finally going to be 18! It's not time for a kiddie party. It's time to go out clubbing! You'll finally be of legal age to party, even if we can't drink yet."
"I know, Cyn. But the club will still be there the week after. And my Aunt Matilda specifically said she wanted to host my eighteenth birthday party. She's coming all the way from France to do it, you know."
"I know, I know," Cynthia asserted. "And I know how important she's been in your life since your parents' death. That plane crash was tragic, and you're lucky that your aunt stepped in to make sure you were cared for and educated." She was gradually sounding more resigned to the concept of making Sara's Aunt Matilda happy, as she reflected on Sara's life.
Sara nodded, the sting of her parent's death 6 years ago still bringing a tear to her eye. "But Aunt Matilda was there for me, every step of the way. As my only living relative, she took charge, whether from a sense of obligation, or familial love, I was never sure. She came from France then, as well, and actually treated me like a young adult, soliciting my input. Together, we deemed it impractical for me to go live with her in Lyon, although I hope to travel there and see it sometime soon. She arranged for me to live at that exclusive boarding school for my care and education, where I met you and my other dear friends."
Cynthia smiled, remembering those early school days, and how they'd bonded. She also remembered the few times that Aunt Matilda had appeared at the boarding school, making sure her niece was happy and doing well. The dear old woman seemed rather staid and eccentric, but it was obvious she had a good heart. Sara's friends privately referred to her as a 'dear old thing' but they'd never say that directly to Sara. Why, the woman must be 40, if she's a day!
"I didn't tell you this, but Aunt Matilda also said she'll pay for anything I need at college, although my scholarship will help a lot with the tuition part," Sara shared.
"Wow! That's great!" Cynthia said, impressed. "She's sure a nice person." Cynthia's body language changed. "OK. OK. I'll be at your birthday party. Who else is coming?" Cynthia prayed the party wouldn't be too lame, but at least if there were enough friends, they might be able to salvage something fun from it.
"Most of our friends from school said they'll be there. Maybe fourteen or fifteen of us," Sara answered, smiling. "It'll be great to see them all again."
"Where's the party going to be held?" Cynthia asked.
"Aunt Matilda has some good friends in the next town. Apparently, they're off on a world tour or something, and have invited my aunt to use their home as long as she wishes. Aunt Matilda plans to have the party all set up by the time we arrive – food, decorations, the works." Sara paused, clearing her throat, signaling perhaps something disturbing. "Remember, though, the French sort of live in a different era when it comes to entertainment. For instance, they adore Jerry Lewis. Their pop music is a decade or two behind ours as well, I fear. However, they're more lenient about drinking, so we might get to have wine."
Cynthia shrugged. "Well, we'll just have to make the most of it. After all, how bad could it be?"
The day of the party arrived. It was bad, indeed.
Sara and her friends felt really silly, wearing the 'party hats' that Aunt Matilda handed out – they hadn't worn such things since they were about eleven. And noisemakers? Really? These silly little horns to blow, or the ones that uncoiled as you blew into them – did this woman think they were children? The punch was non-alcoholic, the letters on a string that spelled out 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' were tacky. And the music – oh my god, the music! Did the French still like disco? Still, every single friend knew Aunt Matilda's importance in Sara's life. And she was a dear lady, so they were on their best behavior, pretending to have fun. If they glanced at their watches, wondering when it would be polite to leave, they did it with stealth. They figured they had to remain at least until the cake was cut and served. What a bore!
They made a valiant attempt to chatter animatedly – catching up about things that'd happened since they were last together. But mostly about their times together at school. At least those were fond memories. At one point, Cynthia whispered to Sara, "We're running out of things to talk about. When can we cut your cake?"
"I'm afraid we have to wait for the clown Aunt Matilda hired for the party," Sara whispered back, trying not to sound mortified, and failing. "She said we had to wait for the arrival of Mr. Coconuts."
Cynthia's eyes bulged, as she hissed, "What? We're waiting for a clown? Oh my god. Oh my god. Will we have to put up with balloon animals? Laughing at stupid pranks? Squirting with seltzer water? Pratfalls?"
Sara's cheeks blushed pink. "I know," she said quietly. "I may never live this down. But please, please, try to hold it together. It's only one evening." Her dear friend nodded sadly. The two of them quietly shared the fact about the clown with the rest of their friends, so no one would act shocked when he finally arrived. The most common reaction, upon hearing the news, was an eye roll, and a softly whispered, "Whatever... that seems to fit the theme of this party, all right." The pinkness of Sara's cheeks was gradually becoming crimson.
Aunt Matilda was trying to be the perfect Hostess, chatting, making sure Sara's friends had refills of the punch, and so on. Finally, the doorbell rang. "That should be Mr. Coconuts!" Aunt Matilda exclaimed happily, even clapping her hands together with joy. "I'll help him get ready. Prepare yourselves for a real treat!" She left the room.