Qoute:"Sometimes the best revenge is simply showing everyone that you cannot be humiliated."
I read Serenas message. I already knew Serena was planning something.
I did what Serena said anyway.
The house was full of people when I got there. Most of them were strangers. Some looked like my dads business friends. Others were Serenas friends.
Claire stood outside the gate for a moment. Then Claire took a breath.
Claire looked at Claires dress.
Serena told Claire to wear a dress for Claires birthday dinner.
So Claire did.
The dress was simple but elegant. It was dark blue with silver details. The fabric moved softly when Claire walked.
Claire held the gate for a second.
Lets see what Serena planned this time Claire thought.
Then Claire opened the gate. Claire walked inside.
When Claire went inside everyone looked at Claire.
Some people started talking to each other.
"Why is Claire wearing that?" one of my dads coworkers said.
"Is this just a regular get-together?" another woman asked.
Claire did not pay attention to them. Claire just walked inside calmly.
Serena saw Claire away.
Serena was standing near the table with Vanessa and Cindy.
A fake smile appeared on Serenas face.
"Claire " Serena said sweetly.
Claire stopped walking. Claire looked at Serena.
Serena looked at Claire from head to toe.
"Oh my... Why is Claire wearing that?" Serena asked. Serena was pretending to be concerned.
"This is just a simple get-together " Serena said.
Vanessa and Cindy tried not to laugh.
Claire raised an eyebrow.
"Really?" Claire said calmly.
"That is strange."
Serena tilted Serenas head.
"Why?" Serena asked.
Claire said, "Well I think today is my birthday."
"Didn't Serena tell me to wear a dress?"
Serenas face froze.
"I... Told Claire?" Serena said nervously.
Claire looked at Serena quietly.
"Oh Serena."
"Maybe Serena forgot " Claire said softly.
For a second the room felt tense.
Then Claire suddenly smiled.
"Girls, come in."
The door opened.
All of Claires friends walked in.
They were all wearing dresses and formal clothes.
Amber and Lila were in front. They looked beautiful and confident.
Some guests gasped.
Serenas face turned white.
Amber waved at Claire.
"Happy birthday!" Amber shouted happily.
Lila walked beside Amber with a smile.
"Looks like Serena didn't read the message I sent " Claire said calmly.
"The theme of my birthday party is clothes."
Serena just stood there.
Serena didn't know what to say.
Vanessa whispered, "Serena... Did Serena know about this?"
Serena ignored Vanessa.
Claire walked forward.
Claire picked up the microphone from the table.
"Good evening everyone " Claire said.
"My name is Claire Rivera."
"Today is my birthday."
"Welcome to my party."
The room became quiet.
Claire looked at Claires dad.
"Dad... Did Claires dad forget that today is my birthday?"
Claires dad looked surprised.
His eyes widened slightly.
It looked like he had suddenly realized something.
He stood up slowly.
"Claire... I—"
Before he could finish Serena grabbed another microphone.
"Guys... Please welcome the birthday girl!" Serena said quickly.
Serenas voice sounded awkward.
People clapped politely.
Amber and Lila walked toward Claire.
Amber looked at Claires dress.
"Wow! Claire looks amazing in that dress."
Lila nodded.
"Claire looks like a queen tonight."
Claire smiled.
"Thank you."
For a Claire looked at Serena.
Serena looked embarrassed.
Serenas plan didn't work.
Of making Claire look foolish everyone was now looking at Serena.
People started whispering.
"Oh... Today really is Claires birthday."
"Why did Serena not say anything earlier?"
"This is awkward..."
Vanessa leaned closer to Serena.
"What are we going to do?" Vanessa whispered.
Serena clenched Serenas fists.
Meanwhile Claire continued speaking on the microphone.
"I am really happy that everyone came tonight."
Claire looked at Claires friends.
"Especially my friends."
Amber raised her glass.
"To Claire!"
Everyone cheered.
"To Claire!"
Music started playing.
The party slowly started to feel like a birthday party.
Waiters began serving drinks.
Some guests started talking and laughing.
Amber grabbed Claires hand.
"Come on! Lets take pictures!"
Claire laughed.
"You are already planning everything."
" course " Amber said. "It is Claires birthday."
They walked toward the center of the room.
Lila looked around.
"Wow... Claires house is huge."
Amber nodded.
"I know right? If I lived here I would throw parties every week."
Claire said nothing.
Claires eyes moved toward Serena again.
Serena was still standing near the table.
Vanessa and Cindy were talking to Serena quietly.
Serena looked angry.
Claire walked closer to Serena.
For a moment they looked at each other.
Claire leaned closer. Whispered,
"Did Serena really think Claire would not notice Serenas plan?"
Serenas eyes widened.
Claire smiled calmly.
" Time... Try harder."
Then Claire walked away.
Amber grabbed Claires arm.
"Come on birthday girl! Lets celebrate!"
Claire laughed softly.
They walked toward the center of the room.
Music became louder.
More guests started dancing.
Amber suddenly said, "Wait! Where is Claires cake?"
Claire blinked.
"Oh..."
At that moment the lights suddenly dimmed.
Everyone looked around.
A waiter rolled in a birthday cake.
It was beautiful covered in frosting and gold decorations.
The guests clapped.
"Happy birthday!" someone shouted.
Claire looked surprised.
Claires dad was standing behind the cake.
He looked at Claire with an expression.
"I did not forget " he said softly.
Claire blinked.
"You... Didn't?"
He shook his head.
"I wanted it to be a surprise."
Amber whispered dramatically "This is so emotional."
Lila elbowed her.
"Shut up."
Claires dad lit the candles.
"Make a wish " he said.
Claire looked at the candles.
For a moment the noise in the room faded.
Claire closed Claires eyes.
I wish...
Things would finally change.
Claire blew out the candles.
Everyone clapped again.
Amber cheered loudly.
"Speech! Speech!"
Claire laughed.
"You just want cake."
"Correct."
Everyone laughed.
The cake was served to the guests.
Meanwhile Serena was watching everything.
Serenas nails dug into Serenas palm.
Vanessa whispered, "Serena... Calm down."
Serena glared at Claire.
"This isn't over."
Vanessa looked worried.
"What is Serena planning?"
Serena smiled slowly.
"Oh... You'll see."
Across the room Claire was laughing with Amber and Lila.
Amber suddenly asked,
"By the way... Why did Serena try to embarrass Claire?"
Claire shrugged.
"Maybe Serena thought it would be funny."
Lila frowned.
"Serena looked really angry earlier."
Claire sighed quietly.
"I am used to it."
Amber crossed her arms.
"Well not anymore."
Claire looked at Amber.
Amber smiled confidently.
"Claire has us now."
Lila nodded.
"We will not let anyone bully Claire."
Claire felt something in Claires chest.
For the time in a long time Claire felt supported.
Across the room Serena watched them.
Serenas eyes were cold.
Enjoy it while you can Claire Serena thought.
Because Serena is not finished yet.
For tonight...
Claire was smiling.
Claire was laughing.
Claire was surrounded by friends.
For the time in a long time—
Claire was finally, in charge of Claires life.