With my heart pounding, each beat feeling like it will explode from my chest any second, I shot straight up in bed, slowly I opened my eyes, wiped the sleet from the corners. As my eyes focused to the bright light pouring in through my window I noticed two dark silhouettes, as my eyes focused I could see that it was mum and dad.
"Happy Birthday!" both mum and dad cried out.
"What time is?" I asked in deep croaky tone.
"It's your birthday son," mum chirped brightly
"Yep, today you are a man," dad added
As my eyes focused to the light and I became fully aware of my surroundings I was reminded as I am every year at 6 o'clock in the morning of my birthday, this however was a special day, now at 21, I am considered to be an adult, I am looking forward to the freedom that it brings, but have been reminded by dad of the responsibility that comes with this freedom. Dad has always been a kill joy, but I love him dearly. I quickly panic knowing that I've slept nude, fearing that I've exposed myself, I glanced down to see that I was fully covered, the 'morning glory' I experience still well and truly covered.
"Good morning to you two as well," I said with a stretch and a sigh of relief.
Both mum and dad opened up a chorus of happy birthday, in a very tone deaf way, dad produced from behind his back a large box, wrapped in shinny blue paper with a matching bow on top, I was hoping for a set of keys to a new car, but knew that it was a dream more then anything. With thanks I took the present and proceeded to read the card then tear the paper off. Inside was a new laptop, this was a practical gift but was also a cool gift.
"The guy in the shop said it was the best, and was good for movies, surfing the world internet thingy, working and games," mum said with a smile from ear to ear.
"But remember, its not a toy," Dad tried to keep a straight face.
I came from a decent working class area, mum and dad, Jo my 19 year old sister and I. Although we've never gone without the necessities, we've not had luxury items either. Mum and dad both work long hours, they are factory operators and often work opposing shifts, this has taught Jo and I to appreciate things, and we've never had a laptop, my parents must have saved for a bit to get this and I am very grateful. Both mum and dad were more excited about it then I was by the looks on their faces.
"Thanks guys, this is a great gift," I said.
Mum leaned in and gave me a big hug and a kiss on the forehead; I gave her a big hug and kissed her on the forehead too. Dad leaned in for a hug although we didn't kiss. Both mum and dad wished me a happy birthday before leaving me to get up and get dressed. As soon as the door shut I slipped out of bed, I walked over to the mirror and gazed at myself, standing 168 center meters and a healthy 70 kilograms (5'5" and 154lbs) a few tufts of hair on my chest, I am proud of my appearance, I have a routine of sit ups and push ups and running which help keep me in shape and my muscles defined while not huge. My sqaure'ish jaw shows that I am my fathers son, and my sky blue eyes are from mum, looking in the mirror it is clear that I am long overdue a hair cut, the scruffy brown hair starting to cover my ears and sitting just above my shoulders. I quickly slip into a whit singlet and track pants and make my way to the kitchen. Mum and dad are sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and piece of toast, the pot is still warm so I pour a coffee and join them.
"Don't make any plans for tonight, we have a surprise planned for you," dad instructed without looking past his paper.
"You mean the first night that I can drink and I have to stay home with you old man." I shot back jokingly.
"Yes, you'll have plenty of time for that later," dad continued.
I sat at the table enjoying the coffee and reading the sections of the paper that dad was finished with for about an hour or so before Jo entered the room, her long brown hair disheveled, she stumbled in wearing a pair of pj slacks and matching pink singlet top. She takes after mum, more then anything standing at 153 center meters and weighing little more then 55 kilograms, she is sometimes mistaken as my twin sister, at my disapproval.
"Happy birthday Nic," she said as she made her way to the table, handing me a bright yellow envelope.
Thanking her I opened the envelope and read the card, inside the card was a voucher for a local video games store. I hugged Jo and thanked her again, I had already thought of how to spend the money on a PC game for my new laptop.
The day was fairly uneventful, except for a few calls from family and friends with birthday well wishes, I managed to set the laptop up and spent a few hours just playing around with it, I worked out how to access the internet through our neighbors WiFi, although I didn't spend anytime on the net.
"Happy birthday again bro, have a good night, I'll see you tomorrow," Jo said as she bounced in my room late in the afternoon.
"Why, where are you going?" I asked
"Out with Steph for the night," Jo announced.
"But dad said were doing something tonight," I remarked
"Dunno', they didn't say anything to me, I'm going out with Steph, see you tomorrow," Jo quickly shot back as she bounced back out the room as quickly as she came in.
I sat in my room confused over the events of the night for about an hour before dad walked in, sat next to me on the bed and asked if we could chat.
"21 now son, a lot of responsibility comes with being an adult you know," dad commented
"Yes I know dad, you've told me before," I sighed
"Your role in society changes too son," Dad went on, not really paying attention to the fact that I knew this already.
"You are now a sexually active member of society son," Dad continued.