*October 13*

*Aricka POV*

Today was my 16 birthday. And it felt like any other day.

Until Roman came into my room at 3:30 this morning, scooped me out of bed and ran downstairs hollering, 'THE BIRTHDAY QUEEN HAS ARRIVED!" right in my still-not-awake ears.

Damien, Patton, Virgil, Logan, Thomas, Roma, Logann, Pat, Vira, Lilith, and Hannah were there, along with Remy, Pranks, and Missy. (Insomnia and Misleading Compliments.) "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARICKA!"

"Guys-I love you and all but I need more sleep. It's a Saturday for crying out loud." I lean back against Roman and close my eyes.

"I knew we should've waited," was the last thing I heard before I fell asleep. Thank you, Virgil.

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When I wake up, it's 10, and much later to start the whole sweet 16. "Okay, happy birthday, take two," I think, and get dressed. Then I walk downstairs, where everyone was still waiting. Remy was the one who came up and hugged me first-bless my small gay son.

"Happy birthday to the queen of sleep, Aricka." Remy was taller than me-it wasn't fair. The others were at least my height or just an inch taller-Remy and Thomas were the same height.

"Thank you, my sleep-deprived prince."

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Here are the gifts my family, Sides, and boyfriend gave me:

Thomas: a new laptop, since someone-cough cough Pranks-decided to drop it into a full bathtub of water, a Roman-inspired sweater, and a pair of earrings.

Logan-a book about space, Greek/Roman mythology, and the zodiacs.

Patton-a book of jokes, a mug that said #1 Daughter, and a heart necklace.

Roman-A new princess dress, a new eyeshadow palette, and gold glitter for my face.

Virgil-A black leather jacket, a black and pink skirt, and a hot pink shirt.

Remy-a pair of black sunglasses and a Starbucks gift card-he's officially my new favorite.

Missy/Pranks-they combined their gifts and got me new lipstick that changed colors depending on my mood.

Roma: All the Disney movies.

Logann: Bracelets.

Vira: flower crowns.

Pat: a cat onesie.

Hannah/Lilith: a "day-without-lying" gift card that Lilith made.