Alexis rolled over in bed. She blinked and stared at her clock. It read 12:01 am. But she could swear she heard her cell phone ring. She sat up and looked at the phone on the desk. The screen glowed green and Daniel Powter's voice sang 'Bad Day' softly until she finally got up and flipped the cell open.
"Hello?" she answered quietly. Who would call her this time of night? The three voices that answered told her.
Chazz, Zane, and Atticus sang:
"Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Lexi,
Happy birthday to you!"
"Oh my God…" Alexis groaned embarrassedly through the song. They burst into laughter when she asked, "Will you guys ever grow up?"
The silence on the other end answered her question.
"Do you know what time it is?" she asked, laying back down.
"Time for you to turn sixteen!" Chazz said. Lexi could hear the smile in his voice.
"Yeah, you finally caught up to us," Zane said.
"Happy birthday little sister!" Atticus laughed.
"Atticus, where are you?" Alexis asked.
"Driving home."
"Mom said not to drive and use the phone."
"Aw, come on Lex!"
"I'm gonna tell her!"
"Don't do that…"
"We'll talk tomorrow bro."
"It was an emergency…"
"Tomorrow." Alexis repeated.
"I got you a present…" he added feebly.
"Tomorrow Atticus!" she snapped.
He hung up.
Chazz snickered. He muttered something about taking orders from a girl.
"Chazz, does your mom know you're up this late?" Alexis asked curtly.
There was a sharp click as Chazz disconnected too. The wrath of a woman was bad, but the wrath of a mother was worse.
"Wow, you sure know how to spoil a party…" Zane said softly.
"I don't remember asking for one." Alexis reminded him.
"If it'll get me in less trouble," Zane pointed out, "This was Chazz's idea."
"Why does that not surprise me…" she mumbled.
"Sorry we woke you…" Zane apologized, always the gentleman.
"It's OK," Alexis smiled, "I like to hear from you idiots once in a while."
"So, happy sweet sixteen?" Zane asked hesitantly.
"Thanks," Lexi blushed.
"See you at school, birthday girl," Zane laughed.
"OK," Lexi said good-bye and hung up. She smiled and lay the phone down. With the same smile she thought of Chazz and Zane and her brother. How much they cared. They'd made it into a very happy birthday.
(Hey Kris, I'll send you the link for part three since it's not working here. Happy birthday! Call me.)