Chapter 21: Sweet Sixteen

Their house was fully decorated with streamers and balloons in Val’s favorite color, a deep “forest” green. All three girls were wearing new dresses for the party, and Leah had prepared a buffet table of delicious finger foods next to a bakery’s decorated sheet cake bearing a huge “16” across the top.

Abel was already there, and Nia went to answer the door.

“Hi, I’m Nia. You’re here for the party? C’mon in.”

Inside, the guests introduced themselves.

“I’m Carrie, and this is Robbie—short for Roberta.”

“Thanks for coming. I’m Leah, Nia was the one who let you in. We are Val’s sisters. Over there are guys you might already know, our brother Ted and Val’s friend Abel. Over there in the blue outfit is Fernanda, Abel’s cousin. And there’s a shy younger brother around somewhere, he’s Tim. Fussing in the kitchen is our oldest brother, Andrew. I’m sure Val will be out in just a minute.”

And then, there she was.

Unlike everyone else, Leah knew what was coming. The room was dead silent until Abel blurted out, “You’re so beautiful!” He had never seen Val like this in a formal gown. Her hair was styled, and her twenty nails were all visible, lacquered in a glossy dark red. On her face, a touch of makeup, and lipstick in the same dark hue of red.