Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: JOIE DE VIVRE (delight in being alive) (08/18/16)
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TITLE: The Birthday Girl | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tiffanie Chezum
08/25/16 -
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The young girl’s mother smiled at the woman standing near the gate. “Thank you so much.”
Paula nodded at Natalie in reply. She looked into Gabriella’s eyes. “You must be the birthday girl.” She scooped the child into her arms and gave her a hug. “What do you want more than anything?” She walked toward the deck next to the swimming pool.
“More than anything?” The young girl asked. “I want my mommy and daddy to be happy.”
The middle-aged woman smiled. “You are incredibly special, Gabriella.”
“Everyone calls me Gabby.” The girl giggled. “Daddy calls me gabby Gabby because he says I talk a lot sometimes.”
Paula stopped near a ficus tree. “Look over there, Gabby. What do you see?”
“A swimming pool … and … and.” She gazed at the many decorations laced about the sundeck. “And fishies, and seashells, and seagulls and …”
Movement in the pool disrupted the young girl’s train of thought.
Gabriella’s eyes widened as she stared at a young woman on the top step of the pool. The lady flicked a glimmering turquoise tail.
“A mermaid,” the youngster shrieked.
Paula set the girl on her feet. “Let’s go meet her.” She held the child’s hand and walked to the water.
“Hi. I’m Gabby,” the girl said. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Lorelei,” the lady replied. She brushed a lock of strawberry-blonde hair from her face. “Do you want to swim with me?”
“I’ve always wanted to swim with a mermaid,” Gabriella blurted. “But …” A disappointed expression smothered the girl’s excitement. “I don’t have my swimsuit.”
“Gabby.” Natalie tapped her daughter on the shoulder.
The child gasped with excitement at the sight of a turquoise bathing suit. “Oh, Mommy!” Gabriella hugged her mother. “Thank you … I love you.” She turned and embraced her father. “I love you, too. Thank you, Daddy.”
“Let’s go get changed.” The girl’s mom gestured at the door to a changing room.
Gabriella stared at herself in the full-length mirror. “It’s so pretty.”
“Just right for a pretty girl,” her mother said. “Are you ready to go swimming?”
They opened the door that led outside.
Gabriella froze in her tracks. “What? … Why?” She stared at her teachers, classmates, and their parents gathered around the tables.
“Happy birthday!” The small crowd cheered at the sight of the youngster.
Tears streamed down the girls face.
“They’re here for you, baby,” her mother said. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
The guests burst into a chorus of happy birthday.
As the singing faded, Paula stood in the midst of the small crowd. “Hi, everyone. Who wants to go swimming?”
All the kids raised their hands, shouting their approval.
“I hope you liked your special birthday.” Gabriella’s mother gazed at her daughter. She carried her toward the car.
The young girl laid her head on her mother’s shoulder. “I really, really liked it.” She smiled. “I liked seeing you and Daddy happy … I liked Lorelei. She is so nice … I liked having fun with my friends.” She wrapped her arms around her mom’s neck. “Thank you so much.”
Natalie ran her fingers through the girl’s hair. “I am so glad you enjoyed your day.”
“I like every day I spend with you and Daddy.”
The young girl’s father paused at the gate. “Thank you so much.”
Paula smiled. “It’s our pleasure.”
“She just loves mermaids,” Bob said. “You made today so special for her.”
“She made today special.” The middle-aged woman placed her hand on his shoulder. “I am just grateful we could be a part of it.” She stared at the man for a moment. “How are you doing?”
“I wish I was as strong as Gabby,” he replied. “We thought things might be …” He blinked tears from his eyes. “The doctors say it’s spreading. The cancer is in her liver now. She is so brave.”
Paula embraced the man.
A brief sob escaped, cracking his stoic demeanor. “I just want to enjoy every moment with her.”
“We could all learn a lot from Gabby,” Paula said. “She enjoys her most precious gift.”
Bob stared at the ground.
“Gabby revels in life.” Paula smiled. “She loves everything she has … she loves her mommy and daddy.”
“Thank you,” the girls’ father said. “You’re an angel … all of you. You have helped so many to celebrate life … including me.”
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