it's my ex best friend's 16th birthday
it is her sweet sixteen
... at Shakeys
i arrive late, but apparently, everyone is else late too
i walk into a room full of kids and tired eyed grown ups
the smell of pizza greets me at the door
maybe even in the hallway before i entered
i walk into a room disguised as a brick building in a lonely parking lot surrounded by cars passing by

i look around, i feel lost here, i really don't belong in this indoor playground of little kids
but i am here for my ex best friend's 16th birthday party
why else would i have come
i walk forward
i look into the sea of tables and faces with their mouth's full
serving yet another slice of greasy pizza to their children.
i see my ex best friend
her arms are waving at, me? this was my best friend in high school
she is now turning 16. one year behind. at Shakeys. with the little kids.
i smile... i think. i am smiling more at the room itself, the walls, they have held many birthday partys and celebrations
it's supposed to be a happy place
their table is in the corner of the room. a bar like setting, with the round table and the semi-circle seating arrangement. she moves over for me, i am happy that i am not left standing there, smiling at the room in Shakeys.
she introduces me to her half-smiling half-studying me faces, seeing if i'm cool or not. i want to think who cares if you like me or not, i am here for my ex best friend. not for you guys.
i am introduced. we are now introduced.
please carry on with your previous conversations- don't mind me!
my ex best friend looks at me
she is happy to see me... or is happy that i'm there?

ALLIE i have to get your drink
what?
i said i have to buy your drink! follow me!

i take it it is routinely to buy your party guest a drink in Shakeys
we walk over to the cashier
she pulls out some money from her wallet and asks for a drink
i take the cup. it's kind of small
i get my drink. Coke. delicious. we resume our seating at the bar table. she says we need a bigger table, as my best friend from school walks in.
she is practically running to the bar table
i am SO happy to see her. now i am not surrounded by children (i think) she sets the birthday present on the table, and kristen offers to buy her a drink. she buys her a drink, just like she did for me.

we disperse


my real friend and i go outside of the crowded playground
i am waiting for rosario