As soon as Jess and Doug arrived home after leaving Louise's house, Doug got out of the car without a word.  When Jess got out, she refused to look at him but she could tell he was heading to the front door instead of the kitchen like they normally did.  Before she'd made it very far down the drive, she heard the front door slam shut, but she didn't care. 

Doug's silence in the car on the ride home had let her know he was still angry about having to go to Dwyer's Drugs, but she was just as angry at him.  Even though he hadn't ruined the day for Louise, thanks to Jess keeping her from noticing his behavior, he'd still ruined it for her.  This was the first time she'd been able to have an outing with a friend since she'd moved there, and it was going to be a long time before she forgave him.

When she entered the kitchen, she smelled ham baking in the oven and Annie was at the table cutting up peeled potatoes.

"Hi, Jess!" she said, her face lighting up.  "Did you have fun with your friend?"

"Uh, yeah!  We had a swell time!" she answered, trying her best to sound convincing.

She knew Doug had acted the way he did because of what had happened between Annie and Mr. Dwyer's son.  Judging by how uncomfortable Annie had been when Jess had questioned her about it in the past, she knew Annie wouldn't welcome it being brought up now.  And besides, there was no point in making her feel bad for being the cause of Doug's bad behavior.

"Did she like the books?"

"She loved them," Jess said with a smile, going to give her a hug.

"That's good.  Where's Doug?" 

"Uh, I guess he's too full to want a snack."

"Oh, are you full too?  I was going to fix your basket but if you're not hungry –."

"No!  I mean, I will be," Jess insisted, thinking fast.  "I just had a little ice cream."  And then she cringed inside, realizing she'd practically given away where they'd gone with Louise.  She kept her smile going, praying Annie didn't put ice cream and the soda fountain at Dwyer's together in her mind.

"Oh, alright," Annie replied, turning back to her potatoes and Jess slumped with relief.  "Why don't you get changed and I'll get started on it in just a second."

"Thanks, Annie," she said heading for the stairs, grateful the conversation was over.

Once she was in her room, she changed into her outdoor clothes, already feeling better.  After all the tension that afternoon between her, Doug, and Marty, she would soon be at the cabin where she could relax in Marty's peaceful presence. 

When she reached the clearing, she wasn't surprised the front door of the cabin was closed since Marty had been delayed making his deliveries.  After she let herself in, she went straight to the kitchen and began setting out the food, knowing the extra time he'd be taking would mean he'd be even more hungry than usual.  Just as she was putting the last of the food on the table, she heard a quiet, "Hi, Jess."  Smiling as she looked up, her heart leapt with joy seeing Marty smiling back at her.

"Hi, Marty," she said, walking into the living room.  They grinned at each other for a long moment, not saying anything, and then he shook his head.

"What happened today?" he asked with a bemused expression.

"I don't know," Jess laughed, the tension in her shoulders finally relaxing. 

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming to the drug store?"

"I didn't know!" she asserted.  "Louise sprung it on me at the last minute."  Then his smile fell and his face darkened.

"Your cousin's a real piece of work," he muttered, passing her on the way to the kitchen.

"I can't believe he acted like that," she said, following him.  "I'm sorry, Marty."

"Why are you apologizing for him?" Marty asked angrily as he pumped the handle at the sink.  "He's the one who was an ass." 

Jess felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, watching Marty take a drink from the spigot.  She was angry at Doug too, but she didn't like hearing Marty call him a name.

"It wasn't right for him to be like that, but I think I know why he did it," she said, feeling the need to speak up for Doug.  "I don't know what happened between Annie and Mr. Dwyer's son, but I think she told him.  That's why he was so angry – because he cares about Annie."  Marty wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, studying her with a frown for a moment, and then he shrugged. 

"I reckon," he said, going to his stool at the table. 

From his sober expression, Jess got the impression he was still unconvinced, but she was grateful the topic was closed.  From Marty's perspective, it must have seemed that Doug acted that way because he was still sore about Marty trespassing on their property.  The last thing she wanted was for Marty to be reminded of that awful day, or for any bad feelings over Doug to come between them. 

"So I guess we're going to be having a celebration on Sunday," Jess said, quickly changing the topic while Marty unwrapped a sandwich.

"Will we?" he asked, looking up, a smirk spreading across his face. 

"Of course we will!" she insisted, unable to keep from smiling.  "You said it's your birthday."

"Maybe I lied," he said, and then took an enormous bite.

"Marty!  You did not lie!" she said, reaching across the table to grab his arm, but he was ready for her and leaned back out of reach.  "Don't try to get out of it now!" she warned.  He laughed, his eyes twinkling with humor. 

"I was just teasing.  You're so easy," he added, shaking his head.

"Nice try, but I didn't buy it for a minute.  We're having a birthday party on Sunday."

"If you say so," he said, taking another enormous bite, but his eyes were sparkling.

She took a text book and opened it so she could start on homework, but now that the topic of Marty's birthday had come up, she couldn't help thinking about it.  He probably hadn't had a real birthday celebration since his mom had died.   After all those years, she wanted to make sure he had a nice party, a celebration that would make up for all the ones he'd missed.  Pretending to read while Marty ate, she began making plans.

Later that afternoon, when she let herself into the kitchen, she was pleased to see Annie at the stove.  Setting the basket on the counter, she approached her.

"What's that?" she asked, peering into a pot Annie was stirring with a whisk.

"It's red eye gravy.  You should wash up.  I expect your uncle will be home soon."

"Yes, ma'am," Jess said, and then added while she kept her eyes on the whisk, "I had a question, though.  I was thinking I'd like to do some baking – tomorrow."

"Oh?" Annie asked distractedly as she took the whisk out.

"Yeah, I've been feeling like I want to make something, like cupcakes."

"What flavor?" Annie asked, taking a gravy boat from a cabinet. 

"Uh, chocolate – with vanilla icing?"

"That should be fine.  You can be in charge of dessert tomorrow.  Oh!  There's your uncle," she said, looking towards the window, and Jess turned around just in time to see James driving the black car into the garage.  "You better hurry!"

"Yes, ma'am.  Thanks!" Jess exclaimed, while Annie rushed to pour the gravy into the gravy boat.

Running up the back stairs, she was happy she'd managed to get one part of Marty's birthday celebration taken care of, but that left another, very important part.  While she kicked off her shoes and pulled off her shirt to change for dinner, she wondered again whether she should give him a gift.

After seeing how badly he'd reacted to his Christmas present, she questioned whether it was a good idea at all.  If he got upset, it would ruin his birthday, and that was the last thing she wanted to do.  But when she thought about celebrating Marty's birthday without giving him a present, she felt terrible.  Gifts were part of what made birthday's fun.  It wouldn't feel like a real birthday celebration if she didn't get him something.

But then there was the problem of how to actually acquire one.  It wasn't like she could go into town, or give Annie a list like she'd done for Louise's books.  She knew Annie would figure out something was up, and that was a can of worms she didn't want to take a chance on opening. 

Getting Marty a store bought gift was probably a terrible idea, she decided finally.  If she was going to give him a present, it was would be best if it was something she made.  Then it would be more meaningful, like the wooden cat Marty had given her.  She treasured that little carved cat even though she kept it stashed in the drawer with her old toys.  Sighing as she finished pulling on her school dress, she just hoped she'd be able to figure it out in time to actually get something made before Sunday morning. 

Walking through the hallway on her way to the stairs, Doug's bedroom door opened, but she refused to look at him, still angry for how he'd acted at the soda fountain earlier that day.  Hearing his footsteps behind her, she wondered if he was going to try to explain himself, but he said nothing.  Maybe he didn't think he'd done anything wrong, she fumed as she set off down the stairs, or maybe he didn't care.  But she knew one thing for certain, until he apologized, she wasn't going to speak to him either.

Uncle Jonathon looked up when she walked in, his usual sour expression lightening as soon as Doug came into view.  She went to her seat mumbling a greeting and kept her head down while he asked Doug about his day.

"It was alright," Doug answered quietly while Annie came in with a plate of biscuits and the gravy boat. 

"That's fine, son," Uncle Jonathon said heartily, holding his hand out for Doug's plate. 

While he filled it with ham slices, mashed potatoes, and green beans he began telling Doug about what had happened at the business that day.  Jess made a point of not looking at Doug when she handed over her plate and when she began eating, the sound of her uncle's voice faded into the background as her thoughts returned to the problem of Marty's birthday present.

~

"Jess made dessert tonight," Annie said with pride, placing a plate with cupcakes on the table between her, Uncle Jonathon, and Doug that Saturday evening.  "Don't they look good?"

Uncle Jonathon made a noncommittal noise in his throat and Doug was as silent as he'd been every time Jess had seen him since the previous night's dinner, but she barely noticed.  Examining the chocolate cupcakes with fluffy white icing with a smile, she imagined Marty's expression when she placed the remaining ones in front of him at the cabin.  She just knew he was going to love them.  And then she noticed Annie was walking out of the room.

"Oh, Annie," Jess said quickly, stopping her.  "I wondered if I could get something from you.  I need a needle and thread – to repair a seam in one of my school dresses."

Uncle Jonathon's head snapped up and Jess felt his harsh glare on her, no doubt angry she'd damaged her clothing, but she kept her eyes firmly on Annie who was standing at the swinging door.  Annie immediately looked worried, noticing Uncle Jonathon's reaction but when he leaned forward and took a cupcake without saying anything, she visibly relaxed.

"Of course, Jess," she said kindly.  "Come see me when you're done eating."

"Yes, ma'am."  

She tried to hide her relief as she helped herself to a cupcake.  She knew it was a gamble to bring it up at the dinner table, but she needed the needle and thread to make Marty's gift and it was the only way to keep Annie from asking too many questions.  Her uncle wouldn't approve of Annie lingering in the dining room to talk about it while they were still eating.    

When they'd finished, Jess started gathering dirty dishes while Uncle Jonathon got up to leave.  She suspected it was going to take a while to make Marty's present and she was anxious to get what she needed from Annie right away.  She hoped if she helped Annie get a head start on cleaning up, she wouldn't make Jess wait.

"Jess," Doug said, and she looked up.  He was still sitting at the table, his blue eyes sad and troubled.  "I wanted to talk to you – about the other day."  Anger immediately rose up in her.  Was he really going to bring this up now? 

"It'll have to wait, Doug.  I'm busy," she snapped, and walked through the swinging door, with a stack of dishes. 

Once in the butler's pantry, she stopped and blew out her breath.  She couldn't believe he'd waited so long to explain himself.  It made her doubt whether he was even sincere, and then her eyes fell on a drawer.  That was where Annie kept odds and ends, including a box of birthday candles.  Did she dare take one?  Surely Annie wouldn't notice if just one was missing.

"All done?" Annie asked, and she stepped into the kitchen before Annie wondered what she was doing.

"Yes, ma'am," she answered, and Annie came forward to take the dishes from her.

"I'll get my sewing basket, okay?"

"Okay." 

She set them on the counter next to the sink, then went in her bedroom.  Jess looked over the shoulder at the butler's pantry.  Should she do it now?

"What color do you need, pumpkin?" Annie asked, reappearing from her room, and Jess faced forward with her heart pounding in her chest. 

"Uh, I'm not sure," she replied, going to the small table by the window where Annie had set the basket.  Maybe it was too much of a risk to even try?  She looked inside the basket, trying to decide among the different colored spools.

"Oh, never mind," Annie said easily.  "Just take the basket so you can match the thread to your dress.  Here are the needles and scissors," she said pointing to a paper packet and darning sheers tucked in on one side.  "Do you need any help?"

"No, thank you.  I know how to sew.  Cora taught me."

"Well, if you do need any help, just let me know.  Good night, pumpkin," she finished, giving Jess a hug, and Jess hugged her back, squeezing her eyes shut as she suddenly felt guilty.  Would there ever be a time when she didn't have to lie to Annie? 

Once in her room with the door closed, she sat on the bed and set the basket beside her, eager to start so she could focus on something positive.  Opening it, she looked at all the colors.  A deep green caught her eye, reminding her of the leaves of the forest trees, and she picked it up.  Then she spied a beautiful blue that was the exact shade of the water in the pond.  Holding the spools in either hand, she tried to decide with one to use, and then smiled as she came to a decision.  Why not use both? 

Taking a needle from the paper packet, she threaded it with the blue thread and began.  Three hours later, she yawned and stretched the kinks out of her back, relieved to finally be done.  Quickly changing into pajamas, she climbed into bed and looked at Marty's gift one last time before she turned off the light.  It wasn't exactly perfect like she'd pictured it in her mind, but she'd done her best and all in all, it didn't look bad.  She just hoped Marty liked it.

The Sunday morning sunshine woke her, and she stretched, feeling a nervous thrill run through her.  It was finally Marty's special day, and so much of it rested on her doing everything right.  First she needed to make sure she had the cupcakes when she left without Annie becoming suspicious, and then she had to give Marty his gift in a way that made sure he accepted it.

She dressed quickly, then took the sewing basket down the back stairs, breathing in the smell of sausages and hearing Annie's usual country radio station playing.

"Good morning!" Annie sang out cheerfully from the stove.  "Did you get your dress fixed?"

"Yes, ma'am," Jess said, giving her a quick hug.

"Have a seat and I'll get your eggs ready."

Jess sat at the table and sipped her orange juice, looking at the woods beyond the garage.  She could feel the nerves building, but she tried to remain calm.  She was going to do everything right and Marty was going to have a good birthday, she told herself.

"Going out as usual?" Annie asked, placing a plate in front of Jess.

"Yes."

"I'll pack your basket then."

While Annie went back to the stove, humming along to a song, Jess picked up her fork and debated whether to bring up the cupcakes.  If Annie didn't pack them, it would ruin part of her carefully made plans.  She had to have those cupcakes or it wouldn't be a real celebration.  But she didn't want to make Annie wonder what was going on by insisting on them.  Annie would probably end up including them in her lunch, she decided finally.  And if she didn't, Jess would just have to figure out how to deal with it.

Once she was finished eating, she left Annie and went back to her room to gather her school books.  When she had everything ready, she pulled Marty's gift out from under her pillow.  Hoping once more he would like it, she tucked it into the back pocket of her shorts.  Walking down the stairs into the silent kitchen, she saw the basket on the counter.  Lifting the cloth off, she was relieved to see the cupcakes had been packed.

Looking around the empty kitchen, she wondered if she should take the chance of getting a candle when Annie could walk in at any moment and catch her.  Taking a deep breath, she set down the books, and made her way to the butler's pantry.  She kept her ears open to any sounds, but all she heard was her own heart pounding. 

Opening the drawer, she rifled through it until she located the box.  More than half of them were already gone, a good thing she decided.  Surely Annie wouldn't remember the exact number.  Pulling one out, she put the box back and eased the drawer closed, listening hard.  With the candle secreted in her fist, she quickly returned to the counter and tucked it inside the basket.  Once she was outside, she finally felt like she could breathe again, and set off down the drive smiling broadly. 

When she reached the clearing, she was happy to see the front door open, and she ran the rest of the way.

"Happy birthday, Marty!" she said when she crossed the threshold.  Marty stood from a chair in front of the stone fireplace where he'd been whittling a piece of wood.

"Hey, Jess."

"You're sixteen today!  Do you feel any older?"

"No!" he barked out laughing. 

"Well, I hope you're ready for a party," she said with a grin.

"I'm ready to eat.  Does that count?" 

"Yes, it counts," she laughed.

While he watched, she took out their food and set it on the table in the kitchen, but she was careful to keep the dishtowel over the cupcakes so he wouldn't see.  Once she was done, she set the basket on the counter and they each took their seats.  Taking in what Annie had packed, Jess was glad to see many of Marty's favorites.  He looked happy too, and didn't hesitate to pick up a thick ham sandwich.

When he leaned back, looking satisfied after eating the last pickle, Jess knew it was time.  She stood and retrieved the box of matches Marty used to light the cook stove then opened the dish towel.  Making sure Marty couldn't see what she was doing, she carefully unwrapped the cupcakes and took one out.  Setting the candle in the center, she struck a match and lit it.  Turning around, she began singing 'Happy Birthday'.  At first Marty's eyes widened, but then he laughed as she continued the song.  When reached the end with the final "Happy birthday to youuu," she set it in front of him.

"Make a wish!"  He looked up at her with amusement.

"You want me to do what?"

"Come on, Marty!  Don't be difficult.  You know what you're supposed to do."

"Alright, alright," he laughed, then closed his eyes.  After a moment, he opened them and blew out the candle.  "Okay, you can sit now," he said, giving her a gentle push but he wouldn't meet her eyes.  Seeing his face turn red just before she went to get the basket, she wondered if she'd embarrassed him.

She set out the rest of the cupcakes, then joined Marty in eating them.  When the last one was gone, Jess knew it was time for his present.  Reaching into the back pocket of her shorts, the tension in her body increased.  She just hoped the next few minutes went smoothly. 

"I don't want you to get mad at me," she said, taking her hand out and moving it under the table.  "But I have something for you.  It's a birthday present."  She was dismayed when the smile dropped from his face and his expression darkened. 

"I don't want you to buy me things," he muttered, his shoulders curving inward.

"I didn't buy it.  I made it," she replied firmly. 

She took her closed hand out from under the table, and held it out to him fingers down, but he didn't move, keeping his eyes on hers.  She could see him trying to decide what to do and she gave him time, hoping he would make the right decision.  He dropped his head, looking at her hand with a frown, and then he slowly held his palm out. 

She placed the present in his hand and he studied it quizzically as it partially unfolded.  Then he opened it fully, holding it in both hands with his head down.  While she waited, her heart sped up and her anxiety rose.  This was exactly how he'd looked just before he'd rejected her Christmas gift, and then he lifted his head. 

"You made a handkerchief?" he asked mischievously, his eyes twinkling and the corners of his mouth twitching. 

"No, silly," she laughed with relief.  "It's one of mine.  I embroidered it."  He dropped his head to hide his smile.

"I know," he said quietly, running his finger over the stitching where she'd embroidered his initials, 'M C' in dark green and heavily outlined them with blue. 

"I like it.  I like it a lot," he said, and then gazed up at her through his lashes, his brown eyes saying so much more than his simple words. 

There was a depth of emotion in them, gratitude, happiness, but also something else.  He wanted to hug her, she could see it, and she suddenly felt it too, that pull to go to him and put her arms around him.  While their eyes were locked, the air around them was still and quiet, but it was charged with all the emotions going back and forth between them.  All she wanted to do was bury her face in his neck and forget about the world while he held her in his arms, but she knew it would be a mistake. 

"I – I'm really glad you like it, Marty," she said, finally tearing her eyes away from his. 

She gathered wax paper and the paper baking cups left over from the cupcakes, squeezing them into a tight ball, and he stood and left the kitchen.  She sighed, her happiness evaporating, but she stayed where she was, putting the remains of their lunch in the basket.

"Should we get started on some reading?" he asked, setting their books on the table.

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea," she said brightly without looking at him, and gratefully took a chemistry book.

While she opened it and turned the pages, he sat opposite her and reached for his own book.  She found the chapter they were supposed to be studying and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, determined to forget about what happened by cramming facts in her head.  Then just out of the corner of her vision she noticed Marty folding the handkerchief so that the corner with his initials were showing.  He set it beside his open book where he could see it, and Jess immediately felt better.  Trying not to smile, she focused on the words in front of her.

When it was time for her to go home, she gathered up her school books and then Marty stepped out of the cabin with her.  While he walked beside her across the clearing, his hands in his pockets, she slowed her steps, wanting to draw out the last moments of her time with him.  Reaching the trees, she stopped and turned towards him.  He dropped his head and began digging the toe of his shoe in the grass.

"The whole – birthday – it was good," he mumbled, and then he lifted his head.  "You did a lot for me," he added, sounding surprised, and she couldn't believe it.

"Well, yeah, Marty.  I wanted it to be special for you."

"Why?" he asked, searching her eyes, and she could tell he really didn't know.  Without thinking, she reached out with her free hand and took his.

"Because you deserve it, Marty.  That's why," she said sincerely. 

He examined her for a long moment, still struggling to believe her, and then his eyes changed as he understood.  Letting out a deep breath, his head dropped.  She expected him to say something, but instead his breathing deepened, and she could clearly see he was becoming emotional.  Dropping his hand, she didn't hesitate gave him a one armed hug, pressing herself against his chest.  He put his arms around her, holding her tight and lowered his head, pressing his face into her hair. 

While she waited for him to get back in control, she closed her eyes, enjoying being close to him again after such a long time.  Feeling his soft t-shirt moving against her cheek as he continued to breathe deeply, she turned her face, burrowing into it and taking in his familiar musky boy smell, and then she opened her eyes.  What was she doing?  Marty needed her right now, she reminded herself firmly.  If she let herself get carried away and he picked up on it, he might act on it, and then she'd have to hurt him.  She didn't ever want to do that to him again.

He let go of her and she took a step back, looking up in his brown eyes with worry, wondering what she'd see, but he seemed at peace.  She smiled at him with relief and he smiled back.

"Thanks, kid," he said, his smile changing to the wily grin.

"You're welcome," she replied wryly, deciding to ignore his teasing.

"See ya at school tomorrow."

"Yep, I'll see you then."

Turning away from him, she entered the woods and began walking home, feeling happy and proud.  Marty had gotten a very good birthday.

****

I really hope you enjoyed Marty's birthday as much as Marty and Jess did!  I'm sorry this chapter was so long in coming, but I took my time writing it because I wanted very much for it to be a special day for them, and for you.  What do you think of Jess's gift?  What do you think Marty wished for?  And what about his reaction to everything she did?  Will she forgive Doug for his actions?  Will he come clean about what was going on with him?  Let me know what you think!

The picture is 16 year old Johnny Crawford, aka Marty.  The song is the classic Sixteen Candles by The Crests.  If you liked this chapter, please consider giving it a vote!