"Happy Birthday Abbie!!"
I don't know what caught me more by surprise, the enthusiastic shouting or the lights in the kitchen suddenly turning on. Either way, that surprise was quickly replaced by the biggest smile I could muster. Crowded in my family's small kitchen were all my favorite relatives, here to wish me a happy 18th birthday.
"Oh my goodness!" I yelped, completely unaware of this surprise party. "I don't know what to say!"
"Don't say anything!" my grandma Jody said, as she ushered me into the kitchen. "Just let us do the talking, while you blow out your candles."
Sure enough, there on the table was a huge cake with 18 wax candles waiting to made a wish upon. Behind me mom and dad both grinned from ear to ear. We had just gotten back from a fancy restaurant downtown, each of us dressed up for the exclusive dining. I was dressed in a navy blue, low cut formal dress and heels to match the color of the dress. With my perfect outfit and all this attention, I felt like royalty. Happily and confidently, I walked into the kitchen, sat down at the table, and watched as my grandpa lit each candle one at a time. As he finished, my entire family started to sing.
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Abigail! Happy Birthday to you!"
The next five hours passed by as quick as they came. I was showered with far too many gifts that I knew to do with, my family was pleasant company, and my parents even allowed me to drink a little bit of wine. For only just turning 18, I felt older already.
But the party had to be over eventually, my relatives all had left by midnight, and I was ready for bed. I was brushing my teeth, thinking about all the fun I had today. My adorable dress was gone, replaced by a simple white top and blue pajama pants. As much as I loved my brand new heels, my bare feet welcomed the cold touch of the bathroom floor. My mom and I had gotten pedicures today, so my toes were painted a cute light blue color to compliment the day's outfit.
I rinsed my mouth and spit, then took a second to look at myself in the mirror. One of the reason's my dinner outfit was blue was because it matches the color of my eyes. My blonde locks, which had breezed down my narrow shoulder all day, were now tied back in simpled ponytail. My petit demeanor didn't exactly scream grown woman, but I certainly felt the excitement and confidence that comes from reaching such a critical age. Feeling silly, I blew my reflection a birthday kiss before walking out the of bathroom and to my bedroom.
Gift bags, boxes and birthday cards littered the floor of my room. I knew in the morning I'd be forced to clean them up immediately, but sleep was calling my name. It was curious how tired, yet excited I was at the same time. As I crawled into bed, I heard a knock at my door.
"Come in," I said, as I pulled the covers over myself.. As expected, my dad open the door and came in, still smiling from earlier.
"So honey, can your mother and I pull a surprise party or what?" he asked, as he carefully walked over all the stuff on the floor, then taking a seat at the end of my bed.
I returned with a smile. "Yes daddy, I guess you did ok!" I joked. "But I should have seen it coming when you told me not to get dessert at the restaurant."
Dad shook his head. "We were worried about that part. I know their french silk pie is too much for you to pass up on," he said. "It all worked out fine though?"
"Yes daddy, it was amazing," I replied sincerely. "Thank you so much for today."
I opened my arms, and he came in for one of his signature bear hugs. "Love you sweetheart."
"Love you too!" I told him, as we uncoupled. Dad turned the light off as he walked out. With the darkness finally came a real urge for sleep. Before long, I could feel myself nodding off, and with my last thoughts being on my seemingly perfect day, I went to sleep.
An unknown time later, my peace and quiet was interrupted by a small, yet intrusive noise. While I almost immediately woke up, my body froze in fear. I was slightly curled to the left side of my bed, most of my body encased in the soft embrace of my sheets. Everything, except my bare feet, and there was something close to them. I could feel warm, heavy breathing on my naked soles, followed by barely audible inhaling. My first fear was a burglar in my room to steal my brand new gifts. That began to make less and less sense, as whoever it was remained stationary at the foot of my bed. It wasn't pitch black dark in the room, so I cautiously opened one eye as slightly as possible. Sure enough, I could make out the shape of a man exactly where I thought him to be. What I couldn't figure out was why the intruder merely sat there.
As if to answer my question, I heard the unmistakable sound of sniffing coming from the man. "What is this person smelling?" I wondered to myself. Though I felt less in danger now, my body remained still as a statue. Whoever this was didn't appear interested in my presents. I felt something bump the arch of my right foot, and if it weren't for my body being paralyzed I would have jumped at the touch otherwise. Touching my feet usually will prompt a good kick from me.
Then it hit me, that's exactly what this person was sniffing at; my feet. During my junior year in high school a guy was caught sniffing shoes in the girl's locker room. Everyone talked about how this guy had a foot fetish, a sexual desire for feet. The idea struck me as strange, but I never really judged it. What struck me as gross was the fact I didn't shower tonight, so my feet didn't probably smell very clean. Then again, I thought the smell could be part of it.
I felt another bump on my foot, and realized it was a nose. At this point, I was more grossed out then scared. Something had to be done about this guy. I debated calling out for my dad, who was down the hallway and would certainly come straight away. However, I knew this would give the intruder a chance to get away or attack me. What I needed to do was distract him, run out of my room, and get to my parents room before this man could recover. A plan formulated in my mind. I mentally prepared myself for this huge gamble.
When I felt the nose hit my foot again I kicked out as hard as I could, scoring a direct hit. What came next though threw me off: a familiar yelp.
"Daddy?" I picked up my phone on the nighstand next to my bed and shined the light at the man. Sure enough, it was my own dad. Our matching blonde hair gleamed in the light, his face twisted in pain. "What on Earth are yo'-"
"Ok sweetheart, you got me, now please be quiet," he said to me. "I think you might have broken it."
Although I was a bit confused, I didn't hesitate to grab some tissues on the nightstand and passed them to him. "Daddy, what are you doing in here? Are you smelling my feet?"
Dad didn't speak right away. He was bleeding from one nostril by the look of it, though I questioned if it was really broken.There was a mixture of pain and embarrassment on his face it seemed, but I couldn't really tell in the dark even with my cell phone light. I got up to turn my room's light on, only for my dad to gently grab my arm.
""Please don't turn the lights on sweetheart," he pleaded in a hushed voice. "I don't want your mother to know I'm up. Please, sit down."
"Can I at least turn on the lamp?" I asked.
"Sure, you can turn on the lamp," he said, and let go of me.
I turned on the small lamp, once again on my nightstand, and could finally see my dad's face well enough. There was a little blood on the tissues in his hand, but he'd be ok I decided. That was good, because I had some questions.
"What were you doing daddy?" I asked him again. "I felt something touch my foot and I can hear you sniffing."