"Guys, I genuinely don't want a big birthday party!" I said, exasperated, to my family.

"Come on!" Daimen exclaimed, "you're turning 18! You're an adult now! At my 18th birthday-"

"Ahem," Elijah cleared his throat with a pointed look at Dai.

"-which I will tell you on your 25th birthday," Daimen hurriedly finished.

I gave an amused smile, "I look forward to it. But anyway, just a small get together with you guys and my friends is more than enough!"

"Riss, you're our little sister, let us spoil you, please!" Oscar pleaded.

"No," I deadpanned, "I just want a small party, please," I begged, knowing they wouldn't be able to refuse now.

"Fine!" Brandon threw his hands in the air, "you can have your small party."

X

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Instinctively, I grabbed my gun from my bedside table and pointed it at everyone. Honestly, they should know by now that I am not a morning person.

"Don't shoot!" Oscar squealed, ducking down, "I'm too good looking to die!"

I put the gun down and rubbed my eyes, glaring at my brothers, "you're lucky I love you guys or I'd have shot you by now."

"I told you so!" Mom shouted from downstairs.

I yawned and smiled, "but thanks you guys. I appreciate the gesture."

Elijah grinned, "then quickly get ready and come downstairs! We're all waiting."

I took a shower and got changed in a shirt and leggings. I leaned against the bathroom wall and exhaled deeply.

To be honest, I never imagined I'd reach my eighteenth birthday. I always assumed I'd be dead before then- either by Elise, John or my hand. A small smile played on my lips as I thought how far I'd come. I definitely didn't do it alone, though. I had help from those who love me and I them.

I quickly ran downstairs, feeling incredibly elated.

"Morning Iris! Happy birthday!" Mom grinned, serving me pancakes.

"Morning Mom!" I replied, shovelling food in my mouth, "this is delicious!"

"Happy birthday little sis!" Daimen ruffled my hair and I swatted his hand away, but I was still smiling.

"Happy birthday Iris!" Dad chuckled, hugging me.

One by one, my brothers trickled in, each of them wishing me 'happy birthday'.

After I'd finished, Julian handed me a black blindfold, "put this on."

I eyed it warily, but did as he asked. Oscar grabbed my hand and pull me somewhere. I felt the cool breeze hit my skin and knew that we were outside. I felt the cloth being removed from my eyes and opened them.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY IRIS!" Everyone screamed and I stumbled back in surprise. I laughed in delight, seeing my close friends and family.

"Thanks guys!" I grinned.

One by one, everyone came up to me to give me a present. I thanked them all and we ate the rainbow cake- which was three tiers and decorated richly (credits to Mom). We sat in the garden and talked, laughed and played under the sun.

"Happy birthday Rainbow," Alex said, hugging me tightly and kissing my cheek. Jax came after him and the three of us shared a smile. They were both there through everything. We'd shared good times and bad times and everything led up to this moment.

"Thank you guys- for everything," I said quietly.

"Anytime, Rainbow," Jax smiled.

Suddenly, I felt icy water being poured on my head. I gasped in shock and slowly turned around, glaring at Oscar- who gulped and backed away from me.

"Water fight!" Aiden yelled. A couple months ago, he admitted that he used to like me. However, we both decided that it would be better to stay just friends.

Dad came out, holding a box of water guns. The next hour was filled with shrieks of joy and outrage. In the end, Mia was the only one who managed to stay almost completely dry. When we asked her how, she flipped her hair and said, "a magician never reveals their secret."

Afterwards, we sat down on the grass, allowing our clothes to dry in the hot sun while we ate the rest of the cake and ice cream.

I realised how lucky I was to be here today, and how thankful I was to the people who cared for me and helped me through the bad times. There was no where else I'd rather be right now than here.

😊