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“Looks like I accomplished my goal,” Makayla beamed.
Donja cocked her head. “Meaning what?”
“You’re a vamp.”
~~~
When Donja and Makayla arrived home, the workers’ vans were still present. Donja didn’t fail to notice every head turn as they headed for the door, her six-inch pumps clicking on the cobblestone walk. Past the jamb with the hardwood floors creaking like an intruder alarm, they entered the kitchen.
Lisa spun with a big smile which instantly faded as she locked her eyes on Donja. After a moment, Lisa raised her hand to her mouth, the box of birthday candles she was holding forgotten as it crashed to the floor. Tears welled in her eyes and without a word, she crossed the expanse of the kitchen with open arms and they fell together in a tight hug. Finally, snared by emotions, Lisa pulled back and they shared a look. She raised her finger and gently touched her cheek. “Honey,” she sobbed. “I’m in shock. Look at you. So beautiful, my goodness. It took a minute to realize it was you.”
“It’s me,” Donja beamed. “Gothiglam,” she said with a wobble, “but as you can see, I haven’t quite mastered these spiked heels.”
“Holy smoke,” Carson said as he and Frankie walked into the kitchen with birthday balloons. “I’m going to have to hire a bodyguard to watch over the two of you.”
“Is that you, Donja?” Frankie asked with a puzzled look on his face.
Everyone laughed.
Lisa wrung her hands. “Dinner won’t be ready for another hour and afterward we’ll have cake and ice cream, but now seems as good a time as any for gifts.”
“Gifts, my gosh, I’ve already had so much.”
“Well, there’s more,” Lisa said, unable to control her eyes which seemed drawn to Donja. She snatched a package off the counter. “Happy birthday from Grandma Anna.”
Donja tore at the wrapping paper, then opened the box. She shed the tissue paper all eyes on her as she pulled a brass picture frame from inside. “It’s my dad,” she said, her face suddenly serious.
“Grandma came across it recently and thought you would love it,” Lisa replied softly.
“I do,” Donja said, her finger softly brushing the glass over his face. “Where was this?”
“It was taken outside of his school in Benton Harbor, the day he graduated.”
“Wow, he’s really handsome and you look just like him,” Makayla said, gazing over her shoulder.
“Thank you,” Donja said, her eyes moist. “I’ll call Grandma and thank her, this means the world to me.”
Lisa smiled offering up another gift. “This one’s from me and Frankie.”
Donja lay the picture down then ripped the paper on the small package to find a velvet jewel box. She flipped it open and her eyes widened. “Oh, Mom, they’re beautiful.”
“Frankie picked them out,” Lisa smiled.
Donja gave Frankie a hug. “Thanks bro, I love them.”
“They’re real,” Frankie gushed.
“What’s real, what is it?” Makayla asked.
Donja held it high. “Diamond stud earrings.”
“Nice.”
“And last, though it’s not wrapped,” Carson said as he dug in his pocket, helium balloons drifting away as he extended his hands with car keys dangling. “Your new ride.”
Donja, completely ambushed by escalating emotions following a birthday like none other, felt her eyes grow wet with tears. “Thank you,” she sniveled dabbing with a bent finger as a tear coursed her cheek. “Thank you, all.”
Secrets from the Past
