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“That’s amazing,” I say, choking up.
“I don’t know how she pulled it off. She must have had some service mail it at a later date for her, but it arrived today and I can’t stop smiling and crying at the same time,” she says, laughing. “Isn’t that something?”
“That sounds just like something Sasha would do.” I leave the bathroom stall and walk up to the sinks, checking my makeup in the mirror.
“It does, doesn’t it? My daughter was such a brilliant, caring soul. I was dreading my birthday, but this just made it all better.”
“Happy Birthday, Mrs. Cade.”
“Oh my goodness, sweetheart,” Mrs. Cade says. “I just realized what time it is. You’re still in school!”
“For two more hours,” I say, fluffing my hair in the mirror. “But I can’t wait to get out. I was thinking I could take you out for a cupcake at Gigi’s if you’d like.”
There’s a slight pause on the end, and I think I hear another muffled sob. “I would love that, Raquel. Thank you. I’m sorry to bother you in class. I just couldn’t help myself after I got her card. I’ll bring it to Gigi’s so you can read it.”
When the call is over, I stay in the bathroom a little longer, thinking about Sasha and all of her secrets. Though she’s set up this elaborate last wish for Elijah and me, she never told me about the plans she had for her mother’s birthday. I bet she’ll do the same for her dad’s birthday, and maybe even mine.
Part of the magic is the waiting, I realize. As long as there’s something new to look forward to, it’s not like Sasha is really gone. Not yet, anyway.
At Gigi’s Cupcakes, Mrs. Cade is an explosion of happiness. I’m not sure she wa
s ever this alive, even before Sasha’s cancer diagnosis. We splurge and order two cupcakes each: the traditional Birthday Cake creation, which is vanilla and sprinkles and heaven all baked into perfection, and another one called the Chocolate Surprise.
Gigi keeps our coffee mugs filled, and she bursts into tears when Mrs. Cade shows her the birthday card. I picture Sasha huddled over her desk, writing the note weeks before she died.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
I hope this day finds you well and happy and moving on. I know you can probably only think of losing me today, but please know that I’m never truly gone. Please don’t ever feel guilty for enjoying a beautiful day, for smiling and laughing, for moving on and enjoying life. I want you to live.
Take risks, go on adventures and smile.
I love you, Mom. Hope this birthday is the best.
Love,
Sasha
Mr. Cade takes off work early to join us, and he orders another round of cupcakes for everyone. Even though I might get the stomachache of a lifetime, I chow down on my third cupcake and bask in the joy of being with these two people who share so many of my memories. For the first time since I met Elijah in the cemetery, I feel free. I can talk to Sasha’s parents about this message after death. We can’t talk about everything, but this is good enough for now.
Mrs. Cade slides the birthday card back into her purse and then flashes me a wry smile. “A little bird told me you have a new gentleman in your life.”
“Huh?” I swallow. “I mean … what?”
“Sue,” Mr. Cade says. “Don’t embarrass her.”
“I’m not.” She puts a hand to her chest. “I’m just curious. I still want to be in the loop, Raquel. Your mom told me you had a Halloween date. So, who is he?”
“Just a friend.”
She leans forward. “Is he cute?”
If my cheeks weren’t on fire a minute ago, they are now. Mr. Cade clears his throat. “I think I’ll head back to the office and leave the boy talk to you girls.” He gives me a quick hug and whispers, “Plead the Fifth if you want to.”
Mrs. Cade slaps his arm playfully and I wiggle in my chair as we watch him leave. Please change the damn subject, my brain screams at me. But I’ve got nothing. “He’s cute,” I say, staring at my empty cupcake wrappers. “But we kind of had an argument. I’m not sure where we stand now.”
“I’m happy that you’re going out,” she says, her hand soft on my arm. “I want you to live your life and be happy.”
“Thanks.” I try to smile. “I am.”
