Surprises

     “Jenny, she’s driving me crazy! All week she’s been complaining about how unfair it is Philip hasn’t clarified how he feels, and I think she’s seriously fixated on that poor waitress from the restaurant.” Alyssa complained to Jenny. Lately Jenny Hans t really had too much time to chat and finally she got her on the line after school on Friday. 

     “Well, I guess I can see where she’s coming from. No one would like to be seen as a sister by their crush. Especially their childhood crush.” 

        “One sided love isn’t worth it honestly.”

      “I definitely have to agree. I wish she had it in her to say hey do you like me as more than a friend or not?”

     “Dana is big and bold, but this is the one area where she’s waiting for someone to make the first move.” Alyssa signed. ”She’ll be seriously crushed if he isn’t into her." Just then the doorbell rang. “Oh, that’s her. Talk to you later.”

     “Goodbye and good luck!” 

       Dana was so rundown she looked as though she ran to the house instead of drove, as she dragged herself into the house. “Hey, Alyssa.”

      “Come in! Want anything to drink or a snack?” 

      “I don't really feel all that hungry."

      "You've barely eaten anything today. I can make popcorn and we watch a cute movie about animals or something like that. But first I have something to show you!"

        They made their way upstairs only stopping in the bathroom to fill up the watering can before making their way up the spiral staircase to the attic door. The room was bigger than her bedroom with wooden floors and walls. There was only one window which was perfect because no one would be able to see her working magic.

        "It's beautiful! I honestly can't believe it's almost fully bloomed." Dana exclaimed walking over to it. "Great job, Alyssa!"

        "Thanks. Originally, I thought there was no way this was going to work out because I have never grown a plant before but I'm really extremely happy to have it." Alyssa said as she drew water from the can.

        Dana watched the water fall like rain onto the flower. "You are getting very good at that. If I didn't know any better, I would say it was raining in your house."

        "Thanks. I just love rain. It seemed like the natural thing to do." Alyssa looked out the window to the cloudy sky. Slowly the clouds parted slightly, shining light straight through the window and onto her. Her whole body was covered in light and she held on to it then transferred it with her hands over the flower.

        "This must be what it looks like to see an angel. If you weren't you, I would have sworn I had just seen one." Dana said in a daze. "You are taking a lot more in without using a lot of light. You don't feel tired after doing all of this?"

        "No, at first I did but the more comfortable I got the easier it was." She answered.

        Dana walked over to the sunlight streaming through the window, feeling its warmth before touching the light Alyssa streamed through her hands. "Whoa! That's quite a difference. It's warmer but not scorching hot. You're like a greenhouse or something!" She gently touched a red petal closing her eyes she smiled. "It's healthy, strong and happy. Alyssa, there's something I need to see to confirm my suspicions. I will be right back." She quickly left the attic and rushed down to the kitchen. She filled a glass with pipe water grabbed an empty glass. When she returned Alyssa had just finished shining her light. 

        "Switch on the lights." Dana said standing under one of the hanging lights fixtures. Alyssa stood in front of her. "Here's what I want you to do. Take water from one glass and put it in the other but stop when you are halfway."

        Alyssa did as she asked, slowly pouring the water out of one glass into the other. It rose into the air and into the other glass.

        “Look at the difference. The glass that I bought didn't look nearly as cloudy as it does right now. Compare the two, Alyssa.” Dana took a sip the slowly lifted her eyes to Alyssa. "It tastes so good."

        Alyssa took a sip as well. The cold water hitting her tongue left no aftertaste at all. "It really is." She couldn't help it but to drink some more.

        "Let me see that watering can. Have you ever used all the water you fill it with?" Dana asked walking over to the watering can then towards the door.

        "No, I never do. I just somehow seem to know when it's enough." Alyssa answered following behind.

        Dana went straight to the bathroom pulled the drain stopper close and dumped out the water in the watering can. Cloudy water filled the sink. "Do you understand what this means?"  she giggled.

        "Let's talk about it in my room." Alyssa insisted hearing the front door open and close. They quickly rushed down to her room.

        "You are a purifier! Just look at that flower! Do you think that's normal? It's not Allyssa. It bloomed when it shouldn't. Not only that, it's very happy and most potted plants are not happy at all, seriously." Dana squeezed her hands. "It's even more important now than it ever was before to never let anyone know about this Alyssa, no one."

        "I know." Alyssa couldn’t help but to whine. "I just don't see what the big deal is. I'm great at growing plants. That's not such a wonderful power. It's nothing like flying or super speed or super strength."

        "Alyssa, it's so much more than that. I just know it."

        "I'll take your word for it." Alyssa smiled not at all impressed by her powers. She was however incredibly pleased that it seemed to take Philip off Dana's mind. It reminded her of all the times Jenny was there to pick her up. She was becoming great friends with Dana but in some ways, she missed Jenny even more.

                When driving in a fog the best way to drive is to use: high beams, low beams, hazards? Hazards. Alyssa thought, staring at the screen in the DMV. She clicked the answer. Wrong! Oh no, I think that was the very last one I could get wrong. OK focus, Alyssa. If the vehicle you are driving starts to hydroplane you should: pump the brakes to slow the vehicle, ease off the accelerator do not break steer where you go, increase speed slightly? Ease off the accelerator. Click. She watched with anticipation for the next question. The screen then read, seventeen out of twenty correct. Congratulations. Yes! I did it again! What an awesome birthday! I can't wait to tell Jenny!  She thought rushing over to the instructor who congratulated her and gave her the paper she needed to wait in line for her picture to be taken.

        "So, did you do to?" Appa asked, standing up from his seat in the waiting area.

        "I did it!"

        He hugged her briefly. "I'm so proud of you. Look your number is next. Don't forget a big smile. Maybe knowing you have a special and important present later. You are going to love it."

        Alyssa was inwardly screaming with excitement. He bought me a car I just know it! I hope it's the one I wanted.

        "Alright just verify the information then stand right over there." The man behind the desk said.

        Alyssa was more than ready to take this picture. She stood very proudly waiting for it to be done and over with.

        "Your hair needs to be out of your face."

        "Right," Alyssa quickly pulled her hair into a ponytail. 

        "Ready?" He asked impatiently.

        She gave a quick nod.

        "Alyssa," Justin called causing her to completely switch her dazzling smile with a look of surprise.

        "Oh no, can I take that over again?"

        "No, sorry, please wait I'll call you when it's ready."

        "Justin, I was just in the middle of getting my picture taken." Alyssa whined sitting on the bench next to her father.

        "Can we meet up today?"

        "I can't. My dad said I have a big surprise today. Maybe we can get together again tomorrow."

        “I also have something I need to talk to you about."

        "Tonight, we can meet up and talk about it." Alyssa decided but felt a bit anxious about it. What could be so important that he was so serious? It's probably nothing bad. Not on her birthday.

        "Alyssa Oh," the man called out.

        Her father joined her this time to receive the card. "I say we go out to lunch just the two of us. I have been craving a strawberry milkshake all week."

        "We can go to Rocket Ship. Honestly, the best milkshakes I’ve ever had." She recommended as they reached the parking lot.

        "Excellent choice, you drive." Appa insisted, hopping into the passenger side of the Lexus.

        Alyssa smiled brightly sliding into the leather driver seat and pushed the startup button. 

        "You're a natural."

        "I must take after you!” It was really thanks to Justin for helping her practice. Not only was she driving over ten miles per hour, but she was not so nervous about it.

        Within a few minutes they were at the Rocket Ship. Brenda came right over with a bright smile and a wink. "Alyssa, I almost didn't recognize you with your hair like that. It’s cute.  This is your father? Hello! I'm Brenda, Dana and Charlie's aunt. Your daughter is just delightful."

        "Thank you very much."

        "Well now, what would you like?"

        "I will have a strawberry milkshake."

        "Same goes for me," said Alyssa.

        "Alright, I will be back shortly." Brenda smiled leaving the table.

        "It's nice to see that you've made friends here." Appa stated.

        "It came as quite a shock to me as well. I'm really happy to have found a family that's very kind." She paused. "Appa, I'd was hoping I could talk to you about something. There's this guy that is really nice and wants to be my friend but he has a pretty messed up past from a while ago when he got into some trouble but he's not like that anymore and has been really kind to me. I just don't see why I can't be his friend. It really bothers me that he's outcast for something that was out of his control. No one deserves to be treated that way."

        Appa took a deep breath in. "Of course, you feel that way because of what you've experienced. We've only just moved here Alyssa. Maybe they know something about him you do not?"

        "I know everything because he has told me everything. Not only him but Dana as well. I would like your permission to be friends with him the way Jenny was friends with me."

        "When you put it like that, how could I say no?" He chuckled. "Oh! She’s coming back with the milkshakes!"

        Alyssa giggled as she received her milkshake. 

        "One more thing, Alyssa. He must come over for dinner.” 

        "I'm sure I can make that happen." She agreed happily taking a bite of her fry. Yes, it seems today was an extremely successful day indeed. 

                Alyssa pulled into the driveway truly puzzled. There was a rental car in the driveway. Not her dream car. “Appa?”

        Appa was already out of the car before she could ask who had come. Her thoughts immediately turned to Halmeoni, her grandmother in Korea, but quickly dismissed it. She never wanted to visit. Why should she now! Just because it's my birthday? Yeah right. As she walked towards the front door she realized Paul standing on the porch. “Hi Paul.”

        “Hello! I hear today is a very special day for you so I bought you a little gift.” Paul said handing her a small package.

        “Paul, you didn't have to. Thanks. Should I open it now?”

        “Yes, but not before I sing happy birthday.” he said enthusiastically.

        “Alright,” Alyssa agreed.

        “Saengil chukahamnida!” he began with delight.

        Alyssa didn't expect him to sing it Korean and although she was sure he meant it in a loving way without any warning one of the worst of memories came rushing back.

        “SooKyung, don't forget to pass out the invitations to your friends for your birthday party.” Eomma reminded, giving her a quick kiss then watched as she entered her classroom.

        SooKyung sat in the classroom with her head lowered. The students always ignored her so she did it right back to them. It was lonely always being alone, so she decided at lunch time she would hand out the invitations. Maybe there would be someone that wanted to be her friend. The day seemed to go by all too quickly and SooKyung was extremely nervous. Everyone had finished lunch and was outside. Here is where she gathered up all of her courage to hand out the invitations. Unsure of where to begin she walked over to the sandbox where a girl was playing by herself. It was MiNa. She never picked on her. Maybe she would actually come. “MiNa, would you come to my party please.” she said handing her the little envelope. Before she could answer a couple of other girls came over.

        “No one wants to go to your party.” one of them said.

        A boy came over as well and took the invitation from MiNa and threw it on the floor. “It is cursed!”

        “No, it's not!” SooKyung cried out reaching for the envelope on the ground only to be pushed over into the sand by the little boy with all the over invitations falling all around her.

        “Cursed!” someone else had cried out followed by many echoes. She was now surrounded.

        “Now, you aren't being nice.” a voice called out.

        Alyssa wasn't relieved at all.

        The girl who bullied her more than any other child walked over to stand in front of the crowd. “It's her birthday party. We should at least sing to this monster. Saengil chukahamnida..”

        Alyssa frantically tried to pick up the invitations only to have someone kick her down as they all taunted her with the happy birthday song. “No! Stop it!” she cried out covering her ears. “Stop it!”

        “Stop it!” Alyssa yelled at Paul.

        Stunned Paul immediately stopped. “Alyssa? What?”

        She covered her mouth in horror and embarrassment. I can't believe I just yelled at Paul. “I-I'm sorry Paul. I'm so sorry.”

        Appa walked up to Paul apologizing for Alyssa as she ran into the house.

        She stood against the front door trying to calm down.

        “I'm thinking you're going to want to open your eyes for this.” Jenny's voice floated through her panic attack.

        Her eyes snapped open. Did I just hear Jenny? Is my mind still playing tricks on me?

        Jenny walked down the stairs. “I'm here!”

       “Jenny! I can't believe it!” Alyssa cried out before running over. They both hugged each other tightly.       

       “You came and didn't say anything about it.”       

       “Yeah, well I wanted to keep it a secret. Did you get your license?”

       “No. I had to get a new learners permit. It's nontransferable in this state.”

       “Oh, that's too bad but if you had only practiced driving before you moved you probably would have had it by now. Just sayin’ but congratulations! I have a birthday, slash, learners permit surprise for you. By the way, did you study this time for the test?

       “Not exactly,” Alyssa admitted. Appa entered walking next to them with a strained smile Alyssa tried not to notice. She gave him a big hug. “Thank you for keeping this secret. It's the best surprise.”

       “It's good to hear that. Why don't you go show her your room and then Covington Point?” He suggested.    

        “Great idea,” Alyssa quickly ran upstairs with Jenny close behind.

       “This place is kind of cool.” Jenny commented before looking at her door. “Whoa, what's with the hand and eye?”

        “Dana's art. Come on in.” Alyssa said opening the door.

        “Alyssa, this is awesome!” Jenny exclaimed looking at the painted walls. It felt as though she had walked into a secret garden not a bedroom. There was shining sunlight streaming through the autumn setting, falling onto lush green grass and colorful leaves filling her walls. The beauty of Justin's garden was painted by the bay window, which was transformed into a swing, hanging by vine entwined golden ropes. The lynx from her dream sat beside it with shining eyes.

      She tossed Paul's gift on the bed. “I was inspired. So, what's my surprise?”

     “All in good time, which is actually in like, a few minutes as in we should be leaving now.” Jenny rambled rushing out of the room with Alyssa close behind.

   “Alyssa, do not forget to invite your friend over for dinner!” Appa called out just as she walked past the office.

    Alyssa froze. “Tonight? I thought you meant at some point. What about Jenny?”

   “I trust her judgment.” He assured her as he waved goodbye.

   Oh great! Alyssa thought entering the car with Jenny. “You know where you're going, Jenny?”

   Jenny smiled proudly. “Yes, I do. Please pick the playlist on my phone with your name on it.”

    “Whenever, wherever!” they sang loudly in their best Shakira voices then fell into laughter at how absurd they sounded.

     Selena Gomes was next, and Jenny sang her heart out. “Who would’ve thought I would miss hearing you singing this much.”

    “Yeah, if only I didn't want to become a teacher and live the simple life.” Jenny sighed.” Here we are.”

     She pulled up to a stone hotel Alyssa could just hear her mother call it charming. At least it's appropriately named, she thought to herself.

     “Stone Ridge Hotel, what are we doing here?” Alyssa asked as she left the car. “You're sleeping over at my house, aren't you?”

    “Of course, I am.” she agreed, pulling out her cell phone leaning on her door.

    “Well then. I just don't get why we're here,” Alyssa said clearly confused.

     “All your questions will be answered momentarily,” Jenny stared at the opening door, “Surprise!”

      Alyssa was indeed surprised to see teenage boys walking towards them.     

      Howie with his carrot colored mop and another slightly taller with spiked blond hair, William. “Oh-my-gosh! You guys came too!”

        “How could we pass up the chance of flying to the east side.” Howie said giving her squeeze.

        “Besides that we missed you but no one as much as Jenny who arranged this whole thing.” William said giving her a quick hug.

        “Alright, everyone get in! It’s time to get a tour of Alyssa's life.” Jenny commanded before hopping into the driver seat again.

        "If you all are hungry, we could go to the Rocket Ship?” Alyssa suggested.

        "Yeah, I'm starved.” Howie confirmed patting his chubby tummy.

        "Rocket Ship it is!” Jenny exclaimed.

        "Jenny, not to ruin your enthusiasm but it's in the other direction.” Alyssa pointed out.

        "Right, just let me make a quick U-turn.” Jenny said swinging the car around in the middle of the street.

         "Sweet goodness! How long have you had your license again? Howie, you've been dealing with this kind of driving? I do value my life Jenny.” Alyssa complained while laughing nervously.

         "That wasn't bad. Being in the car with her reversing on a one-way street, that's bad.” Howie remarked.

         “It was an emergency. I was going the wrong way.” Jenny said defensively.

          “I am so glad I wasn't in the car for that incident.” William chuckled.

          Alyssa laughed along. Instantly it was as though nothing had changed.

          “Kinley almost had a heart attack.” Howie added.

          “Poor Kinley you know how timid she is. You could have been a bit more careful.” Alyssa shook her head she could just see Kinley’s petite body quivering waiting for the horrible ride to be over. “I never would have let you drive after that.”

        Jenny scoffed. “Oh please! You wouldn't even get behind the wheel.”

        “I had an acute fear of driving. Do you blame me with drivers like you on the road?”

        The boys broke into laughter.

        “She's got you there.” Howie told Jenny as they pulled up to the Rocket Ship.

        “I'm not a bad driver. If I had no idea what I was doing, I would be but I know what I'm doing all the time.” Jenny said assuredly. “So this is Rocket Ship. It's everything you said it was.”

        Alyssa laughed as they were seated at a table. “Yeah.”

        Brenda was her waitress once again. “Fancy seeing you around here again.”

        “Brenda, these are some of my friends from California.”

        "Pleasure meeting you all. What'll ya have?"

        They quickly gave their orders.

        “So the staff here knows you personally?” Howie asked with a smirk as Brenda walked away.

        “It's a family business and I happen to be friends with her niece, Dana.” she said, pulling up a picture of Dana in her cell phone to show to him.

        “Ah! I think I'm in love. Can you send me this photo? Please, please, please,” he begged, clutching his chest.

        “No. Although she doesn't have a boyfriend she does have a very serious crush.” Alyssa grabbed her phone suddenly feel a chill. Instinctively she glanced up to find Aviva glaring back at her from the doorway.

        Jenny followed her stare. “Ice! That's Ice right? She's just as I imagined her down to the stare!”

        Alyssa quickly looked away inwardly cringing. She knew Aviva could hear what she had called her.

        The boys looked as well.

        “She's gorgeous! I have to move here!” Howie exclaimed.

        “Howie! Stop staring!” Alyssa whispered resisting the urge to grab him by his hair and face him forward. She already looks like she wants to kill me, she thought in anguish.

        “Besides she's way out of your league.” William told him. “You'd have a better shot with Dana.”

        “No, I'd say it's about even.” Alyssa commented softly.

        “She's coming this way,” William let her know.

        Aviva walked right over whispering in her ear, “We need to talk now.”

        “Hi, I'm Jenny. Alyssa's best friend. As I'm sure you can see we're in the middle of something right now. Alyssa can call you later about whatever it is you decided you needed to whisper about. Looks like our meal is here. Nice to meet you.”

        Aviva stood slowly never breaking eye contact with Jenny. Her expression was one of annoyance. Like a fly buzzing around your dinner plate. Without a single word further, she left the restaurant.

        “See? I put Ice right in her place,” Jenny said triumphantly.

        If only that were the case, Alyssa thought watching the meals be brought to them. “Justin, Aviva just told me she wanted to talk to me. What is that all about?”

        His reply didn't talk long. “Where are you?”

        “At Rocket Ship.”

        “We need to talk now. Meet me outside in five minutes.”

        “I'm with friends.”

        “Alyssa,” he said firmly.

        “Alright,” she agreed watching her friends receive their meals.

        “I'm so happy Rebecca isn't here. She'd be nagging me about these loaded fries. Why didn't you get the sweet potato fries?” he mocked.

        “She's worried about your health, Howie.” Jenny said in her defense.

        “Why? What's going on with you?” Alyssa asked.

        “He's borderline diabetic. They said it could probably go away if he watches what he eats and stays fit.” Jenny answered.

        “Pardon me,” Alyssa stood walking towards Brenda at the bar. “Could you please find any reason to take those fries away from the redhead? I just found out he's diabetic.”

        “You got it hun.” she winked before walking over to the table.

        Alyssa took this time to walk out front, indicating with her hands she would be back to Jenny.

        Justin was already waiting in his car. She quickly sat beside him.

        “What's going on?” she asked watching Justin chuckle.

        “Your friend is crying after the fries you had taken away. He's a funny one. So the bad news, Aviva found out about our friendship.”

        “Not really a bad thing considering I told my dad about you. He wants to have you over for dinner, tonight.”

        He raised his brow. “That was unexpected.”

        “I don't know Aviva very well but I get the feeling she's not thrilled about this.”

        “She's angry because I told her I was in love with you. There's something very important I meant to tell you. The reason I'm in high school is for Aviva to learn the value of a human life. She feels we are practically gods. I have been to college and high school countless times but she was never interested. She called it playing with her food. I just wanted to let you know she has grown quite a bit from whom she once was but do not in any way trust her. As I told you before, don't worry about her. She isn't allowed to come near you or your family. At least not until she’s calmed down.”

        Alyssa took in a deep breath closing her eyes momentarily trying to absorb this information. Justin was leaning very close when she opened her eyes.

         “So what exactly did you tell your father about me?”

        Alyssa's heart pounded wildly. “I told him you were a friend who had made some bad choices.”

        “I'll be there. You should get going your friend Jenny is looking for you. One more thing,” he called out as she opened the door.

        “What is it?” she asked only to feel his lips touch hers softly.

        “I missed you. See you tonight.”

        Alyssa returned to the table with a light smile.

        “Where were you? Hiding out from my loaded cheese fries abduction to avoid my wrath?” Howie asked with a mouth full of salad.

        “Oh, funny choice of words in this restaurant!” Alyssa noted with a giggle.

        “You seem remarkably different from just a moment ago. Did you run into someone outside?” Jenny asked softly.

        Alyssa smiled bashfully. “Shut up.”

        “What? You have a boyfriend?” William asked curiously.

        “No, not at all. I have a friend that I had to invite to dinner tonight. His name is Justin.”

        Jenny raised her eyebrows. “I can't believe I'm finally going to meet Pierce! I can't believe your father actually invited him.”

        “He kind of wants your approval of our friendship.”

        “Finally, a showdown with Pierce.”

        “Showdown? This isn't an old western.”

        “But if it was, who do you think would win?”

        “I think the both of you would have forgotten to put bullets in your guns then he'd buy you a cookie.”

        “No. I want a cheese Danish.” Jenny pouted and whined creating laughter around the table.