Hell on Earth

Chapter Fifty Four - Cynthia's Birthday

Cynthia woke up to a loud sound and sunlight hitting her eyes unexpectedly.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" a chorus of voices shouted.

"Morning," Cynthia said as she sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She looked at everyone in front of her. Her mother had managed to round up Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max, Will, and El. Lucas and Mike were holding a banner that read 'happy 18th birthday.' There were drawings of her machete, notebooks, and her red car. It was clearly drawn by Will.

"Get dressed and come out," her mother told her. "We have breakfast ready."

Everyone filed out. Cynthia couldn't help but smile at the effort. It really meant a lot to her that everyone was coming together for her birthday. She rolled out of bed. She threw on some jeans, one of Eddie's cut-off t-shirts, and her jean jacket. She threw her hair up into a messy bun and headed out to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, everyone was gathered around the table. There was a stack of waffles at the head of the table with a burning candle.

"Happy birthday to you," everyone sang to her. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear, Cynthia." Mike and Dustin drug her name out in an out of tune fashion. "Happy birthday to you."

Cynthia blew out the candle.

I wish that I can just be happy with my family and friends.

Everyone cheered as the candle extinguished. Then, everyone started to dig into the breakfast feast.

"What did you wish for?" Max asked.

"If I told you, it wouldn't come true," Cynthia laughed.

"Why would it not come true?" El asked as she cocked her head to the side.

Mike looked at her, "It's just a silly tradition."

"No it's not," Cynthia said. "It's one hundred percent true all the time."

Lucas nodded along with her, "It's totally true."

"You're only saying that because she drives you everywhere," Mike rolled his eyes.

"No, he's saying it because it's true," Max said.

"Thoughts, Will?" Cynthia asked as she looked at him.

"It's not not true," Will said as he picked at his breakfast.

"If you say it, it won't come true," El said.

"Looks like you've lost this argument, Mikie," Cynthia teased as she took a sip of chocolate milk.

"So, are you ready for your presents?" Dustin asked.

"Dustin, you didn't have to get me anything," she looked at all the kids. "None of you did."

"Of course we did," Dustin smiled at her.

All the kids ran out of the dining room to the kitchen counter. They all came back with their hands full of either wrapped packages or cards. They all placed them in front of her.

She opened the one from Max and Lucas first. It was little charm of a roller skate that she could hang on her rearview mirror. Mike and El handed her a nice card. She smiled as she saw the poorly drawn stick figure. Will's gift was a drawing of her with the kids. Finally, she opened Dustin's gift. It was a little charm of a big bear and a little bear on a choker. He didn't have to say anything: she knew what it represented.

"Thank you guys," Cynthia smiled at them. "Thank you so much." She stood up. "Bring it in."

All of the kids rushed in and hugged her. Cynthia smiled as she held them close. Then, she saw her mother carrying another wrapped package.