Monday soon arrived in its glory as finals week was in full swing, everyone hunkering down with study preparations and papers that needed writing. In my case, I considered myself lucky to even be caught up with my classes (and ahead in two of them), but knew that I needed to stay on top of things since I was getting ready to attend Berman-Dawes Academy in Boston for the next semester. The morning flew without warning as I was working on term papers and studying for incoming exams while also finalizing the paperwork needed for the transfer to my new school.

And now, it was almost time to head home for the day with plans for an early evening as the real exams began on Thursday. "What a day," I breathed, coming out of the library with Serenity and Derrick. "So, how do you guys figure exams will go down?"

"Don't remind me of that," Serenity lamented. "I have Coley for AP American Lit and she's already planning on making everyone recite poetry for the entire exam. And you know damn well that I hate public speaking when it comes to her high-brow behind. One dude totally bombed his exam last year just because he had a sore throat. Not his fault that he had a cold."

"At least you're not taking Yates for Chemistry," Derrick scoffed. "He's doubling down his homework assignments since three weeks ago. And from what I know so far, he's already planning something major all the day. And don't get me started with Slater's AP Econ class with her assigning tests beforehand. My brain's already deep-fried."

I bit back a smile. "Well, we're almost at the home stretch," I assured them. "And besides, the Winter Concert and Formal is coming up so that'll mean time for preparing for the dance and all."

"Let's hope that we'll be sane by then to get our gowns and all that," Serenity replied as we soon reached the entryway of the school. "Coley all but wants to cancel it and make everyone study. If not for the Callaways, she'll be giving out tests and quizzes to keep us zombified."

I laughed softly just before my phone buzzed. "It's Joel and Taylor," I said, answering the call. "Yeah?"

"Demario, come straight home. And bring whoever's with you," I heard Joel say.

I frowned at the seriousness in his voice. "Sure thing," I replied. "I have Serenity and Derrick, so we'll be there in ten." I hung up.

"What's going on?" Serenity wanted to know.

"We gotta head to my place," I said. "Joel didn't elaborate, but it sounded serious."

"We'll take my car," Derrick offered. "The others are already there with Holly since they had half-days."

I nodded as we piled in Derrick's car, not knowing what to expect. I just hoped that nothing was wrong.

******************

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEMARIO!"

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest, surprised and amazed at how the spacious den and living room was tastefully decorated with streamers and balloons as my mega-foster family and friends were gathered together with the sounds of jazz playing on the stereo. "No way," I replied. "I forgot that it was my birthday today."

That was the truth. When dealing with a lot of dynamic shifts and a crummy blood-related family life, you don't think much about birthdays at all.

"Well, it was your aunt Denise's idea since she told us about how your birthdays weren't celebrated lightly," Dr. Nguyen said.

I nodded, sitting down and accepting some lemonade from Noreen. "Sad, but true. Back then, my birthday meant given extra chores and being locked out of the apartment by my mother. If I was extra unfortunate or if my birthday fell on a weekend, I would be locked out for days on end and the Tuckers weren't allowed to take me in, meaning that I would stay at the shelters or the Y until Mom thought I would be needed to wait on my brothers and sisters hand and foot or prepare their special Christmas vacation meals. And I know that I wouldn't be allowed to participate in their holiday celebrations either, meaning that I had to do homework, cleaning, and anything else Mom dictated with threats to have me killed even if I did everything right."

Gianna huffed. "Did I mention that I really hate your momma?" she spat. "Because it's all the more reason to want to head to hell and beat the shit out of her."

"Ditto," Holly commented, eyes narrowed in silts. "How the hell did you survive it all, Demario?"

I shrugged. "Just told myself that it was probably for the best and that I wasn't much of a birthday person. I considered myself lucky to be alive for one more day, much less one more year. And I assured myself that if I should die before I turned eighteen, at least I would be reunited with Grandma and Grandpa in heaven."

Jose shook his head.

Judge McGillivray came forward, a firm look in her eyes. "As I said before, Demario, I would've gladly charged your parents and relatives with neglect and emotional abuse if they were alive and arrested," she said. "And I also said that there's a special place in hell for people of their ilk. They denied you of all the happiness in the past just to ease your mother's guilt of having an illicit affair. If that means showing you love and being a part of their world, then it's much too lethal for your soul. But today's not for thinking about the toxic pasts but to celebrate the joys of tomorrow. Birthdays are meant for celebrating, not mourning."

"Definitely," Taylor said. "Today is a day of happiness, son. And despite finals happening this week, this is a special day for you. So let's let go of the past and have some fun. But remember, it's still a school night and you need rest for tomorrow."

I laughed. "Of course," I hummed.

And for two hours, the party was in full swing as food and drinks flowed all around as even some of the neighbors whom I met before stopped by for well-wishes. And the gifts I received were second to none- CD albums by Duke Ellington, Pat Metheney, Creed, Alicia Keys, and other musicians; a new tablet computer; some designer clothes, gourmet chocolates that I planned to share with Bermudez-Estrada tomorrow (as a thank-you gesture for re-introducing me to music); and other gifts. But the best gift came from Oliver and his uncle alongside my foster dads (and even Denise and Trey though they were still in Phoenix, the former giving birth to two healthy boys named Asim and Alex) as I was surprised with my first car- a stunning Ford Mustang.

Thankfully, I had gotten my driver's license thanks to Mr. Tucker who was the one to teach me to drive, the man and his family giving me a set of books.

All in all, my birthday party...was the first and best one so far.

*******************

"That was a lovely party," I said to Oliver (who was spending the night with his uncle's blessing alongside my foster dads) as he helped me put my birthday gifts away. "I never knew that birthday parties could be something that I can actually enjoy until now."

"Believe it, babe," he said, landing a kiss on my lips. "And like Ms. McGillivray said, your family did you a lot of wrong with not showing you love when you needed it. Birthdays are meant for celebrating, not mourning. And today was one that needed to be celebrated all because you came out of the fires of life like a raging phoenix."

I smiled widely, granting him a kiss of my own. "Thank you," I told him.

"You're welcome, and I have one gift that I want to...personally bless you with. One that I hpe you'll truly enjoy."

We undressed each other and that's when I knew what REAL bliss was. Unfortunately, you'll have to use your imaginations for what we did. A gentleman never kisses and tells, if you get my gist.

Ah, I couldn't help myself to add a fade-to-black steamy moment with Demario and Oliver. Short, yet sinfully sweet! I love it so much!

Up next, Demario's treated to lunch by Zoe and Valerie and they talk about how they reacted to his suicide attempt that fateful day. Don't go away!

Dedication: Eldah_Tee.

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