Arthur hated going into the dusty shed in his back yard, but he went in anyway to get the red, white and blue lawn chairs and the tricolor-ed table. He had to take them quite a distance due to the final location of where he wanted them: his secret garden. Having a huge backyard had its advantages and this one allowed him a place to quietly read and have his tea. It was also a place to hang out with his friend Alfred on the weekends. After dragged the chairs and table, he cleaned them until they were spotless, while working up a sweat.

"I better hurry," Arthur said to himself as he checked his watch. 5:45. Almost time. Arthur didnt have much to do now except buy snacks which wouldn't take long.

On his way to the store, he looked into Alfred's back yard. Red, white and blue balloons were everywhere, barbeque was being cooked by Mr. Jones, and fourth of July decorations littered the Jones backyard. A stereo was playing some sort of rock and roll and, not too far from it, he saw Alfred sitting alone with his brother, Matthew.

"Don't worry Alfred. Its not loo late," Matthew's quiet voice tried to soothe his brother, but it was no anvil. Arthur had to work faster. He ran to the general store and quickly ran home while taking a shortcut.

Every year this happened, and Arthur expected that Alfred would learn something from all of this. Every year, Alfred would make such a big deal of his birthday, saying that is was going to be the biggest party of the summer. Invitations would go out before school ended and Alfred would end the academic year in high hopes that people would come. Arthur would sometimes leave school later than he did and that day, he saw he invitations littering the school ground without a care. Every year, Alfred decorated his back yard and would spend the whole day waiting until Arthur came over. After Arthur's arrival, it was clear to Alfred that no one else would be coming and they would sit and watch the fireworks on television because Alfred would be to depressed to watch them outside.

This year, Arthur had something planned. He didnt want to watch his best friend mope around on his birthday and even though he couldn't give him the biggest extravaganza that he hoped for, Arthur could at least make his birthday meaningful.

After setting out the chips and the drinks he bought, Arthur walked to the gate that connected their houses. Alfred and Matthew were surprised to see him, but then Alfred began to look more upset.

"Come on, Mattie. We're going inside to watch the fireworks," Alfred got up sluggishly.

"Nope, not this year," Arthur walked over to Mr. Jones, who prepared sausages for the boys, "we're going to my house."

"Why?" Alfred looked without hope. He couldn't believe no body came and now Arthur was practically kicking him out of his own backyard.

"Come on, let's go. I trust you'll be joining us, huh Matthew?"

"Of course," Matthew was already in the Kirkland's yard with Mr. Kumajiro.

Arthur dragged Alfred to the chairs and sat him down.

"My you bloody mess. Belt up, its your birthday and if you dont cheer up, I'll make you," Alfred lifted his head. He knew Arthur wasn't lying; last time Arthur sprayed him with water and he didnt want that again.

"What are we here for?" Alfred asked as he watched his friend lounge in his red chair.

"Look up, wanker," Arthur said with a smile.

Alfred looked up and saw a flower in the sky, fireworks to be exact. His eyes were captured by the multiple flowers that began to spring up. They were all different colours and shapes. Along with the flowers, he saw stars and an American flag waving proudly.

"You wanted me to see the fireworks show?"

"Yes, in person this year though," Arthur's green eyes were fixated on the sky. Matthew held Mr. Kumajiro tightly as his own eyes filled with wonder.

"Happy Birthday Alfie."

"Happy birthday, git."

"Happy Fourth of July, guys, and thank you."

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July and happy birthday America aka Alfred F. Jones. You're my hero!

Thank you for reading!