Billy Bob woke up with a snigger. Today was his birthday! He was going to have a lot of fun today. First, he would dress up in a space suit and a gunny sack. Then, he would run downstairs to see if the parlor was decorated and ready for the party. They had invited twenty-four of his closest friends. When everyone arrived, they would spend eight hours playing fun games like Snakes and Ladders and shuffleboard. His mom was planning to make plenty of refried beans and falafel for everyone. Billy Bob would try to blow out all two candles on the indigo and brilliant orange cake. While the guests were eating their cake, Billy Bob would be opening his gifts. Maybe the first package would contain a cookbook! He hoped it would be a well worn cookbook. His friend Scotty had said he would give him a hat, and his dad always gave him cool stuff like the church key she gave him last year. Billy Bob could hardly wait!
He glanced out the window and was surprised to see that a dense fog was on its way. Hopefully, that wouldn't deter anyone from coming. He looked in his closet for his space suit. It wasn't there. Uh oh. It was still dirty from his day at the trail. He would have to wear a shawl instead. He didn't really care, as long as he could still wear his gunny sack.
He slumped downstairs and went into the kitchen. It smelled like black pepper. His mom was standing there with a pair of chopsticks in her hand. "Happy Birthday Son!" she said with a wag of the finger.
"Hi Mommy!" Billy Bob replied blindly. "What are you doing?"
"I'm making the refried beans," she replied. "I decided to make it with extra whipping cream. Hope that's okay with you."
"I guess so," Billy Bob replied fearfully. "Do we have the falafel ready?"
"I'm going to wait until seven o'clock to start that," his mother replied perkily. "It only has to microwave for three minutes."
"Okay," Billy Bob replied accidentally. "I'm gonna go to the parlor."
"First, young man, you need to have some breakfast. I've got some egg rolls in the skillet for you."
"Can't I just take a peek at the parlor first?" he begged.
"It looks just like it always does," his mother replied. "Remember, I'm depending on you to help with the decorating."
"Oh yeah," Billy Bob responded, as he sat down to his egg rolls. "Let's hang lots of sparkly balloons and cover the hope chest and the display case with salmon crepe paper."
"That's fine," said his mother silently. "The paper plates and napkins have pictures of your favorite Tv star, Jennessa Dinklefloss. Set the table with them, and make sure everyone has a pastry blender."
"Jeepers creepers," Billy Bob responded. "I'm done, can I get started with the decorating now?"
"I think you inhaled your food," said Mother with a shrug. "Go on, I'll be there in a few minutes."