Chapter 17

~Saturday, October 25th~

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Suzie! Happy birthday to you!” my parents, brother, and sister all sang.

Leaning forward, I blew out the candles on my cake. Or rather, I tried to. There were twenty-five candles on my cake now. I couldn’t get them all in one shot. Inhaling, I blew a second time. Finally, all the candles were out and my family started clapping.

“Happy birthday, Baby.” Dad said with a smile.

“Thank you, Dad.” I grinned.

Mom cut the cake and started passing out slices. Mm, red velvet, my favorite! It had been a nice birthday so far. Steven had remembered to text me happy birthday. As did Chris and Ken. Nothing from Dave, confirming that he and I were definitely over.

“Time for presents!” Mom announced.

“Here, Jerk.” Daniel grunted, tossing me a wrapped package.

Rolling my eyes, I opened the card. Of course. The card mentioned how lucky I was to have such a great brother. Setting the card aside, I opened the package and found a book that I had been wanting. The gift was nice, even if the card was ridiculous.

“Thanks, Loser.” I replied.

This one is from your father and I.” Mom said, bringing over a massive box with a bow.

I knew what this was! I opened the envelope and found a card with a big number twenty-five on it. Then I ripped open the box. Inside was a massive, curved computer monitor. Oh, I was gonna love browsing the internet on this beauty!

“Thank you!” I squealed.

“You’re welcome.” Dad smiled.

“My turn!” Alyssa exclaimed, handing me a box.

The box appeared to be a clothing box. I wondered what she could have gotten me as I opened the envelope. My face went bright red as I looked at the card. On the front was a muscular man wearing only a g-string. I did my best to hide the card from my parents as I slid it back into the envelope. Alyssa had a sly look on her face as I opened the present.

“Oh, my!” Mom said. “Isn’t that lovely.”

“Alyssa!” I hissed as I held up the see-thru piece of black lingerie.

“I didn’t need to see that.” Dad lamented.

“Neither did I!” Daniel groaned. “Gross!”

“It is not gross!” Alyssa snapped. “Our sister is absolutely stunning.”

“I don’t wanna think about my sister wearing that.” Daniel grimaced.

“Okay, who wants coffee?” Mom interjected, changing the subject.

My hands shook as I put the lingerie back in the box, making Alyssa giggle. Our family of five sat at the dining room table, drinking coffee and talking. Eventually, we went our separate ways. Daniel was going out with friends, Mom and Dad were gonna have a date night, and Alyssa and I had a Halloween party to get to.

“I can’t believe you gave me that in front of our parents!” I hissed as Alyssa and I stood in my bedroom in our underwear. “And Daniel!”

“It’s time for them to accept that our little Suzie is all grown up.” Alyssa smirked as she shamelessly shrugged out of her bra.

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes as I turned my back to Alyssa so I could pull off my own bra.

“Don’t be a baby, Zee!” my sister called out. “I’ve seen your tits.”

“Ugh, fine!” I snapped, spinning around to face Alyssa, who was now completely nude.

“Keep going.” she grinned, her hands on her hips.

“Pervert.” I commented as I dropped my panties and stepped out of them.

“Damn! Lookin’ good, Zee!” Alyssa whistled.

“Thanks, I guess.” I sighed. It was nice being so comfortable with my big sister. There was nothing sexual about this, we were just getting ready for the party.

“You’re welcome!” she winked.

We took out our matching Halloween costumes and set them on my bed. Alyssa and I then pulled out our sexiest undies for the night. We both stepped into expensive black lace panties. I knew they were see-thru enough for my ass crack to be fully visible. Then the matching bras went on.

“Is that a push-up bra?” I asked with a frown.

“Well, yeah!” Alyssa answered. “We’re supposed to be identical tonight. I had to do something to make my tits look as massive as your knockers.”

“Fine.” I rolled my eyes again.

A few minutes later, Alyssa and I were fully dressed. We were wearing matching sparkling gold dresses that fell to mid-thigh. Gold heels gave us a couple of inches of height, and gold half-masks covered the top halves of our faces. We really did look identical.

What were we? Well, according to the costumes we bought, we were sexy party girls. Originally, I had shot down the idea. Then Alyssa mentioned I loved reading; her idea was to look identical and call ourselves sexy book ends. We even sewed an A on one costume and a Z on the other. From A to Z.

“Damn, we’re a couple of hot bitches!” Alyssa announced.

“Wait, why am I the A?” I frowned. “Shouldn’t you be the A? You are Alyssa.”

“Just trust me, Zee!” she giggled.

“What the fuck does that mean?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” she winked from behind her mask. Then she shuddered in anticipation. “I am so getting a good fucking tonight!”

“Whore.” I snorted.

“Slut, baby girl.” Alyssa corrected yet again. “I don’t ask for money, just good lovin’”

It wasn’t long before we were parking in front of doctor Henry Renshaw’s massive home. Alyssa and I put our half-masks back on as we walked up to the door. It was closed, so Alyssa actually knocked this time. A minute later, Henry himself threw the door open.

“Alyssa, Suzie! Welcome!” Henry grinned, dressed in doctor’s scrubs.

“Really, Henry? A doctor?” Alyssa giggled. “Isn’t that a little lazy?”

“Okay, yeah, maybe.” he admitted with a cute half-smile. “What are you ladies supposed to be?”

“We’re sexy bookends.” I sighed, still finding the idea kind of stupid.

“Oh, A to Z. I get it!” Henry said.

“It’s also a message.” Alyssa said, making me look at her in confusion. “We’ll do anything from A to Z!”

“Alyssa!” I hissed.

“I love it!” Henry laughed as he exchanged a hug and a kiss with my sister. “Come on in, girls!”

“Thank you.” I mumbled, walking up to him, not sure of what to expect.

I was not disappointed. Henry pecked my lips as he embraced me in a warm hug. Back in Henry’s arms, I was home. I actually released a breath as I felt my large breasts squish against his muscular chest. All too soon, the hug ended.

“Happy birthday, by the way.” Henry said.

“You remembered!” I exclaimed happily. He actually remembered? Holy shit!

“Of course I did!” the sexy doctor laughed.

Alyssa and I followed Henry inside and found the party was already in full swing. Everyone was in costume, and the place was beautifully decorated for Halloween. Black and orange streamers were all around us, there was a table with punch and snacks, and another table full of booze.

“Enjoy the party!” Henry declared as the doorbell rang. “Excuse me, ladies. Hope to see you soon!”

Henry disappeared and I felt a pang of longing in my heart. I didn’t have time to dwell, because Alyssa immediately grabbed my hand and led us over to the alcohol. We each took a jello shot, then decided to mingle for a bit.

There were a lot of different costumes on display. One guy was wearing a full cow costume that made me giggle. Another guy came as a toilet for some reason. There were women who had barely anything on. One girl was even walking around wearing a thong bikini. Wow, and I thought Alyssa and I were in revealing costumes.

Eventually, we ran into three of Alyssa’s closest friends; Ellen, Katie, and Jessica. They were all dressed in sexy outfits. Ellen, the brunette doctor, was in a sexy cop outfit. The tall blonde doctor, Katie, looked amazing in a sexy devil costume. Finally, Jessica’s big tits were practically spilling out of her sexy pirate outfit.

The five of us made our way to the large room Henry had set up as a dance floor. Music was pumping, and everyone was having a great time. Soon, I was enjoying myself as well. Alyssa and I danced together, the two sexy bookends swaying to the music.

It wasn’t just Alyssa, I also danced with Ellen, Katie, and Jessica. Then we danced as a big group, the five of us forming a circle of sexy ladies. Occasionally, a guy would come by to join our group, but he would leave soon after to continue on in his hunt for pussy.

Then it happened. I was asked to dance. With my new confidence, this might not have been a big deal. However, the person who asked me to dance was the gorgeous Henry Renshaw, himself. My mouth was dry, my palms were sweaty, and my heart was racing. Yet, there was no way I was turning him down.

Fuck, Henry knew how to move his body. We faced each other, smiling as we danced, our eyes locked. I was feeling bold when the next song came on, so I spun around and backed myself up until I felt his hands on my waist. Yes! I saw Alyssa smiling at me when my butt pushed up against Henry’s crotch.

“Thanks for the dance, Suzie Cutie.” Henry kissed my cheek before disappearing.

Needing a breather, I made my way over to the bathroom. I used some tissues to wipe the sweat from my face and cleavage. Then I sat on the toilet and pulled down my panties. Dancing with Henry had gotten me so wet that I actually needed to wipe myself.

Leaving the bathroom, I returned to the alcohol table for a shot of liquid courage. Feeling adventurous, I actually grabbed a second shot after the first. Down the hatch it went! Whatever, I wasn’t driving home tonight. Alyssa and I had already confirmed with Henry that we could stay in a guest room. Since Alyssa would probably end up getting boned, I’d end up with a room to myself.

Time to get back to dancing! The room was even more packed when I returned, bodies pressed together as people partied. A frown crossed my face as I craned my neck, trying to find Alyssa. She was nowhere in sight. Before I could enter the crowd, I was approached by a guy in a sailor costume.

“Ready for the game, Babe?” the sailor asked.

“Uh, sure?” I replied, feeling very confused. He was inviting me to some party game, maybe?

“Awesome!” he exclaimed, grabbing my hand and pulling me into the room.

“O-okay.” I stammered, deciding to just go with it. I was Zee, after all. Unlike Suzie, Zee could do anything.

The sailor led me out into the middle of the room and then spun me to face him. Then we were dancing. I wasn’t sure what the game was, but okay, sure, whatever! Sailor guy was actually a really good dancer, and I found myself really getting into it.

Halfway through the song, the sailor moved closer to me and leaned in. I knew what he wanted, and again, I decided to just go with it. I was buzzed, and it was a party. So, I figured, what the hell? Why not? Our lips met as he pulled me tight against him.

The sailor was a damn good kisser. I soon lost myself in the kiss, moaning into his mouth as he pushed his tongue between my lips. A few moments later, I felt his hand on my ass. I just kissed him harder in response. Then the song ended, and he broke apart.

“Mind if I cut in?” a male voice asked.

Turning, I found myself face to face with Jim, the male nurse with brown hair. I remembered him from the last party I attended. Jim was in his mid-twenties, and he was wearing a gladiator costume. It looked really nice on him.

“Sure. Okay.” I replied.

I’m not sure what happened to the sailor, but I soon forgot about him as Jim pulled me close. Another dance. At least I knew this guy. Still, I was surprised when Jim also initiated a kiss. Again, I just decided to go with it, and spent a couple minutes making out with Jim.

The song ended, and Jim spun me before disappearing into the crowd. I ran right into Derek, the late-thirties redhead nurse who was a real ladies’ man. He was dressed up as an army man. Slipping his arm around my waist, he pulled me in for a very close dance.

I was not sure what was going on, but I guessed it was some sort of kissing game. Sure, I went with it. Still, they probably should have asked before assuming I’d agree. Whatever, I could have stopped it at any time, I was allowing this to happen. I had to be honest with myself, I was getting wet again.

Derek really was a bit too much of a playboy for my taste, but I still accepted his kiss. I even was the one who brought tongue into the mix. A squeak escaped my lips when he squeezed my breast. Allowing the contact, I felt my nipple getting hard.

Another dance, another guy. The fourth guy was someone I didn’t recognize who was wearing a cowboy outfit. He was muscular, and actually really attractive. Deciding to go with what was happening, I initiated the kiss, to the cowboy’s obvious pleasure.

Guy number five towered over me in an astronaut costume. He wasn’t wearing a helmet, probably so he could kiss me. Fine, sure, I’d kiss him. I made out with the astronaut for a couple minutes. He didn’t grope me, but he made sure to explore my mouth with his tongue.

“Ready for round two?” the sailor asked.

“What’s round two?” I inquired breathlessly. Yeah, I was turned on.

“Exactly what we agreed to.” the sailor responded as he grabbed my hands.

What we agreed to? What the fuck was he talking about? I frowned in confusion as we started dancing. That’s when things started to really escalate. Grabbing my ass, sailor guy pulled me close. I could feel his hand run along the hem of my thigh-length gold dress.

It was obvious where this was going. I had to stop it. Kissing was one thing, even a little groping was reasonable, but I was not about to let a stranger near my pussy! Except, I was. Lust was coursing through my veins, I wanted to be touched. I needed to be touched.

Sailor guy pressed his lips against mine as he slid his hand up my dress. I spread my legs, indicating my permission for him to continue. People were dancing all around us, but I didn’t fucking care. I just moaned as his fingers pushed by the strap of my panties, allowing him to pet my pussy.

“Oh, fuck!” I gasped against his lips.

I could feel his smirk against my mouth as he pressed his fingers inside me. I was getting fingered. I was standing in the middle of a dance floor, getting fingered by a guy whose name I didn’t even know. Alyssa would be so proud.

All too soon, the song ended. Sailor guy pulled his fingers out of me and disappeared. Then I was in the arms of Jim the gladiator. More kissing, two more fingers in my twat. I was panting heavily, unable to focus on kissing Jim. I was so close. I was so fucking close.

The fucking song ended. Jim was gone. Derek was third. We started dancing, and I thought about refusing him, he hadn’t made a good first impression at the last party. I probably would have ended things if I wasn’t so damn horny.

Derek kissed me hard, his fingers working themselves in and out of me as I moaned. My knees buckled as I struggled to keep kissing, struggled to remain standing. Then it happened. My eyes rolled back as reality exploded, my veins filled with fire as electricity coursed through me.

“Oh, God! Ah!” I broke our kiss, biting my lower lip to keep from screaming as my pussy gripped his fingers.

“I win!” Derek announced happily as he pulled away from me.

“W-what?” I stammered, trying my best to breathe as I recovered from my orgasm. I saw all five guys around me, four of them looking disappointed.

“I made you cum, I win!” Derek smiled. “I get one of your famous blowjobs, Alyssa.”

“Alyssa?” I asked.

“Surprise!” my sister exclaimed, appearing out of nowhere with a huge smile on her face.

“Oh, hi Suzie.” Jim said, looking at the large Z on my sister’s chest.

“Wrong!” Alyssa announced, removing her face mask.

“Alyssa?” Derek questioned, confusion on his face as he turned to me. “Then you’re...”

“I’m, Suzie.” I mumbled weakly.

“Shit! I’m so sorry!” Derek exclaimed. “Alyssa came up with this game. We’d all kiss her, then we’d all take turns fingering her. Whoever made her cum would get a blowjob. She told us she would be wearing an A!”

“Yup, I lied.” Alyssa stated simply as she put her mask back on.

“What the fuck?!” I exclaimed, glaring at my sister.

“I wanted to keep helping you spread your wings.” my sister explained. “You were so out of it last night after, you know, everything. So, I made sure you were wearing the A after I arranged this little game with five of my regular playmates.”

“Five of your-” I cut myself off. “How many regular playmates do you have?!”

“None of your business.” Alyssa snorted. “Or rather, none of their business. We can talk about it another time, Zee. You lost the game, you need to pay up!”

“I never agreed to any game.” I retorted. Wait. They thought I was Alyssa. They couldn’t tell from kissing me. Did I kiss as well as she did?

“Yeah, she’s right, she didn’t.” Derek agreed, surprising me. “You could always pay up for her, Alyssa.”

“Hm, no, thank you!” Alyssa giggled before turning to face me. “It’s just a blowjob, Zee.”

“You really shouldn’t have tricked her like that.” Derek frowned. “Or us.”

“Oh, don’t be a baby.” my sister waved him off. “She could have pushed you away and stopped it. No one forced her.”

Derek was really surprising me. I would have thought he’d expect a blowjob from me. Instead, he was defending me. Maybe he wasn’t so bad. Maybe Alyssa was right, it was just a blowjob. I was fucking horny. I was single. I wasn’t gonna be anxious.

“I’ll do it on one condition.” I spoke up.

“What’s that?” Alyssa wondered.

“Derek has to eat me out first.” I announced confidently. Did I really just say that?!

“You go, girl!” my sister exclaimed as the five guys all laughed and clapped.

“Deal, Babe!” Derek grinned, grabbing my hand and dragging me toward the stairs.

The night was still young, so all the guest rooms were available. It looked like Derek and I were the first hook up of the party. I could not believe I was doing this, but I was more excited than anxious. Derek pulled me into a room and shut the door.

He buried a hair in my raven hair as he pressed his lips against mine. I gripped his biceps as I kissed him back. His other hand was at my lower back, holding me to him while our tongues touched and danced. I was so wet, my moans and pants speeding up.

Derek could tell I was ready. The experienced man led me over to the bed, and I expected him to help me climb on. I was wrong. He instead had me bend over the bed, my ass in the air as my breasts pressed against the comforter. I shivered with anticipation, letting out a breath as I realized how exposed I was.

My legs were shaking as Derek lifted my short dress, placing it on my lower back. He slipped his hand down the back of my black panties and yanked my underwear down to my knees. Holy shit, I was so exposed. He could see my naked ass, he could see my pink pussy peeking out from between my legs.

“Damn, you’re fucking sexy.” Derek commented as he grabbed my ass cheeks.

He started playing with my butt. He squeezed my firm butt cheeks together, then pulled them apart. I blushed when I realized he could probably see my asshole. Then he lifted his right hand and brought it down on my bum, making me jerk forward and yelp.

“Again!” I hissed, my lust in full control. “Please, spank me again!”

I was spanked again. Then a third time. Followed by a fourth. I was panting heavily, my pussy dripping as I pushed my ass back, encouraging him to touch me. Derek surprised me by leaning in and planting a firm kiss on my right butt cheek. Then he dropped to his knees.

With his hands on my booty, spreading me open, Derek lunged forward and buried his entire face in my hot box. My eyes went wide as my jaw dropped. A low keening moan escaped my lips as I felt his tongue push between my labia. His nose was right up against my butt hole, but Derek didn’t seem to care.

Reaching along the bed, I grabbed two fistfuls of the comforter as Derek’s tongue continued to probe my pussy. My raven hair was hanging down my back, a few strands falling forward to partially obscure my face. Holy shit, he knew how to use his tongue.

Derek lifted his hand to spank me as his tongue slid down to brush my clit. I screeched. Loudly. Not caring who heard me. All I cared about was his tongue. Soon, he found a steady rhythm, his tongue alternating between licking my slit and flicking my clit. He threw in the occasional spank as well.

I was close. I was so close. I moaned loudly and panted heavily, trying to tell him he was licking just the right spot. Just as I started squirming on the bed, Derek shocked me by slipping a finger straight up my bum. At the same time, he rapidly flicked my clit with his tongue.

“Oh God, I’m gonna cum! I’m gonna cum!” I announced, my eyes scrunched shut. “I’m cumming!”

The sexy army man pushed his finger in and out of my anus while his tongue flicked my clit. Eventually, my body stopped squirming and I just lay on the bed, moaning weakly. Then I heard him stand up. I was shocked back to reality when I realized he was unbuckling his pants.

Nope, nope, nope! He was not sticking it in my pussy! I quickly spun around and got on the floor, my panties still stretched around my knees. Reaching up, I grasped the sides of Derek’s pants, yanking them down with his boxers.

I didn’t think, I just acted. Grasping his shaft at the base, I stroked him a few times before opening my mouth and taking his erection between my lips. Then I started sucking on the top half of his penis, my hand stroking the bottom half. I knew I looked sexy, sucking dick with my half-mask still on.

“Fuck, yes!” Derek hissed as he buried his hands in my hair.

Why didn’t I let him fuck me? It would have been a perfect opportunity to complete my twenty-fifth and final act. Maybe I should have just let him stick it in? No. I couldn’t have done that. He was just some guy I barely knew. Some guy who, while he had a moment of decency, was mainly a pussy hound. He wasn’t getting mine.

“Mm, mm, mm!” I hummed around his shaft, drool bubbles at the corners of my lips.

Derek kept one hand on my head, encouraging me to suck him. His other hand slid into my dress and bra, cupping my massive breast. My eyelids fluttered when he pinched my nipple. I released his shaft so I could take him deeper while my hand massaged his balls.

I still couldn’t deep throat. I wasn’t gagging as much, so the experience I’ve gathered from all the different dicks I’ve sucked was definitely helping. Maybe someday my oral skills would match my big sister’s. Either way, I knew I would have no problem making Derek cum for me.

His hands were gripping my head, urging me on. I sucked harder and harder, drool running down my chin as I bathed his shaft with my tongue. From his heavy breathing, I was expecting him to warn me any time now. He didn’t. Instead, he ejaculated straight down my throat.

I let out a choked gurgling sound as semen flooded my mouth. The jet that had gone straight down my throat actually reappeared as I hacked it back up. I could handle a cum shot in my mouth now, but I usually required a warning first. Asshole.

I coughed again, sperm running down my chin in two rivulets. Finally, he stopped shooting, and the final few drops dribbled out onto my tongue. Then Derek pulled his softening penis out of my mouth. As he looked down at me, a naughty idea struck me. I tilted my head back and gaped my mouth. My tongue was covered in white fluid, as more ran down my chin.

“Damn, Baby!” Derek laughed. “You and Alyssa really are sisters!”

My blue eyes sparkling, I gave him an open mouthed grin. Then I finally closed my mouth and swallowed twice, shivering in pleasure as semen ran down my throat. As Derek put his penis away, I scooped up the cum from my chin and pushed it into my mouth. Semen really was fucking tasty.

“I hope you enjoyed your winnings.” I eventually said as I stood up.

“I definitely did!” he smiled. “Shall we head back to the party?”

“Sure.” I confirmed, reaching down to pull my panties back up.

Derek held my hand as he led me back downstairs. The party was still going strong. People were dancing and having a great time. Derek kissed my cheek before releasing my hand and disappearing into the crowd. Typical.

I still had cum breath, so I headed straight for the liquor. After taking a jello shot, I grabbed a mix drink. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it was a pinkish-red color and tasted fruity. Not bad. Then I went back to the dance room and hunted around for Alyssa.

“Hey, there you are!” Alyssa exclaimed, running up to me.

“Here I am.” I agreed with a nod.

“How did it go?” she asked, hugging me tightly.

“Not bad.” I shrugged before taking a sip of my drink. “Wouldn’t have killed him to warn me before he came.”

“Yeah, he can be like that.” Alyssa winced. “Should have mentioned it.”

“You should have.” I rolled my eyes. “I may be as big a cum slut as you now, but no one likes choking on the stuff.”

“Risk of being a slut, baby sister!” she giggled.

Back to dancing with the girls. The five of us shook our butts as we grooved to the music. We took a break to each take a shot of tequila, then we resumed dancing until we were all exhausted. Even then, the party continued well into the night.

I would have bet money that Alyssa would be the next of us to hook up. I would have lost. Jessica disappeared up the stairs with a guy in a full gorilla suit, one of her huge boobs was actually hanging out of her sexy pirate costume for anyone to see. Jessica clearly didn’t care, not bothering to put away her breast in her rush to get some cock.

Ellen, Katie and I spun in a circle, huge smiles on our faces. Alyssa was off to the side, dirty dancing between two large guys. Despite Alyssa’s assertion before my first party at Henry’s, this event was starting to feel more like a frat party than a party with doctors and nurses.

Speaking of doctors, I finally spotted Henry again. He was dancing with the girl in the thong bikini. I felt a pang of jealousy as I watched them. Fuck, I couldn’t be jealous. As I fought to push those feelings away, Henry looked up and locked eyes with me.

I gave him a small smile, expecting him to immediately look away and return his attention to the bikini woman. Instead, he whispered something to her and I saw her nod her head. Henry then leaned down to peck her cheek before leaving her to approach me.

“Wanna dance?” he asked me.

“Oooooooh!” Ellen and Katie both cooed teasingly.

“Shut up, both of you.” I giggled before looking at Henry. “I’d love to.”

Henry and I shared another dance. It was beautiful. He held my hand in the air as he spun me around, making me laugh. When the first song ended, I expected him to leave, but he didn’t. He stayed with me for a second dance. Then a third. And a fourth.

“You look amazing tonight.” Henry whispered.

“You’re not so bad yourself.” I replied.

“Thanks, but I probably could have put more effort into my costume.” he laughed.

“You’d look good in anything.” I stated before I could stop myself. Yup. I said that.

“That’s kind of you.” Henry grinned. “Oh! Before I forget, I got you something.”

“What? You did?!” I exclaimed, my shock evident. No way? It couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t be.

“Of course, it’s your birthday!” he answered. “I knew I’d be seeing you tonight, how could I not?”

“Wow, um, thanks!” I managed to say. He actually got me a present?!

“Follow me.” Henry requested, taking my hand.

Henry and I headed up the stairs. Turning my head to glance at the crowd, I noticed Alyssa giving me an approving look. Then she was gone as we reached the second floor landing. Once again, I found myself in Henry Renshaw’s bedroom.

“You really didn’t have to get me anything.” I protested weakly, swallowing nervously.

“Sure, I did!” he laughed as he headed toward his desk. “Make yourself comfortable.”

I sat down on the edge of his bed as I watched Henry rummage through his desk. Eventually, he extracted a package wrapped in dark green paper. Joining me on the bed, Henry sat down beside me as he handed me the mid-sized package.

“Thank you.” I smiled.

“Happy birthday!” Henry replied. “Go on, open it!”

There was no card, so I immediately started on the wrapping paper. My hands were shaking as I slowly peeled it off, revealing a book. I knew this book. It was the first book in my all time favorite fantasy series. The cover was different than the one I had, though.

That’s when realization hit me. It was a first edition. The author had lived well over a hundred years ago, so first editions were almost impossible to find. My jaw dropped as I opened the cover and received another surprise. It was autographed.

“Oh, my God!” I gasped. This must have cost a fortune!

“I remembered you said it was your favorite series.” he explained. “I hope you like it.”

“I love it!” I screeched. “I love it so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”