I used to think that England was cold all year round.

But the sun and heat of the July weather proved me wrong. Of course, summer here wasn't as hot as the dry season in Ghana. But the clearness of the blue sky and the relief of cool drinks and ice cream were the same.The summer in England made things very different from the winter.

The neighborhood seemed more lively, with more kids coming out to play and more people going for a relaxing walk. The music of the ice cream van confused me when I first heard it, and I thought it was for little babies with its childish rhythm, as they didn't simply honk a horn on a bicycle as the ice cream men did back in Ghana.

The trees were also full and green now. Some of the bushes even grew berries, which I had no idea about back in the winter. Summer time definitely seemed to bring things more to life.

"Here we are. The castle of doom," Beatrice announced, when we arrived outside of Amber's large house, which was already decorated at the front with balloons and banners saying "AMMIE'S SWEET 13".

The sound of kids' laughter and chatter, as well as a mix of loud music was coming from the back of the house, and it was only then that it struck me that I was actually going to a party...

...For the first time in my entire life.

Beatrice rang the doorbell, and I stiffened when a random kid opened it, realising this party was going to be full of strangers.

Anxiety began to build up inside of me. Why was I feeling so nervous? It was just a party. But with so many people. I took a deep breath. Chill out, Jemimah. Stop being paranoid over nothing.

You're free now.You're allowed to do this.

I followed my friends inside, which was almost empty since most of the party guests were outside. We passed the dining table which was piled in a huge mountain of gifts.

"What present did you bring"? Beatrice asked.

"None," I said, looking over at Aki, who gave us both an annoyed look. He took out a small parcel from his pocket and placed it in the pile, then folded his arms and stared at us.

"I know I know, we should've brought one," I sighed, then elbowed Beatrice.

"I know," Beatrice rummaged around in her cardigan pocket and took out a fresh packet of mentos. "This is why you need to bring food everywhere you go".

She placed the mentos on the pile, and Aki immediately took it back.

"RUDE," Beatrice yelled.

Do you want me to die? That's an insult to both Amber and her whole group, and I'll be the one paying for the consequences.

He signed. We both looked at him blankly. He rolled his eyes. Fine, my gift will just be from all of us.

Beatrice and I gave him grateful but guilty smiles, before we all went out into the garden.

The music boomed loudly, as a bunch of kids and a few adults set up the tables and chairs, some blowing up the last of the balloons."Why put balloons around a pool? That's the dumbest thing I've ever seen," Beatrice whispered, and I nodded in agreement.

It was still decorating time, but there were already so many people.

"AKIIII," a high pitched squeal came from behind us, and Amber lunged forward, throwing her arms around Aki.

She actually looked pretty. Her usually straight blonde hair was now in large bouncy curls that were tied in a high ponytail, the top being braided with two bright red butterflies on either side of her head. She wore a velvet red swimsuit dress, edged with gold rhinestones that glimmered more brightly when the sun caught it.

I hated the feeling of envy that was building up inside of me as she chattered away to Aki, her arms still wrapped around his neck.

"Get your hands off him". Beatrice scolded her, and Amber gave her a slightly disgusted look.

I elbowed her. "Beatrice! Remember what I said," I hissed.

Beatrice sighed. "I mean, happy birthday, Amber". She said dryly before turning to me. "I hate that she gets to do that".

Aki shot Beatrice a glare, as Amber slowly removed her arms from around him. He sighed,then signed something that I couldn't understand, but Beatrice gave him a dirty look back, as he put the bag of towels in her arms, and followed Amber towards the banner that was being put up.

"Wow, good job so far, Bea," I clapped for her, sarcastically, even though she managed a social situation better than me, "What happened to watching him from a distance and letting him make his own decision"?

"Well excuse ME for being annoyed that she was all over him. I'm surprised you aren't". Beatrice muttered.

"What did he say to you"?

"He said it's her birthday, so I should keep my thoughts to myself. And that he was going to help decorate so I should stay out of the way".

"What"?

"I know! It's like as soon as AMBER comes he automatically thinks he's better than us". She narrowed her eyes at the two of them chatting. "He better not keep that up, else he's gonna get it from me".

I watched the two of them, too. They looked quite happy, as Amber gushed over the poster he had made for her, and then showed him how they were doing the decorations. She took his hand and led him to the box of decorating tools.

"You think...she might change him"? I asked Beatrice, who looked at me seriously.

"Hanging out with the popular kids always changes you". Beatrice replied, gravely.

"This is school stuff we're talking about. Of course there's gonna be drama".