The days between Christmas and New Year's Eve slipped by in the mansion under a tense atmosphere, where the recent celebration seemed a distant memory, overshadowed by the imminent double photo session: Josephine's thirteenth birthday and the arrival of the New Year. The decorations evolved, bidding farewell to purely Christmas motifs to embrace a winter elegance with gold and silver accents.
For Josephine, the photo session loomed like an oppressive obligation, an amplified repetition of the Christmas charade. She knew that every smile, every pose, would be meticulously orchestrated by her parents to perpetuate an idyllic family image.
The drawing-room was transformed once again into an improvised studio. A cream tapestry with discreet golden threads served as the backdrop for the family birthday photos. Soft light attempted to sculpt smiling faces. Josephine, dressed in an ice-colored silk dress, her hair in a polished bun, felt like a mannequin. Celebrate what? Another year under their control? Her smile was a forced grimace. The photographer, with a kind but directive voice, adjusted her family: "Esperanza, closer to Josephine. Camille, Annelise, think of your favorite cake." For her parents, "Perfect, that elegance is ideal. Josephine, dear, a soft smile, please."
For her individual photos, the backdrop changed to a pale blue. Her burgundy velvet dress and loose hair offered a more youthful air. The subtly more intense makeup highlighted her clear eyes. "Josephine, now you. A little to the side, towards the light. Chin up. A smile for your thirteen years. Imagine something happy." Josephine evoked the laughter with Brianna and Louie, a faint smile bloomed. "Now, facing forward, a confident look." She thought of the stranger from her dreams, a shadow of longing crossed her face.
The bright gold and silver announced the New Year's photos. Her sequined dress, high ponytail, and bold makeup contrasted with her inner self. "Let's toast to the new year. Esperanza, Andrés, closer together. Camille, Annelise, enthusiasm for the New Year." For Josephine, "You in the center, a radiant smile, full of hope." Hope for what? To escape? A faint spark ignited in her eyes.
"Perfect! Wonderful photos!" exclaimed the photographer at the end of each set. For Josephine, each "perfect" was a silent sigh of relief. Her obedience to the instructions was mechanical, her mind yearning for the end of the session, wishing the lens wouldn't capture the falsehood she felt. Every smile was a mask, every pose a prison. The arrival of the New Year felt like the continuation of a play, not a new beginning.
Once the last photo was taken and the photographer began to dismantle his equipment, Josephine excused herself with an almost mechanical courtesy and retreated to the solitude of her room. The weight of the forced performance left her exhausted, as if she had run an emotional marathon. She shed the sequined dress, feeling the tiny cold pieces against her skin, and put on comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
She looked at herself in the mirror, and the image reflected back seemed strange, as if the made-up and smiling Josephine from a few minutes ago was a different person. She carefully cleaned her face, removing the artificial shine and revealing the paleness of her skin. Her hair, freed from the tight ponytail, fell in soft waves around her face.
A deep sigh escaped her lips. Thirteen years. A threshold into adolescence marked by frozen smiles and empty promises captured on celluloid. She sat on the windowsill, observing the frost-covered garden under the gray afternoon light. The silence of her room was a welcome contrast to the artificial bustle of the drawing-room.
Her thoughts drifted to Louie, Josep, and Brianna. She imagined their carefree faces, their genuine laughter. She longed for the freedom to be herself in their company, without the constant pressure of family expectations. The idea of the New Year's Eve party her parents were planning, full of elegant guests and superficial conversations, filled her with deep reluctance.
As she slipped out of the sequined dress, her mind was already elsewhere, anticipating with a mixture of excitement and anxiety the secret meeting she would have with Brianna and Louie the night before her birthday. It was their tradition, a clandestine escape from family formalities to celebrate her day in an authentic way, amidst laughter and complicity. This year, the need for that meeting felt more pressing than ever.
As the afternoon turned into evening, the preparations for the New Year's Eve party continued downstairs. Josephine listened to the murmur of voices and the clinking of glassware, feeling increasingly isolated in her own home. The false joy that would be built in a few hours would be another reminder of the distance between the image her family projected and the reality she lived.
Her phone vibrated on the nightstand, drawing her attention. It was a message from the group chat she shared with her friends:
The car stopped first at Brianna's house. He saw her run out, carrying a colorful backpack and a mischievous smile on her face. "The birthday girl is finally free!" Brianna exclaimed as she got into the car, hugging Josephine enthusiastically. "Prepare for a crazy night!"
The last stop was at Louie's house. He was waiting on the sidewalk, carrying a more discreet backpack but with the same excitement reflected in his clear eyes. As he got into the car, he leaned over to give Josephine a soft kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear, "I can't wait to have you all to myself a little later." Josephine felt a flutter in her stomach, and a smile spread across her lips.
With the four friends finally reunited, the atmosphere in the car filled with laughter and lively conversation. Brianna immediately began making plans for the night: movies, games, maybe even trying to cook something disastrous in Josep's kitchen. Josep, as host, made sure everyone was comfortable and excited for what was to come.
Arriving at Josep's parents' elegant but cozy mansion, they were greeted by his kind parents, who warmly welcomed Josephine and immediately made her feel at home. The house felt different from hers: more relaxed, full of books, and with a familial air.
"Welcome, guys! Dinner will be ready in a little while," Josep's mother announced with a smile. "Make yourselves at home."
Josephine exchanged a knowing glance with her friends. The "escape" had been a success, and the prospect of spending a night and a whole day in this relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by people who truly appreciated her, was the best birthday present she could wish for. The adventure would undoubtedly be unforgettable.
Once settled in the spacious upstairs rooms that Josep's parents had offered them, the group's energy was palpable. Brianna immediately put on upbeat music on her portable speaker and began to dance around the room, encouraging the others to join in. Finally, freedom! This night will be epic, Brianna thought, moving to the rhythm of the music with a radiant smile. Louie smiled fondly at Josephine as she placed her bag on the bed. Seeing her smile like that is the best thing in the world, he thought, then took her hand to join the impromptu dance. Josep, always attentive, went downstairs to the kitchen to make sure there were enough snacks and drinks. I want Josie to have the best night possible, far away from all that falseness, he told himself as he descended the stairs.
"This is the best way to start a birthday!" Brianna exclaimed between twirls, her long, wavy dark hair moving with her. "What do you guys want to do first? Horror movie? Board games? I have a super fun new card game!"
"I vote for pizza, courtesy of the host," Louie replied, hugging Josephine around the waist as they swayed to the music. "And then maybe something quieter to relax?" His gaze met Josephine's, conveying a silent promise for later. That look... I can't wait to be alone with her, Louie thought, feeling a warmth spread through him.
Josep returned to the room with a tray full of chips, cookies, and sodas. "Dinner will take a little longer, so we need to keep our energy up! Anyone want to play 'Truth or Dare'?" It's a classic, perfect for breaking the ice and having some laughs, Josep thought, offering the tray.
Josep's suggestion was met with cheers and laughter. Soon, the four friends were sitting in a circle on the floor, asking each other probing questions and daring each other to complete ridiculous challenges. Josephine felt more relaxed and happy than she had in weeks. Her friends' laughter filled the room, temporarily erasing the tension and falseness of her life at home. This is what I needed. Real friends, Josephine thought, feeling a deep gratitude.
"Alright, alright! 'Truth or Dare'! I'll start," Brianna exclaimed with a mischievous smile, looking at Josep. "Josep, truth or dare?"
Josep dramatically placed a hand over his chest. "Dare! I fear nothing!" Well, almost nothing, he thought with a slight pang of apprehension.
Brianna rubbed her hands together enthusiastically. "I dare you to... call your parents and sing 'Happy Birthday' to them in a squirrel voice!"
Josep's eyes widened in surprise, but an amused smile appeared on his face. "I accept the dare!" He took out his phone, dialed the number, and, after briefly explaining the situation to his parents who responded with laughter, proceeded to perform a shrill and comical rendition of "Happy Birthday" in a high-pitched, shaky voice. Everyone burst into laughter, and Josephine felt tears run down her cheeks from laughing so hard.
When Josep finished his performance and caught his breath, he looked at Louie with a smug smile. "Your turn, Romeo. Truth or dare?"
Louie, who had been hugging Josephine during Josep's phone call, thought for a moment. "Truth. I'm in the mood for honesty." Although with Brianna, you never know, he thought with a hint of caution.
"Hmm, interesting..." Josep murmured with a thoughtful look. "Louie, what's the cheesiest thing you've ever said to Josephine?"
Louie smiled tenderly at Josephine, squeezing her hand. "Probably something about her eyes being like stars in the dark night of my soul." Josephine blushed slightly but returned his smile affectionately. Brianna made an exaggerated "awww" sound, while Josep nodded in approval.
"My turn," Louie said, looking at Brianna with a playful smile. "Truth or dare, Queen of Chaos?"
Brianna shrugged disdainfully. "Dare! Always dare!" Let's see what he comes up with now, she thought with a spark of defiance in her eyes.
"I dare you to... try to do a handstand for a whole minute!"
Brianna's eyes widened in disbelief. "A handstand?! But I haven't done a handstand since I was eight!"
"You have one minute," Louie insisted with a grin.
Brianna stood up with determination, looking for a clear space in the room. After several wobbly attempts and amidst the others' laughter, she managed to lean her hands against the wall, her legs visibly shaking. The minute felt like an eternity, but finally, with a triumphant huff, she stood up straight again, her face flushed but with a victorious smile.
"My turn, Josie!" Brianna exclaimed, still panting slightly. "Truth or dare?"
Josephine thought carefully. After the fun and revelations of the previous turns, she felt more comfortable and relaxed. "Truth," she replied with a smile.
Brianna's gaze turned slightly mischievous. "Josephine, have you ever had a crush on a celebrity?"
Josephine blushed a little but laughed. "Well... maybe once on an actor from those action movies." Louie looked at her with a fake jealous expression, making her laugh even harder.
The game continued for a good while, filled with laughter, funny confessions, and embarrassing dares. For Josephine, each question and each challenge was an opportunity to connect with her friends in a genuine and carefree way, creating memories she would cherish long after the facade of her everyday life reclaimed her.
The night wore on, leaving behind the boisterous laughter of "Truth or Dare" to give way to a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. They snuggled together on the sofa in the spacious upstairs living room, with soft blankets and a cheesy Christmas movie playing on the television at a low volume. Josephine found herself nestled between Louie and Brianna, feeling warm and safe. Josep had fallen asleep in a nearby armchair, snoring softly.
Louie wrapped an arm around Josephine, pulling her closer. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart. Brianna, on her other side, played distractedly with her phone, occasionally letting out a giggle at a scene in the movie.
"Thank you for today," Josephine whispered, breaking the soft silence.
Louie kissed her hair. "Always, Josie. You deserve all the happiness in the world."
Brianna looked up from her phone and smiled. "Absolutely! And tomorrow will be even better. I have an epic birthday girl day planned."
Josephine felt a wave of gratitude towards her friends. In that moment, surrounded by their sincere affection, the facade of her life at home completely vanished. She was simply Josie, a thirteen-year-old girl having a wonderful night with the people who truly knew and loved her.
Later, when the movie ended and Josep was still sleeping soundly, Brianna yawned. "I think it's time for bed. Tomorrow will be a long day full of celebrations."
Louie helped Josephine up and walked her back to the guest room. Once inside, he gently closed the door and turned to face her. The faint moonlight filtering through the window illuminated her face with an almost ethereal softness.
"Happy almost birthday, Josie," Louie whispered, approaching her slowly.
Josephine felt her heart beat faster. The atmosphere between them was different now, more intimate and charged with a silent electricity. Their eyes met in the dim light, and a tacit understanding flowed between them.
Louie raised a hand and gently caressed her cheek. "I've been looking forward to this moment."
Josephine leaned in slightly, closing her eyes as their lips met in a soft and tender kiss. It was a different kiss than before, filled with a deeper sweetness and a silent promise. For an instant, the outside world ceased to exist, and only the two of them remained, united by an affection that transcended friendship.
They separated slowly, their breaths mingling in the silence of the night. Louie's gaze was warm and full of affection.
"Rest, my Josie," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "Tomorrow will be a wonderful day."
Josephine nodded, feeling a quiet happiness wash over her. She slipped into bed, snuggling under the soft sheets, with the memory of Louie's kiss imprinted on her lips and the promise of a special day awaiting her at dawn. For the first time in a long time, she fell asleep with a genuine smile on her face.