The girls Birthday Party

As the girls entered, the figure sprang from its hiding spot, lunging forward with a blood-curdling scream. Meagan flipped on the lights, and the room erupted in a chorus of "Happy Birthday girls!"

The girls' faces froze in shock, mouths agape and eyes wide with terror. Meagan quickly picked up the camera and snapped a photo, capturing their stunned expressions.

"Gotcha!" Meagan exclaimed, triumphantly striding across the room. "I knew you weren't too old to be surprised!" She collapsed onto the couch, laughter consuming her.

The girls' shock gave way to playful frowns, their faces still flushed from the surprise.

"Mom! What the actual heck!" Matilda corrected herself just at the nick of time, her eyes showed how excited she was. 

It was their seventeenth birthday, and Meagan's heart swelled with love. Eight years had passed since they'd first met, and now their bond was unbreakable, they were a family.

Maren strode towards Meagan, her frown dissolving into a sweet smile. "Mom...this is totally not okay," she teased, embracing Meagan tightly and assaulting her cheek with kisses.

Mahalia pounced, showering Meagan's face with affectionate kisses, making her laugh. Matilda joined the hug, playing with Meagan's hair.

"Smart move with the 'surprise' birthday party at school," Matilda said, grinning. "You tricked us!"

Mahalia's eyes gleamed. "So, what did you get us? I mean, our gifts!" Her anticipation was so obvious, Meagan couldn't resist teasing them.

Meagan's apologetic tone pierced the sudden silence, she drew her brows in a guilty arch. "Oh...with the double parties, I didn't have time to pick out a gift."

The girls' faces fell, their eyes wide with disbelief. Maren's eyebrows shot up. "Way to go, Mom. Two surprises in one day?"

Matilda and Mahalia exchanged disappointed glances.

Maren stormed towards her room, her sisters following as they went into theirs. An ear-piercing scream erupted from their rooms, followed by excited cheers.

The girls reemerged, their eyes glowed with excitement, and enveloped Meagan in tight hugs.

"You're the best mom ever!" Matilda exclaimed.

Meagan smiled as she kissed them on their foreheads. "Happy birthday, my loves."

As the evening progressed, friends from school arrived to celebrate with the girls. The girls sparkled, their laughter was heard in sweet melodies. 

Meagan's eyes shone with pride as she observed her daughters from across the room. The triplets wore stunning, identical gowns, accentuating their curves. The halter-neck design highlighted their toned shoulders, while the fitted waists and flowing skirts showcased their beauty.

Maren, the tallest, exuded maturity. Her thick, beautiful hair framed her heart-shaped face, emphasizing her striking dimpled haw. Her confidence and quiet beauty commanded attention.

Matilda, with her athletic build, radiated strength. Her outspoken personality, honed from years on the soccer team, drew people to her. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes made her irresistible.

Mahalia, the girly one, was a vision. Her curves were accentuated by the gown, and her delicate features made her a Barbie doll come to life. Her bright smile and joyful laughter captivated all.

Coby Fry's voice cut through the chatter as he presented Mahalia with a bouquet. "Happy birthday, Mahalia. Seeing you smile is the most important thing in this world to me."

Mahalia's cheeks flushed as Coby's heartfelt words boomed and everyone stared at them. The room erupted in cheers and applause, but Mahalia looked mortified, but tried to mask it.

"Thanks, Coby, I appreciate your friendship," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, hoping to convey a subtle hint.

However, Coby seemed oblivious, enveloping her in a warm hug.

Maren's was unable to control her laughter, which added to Mahalia's discomfort.

Mahalia bit her lip, her face falling as she subtly tries to break herself free from the hug.

But then, Coby revealed the gift – a stunning diamond necklace with a crown-shaped pendant bearing her nickname, "Maha."

Mahalia's eyes sparkled, touched by the thoughtful gesture.

"You knew I love anything royal," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Coby's smile lit up. "I pay attention."

As he fastened the necklace, Mahalia's eyes glistened.

"Beautiful," Coby whispered, his gaze locked on hers.

Mahalia's heart skipped a beat. But she said nothing.

At another corner in the room, a nervous Ben watched Coby achieve his dream, and he cleaned his absurdly sweaty palms on his pants as he glanced at the object of his obsession. 

He knew he loved her ever since she snapped at him for beating up a kid at school when they were in fourth grade, no one had dared tell him off, but she did, and with eyes blazing.

 And when he tried to scare her, she stood unmoving, her eyes furious. From that day, he had nursed an obsession through the years, not brave enough to approach her, and the years did her good. She looked like a model that walked out of a cover magazine. 

Jared's voice snapped Ben back to reality.

"Hey, man, go for it! See how she's smiling now? She can't reject anyone," Jared urged, his hands clapping onto Ben's shoulders.

When Ben ignored him and kept his eyes on his crush. Jared encouraged him.

"We've only got one senior year left after this summer," Jared whispered, his voice laced with persuasion. "Are you really going to let it slip away? You're the most eligible guy in school. Going out with you is almost every girl's dream."

Ben nodded, suddenly confident and strode purposefully towards Maren, his eyes burning with a steely determination. But when he reached where Maren stood, the icy glare she gave him made his confidence falter, he wanted to flee, but he stood his ground.

"Maren Winters, happy birthday. I wish… you… nothing but the best," Ben stammered, clearing his throat when her icy expression didn't change.

Maren's expression remained frosty, her brow raised. "Thanks, what else?" Her tone dripped with disdain when she saw that he still stood in front of her after the birthday wish.

Ben's heart sank, but he pressed on. "And I want to say… you're the most beautiful girl in the world, and I would love—"

Maren's abrupt departure left Ben's words hanging. She walked away, leaving him standing alone, humiliated.

Ben's face flushed as he hastily retreated, fleeing from the room of embarrassed gazes of the onlookers.

Quiet chuckles and murmurs filled the room, witnessing the awkward exchange.

Meagan intervened, sensing the tension. "Time to wrap up, kids. Let's clean up before heading to bed."

The kids grumbled their reluctance to stop partying, but began to pack up.

After the last person had left, the tired girls collapsed on the couch, Meagan sat up, an amused glint in her eyes. 

Meagan raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "So, Maha, when were you planning to tell me about your boyfriend?"

Mahalia's face flushed a bright red, as she sat up, her eyes darting around the room. "Mom, he's not my boyfriend. Coby is just...sweet, kind, and observant, but he's not the one."

Meagan's curiosity piqued, she leaned in. "Well, that's exactly what you said you wanted in a man, and he's certainly easy on the eyes. So, what's the problem?"

Mahalia's hands clenched, her gaze avoiding Meagan's. "It doesn't feel like… what you had with Mister Stewart." Her voice barely above a whisper.