Maya burst through the door, a large smile on her face. I never understood how she was so happy all the time, but it made me admire how strong and free she was. She let nothing hold her back.

“I can’t wait Lo!” She sang, walking across our room. She wasn’t using her magic to see at all. We kept everything in the house in the same place so she didn’t have to, just in case the Weres ever searched it.

“It’s just a party.” I said, rolling my eyes. She put her hands on her hips, her eyes moving to the area I was. It wasn’t that I didn’t like parties or was anti-social. I just made sure to keep everyone at a distance. It was easier that way. No one would get hurt by me if they always stayed at arm’s length. Only my siblings were able to get inside my walls.

“It’s not just a party. It’s our party!” She exclaimed, giggling.

“Keep everyone out of the barn.” Spenser said, walking in and setting her book bag down. This time it was Maya who rolled her eyes, though playfully.

“Of course I will.” She said, sitting on the edge of her bed, Max jumping up to curl beside her. “I invited some more people, I just felt so bad that they had been left out. Plus, they were my friends.”

“More people?” I asked, “Maya, you’re friends with the entire school. We don’t have room for everyone. You can’t keep inviting people.”

“I know, but I wish I could.” She frowned. She truly was one of the most popular kids in school. Everyone loved her, and she loved everyone.

“Whatever, I’ll be down in the basement, so it’s not like I’ll have to deal with everyone.” Spenser said, pulling out her homework. Anytime we had any kind of gathering besides close friends and family she went down to the basement. Unlike me, Spenser really was anti-social. I’m pretty sure she’s never talked to anyone outside of our family and close friends unless absolutely necessary.

“There’s going to be lights, and a DJ, and delicious food…” Maya rambled on in the background. Just before I could turn my attention back to the article I had been reading about the rise of the Resistance and how the government was going about dealing with it, Silven poked his head in.

“Hey, Juniper’s parents changed their minds. She’s coming.” He said to Maya. “Oh, and mom and dad want ya’ll in the living room.” As he shut the door the three of us looked to each other. Spenser shrugged and stood up, walking out the door. Maya and I followed behind.

Mom smiled at us. “Hello birthday girls.” She said with a smile.

“Our birthday isn’t until tomorrow.” Spenser pointed out, taking a seat on the couch.

“Oh, really? I thought it was today.” She teased. Daddy chuckled beside her and winked at me. I just smiled and rolled my eyes. I loved my parents, but sometimes they could be so weird.

“Spenser, Logan, we decided to give you your birthday presents tonight, since technically, your birthdays fall just after midnight. Maya, yours is the party of course, and we can’t move that date up for you.” Our father said with a smile. Maya nodded back, excited as ever about the party. Mom and dad stood up and we followed them out to the front yard.

“Happy Birthday!” They exclaimed, smiles wide on their faces. Spenser and I gasped, seeing the two cars on the lawn.

“What is it?” Maya asked, excited for us.

“We got our own cars!” Spenser exclaimed, running over to hers. Maya followed me to mine.

“What does it look like?” Maya asked, running her hands across the smooth metal.

“It’s dark green, like the lilies on the pond. The details are in black. It’s a little hatchback, five seats.” I smiled. It was a wonderful car. Not too big, not too small. Daddy came up to me and pulled me into a hug.

“Happy birthday, sunshine.” He whispered, using my childhood nickname. “Here are the keys. Hop in and you can drive me around.” He said, opening the passenger door.

“Maya, do you want to come?” I asked her, walking to the driver’s side. A frown came over her soft face.

“No, I’ve got homework. Sissy,” She paused, biting her lip. “Be careful.” With that, mom took her indoors while Spenser got into her car to check it out. Mom was likely coming out to drive with her once she got Maya inside.