Kangaroo Birthdays

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I would just like to add before anyone reads this and is disapointed, it's not really about kangaroos. Thanks!1


Kangaroo Birthdays2

I would be eighteen in two days and never been touched. I really hoped Keith had forgotten the pact we made with each other a few years earlier. Well, not all of me hoped that. Somewhere deep down within me I had suppressed feelings for him, and that little bit hoped that he would remember, and follow through with his promise. 3

Keith had been my best friend since the fifth grade. He was always there for me no matter what. He was about three months older than me and always felt he had to protect me because of it. I guess it’s not unusual for a girl to fall in love with her best friend. No wait, not love. It’s definitely not love, just a few unresolved, suppressed feelings buried in the deepest thickets of my being. I absolutely refused to let this little crush come between us. 4

As I was saying, my eighteenth birthday was in two days. About two years earlier (or was it three?) him and I made a vow to each other. You’ve seen that movie where the best friends promise to get married if neither one is married by a certain age, right? Well, this is similar, only, we vowed that if either one of us hadn’t lost their virginity by their eighteenth birthday, that the either would help them along into that stage of life. Well, here I am, almost eighteen and I’ve never had a serious boyfriend, even. Just a fling here and there that ended in no more than first base. 5

Keith had this problem fixed for about a year, and didn’t have to worry about it come his eighteenth birthday. He went out with the girl for several months before going that far, and when he did, he found another side of her. She left him broken-hearted, and I had to clean up her mess. I stayed at his house all night talking with him. He had fallen in love with this girl and was crushed when their relationship ended. He said what he regretted most was losing himself to her. We watched a couple of movies and I kept him from doing anything stupid. Keith had a bad history of hurting himself when times got tough for him. He tried to hide it from me, knowing I would worry, but I knew, and he knew that I knew. I confronted him one night and told him I would always be there for him. 6

Something inside of me flickered that night. I had never seen him such a mess, and so upset, but that’s when I realized that I wanted to be more than just friends with him. Over the past year I’ve been fighting with myself over it, and perhaps I was always fighting myself over it. Knowing that he would never want to be more than just friends, I buried the realization as deep as I could and, for the most part, it has worked. But now, with my eighteenth birthday coming up, I know what’s coming. He’s not one to forget about a thing like this or try and ride it off as a joke. We were serious when we made the pact. And though neither of us have spoken about it in years, I knew he hadn’t forgotten. I just hope there’s a way of getting out of it. Keith was already saying he had something special planned for me, but he said that every year, and every year he had a different surprise for me. 7

Last year’s birthday surprise for me was too much. Keith and my little brother Danny (who was only a few years younger then Keith and me, and rather fond of Keith) conspired against me. Keith knew how much I love kangaroos and actually had one there on my birthday. It was Danny’s job to make sure I was too occupied to go down to Keith’s house before he was ready for me. Keith’s step-father worked at the nearby zoo and was able to pull a few strings in order to have the young 'roo at his house for a few hours. 8

It was nearing two in the afternoon and I was getting upset with Keith. He hadn’t even so much as called me to wish me a happy birthday. Danny was unusually clingy to me, and wouldn’t let me have the phone to call Keith. Finally, I got fed-up with them, and just decided to walk the whole three blocks to Keith’s house. I saw his step-dad’s zoo truck, which was not unusual, parked in the driveway. I rang the doorbell and was greeted by his step-father.9

“Keith, the birthday girl is here!” he called into the other room before letting me in and telling me Keith was in the living room.10

“Why the hell-” I began, upon arriving in the room, before he hushed me. In his lap he held a bundle of blankets that very slowly moved up and down. 11

“She’s sleeping,” Keith told me.12

“Who?” I asked, slowly approaching; all of my anger and frustration quickly gone.13

“Come here and I’ll show you.” He gestured for me to sit beside him. I did so, intrigued. He pulled back the blanket a little to reveal a large tan, furry ear before the rest of the head.14

“Oh my god, Keith, that’s a kangaroo!” I couldn’t help but exclaim. She stirred in his lap and fell back into a peaceful sleep. “She’s beautiful.”15

“Isn’t she?” He asked, rhetorically. “She just arrived about fifteen minutes before you got here. I’m sorry I didn’t call, but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. Happy birthday,” His smile made me melt, and without thinking I kissed his cheek. He didn’t think anything of it, as it wasn’t the first time. 16

“When does she go back?” I asked, gently stroking her sleeping body.17

“About four, and she’ll probably be sleeping most of this time. She had a long, tiring drive out here.”18

“You really out did yourself this year, you know. This is too much.”19

For the next hour and a half we watched the tiny kangaroo sleep peacefully as we quietly talked. Steve, Keith’s step-father came in and said it was time to wake her up, and get her ready to go back. He came over and gently picked her up, rubbing her awake. I stood to hug Steve, being careful not to scare the animal he held, and thanked him. 20

Keith walked me home and stayed over for a little while. I never had a party for my birthday; I didn’t have many friends to invite. This year would be no different. There would still be no party. It was on a Saturday, so I would spend the day with my family, and then go out to a movie or something with Keith. It was usually then that he would spring his surprise on me, if he hadn’t already. I just hope he had enough sense not to spring this year’s surprise (if it’s what I think it is) on me in a public place. I would hate to have to slap him. 21

“So, this is the big one-eight.”22

I snapped back to reality. I was too busy worried about Saturday that I completely forgot about today. I had mindlessly been conversing with Keith over the phone about plans for a movie. I couldn’t remember a single thing that was said, but knew he would remind me. 23

“Huh? Oh yeah, the big one-eight,” I told him.24

“Are you okay? You seem, I don’t know, distracted,” he asked with concern rising in his voice.25

“Yeah, I’m alright,” I told him and then proceeded to nod. I laughed at myself when I realized no one could see me nod. “I hate that.”26

“What?” He asked, intrigued.27

“When you nod over the phone, knowing the other person can’t see you,” I laughed. 28

After we hung up, I laid on my bed for a short while trying desperately to remember what was said about Saturday. I finally gave up. I would ask about it tomorrow when I saw him at school. I went downstairs, hung up the phone receiver, and joined my family for dinner. We were having macaroni and cheese and fish sticks. Danny cooked it. I gave him a hard time about how he would poison everybody with his cooking. 29

“So, how’s Keith?” My mother asked, knowing I was on the phone with him, in my room, for over an hour.30

“He’s alright. I think we’re going to a movie Saturday.”31

“Oh, that’s nice,” she replied.32

The rest of the meal was eaten in near silence. Since my father died nearly eight years ago my mother has been gradually growing more distant from Danny and me. I knew she still loved us, and would give her life for ours, but we weren’t very close. We didn’t talk much. Danny and I stuck together, though. We needed each other. I guess in a sad little way, after Keith, Danny was my best friend. Sure, I had other friends at school and work, but no one I was really close with. 33

“So, what are we doing tomorrow?” I asked Keith as we walked home from school Friday afternoon. We both had cars and could drive, but preferred the walk.34

“I am taking you out to a birthday dinner, and whatever else we feel like. It’s your night; you tell me what we’re doing.”35

“Whatever I want?” I asked coyly.36

“Of course.”37

“Hmm…” I humored him. “Where are you taking me for dinner?” 38

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”39

In the morning, I woke to the glorious scent of bacon. I laid in bed for awhile, collecting my thoughts and remembering what day it was. I stared at the white ceiling above me, filled with an unusual amount of tranquility, which often meant I had a good dream. What was my dream? I sighed in contentment while pondering to myself. I pulled back the cover and sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, allowing myself to adjust. I forced myself to get up and get dressed. After all, today was my birthday, I had to be presentable. 40

Wait, today’s my birthday. That mean’s today is Keith’s surprise for me. My heart stopped as I prayed to a false god that he had forgotten our pact. I closed my eyes and forced myself to let the thoughts go. I concentrated on getting dressed. I opened my bedroom door, and walked down the hall, the wonderful scent surrounding me. My hand slid on the smooth handrail as I descended the carpeted stairs into the living room. I proceeded into the kitchen where I saw a beautiful breakfast set out on the table. 41

“Happy birthday, Sweetie,” My mother greeted me as I entered the room. Danny was standing beside her, smiling at me.42

“We made you pancakes,” he told me, and pulled a chair out for me. He was becoming quite the little gentleman. 43

I thanked them and sat down at the table. He brought me over a plate of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Mom brought a glass of milk, butter, and maple syrup. They got plates of their own and joined me at the wooden kitchen table.44

“Are you going out with Keith, tonight?” My mother asked.45

“Yeah, I think so. I’m not sure what time. I think he’s going to come pick me up. He’ll call before he heads over.” I told her. 46

“Well that’s good, hope you two have fun.”47

I spent the rest of the day with Danny and my mom. We watched a movie together and played a few games. Danny was unusually normal for it being my birthday. Keith usually had him up to something. This made me uneasy. If Keith hadn’t told Danny about his surprise, what would it be? 48

Finally, about ten ‘till six I received the call I’ve been waiting for. Keith called and said he’d be there to pick me up in about twenty minutes. I hung up the phone, finally realizing the full altitude of the situation. I went upstairs and put on the shirt he’s complimented me on so many times and the cutest jeans I had. Why did I do that? Am I trying to impress Keith? I’ve never done that before. I applied some eyeliner and mascara. I couldn’t help but think of the time I got Keith to wear eyeliner. It looked really good on him. 49

“Keith’s here, honey!” I heard my mom yell from downstairs as I was putting the finishing touches on my hair.50

I quickly examined myself in the mirror, making sure nothing was out of place, and met Keith at the door.51

“You look great,” he told me, before escorting me to his car and opening the door for me.52

Okay, that was different. Keith never escorted me to his car, before, much less opened the door for me. I was starting to get uncomfortable. The thoughts of our promise wouldn’t leave my mind now. I acted normal around him. Maybe he just escorted me because it’s my birthday. He never drove me anywhere before on my birthday like this. That thought calmed me down a little as I asked where we were going.53

“Pick a place,” he told me as he drove. 54

“Oh, okay,” I thought about where I wanted to go. “How about that little place down there by Chuck’s?” I suggested.55

“The one Susan McCoy used to work at?” He asked, not knowing the name of the place either.56

“Yeah, that’s it.”57

“Sure, thing.”58

It was a small little casual restaurant. There was nothing to worry about by going there, but it was still fancier than any fast food joint. The only sound in the car the rest of the drive was the radio. He parked the car in the small lot and checked his watch. He didn’t turn off the car or unbuckle himself.59

“Aren’t we going in?” I asked, confused. 60

“Yeah, yeah, just a minute,” he said, unbuckling his seatbelt. I did the same. He listened to the radio intently for a minute and smiled when he heard what he was waiting for. He turned it up so I could hear it better.61

“Okay, we have a request here,” the radio DJ announced. “This is to the best friend anyone could ask for on a very special birthday, with love, from Keith.” With that, he played a song. It was my favorite song. I smiled at Keith.62

“You are too sweet,” I told him, remembering the impossible tickets he got me for my sixteenth birthday to see the band live. That was it? That was the big surprise? I let out a sigh of relief knowing I could enjoy myself now and listened to the wonderful song.63

Once the song ended, he told me happy birthday, and we went in. He bought me dinner and then we went to go see a movie. He took me home and walked me up to the door. He said he couldn’t come in; that he had to hurry home to let the dogs out. His parents were out of town for the weekend. 64

“Thank you for the song, and taking me out to dinner and a movie. Thank you for a wonderful birthday,” I told him before he left. 65

“Anytime, you know that,” he told me, gave me a hug, and left.66

It was a little past ten when I went in. I sighed with relief knowing it was over. I got through my eighteenth birthday without any mention of the pact we had. I went upstairs to put some more comfortable clothes on and wash my face before coming back downstairs to watch another movie with Danny and my mother. After the movie they went to bed. I stayed up a little longer before going upstairs. 67

My heels stepped on the leggings of my baggy night pants as I walked up the stairs. I wasn’t tired, but didn’t feel like watching TV. I just felt like relaxing to a little music. I closed my bedroom door behind me before going to my stereo, turning my back against the majority of my room. I shuffled through my CDs before finding the mix I had made of my favorite songs from the band I heard hours ago on the radio, just for me. 68

I smiled as the first track began to play and turned to lie down on my bed and relax. 69

“Keith!” I shouted as I saw him sitting on my bed.70

“Shh, your mom is sleeping,” he hushed me. 71

“What the hell are you doing here? How did you get in?” I asked, once I caught my breath from the first initial shock. 72

“I climbed in through the window.”73

“On the second floor?”74

“Yeah, it wasn’t so hard.” 75

“You do know we have a front door, don’t you?”76

“Yes, but this way your mom thinks I’m home.”77

“Then what are you doing here.” I was sitting on the bed with him by now.78

“Well, you remember that promise we made to each other a few years ago?”79

Oh god, I completely forgot about that once I went back downstairs to watch a movie with my family. He remembered and now he’s back. Oh god, was this his plan all along? 80

“Not really,” I lied. I could tell he knew I lied. I knew what I knew I didn’t want to know. We both sat on my bed, cross legged and facing each other. 81

“Well, I’m here, now.” He said, as if I had said yes. He then leaned in and gently kissed me. He quickly pulled back, sensing my discomfort.82

“Keith, we were just kids when we made that.”83

“Wait, listen,” he interrupted me. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time, now.”84

“What are you saying, Keith?” I asked, knowing the answer already. A part of me jumped up and down ecstatically, while another part of me knew things would never be like they were, and was already missing that. My lips longed to be on his again, but I couldn’t allow that. I was too afraid of losing him. 85

“I’m saying I want to be with you. I’m tired of just being friends. I can see it in your eyes, you are too. So what’s stopping you?”86

He was right. The only thing stopping me was me. I already established that we’ll never be the same again. I could still feel his warmth on my lips. Without thinking anymore I leaned in and kissed him. It was gentle at first, but turned more passionate as I pushed him back against the soft comforter on the mattress. He pulled back and whispered into my ear.87

“Better than the kangaroo?”88

“Much,” I whispered back.89

“Happy birthday,” he told me before attaching his lips to mine again.
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