My birthday. And that means it will be the past four days rolled into one with cake and singing. I set my alarm clock to let me sleep another half hour before I have to face the music—literally. I roll over and pull the blankets over my head in hopes that it will somehow help the time pass slower. Or perhaps I will fall back asleep sooner. Or better yet, they’ll hide me from this day completely. “Shanice?” my mother asks softly. No luck is with me this day. I almost pretend to be asleep but I know I can’t pull it off. I move around far too much for it to be believable. “Don’t I get to sleep in on my birthday?” I moan, hoping she’ll agree and let me go back to sleep. “Sorry, sweetie. Not this time. Your father and I have quite a bit planned and we want to get started on your party bright and early!” says excitedly. It isn’t needed. I groan and whine some more as I throw back the covers.
