14. Happy Birthday

Two weeks later, it was the day of my 18th birthday.

I wake up feeling anxious because I don't know what will come. What exactly is my grandfather trying to put me through? The way he was acting that day, it didn't seem like it was going to be anything good.

I take a quick shower, then go downstairs. I find my mom waiting for me at the table with a cake lit with candles, and she is smiling brightly.

I'm sure her smile will be wiped away after she finds out that I agreed to go on the trip with grandpa.

"Happy birthday, Logan!" she chirps.

"Happy birthday!" my father and my sister Mia chime in.

I look at their smiling face and, yet again think about how I will break the news. This is not going to be a good day if mom is angry.

"Thank you, everyone. You didn't have to get me a cake," I said.

"You are finally an adult now," mom remarks.

"Yes, I am. Does that mean you will now let me make my own decisions?"

Mom narrows her eyes. "Yes, that's correct, but why don't I like the way you're ask