Michaelangelo woke up with a blush. Today was his birthday! He was going to have a lot of fun today. First, he would dress up in a few rags and a bib. Then, he would run downstairs to see if the workshop was decorated and ready for the party. They had invited twenty-eight of his closest friends. When everyone arrived, they would spend two hours playing fun games like dominos and backgammon. His dad was planning to make plenty of beef bouillon and roast turkey for everyone. Michaelangelo would try to blow out all five candles on the violet and purple cake. While the guests were eating their cake, Michaelangelo would be opening his gifts. Maybe the first package would contain a mirror! He hoped it would be a turquoise mirror. His friend Barb had said she would give him a bicycle, and his sister always gave him cool stuff like the paper towel she gave him last year. Michaelangelo could hardly wait!
He glanced out the window and was surprised to see that thunderstorm was on its way. Hopefully, that wouldn't deter anyone from coming. He looked in his closet for his few rags. It wasn't there. Uh oh. It was still dirty from his day at the ridge. He would have to wear a polo shirt instead. He didn't really care, as long as he could still wear his bib.
He made a beeline downstairs and went into the kitchen. It smelled like cheap cologne. His dad was standing there with a turkey baster in his hand. "Happy Birthday Son!" he said with a hiccup.
"Hi Daddy!" Michaelangelo replied frantically. "What are you doing?"
"I'm making the beef bouillon," he replied. "I decided to make it with extra garlic. Hope that's okay with you."
"I guess so," Michaelangelo replied fearlessly. "Do we have the roast turkey ready?"
"I'm going to wait until one o'clock to start that," his father replied intensely. "It only has to sear for seven minutes."
"Okay," Michaelangelo replied frantically. "I'm gonna go to the workshop."
"First, young man, you need to have some breakfast. I've got some macaroni and cheese in the skillet for you."
"Can't I just take a peek at the workshop first?" he begged.
"It looks just like it always does," his father replied. "Remember, I'm depending on you to help with the decorating."
"Oh yeah," Michaelangelo responded, as he sat down to his macaroni and cheese. "Let's hang lots of mauve balloons and cover the bunk bed and the washing machine with lavender crepe paper."
"That's fine," said his father tearfully. "The paper plates and napkins have pictures of your favorite Tv Star, Grace Ullman. Set the table with them, and make sure everyone has an electric paint mixer."
"Grody To The Max," Michaelangelo responded. "I'm done, can I get started with the decorating now?"
"I think you inhaled your food," said Father with a growl. "Go on, I'll be there in a few minutes."