Blog ten

Blinking in the late afternoon sunlight, I slid my Oakley sunglasses onto my tanned face. Locating my Ford Explorer in the parking lot of my apartment building and clicking the button on my keychain, I’m lost in thought. Anxious nerves course through my body as I hop into the leather seat and start the engine. What could they possibly have done? My thoughts race as I slowly glide out of the parking lot and merge into the busy street.

        Remaining preoccupied, I drive through the familiar streets that I’ve traveled a hundred times before. Reaching the Wallmart parking lot I drive behind the vast building and past the loading docks behind the store. Squinting in the harsh light I can spot Brianna’s red Subaru parked in the spot where we have congregated so many times before. Lately they have used the spot as a place to collect beer money from each other but it was once a place to discuss crucial matters such as the newest NSync CD.

        Brianna and Kim hop out of the car as I killed the engine and unbuckled my seatbelt. “What is going on, guys?” I said immediately upon pushing the door open. Glancing nervously at one another, Brianna finally speaks up. “We have to show you in person.” She states flatly. “Leave your car here. I can drive.” Kim turns to get back in the car and I begin to get angry. “Whoa. Wait a minute. Can you just tell me what the hell is going on?” I stand completely still with my hand on my hips. They both freeze and then slowly turn around again. “No we can’t. Please just trust us and get in the car.” I sigh and follow them knowing that I don’t have any other choice.

        I roll down the back window and let the humid air wash over me. “You guys are really scaring me.” I say while staring at the backs of their heads.  Kim shrugs her shoulders and turns up the volume of the radio. My frustration is escalating and I finally start to pay attention to where we are going. Brianna made a right out of the parking lo and began driving out of town. Even more confused I cross my arms and try to stop myself from yelling at them.

        As we drive further and further into the rural areas surrounding our town the silence and confusion becomes excruciating.  We finally pull into a gravel driveway and Brianna kills the engine.  Surrounded by trees, I can see a house ahead of us. We climb out and begin walking toward the chipped front door. “This is my Aunt’s house.” Kim states. They both still look extremely grim and nothing but my utmost trust in our friendship is propelling my feet forward. Kim removes a key from her purse and clicks the old lock open. We plunge into the darkness and all of the sudden lights explode in front of my eyes. “SURPRISE!” Reverberates from dozens of voices surrounding me. Kim and Brianna laugh and hug me. “Gotcha!” Brianna giggles knowing that she had me completely fooled. Only my best friends would scare the living hell out of me before throwing me a surprise birthday party.