Jackson's birthday had started with a rude awakening… unintentionally rude, but still. Waking to shrieks, then a sudden thudding impact from Chrissy jumping on him and shouting HAPPY BIRTHDAY! wasn't exactly the dream start for such an occasion.
He couldn't stay mad at her for long, however. She was more excited than him for his birthday, and there was at least a tantalising smell wafting up the stairs.
'Is that waffles?' he asked, the stupor of sleep rapidly falling away from him.
'Waffles!' Chrissy yelled. 'Mom said we can even have ice cream for breakfast!'
She was trying to tug him out of bed. Laughing, he allowed her, stumbling into the hall.
'Is it my birthday or yours?'
She giggled more. 'Yours, silly.'
He followed her down the stairs. In the kitchen, Mom and Dad moved about in tandem, cooking up a storm. Their movements were practised and precise, almost like a dance routine as they navigated the confines of the kitchen. They were still dressed in their silky pajamas, though they looked alert and full of energy.
'Happy birthday, Jackie!' they shouted, grinning at him. One after the other, they hurried over to give him a quick hug—and even a kiss on the cheek from Mom—before returning to their stations.
'Thanks, Mom; thanks, Dad.'
Chrissy hurried to the table, sitting down, leaving a space between her and Tommy, who looked up blearily. It must've been before seven. How were Chrissy and their parents so full of energy at such an hour? It probably had something to do with "sleeping at a reasonable hour", an impossibility for young men.
Jackson lingered in the kitchen, sniffing the air. His mouth watered at the savoury goodness. Though, along with the waffle maker, and even some scrambled eggs frying up on the stove, he could see the light of the oven on.
'How long have you guys been awake?' he asked.
'Never you mind, son,' Dad said. 'Just go and sit down. Your breakfast'll be over in a second.'
Jackson obeyed, taking his seat in between his siblings; Tommy was no longer the most tired-looking person at the table.
'Happy birthday, little bro,' Tommy said. 'Make sure you enjoy it.'
'Mm. Thanks,' Jackson replied, nodding.
'I mean it, Jackie. Today's a day for rest and relaxation, not working out.'
Jackson wasn't about to argue, even if he could've made a case for his birthday being the day where he could do whatever he wanted, and working out hardly seemed like a great offence. Soon, a pile of waffles and bacon were thrust in front of him, banishing all other thoughts from his mind.
'Best breakfast ever,' Jackson said, eyes almost spilling from his head. 'Thank you guys so much.'
He wasted no time before digging in as the others giggled, toasting him with another call of "Happy Birthday". It wasn't long before Mom and Dad joined everyone, and when they did, there was a feast on the table as the eggs and ice cream were added; syrup, honey, and butter, too; and for drinks there was a choice between OJ and milk.
The youngest of the family loaded up with waffles and ice cream, though both parents made sure Chrissy didn't have TOO MUCH. The men of the house stuck to mostly eggs and bacon, though Tommy enjoyed a waffle or two. Whilst Mrs Woods tried a little bit of everything, saving her honey waffles and ice cream for dessert after a helping of bacon and eggs.
But as Jackson's stomach grew fuller, and his plate emptier, his mind wandered to what lay ahead. Not just for the party they still had to prepare, but the big game that came after. The Dons vs the Longhorns. His two rivals… and neither knew he existed. He chased those thoughts away with another scoop of ice cream and an extra thick drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Once nobody could stomach another mouthful, the only noises were the stretching of waistbands and soft, satisfied groans. Chrissy hopped off her seat, breaking the serenity by screaming for presents. You'd have thought she was the one receiving them for all her excitement.
Jackson stayed seated, though the others started to clear away the table as Chrissy retrieved Jackson's first present, which was a hand-drawn card.
It was like the card she gave him every year, showing a drawing of the family standing beside their home, all wearing cheery faces and bright clothing. Yet—also like every year—the drawing was better than the last; more detailed and less stick-figure.
Held within the card was no money, but something much more valuable—words of love. His family, in turn, reminded him how much they loved and cherished him; how glad they were to see him persevere through a difficult year and make it through the other side to bigger and better things; how they'd always be there for him no matter what; and how proud they were of how much he'd grown, and not just physically either. Tommy even mentioned how funny and strange it was that Jackson sometimes felt like a role model to him.
By the time Jackson had read the last word, tears filled his eyes, threatening to spill onto the card. Chrissy hugged him, and he hugged her back, thanking everyone once again.
'Save those thanks for after you see your real present,' Tommy said.
'Not to say that card, and the love it carries, isn't real,' Mom said, sending Tommy an admonishing look.
Jackson wiped his eyes, looking around. 'What's my real present?'
'It's out the back. Come take a look,' Dad said.
With that, the family funnelled into the backyard, Tommy following behind Jackson, covering his eyes so he couldn't get an early peek, and ruin the surprise before it was ready; Chrissy held Jackson's hands, leading him through so he didn't bump into anything.
There was a moment of rummaging around, then finally it was okay to let him look. What he saw, was quite obviously a "bike-shaped package" with a blue and gold striped wrapping.
He stared at the paper-wrapped bike, stunned into silence for a good while. Mom and Dad stood beside it, watching his reaction, sharing a look between themselves. Tommy was still behind him, hand on his shoulder now instead of blocking his eyes.
'I helped wrap it!' Chrissy shouted, standing proud before her work. 'Can you guess what it is? Do you need a hint? Look!' She bounced over to the front of the bike. On the handlebars, jutting out of the wrapping, was a shiny silver bell which she gave a few enthusiastic rings. The shrill chimes brought Jackson out of memory and back to the present moment.
'We just wanted to…' Dad started.
'We know your last bike was damaged in the… well…' Mom said.
Jackson stepped forward, hugging his mom, then dad. 'It's great, thank you.'
'You haven't even opened it yet!' Chrissy said, giggling. 'It could be anything.'
Jackson laughed. 'I guess you're right, little miss smarty-pants. You wanna help me open it?'
Her eyes lit up, and she eagerly tore into the wrapping, doing more of the opening than he did. The revealed bicycle was a beauty. It was bigger than his old one; a seven speed. Its golden frame captured the light of the still-rising sun. The grip on the handles were comfortable, and fit his hands well.
'The brakes are really good,' Dad said. 'I had Tommy help test those.'
Jackson circled it, admiring it. He didn't want to look at his family, see those concerned faces staring back. Did they think he was going to ride this one out into traffic the moment they blinked? He couldn't be angry. Of course that's where their minds went. His went back to that moment too. But that was the past, and this wasn't something to bring him back to the past, it was to help him race into the future.
Detailing caught his eye on the side of the frame. A jet blazed a trail across the frame, leaving a trail of flame in its wake.
'That was my idea,' Tommy said.
'It's perfect.' Jackson smiled, and seeing his heartfelt reaction, his family mirrored it.
He stepped past the bike and went for a hug, his arms stretched wide enough to drag them all in. Even little Chrissy was pulled into the middle of the moment. This time the tears fell, getting lost in the familial affection. And Jackson did nothing to stop them.
Setting up the party's last preparations sped by after that. Multiple fold-away tables had to be brought out from the shed, then the right sheets had to be found to go over them—not the red and white stripes but the blue and white chequered—the cooler had to be filled with ice and the cans of soda, plastic plates and cutlery had to be set out within easy reach, and of course, Mom wanted to give the whole house another quick clean.
It was a mercy when people started arriving just after noon, forcing them to put a stop to their fussing, and leave everything as is. Thankfully, they were more than ready, and it was only Jackson's grandparents—the easiest to please—who arrived first.
There were many pinched cheeks and long hugs and wet cheek kisses before another card was handed to Jackson, this one store bought, but not lacking in love, and certainly not in cash.
Jackson pocketed the twenty-dollar bill, and gave his grandparents another hug, thanking them for coming and for showing so much love. Then he was rushing off inside to go put the card on display in his room on a shelf above his desk.
He came back downstairs just in time to get the door after its bell had rung. Opening the door Jackson was greeted by Kenny and his parents. Jackson welcomed Kenny with a fist-bump—made slightly awkward by the way Kenny had to readjust the gift-wrapped box he carried—then his parents with a reserved handshake each, thanking them for coming.
Kenny walked in with familiarity whilst his parents eyed the insides of the home with bright-eyed curiosity.
'Yo, where I can put this down?' Kenny asked.
'Oh, yeah, come on through. We're set up outside. There should be a table for that.'
Stepping through to the backyard triggered another slue of greetings and thanks, even introductions between those meeting for the first time. Off to the side, still under the back veranda, there was another table set aside for all the gifts, as the rest would be opened once all the guests had arrived. But Kenny's gifts were a set of weights and dumbbells.
The arrivals were near-constant after that for a moment, with Sachin, Marcus, and Eddie arriving with their respective parents. Each boy attacked Jackson with hugs that were more like headlocks, before handing over birthday cards that came with PSN gift cards instead of money; it was important for him to always be up to date with the latest Mortal Kombat and Madden, so they could beat his ass in them.
Jasmine arrived soon after, chaperoned not by her parents, but by Steph and their fellow bandmates, Izzy and Candy. Unfortunately, the band came empty-handed. Perhaps it was for the best. As much as he would've loved to hear Jasmine play, and even some like his dad and Tommy wouldn't have minded the rowdy music, the rest of the guests were probably better off without.
He tried to ignore Steph's glare as Jasmine greeted him with a hug and even a quick kiss on the cheek. It was then he noticed her gift, which she said was from the band as a whole.
Mom and Dad were immediately struck by the contrast of Jasmine and her bandmates. Steph with ripped jeans, and an open flannel shirt showing off a graphic tee with a vampire woman dripping blood across it was eye-catching for perhaps the wrong reasons. Meanwhile, Candy's outfit was as cololurful as her namesake, whereas Izzy had a very monotone black and white dress with stockings along her arms and legs.
Yet there was Jasmine, in jeans much like Steph's, minus the tears, and a Poison band-tee that had Dad enamoured. However, a sly smile came to his face as the girls were introduced to the family.
'Big Poison fan, Jasmine?' he asked, scepticism dripping from his voice.
She smiled warmly. 'I wouldn't say they're my favourite, but they're pretty good for an old school band. Jackson helped me get into them after he said they were one of your faves, though.'
'Is that right?' Mr Woods said, smiling at Jackson.
Chrissy was watching Jasmine like she was a mythical creature come to life. 'Are you Jackie's girlfriend?' she asked with childlike straightforwardness and innocence.
Jasmine laughed. 'I think so. Unless he's dumped me since we last talked.'
'I doubt that'd happen,' said Mrs Woods. 'Not with the way our little Jackie talks about you.'
'Haha, he talks about you guys a lot, too,' Jasmine said. 'He's always going on about how amazing and supportive you guys are. I can't wait to try some of that famous cooking of yours, Mrs Woods.'
'Oh? Bragging is he? Heheh, you might have to wait. It's the boys on the barbeque today, though I'm sure you'll love the cake Chrissy and I whipped up.'
'I looove cake. Oh, my god, I can't believe you went through the trouble of making one yourself. Jackie's being spoilt rotten today, huh?'
Mrs Woods laughed more, eyes sparkling with delight. 'Come through to the backyard, dear, we can find somewhere for you to put that gift down.'
As Jasmine and the band were shown through to the backyard, Jackson's parents gave him a look that said they were happy for him, but if he ever hurt this girl, they might end up taking her side in the break-up.
Later, Jasmine's gift would be revealed to be a small record player, along with the first vinyl in what Jasmine was sure would grow into a mighty collection—a deluxe edition of Bullet for my Valentine's self-titled album. He couldn't help but joke if it wasn't a subtle warning about what she'd do to him seeing how Valentine's Day had come and gone without fanfare, though she just laughed in response.
Maybe it wasn't a warning from Jasmine herself, but perhaps the rest of the band had a part in picking out which album to give him. Steph was certainly trying to shoot bullets from her eyes throughout the party.
Other arrivals came thick and fast. Most brought cards full of cash similar to his grandparents. If somebody could figure out how to convince everyone it was their birthday everyday, they'd be the richest person in the world.
By the time all the invited Titans had arrived, the backyard was already full of the irresistible charcoal smell of the barbeque. There were plenty of sausages, burgers, and even chicken wings to go around, along with the many napkins necessary for such messy finger-food. With various delicious salads to cleanse the pallet and cut through the otherwise overwhelmingly smokey meat, and plenty of soda to wash it all down, Jackson couldn't have asked for a better lunch on his birthday.
The weather held up too, a wonderfully sunny day, without much wind. Mixed with the final day of winter meant it was neither too hot, nor too cold. Everything had worked out as good as it could've.
Then came the cake. A tall, double-layered chocolate sponge cake with a thick centre of cream, drenched in a chocolate ganache. If it was time for cake, it was Jackson's belief you may as well make such a rare treat as rich as possible to get the most out of it.
Tears threatened to spill over again as everyone sang him Happy Birthday, though with the boys telling him he looked like a monkey, and smelled like one too, that brought enough laughs out of him to keep the tears at bay.
Before he blew out his candles—before he made his wish—he stood at the head of the table, smiling out at all his guests.
'I can't thank you all enough for spending not just this day, but this whole year with me. It's been crazy, and though its had its downs, I've met some awesome people this year, and I just… I know my life would be a whole lot worse without you all sticking by my side. So thank you. Thank you for helping make this year a good one, and I look forward to an even better year with all these amazing friends I've found.'
'I'm just here for the cake, bruh, get to cutting,' Sachin yelled, earning an elbow from Eddie.
Jackson laughed, grinning wider. 'Who wants Sachin's piece?'
'HEY!'
'Make your wish, Jackie,' Mom urged him.
Jackson stared down at the candles. What else could he ask for? Maybe there was still one thing he didn't have, one last wish to be fulfilled. He bent down, inhaled deeply, and blew out all fifteen candles with one gust.
Once the cake was cut up, served, and ate, a game of backyard football was called.
It started out pretty friendly and casual, with parents versus kids, though that wasn't very fair on the parents until Tommy and Shane switched sides, which evened the odds, but brought out the competitiveness in the various athletes present.
Slowly, the game devolved from full-on team contests, into simple one-on-ones, where Tommy dominated in a king-of-the-hill style, running through all comers from the JV team, and even Eddie, Sachin, and Marcus, until he called out Jackson.
'Get over here, birthday boy,' Tommy said, pointing him out. 'It's time to see if you're man enough to take down your big brother yet.'
Jackson laughed as he trotted over. 'If you lose, don't blame it on the cake.'
'Hahah. I was gonna say the same to you, little bro.'
'You've got this, Jackie!' Jasmine yelled once the brothers were facing one another.
'No fair. Where's my cheer-squad?' Tommy asked, grinning.
'You can do it, Tommy!' Chrissy screamed.
There were more laughs, which slowly faded, leaving the brothers in silence as they stared one another down. The moment stretched on for a while until their dad cried "hut" and sent them running across the yard.
Jackson was glad he could keep up, and Tommy hadn't shaken him loose, but that still didn't help him when the pass came in, and Tommy elevated in one smooth motion, without even having to plant himself fully. Jackson was hopeless, but he still threw himself at Tommy in a vain attempt to disrupt the pass. Tommy carried both ball and little brother when he landed, standing tall and dominant.
Jackson stumbled out of his grip, panting. 'Okay but I don't play defence! You couldn't stop me either.'
Tommy laughed, tossing the ball back to their dad. 'Try me.'
There were more cheers for Jackson as the brothers lined up again. 'Don't get embarrassed on your birthday, bro!' Marcus said.
'You can't be losing to an unc like Tommy!' Sachin said.
'I'm not even twenty!' Tommy cried. Damn kids. Soon they'd be calling anyone a year older than them "unc".
'Ready?' Dad asked. At their nods, he cried "hut" once more, and Jackson faked left before shooting right.
Tommy stumbled for a moment, as Jackson raced by, a loud "oohh!" billowing from the onlookers. The ball was lobbed over, but Tommy recovered quickly, stretching up, knocking the ball from the air just before it could reach Jackson's hand. Disappointed groans followed, but Tommy stood triumphant.
'Who's next!' Tommy yelled, flexing. His challenge was met with a chorus of boos from the already-defeated boys.
'…I'd like a go.'
Dion's answer almost went unheard. Most didn't hear it, as only Jackson and Tommy turned to him, Jackson with curiosity, and Tommy still with his challenging grin.
The ball was passed back to Dad, and Eddie warned him to make it a good pass this time, drawing laughs from some, and more playful accusations of collusion between father and son.
Like Jackson, Dion couldn't stop Tommy from securing a reception, but also like Jackson, he was given a chance to play his preferred position and have a go on offence, with Tommy playing defence. Most shocking of all, Dion won this exchange, blowing by Tommy with a surprising change of pace after a double-move, and rising up above him for the catch.
Enthusiastic cheers filled the yard, though Dion seemed to shrink in on himself a bit while being the centre of everyone's attention. Tommy called for a tiebreaker, so he could make up for his defeat. Dion played Receiver once more, and this time Tommy stayed on top of the route after Dion's feint to the left. The pass was swatted down, and Tommy remained the king.
As Dion shook hands with Tommy, then went to take his seat off to the side again, he was showered with applause. Even from across the yard Jackson could see the older boy's blush, no matter how he tried to hard it by taking a sip from his soda.
Tommy still had one challenger for his throne, and it was the strongest of all as Shane stepped up to the plate.
More cheers came from other onlookers, though all the boys were still and silent. Anticipation override any desire to cheer or taunt. This was a serious showdown to determine who was the best, and just how far Shane's talents went.
Tommy wasn't joking around either. He was locked in. He shook Shane's hand as they lined up, then the two burst into movement at Mr Woods's cry.
Tommy shot forward, and Shane remained right on top of him, even after a series of stutter-steps and feints. When Tommy finally burst to the left, Shane followed, stuck to his hip. The ball came in, and that was when Tommy made his separation. It was a subtle bump, one that wouldn't be called in a game for interference; a veteran move, made just as both athletes were readying themselves to lunge for the ball, which ensured its effectiveness of knocking Shane off-balance, and giving Tommy the room he needed to make the catch.
There were sighs and groans from the others, though the boys were watching intently, like they were getting a personal masterclass in how to be an elite Receiver. Tommy didn't even showboat after his victory. He passed the ball back to Dad, and called for Shane's turn to play offence.
The cheers for Shane became more enthusiastic, though to balance that out, the quiet intensity surrounding the watching boys deepened.
At Mr Woods's cry, Shane shot forward, perhaps surprising Tommy with his straightforwardness, however Tommy remained in good position, even after Shane's double-move. They went deep, and just before they'd run into the fence, the ball was thrown over, yet Shane had no separation, so he lowered his shoulder, but Tommy caught it with his own.
Neither budged, and no separation was made, so when Shane rose up, Tommy was still right beside him, and swatted the ball from the sky.
Tommy landed with a cheer. 'Woo!' Though he panted excitedly, showing it was as much an exclamation of relief as it was victory.
He and Shane shook hands once more, and just when it seemed Tommy would remain unchallenged, undefeated at the top, Mr Woods passed the ball over to Petey, and staked his claim to the throne.
Cheers and jeers came from all sides, as a wager was laid down that the loser would have to mow the lawns for a whole year.
And somehow, shocking everyone but his wife, Mr Woods came out on top. All around the yard, the boys, even Tommy himself, were left speechless and slack-jawed as Mr Woods emerged victorious on both sides of the ball.
As dominant as Tommy had been, Dad Strength was the only thing to remain undefeated that day.
Afterwards, Jackson's aforementioned gifts were all opened, and another round of thank yous and pleasantries were exchanged. But then the party was coming to an end, and one-by-one the guests started to leave.
Jackson saw them all off to the door, more fist-bumps, though no handshakes, as they were all turned into hugs even if only for a second.
He waved goodbye to each, watching from the driveway until they'd rounded the corner out of sight. His grandparents were the only ones who were staying longer, as they'd be spending the night.
However, when Jasmine took her hug goodbye, she twisted her head, and planted a quick kiss on his lips before parting. Jackson stood shocked as she darted into Steph's car. Even when they were pulling away he was still too stunned to wave.
Only once Tommy nudged him from behind was he counter-shocked back into motion. He turned, finding his family staring at him, wry smiles on his parents' faces. Chrissy giggled about him having "girl cooties" now.
He expected some reprimand about the public display of affection, maybe they'd drag him away for "the talk" but that didn't come, only a warm hug, and another comment about how nice she was and how they were happy the two of them looked happy together.
The day had been such a success, Jackson almost forgot it wasn't over, and there was still something of equal import coming up. Though when he heard the question of what they were doing for dinner—just heating up leftovers if somebody wasn't already stuffed to the brim from lunch—he realised how late it was, and how that meant the game would be starting soon.
So instead of a movie of his choice, the family soon found themselves watching the final moments of the pregame broadcast before the High School National Championship game between the Dominguez Dons of California, and the Gordon Longhorns of Texas.
Jackson sat, eyes glued to the screen, excitement building within him. How eager he was to learn which of these two teams—which of his two rivals—would stand alone on the mountaintop by the end of the night, much like his dad had for their backyard championship. Whoever it was, they would be the one every other team in the nation viewed as their ultimate goal; whoever it was, Jackson would be the one to take their spot on that same throne.