Fireworks

"Fourth of July only comes once a year mom!" Tara yelled to her mother as she pulled her sandals on.

"You’re birthday only comes once a year as well!" Her mother called back, coming into the kitchen.

Tara finished putting her sandals on and frowned at her mother. Yes, her birthday was the fourth of July, but she didn’t see why it meant she had to spend her sixteenth birthday away from her friends. And him.

"But James is leaving next month! I need to spend as much time with him as possible." Tara said indignantly, standing up.

"Tara, you have a month to spend with him. He’s taking you to your driving test. You’re going to spend a week at the beach with him and your friends. You’ll be spending another week with him and his family up north as well."

"But he’ll be gone after that!"

"But James will visit."

"Mother! He’ll be in university! Do you remember university? How many chances did you get to come home to visit all your friends and family?"

"Tara, don’t argue with me. You’re not going to the firework show, you’re staying home for a night in with the family. I’m inviting your grandmothers over and your uncle and his family."

"Mother, how many people get fireworks on their birthday?"

"People born on the fourth of July."

"But how many people don’t even live in the country celebrating the fourth of July and still get fireworks?"

"People born on the fourth of July that live in a town bordering the United States."

"And how rare is that? I have to go."

"Tara."

A car horn honked from outside, and Tara pulled some money out of her wallet and jammed it in her back pocket, throwing her wallet onto the kitchen table. She kissed her mom on the cheek.

"I’ll have a little family party tomorrow. I promise."

With that, she bolted out the door before her mother could say another word.

She ran out into her driveway, where James was waiting with his car full of friends waiting to celebrate her birthday with her. She smiled as she noticed four people crammed in the back while the front seat remained empty. She climbed in the car.

"Step on it, before she comes out of the house." Tara said quickly as she pulled her seat belt on.

Everyone in the car laughed as James pulled out of the driveway, all of them knowing Tara’s mother’s love to family values and quality time on holidays.

The evening moved quickly to dark, as they ate supper at James’ house, and exchanged gifts. Everyone was sitting back relaxing, eating fresh strawberries, when the time, eight fifty-seven, was pointed out.

"The fireworks don’t start until ten though." Mattie, one of Tara’s closest friends said.

"But if we don’t want to be walking for an hour from our parking space, we need to leave now." James said, ushering everyone out of the house, then back into his car.

They arrived at the park having the firework show and were able to secure a good parking space. They all got out and headed closer to where the display was going to be.

Everyone agreed on the fountain as a meeting place, as everyone in the group knew where it was, then everyone headed off their separate ways, meeting up with others, or finding a good place to view the fireworks. Tara and James stayed together at the fountain.

"How’s this for a birthday, you get fireworks!" James said, looking at her smiling.

Tara just laughed a shrugged.

"You’re use to it then?" he asked.

"Yeah." She said sighing. "When I was a kid, my parents use to bring me down here to see them. My birthday and New Years were the only two nights of the year I was allowed to stay up late. I looked forward to it."

"And you don’t anymore?"

"Well, this year I did."

"How come?"

Tara shrugged and avoided his eyes. She looked out into the park where others were sitting waiting for the fireworks to start.

She was glad for James’ friendship, and she loved having him around, except these days, she loved having him around more then usual.

"I don’t want to have to leave for university." James said suddenly.

"But why?" Tara said, finally meeting his eyes, shocked. "You’ve been excepted to the best in the area, and this is a great opportunity for you! Are you insane?"

James shrugged. "Maybe. But now we’ve both got our secrets."

She looked at him a little surprised, then nodded.

A cool breeze blew past the two as the fireworks started. Tara moved a bit closer James, who in turn put his arms around her to keep her warm. They watched the display in silence.

As the fireworks began to slow, James dared himself to look down at Tara. She looked up at him and smiled, and he leaned in and kissed her.

As the fireworks around the slowed to an end, the fireworks inside their hearts were only beginning