It's My Party

Glen Road, Sleepyside 

Sixteen.

That was a special number for a special young woman. In just a few short weeks, she would turn sixteen. And that would be the start of a celebration filled year. Her two best friends would also be turning sixteen later this year and the plans were underway to make all of their Sweet Sixteen birthday parties the best that they could be.

Once she turned sixteen, there would be so many new opportunities for her. She would be able to get her learner’s permit and possibly pick up a part-time job.

As Trixie Belden walked along Glen Road toward Crabapple Farm, she tried to get her thoughts in order. She had stayed in town after school to get a couple books from the library for a report she needed to complete. She knew she could have called home to get someone to pick her up, but she knew she could make use of the time alone.

Trixie loved her brothers, as well as her best friends, which were the Bob-Whites, but right then, she needed some time to figure things out.

The one thing that weighed heavily on her mind was her own sixteen birthday. The Bob-Whites had been at Crabapple Farm for dinner a couple weeks earlier when Peter and Helen Belden had questioned Trixie about what she wanted to do for her birthday. Honey and Di insisted that she have a celebration because one only turned sixteen once. Her parents agreed that it should be a special day. And she had been fine with that, figuring it would be her and the Bob-Whites, just like her previous birthdays.

She didn’t mind the party. But the plans seemed to be getting out of control and growing in a way that was making her feel really uncomfortable.

Her best friends and classmates, Honey Wheeler and Di Lynch, had been talking about this party non-stop for two weeks already. Even when she tried to offer some suggestions, the conversation just seemed to keep going about what was already scheduled.

Trixie also knew that her birthday this year was going to be a lot different than in the past. The biggest changes were that her older brother Brian and her other best friend, Jim Frayne, were away at college and it didn’t look like they were going to be returning in time for her birthday.

When she finally reached Crabapple Farm, Trixie wasn’t surprised to see Honey and Di were there with Mart, and Dan Mangan was also in attendance.

“Where’ve you been?” Mart asked as she entered the kitchen.

“I was at the library. I had to get some books for a report.” She set her books on the table. “So, what’s going on?”

“Well,” Honey said. “We’ve been tossing around some more ideas for your party.”

“It’s going to be so much fun,” Di added. “Everyone from school who comes will have a blast. I mean, there’s going to be plenty of food, music for dancing and maybe even some games.”

Trixie held back a heavy sigh. She knew she needed to tell them that things were getting out of control, but they kept talking about what was to happen.

“We figured we’d have burgers to eat and a variety of salads, along with chips, pretzels, soda and the stuff we usually have at our parties,” Di said.

“Everything is falling into place,” Honey said.

Helen Belden entered the kitchen at that moment. “Trixie, could you set the table for dinner, please? It’ll be ready as soon as your father gets home.”

“All right,” Trixie said. She looked at Honey, Di and Dan. “Are you guys staying?”

“Actually, I need to get home,” Honey said, closing the notebook in which she had been writing. “I’m supposed to have dinner with my folks.”

“I need to go too,” Di said. “I need to watch the twins.”

“I will walk with you both,” Dan said. “I’ve got some chores that need my attention.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Dan said and he left with the girls.

Staring out the living room window, she tried to keep from bouncing up and down in anticipation. It was her birthday and she couldn’t wait for her friends from school to arrive. This birthday was one she had been looking forward to for a while. When Brian and Mart had been in third grade, they had each had a party at Crabapple Farm and now it was her turn.

The invitations had been handed out to her classmates a week earlier and she had been told everyone was coming. Turning away from the window, Trixie saw everything was ready. The dining room table was covered with a tablecloth that had balloons printed on it. The “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game was on the wall, with the ribbons on the table nearby. Party gifts were by the door for when the guests left.

She couldn’t wait for her friends to come. They were going to have so much fun. Her dad had made a special scavenger hunt list and she knew the items had been hidden all over the farm.

Glancing at the clock, she realized her guests should be arriving any minute. She knew this was going to be a lot of fun. Trixie looked back out the window, watching for the cars to pull into the driveway. But none came. Five minutes turned into ten, then fifteen. A half hour passed and finally an hour. She even went to the phone to make sure there was a dial tone and that if someone was trying to call, that they could get through.

She knew her party was now over. Trixie turned away from the window with a deep sigh as she tried to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall. She saw Moms standing in the doorway. Trixie said sadly, “I’ll take these decorations down.”

When she went to school on Monday, none of her classmates bothered to apologize for not attending or calling to say that they weren’t coming. She had found out then who her true friends were.

Trixie remembered that birthday really well and since that day she had not had a big birthday celebration. She loved the small get-togethers with her family and the Bob-Whites, but a bigger party with her friends from school just screamed de’ ja vu.

Trixie knew she needed to let the others know what she did and did not want. She couldn’t wait much longer. They need to have a Bob-White meeting.

The next morning, Trixie and the other Bob-Whites gathered at the clubhouse for a brief, but important meeting. Once they were all ready, Trixie said, “I call this meeting to order.”

“So, what’s this meeting about?” Di asked.

“Yeah,” Dan said. “You sounded pretty cryptic when you called.”

“There’s something I need to talk to you all about.”

“What’s that, Trixie?” Honey asked.

“I know there’s been a lot of talk these past couple weeks about my birthday.”

“It’s going to be a great party,” Honey said.

“Oh, yeah,” Di agreed.

“And everything is just fine with the plans,” Honey said. “We just need to take care of the invitations.”

Trixie sighed realizing she wasn’t getting anywhere. They were talking as if she wasn’t even present.

“Sorry, Trix,” Dan said. “We didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Yeah, go ahead,” Honey said.

Trixie took a deep breath. “Guys. I know you’ve put a lot of thought and work into my party plans, but…”

“But what?” Honey asked.

Trixie looked at each one of them in turn before speaking. “I don’t want to have a big party.”

“What are you talking about, Trixie?” Di asked. “You have to have a party. It’s your 16^th birthday.”

“I want a party, but I don’t want it as big as you’re making it.”

“Why not?” Honey asked. “It is a reason to celebrating with all your friends.”

“And with the plans that are in place, it’ll be a lot of fun,” Di added.

Trixie couldn’t believe they weren’t listening to her and what she wanted. She let her temper get the best of her. “You want to know something, go ahead and plan the party whatever way you want. I told you I didn’t want a big party, but it seems as if you really don’t care what I want. So here’s my RSVP: I won’t be attending.”

Trixie got to her feet and left the clubhouse, completely frustrated. She couldn’t believe her friends wouldn’t consider her feelings toward the party, even though it was for her. She knew she could have handled the situation better, but it was too late now.

“Hopefully the issue is now dropped,” she murmured as she headed back to Crabapple Farm.

She returned to the farm and started her chores. She needed something to focus on other than her birthday and figured work would be a good distraction.

That evening, Trixie was in her bedroom trying to get part of her report completed. She had not said a word to Mart about her party. She hadn’t even said anything to her parents. Trixie knew she would have to let her parents know what was going on soon.

A knock on the door got Trixie’s attention “Come in.”

The door opened and Helen entered the bedroom. “Hi sweetie.”

“Hi Moms.”

Helen moved over to the window seat and sat down. “Sweetie, I was wondering if everything is all right. You’ve been awfully quiet today and I figured you’d be spending the day outside with Honey and Di.”

Trixie knew this was the opportunity she needed. “Actually, Moms, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“What is it?”

“I’m not going to be having a party for my birthday,” Trixie said, getting straight to the point.

“Are you sure?” Helen asked. “A lot of plans were being made.”

“I know, Moms, but I didn’t want a big party. The others were just planning without getting any input from me!”

“Did you tell them what you wanted?”

“I tried several times and then this morning I just blew up at them because they weren’t really listening.” Trixie looked at her mother. “So, I told them to go ahead with their plans, but I wouldn’t be attending.”

“Do you really feel that way?”

“Moms, I don’t know what I feel. I mean, I honestly didn’t have a problem with a party, but it just seemed to be getting out of hand and they weren’t asking me what I wanted.  And since they weren’t listening, I just said the first thing that came to my mind, hoping they would pay attention.”

“What do you want to do about it?” Helen asked.

“I don’t know, Moms. I wish I did.”

“Well, why don’t you sleep on it and we can talk more tomorrow if you want. But I do think you’ll come up with something.”

Trixie smiled. “Thanks, Moms.”

“You’re welcome.”

When Monday morning rolled around, Trixie was eager to talk with the other Bob-Whites and apologize for her temper. She had not talked to Honey or Di; she had called their homes, but they both had been out. Trixie knew she could be honest with them and hoped they would forgive her.

The bus finally reached the driveway of Crabapple Farm and she climbed on right behind Mart. They moved to the back of the bus and sat down in their usual places.

Trixie turned to the others and looked each one in the eye. “Guys, I’m sorry for letting my temper get the best of me on Saturday. I didn’t mean to yell, but I was trying to get your attention to let you know what I was thinking since you didn’t seem to be hearing me. I really am sorry and hope you will forgive me.”

“Of course we forgive you,” Di said.

“Absolutely,” Honey said. “And we didn’t mean to not listen to you when you told us what you wanted.”

“We were just so wrapped up in the plans that we weren’t really paying attention,” Di said. “Do you forgive us?”

“I do, and I am sorry I waited so long to tell you about my concerns.”

“It’s all right,” Honey said.

“And we can downplay the party to whatever you want,” Di said. “You were right. This is your birthday and you should have input about it.”

“Thanks,” Trixie said.

“So, Trixie, what made you decide you didn’t want to have a big party?” Dan asked. “I figured you’d really want to celebrate your sixteenth birthday.”

Trixie knew she could be honest with them about her previous experience with her birthday, but she didn’t want to see the pity in their eyes or on their faces.

“I’ve enjoyed the parties being small with just us the past couple years, and I don’t think we should mess with a good thing,” Trixie answered.

“Well, we’ll just have to continue that tradition,” Dan said.

“And it’ll be real easy to tame the plans we have been working with,” Di said.

“Oh, yeah,” Honey said. “It’ll be a Bob-White celebration.”

“Absolutely,” Mart said.

Trixie let out a sigh of relief. She was grateful her friends understood why she wanted a small party, or at least part of the reason. She was also glad that they weren’t angry with her for her temper at the meeting. She knew things were all right between all of them.

New York University, New York

The seventeen-year-old returned to his dorm room late Wednesday night. He had spent most of the evening at the library doing research for a paper for his history class. He wanted to get it done since he was heading home to Sleepyside that weekend with his best friend.

Entering the room, he wasn’t surprised to see Brian Belden sitting on the bed, leaning against the wall as he talked on the phone.

Jim Frayne gave Brian a puzzled look, who in return mouthed “Honey.”

Jim nodded, realizing Brian was talking to his sister. Figuring he’d let Brian have some privacy, he exited the room and headed to the vending machines on the first floor to get a snack. He used the stairs, planning to take as much time as possible.

When Jim finally returned to the sixth floor room, he saw Brian was off the phone. Jim tossed Brian one of the cans of soda he had purchased. As Jim settled on his own bed, he asked, “How are things back home?”

“Things are going fine.”

“What about the plans for the party? Is there still going to be one?”

“From what Honey said, there will be, but it will be a lot smaller than what they were first planning.”

“I don’t understand why they changed the plans. The big party seemed to be perfect.”

“Well,” Brian said. “It is Trixie’s party. I think the party should be what she wants.”

Jim stared at his best friend. There was something in Brian’s voice that told him he knew more than he was letting on. He figured it was time to fish for some answers.

“I know Trixie was pretty adamant about having a small party. Honey admitted to me that she was surprised with Trixie’s change of mind,” Jim said.

“I kind of figured Trixie would want a small party. She’s never really been one for big parties.”

“She’s always enjoyed the parties we’ve gone to,” Jim said. “She’s always had a blast at the school dances and Di’s Halloween party and the get-togethers Honey has planned. Trixie just surprised me that she didn’t want a big party to celebrate her sixteenth birthday.”

“Well, I guess there’s something about Trixie you really don’t know,” Brian said quietly as he got off the bed.

“What are you talking about?” Jim asked, confused.

“Never mind,” Brian said. “Just forget I said anything.”

Jim leaned forward and looked at Brian. “I can’t forget what was said. Come on, Brian, fill me in.”

He watched Brian take a deep breath. Jim knew Brian was deciding if he could say something or not. He knew Brian wouldn’t want to break his sister’s confidence. He decided to make the decision for his friend.

“Brian, don’t worry about it. Since it has to do with Trixie, she can fill me in on whatever it is. If she doesn’t, that’s okay too.”

Brian turned to face Jim. “It’s nothing major, Jim. But Trixie has never been for big parties for herself, and none of us have really pushed her about it.”

“So, why didn’t Trixie say something when the plans were first being made?” Jim asked. “I mean, if she would have said something, it may not have gotten so big.”

“I don’t think Trixie wanted to hurt Honey and Di’s feelings and all that was being done.”

“But what made her finally speak up?”

“Honey said that Trixie told them her concerns and that she and Di admitted they hadn’t been listening when Trixie told them what she wanted.”

“So, things are back on for this weekend?” Jim asked.

“Yeah. The party will be up at the Manor House on Saturday night with just the Bob-Whites.”

Jim smiled at Brian. “Should I assume the plans for the surprise are in place?”

“Everything is set and Trixie won’t know what hit her.”

Jim’s smile grew bigger. “Good.”

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to study. I’ve got a killer test on Friday.”

“I understand,” Jim said. “I need to focus too.”

“Besides, the more we get done now, the less we’ll have to deal with before finals.”

“Exactly,” Jim said. “Exactly.”

Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson, New York

The sound of birds chirping and the warm, gentle breeze blowing through the window woke her from a restful slumber. Before opening her eyes, a smile spread across her face and she said, “Rabbit, rabbit.”

A giggle escaped her lips as she opened her eyes. It was her birthday and she was now sixteen. That meant she could get her permit, followed by her license.

She quickly got to her feet and slipped on her robe. Trixie exited her room and made her way down to the kitchen.

“Good morning, birthday girl,” Peter said as she entered the kitchen.

“Good morning Dad,” Trixie said as she slid into her seat at the table.

Peter lowered the paper to the table.  “How does it feel to be sixteen?”

“About the same as being fifteen, but today is only the first day. It’s bound to get more exciting!”

“So what are your plans for today?” Helen asked, approaching the table, carrying a tray of Trixie’s traditional breakfast food: chocolate chip pancakes.

“Well, this morning I’m going riding with the others. Afterward, we’re going to the Manor House to decorate for the party.”

“You’re going to help decorate for your own party?” Peter asked, surprised.

“I thought it was the least I could do, since I was the one who changed the original plans.”

“What else is scheduled for today?” Helen asked.

“That’s pretty much it until the party tonight.”

“Well, since you have such a busy day planned, we figured we’d give you your presents now,” Helen said.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” Trixie said.

“But we did,” Peter said, getting to his feet. “Now, come on.”

Trixie got to her feet and followed her parents out of the kitchen. The three of them stopped as they entered the living room to see Mart and Bobby sitting on the floor by the coffee table that had several brightly wrapped packages on it.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” Mart and Bobby yelled.

“Thank you,” Trixie said.

“Come open your gifts, Trixie,” Bobby said excitedly, as if the gifts were for him.

“All right,” Trixie said.

Within a short while, Trixie had unwrapped the gifts, revealing some clothing, a couple new mystery books and some music.

“Thank you, everyone,” Trixie said. “Everything was perfect.”

“You’re welcome,” Peter said. “So, let’s go have breakfast because you’ve got a full day planned.”

“Great. I’m starving and I know my twin always likes chocolate chip pancakes on her birthday,” Mart said.

“There’s plenty to eat,” Helen said. “Come on.”

That evening, Trixie stood in her bedroom in front of her full-length mirror, smoothing out the black skirt with blue flowers she was wearing. As much as she hated dressing up, Trixie figured she could suffer through it for her birthday. She had pulled on a solid blue blouse that matched the flowers.

As she looked through her jewelry box for a necklace to wear, she thought back to the phone call she had received a couple hours earlier. Brian had called to wish her a happy birthday and to apologize for not making it home.

She had admitted that she understood, knowing Brian’s education was important and that he couldn’t make a trip to Crabapple Farm every weekend.

Trixie had then talked to Jim, who also wished her a happy birthday. Jim admitted that he was disappointed they weren’t there to celebrate this special day in her life.

She had told them they were celebrating with her because they had called.

A knock on the door got her attention. Trixie said, “Come in.”

The door was opened, revealing Mart. “You look nice.”

“Thanks,” she said. “So do you.”

Mart had pulled on a pair of tan slacks and a blue shirt.

“Thanks. Are you ready to go?”

Trixie looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I’m ready.”

“Then let’s go celebrate your birthday.”

“Let’s,” Trixie said with a grin.

Trixie followed Mart down the hall, then downstairs. As they entered the kitchen, they saw Helen and Peter standing there.

“You look beautiful,” Peter said.

Trixie felt the color rise in her cheeks. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Now, you two enjoy the party,” Helen said.

“We will,” Mart said. He looked at Trixie. “Ready?”

“Ready.” Trixie looked at her parents. “See you later.”

“Bye,” Helen and Peter chorused.

Trixie and Mart left the house and made their way to the Manor House. Mart offered Trixie his arm as they made their way up the path so she wouldn’t fall.

When they reached the Manor House, Honey opened the door and ushered them into the living room where the party was to be held.

Stepping through the doors to the living room, Trixie looked around at the decorations. Even though she had helped with the work, more decorations had been put up. Besides the balloons and streamers hanging about, there was a giant banner with “Happy Birthday Trixie!” hanging above the fireplace.

On the desk near the fireplace was a cake with several gifts stacked alongside it. Music was already playing and Trixie could see Di trying to teach Dan some of the newest moves.

Trixie turned to Mart and Honey. “This is great. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Honey said, grinning from ear-to-ear.

“All right, the birthday girl is here,” Dan said. “Let’s get the party started.”

“Absolutely,” Trixie said, smiling.

The music was turned up and they started dancing. As they celebrated, Trixie felt very comfortable and happy to be with the people she cared a lot about.

Trixie was enjoying the party and barely noticed a half-hour later when Honey disappeared from the room. She was also unaware of the two people who entered the room behind her.

As the song came to an end, Trixie said, “I’m going to get a drink. Does anyone want anything?”

“We’re fine,” Mart said, trying to keep the smile off his face.

“Okay,” Trixie said.

She turned and stopped short. Standing before her were two people she hadn’t expected to see on her birthday: Brian and Jim. She took two quick steps and embraced them both in the same hug.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Trixie exclaimed.

“We wouldn’t miss your birthday,” Brian said, hugging her back.

“Why didn’t you say you were coming home when we talked?” Trixie asked, leaning back and looking at them both.

“We wanted it to be a surprise,” Jim said. “Besides, we were already here when we called you.”

“Well, you certainly surprised me,” Trixie said. “And I’m so happy all of you are here.”

“At least we were able to surprise you,” Di said, coming up behind Trixie.

“It’s not often that we get to do that,” Dan admitted.

“It was the best birthday surprise I’ve ever had,” Trixie said. She caught Brian’s gaze. “This is the best birthday ever.”

“So let’s get this party really going,” Jim said.

“Definitely.”

More music was played and they all started dancing. Trixie was having a blast.

After a while she moved over to the refreshment table. She had danced with her brothers, Dan and Jim. She felt honored her friends had gone to so much trouble for her birthday.

“Has this been a happy birthday for you?” Brian asked, stepping up beside her.

Trixie smiled up at her brother. “I am happy. This has been the best birthday. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

“Does this beat the thought of having a party with your friends from school?”

“I am having a party with my friends,” Trixie said. “I am partying with my best friends, those who mean the most in the world to me.” Trixie looked over to where Mart, Di, Honey and Dan were dancing to the music. “Brian, many years ago, I had a party where I was greatly disappointed, making me not want to have another party. But after tonight, I am going to enjoy my birthday every year because I’ll be with the Bob-Whites.”

“We’re glad to be here as well.”

A throat was cleared and they turned to see Jim standing behind them. Jim asked, “May I have this dance with the birthday girl?”

“Of course,” Trixie said.

She took Jim’s outstretched hand and moved to the center of the room as the others stepped to the side.

As they swayed to the slow moving song, Jim said, “I hope this will be a birthday you’ll remember.”

“Oh, it will be. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

“Trixie, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you say something to Brian about a party where you were greatly disappointed. Do you want to talk about it?”

Trixie looked at Jim. She knew she could be honest with him. Since the day they had met, they had been each other’s confidants. There were things she couldn’t figure out how to talk to Honey about, but she could easily confide in Jim. Trixie knew that Jim would keep her story to himself if she asked.

She took a breath and began her tale about the party that had been a disaster. When she finished, she saw the dismayed look on Jim’s face.

“I can’t believe your classmates didn’t bother showing up after they said they would come. And what gets me even more is that no one even bothered apologizing when you returned to school.”

“Now you can understand why I really wasn’t too keen on having a big party,” Trixie said. “One bad experience kind of leaves you wary of going through that situation again.”

“Are you still wary now?”

“No,” Trixie said, smiling. “I’ve enjoyed this party immensely, because I’m here with all of you.”

“And we’re glad to be here with you.”

The song ended and she thanked Jim for the dance.

“It’s time to cut the cake!” Mart called out.

Trixie and Jim moved over to the table as the others gathered around. Jim handed her the knife. Honey lit the candles and they sang to her.

When they finished, Jim said, “Cut the cake.”

Trixie smiled at each one of them in turn and cut the cake. Once they all had slices, they sat down adt ate the scrumptious dessert. They talked about the activities going on at school while Brian and Jim told them how they were getting ready for their finals.

When they finished eating, Trixie said, “This has been a really great party. Thank you all so much.”

“You’re welcome,” Honey said. “But the party isn’t over yet.”

“It isn’t?”

“No, it isn’t,” Jim said.

Trixie watched as Honey got to her feet and moved over to the desk She rolled back the top and pulled out a wrapped box. Honey came back over to Trixie and handed her the gift.

“Happy birthday,” Honey said.

Trixie pulled the ribbon off the box and set it aside. She then tore into the paper, glancing at each of the Bob-Whites in turn. The paper revealed a blue velvet box. Trixie lifted the lid and stared in surprise at what was inside.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she touched the gold locket in the box. She saw that a bird was etched on the front of it.

“This is beautiful,” Trixie said.

“That bird is our representation of a Bob-White,” Di said.

“Pick it up and look at the inside,” Dan said.

Trixie picked the locket up and looked at the inside. Inscribed on the inside were the names of the other Bob-Whites. “Oh, wow.”

“We figured that no matter where you are, you will have the Bob-Whites with you,” Jim said.

Tears filled Trixie’s eyes. “This is the most perfect gift.” She looked around at them. “Thank you, everyone.”

“You’re welcome,” the chorused.

The music was turned on once again and they all started dancing. As the party continued, Trixie realized she had had the best party in her entire life. This party seemed to push the bad one into the shadows of her mind and she knew that any party in the future would be just as much fun. She had a feeling the fear of being let down again was now gone.

-The End-

Author’s Notes: Once again my esteemed appreciation goes to Amy and Kaye for the edit. I really do appreciate all your hard work.  More thanks goes to Amy for making my site look as good as it does. You definitely rock.

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