Chapter 1
Pov: [Lynda house].
Hi everyone.
For starters, my name is Lynda. But my close friends address me as Lyn.
I love pink, I'm a big fan of Hello Kitty, I'm obsessed with cats. I have always wanted a cat, but my dad said it has way too much responsibility.
I live in Chicago with my dad, stepmum, brother, and my little sister Evelyn. My sister Evelyn, she is 5 years old, she is so cute, and she is just the other part I needed in me. But she is my stepmother's child. I mean it doesn't matter, she is still my sister, and I still love and adore her.
You might be wondering, where is my mum. Ok I know you are new here. I have said this before, but for your sake, I will say it again. My mum and my dad... let's just say life hit them hard. And they went their ways.
My mum lives in Georgia, with her family. Yes, you heard me, family. She is married to a German man, and I will say, she is doing pretty good. I and my little brother visit her once in a month, that applies with my dad’s rules.
But I have no problem with that. I mean, I have a phone, I can call her whenever I feel like it.
Now let's get to the main theme of today.
Yes, today is April 9, 2026, and guess what. It's the queen's birthday, of course, me. But the thing is, no one is celebrating. I don't see any flowers or balloons, or cake. Like everywhere is empty.
Yes my dad went to London for a business trip, but I was expecting a morning call or message like, "Hi, sweetie happy birthday, I love you". But no, nothing was said. And my stepmum, she just left for her training.
The one thing I hate most is that my birthday always falls on a Saturday. If it was on a Monday, at least I will have people in school wish me happy birthday.
(picks up her phone).
Oh my, why do I have all these messages, what is going on with Instagram.
Let us see. Ok.
(group call).
(Rose shouting).
Rose: there you are.
Lynda:
Um... hi.
(all together).
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you ohh.
Lynda:
(crying).
Rose:
Oh sweetie, what's wrong.
Lynda:
I thought everyone forgot.
Lona:
You know we love you, we can never forget the day God decided to add you in our lives.
Milo:
Lynda, Lona is right. We love you so much, of course we all remembered.
Lynda:
I'm so grateful.
I woke up this morning, and there was no text from my dad, or even a voicemail. And there was no cake or balloons from my stepmother, and I felt left out. I thought the day was useless.
Rose:
Don't ever call this day useless. This day is a blessing to our lives.
And to add it on top, I posted you on Instagram, like you are trending. Everyone is talking about how your outfit is tea. And talking about your dad, maybe he had something important to do, remember you said he traveled for the business trip, maybe it has occupied his time.
Lynda:
Even though, he should have at least called, or even a message, or voicemail. Anything, but he did nothing.
Rose:
As your bestie, I will not allow anyone or anything ruin this day for you.
Lona:
What about your mom.
Lynda:
Talking about my mom. She is calling me right now, let me hang up, I will call y'all as soon as I'm done.
Rose:
Ok girl. And remember, it is your day, it is your month.
Lynda:
Yes my day. Bye now.
(answers the call).
Ms Daisy:
Hi sweetie.
Lynda:
Hi mom. How are you.
Ms Daisy:
(sings)
Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday day, happy birthday day, happy birthday day to you ohh.
Lynda:
Thank you so much. You are the best.
(breathes slowly).
Ms Daisy:
Are you ok. You sound different.
Lynda:
Have you heard from dad.
Ms Daisy:
Sweetie you know, me and your dad, we don't talk that much. We only talk when it concerns you and your brother, anything other than that, then it's nothing.
Lynda:
Yeah. Got you.
Ms Daisy:
Are you ok. Did something happen.
Lynda:
No. Nothing serious, it's just that he hasn't called to wish me happy birthday, or even send a message or voicemail. It's just...
Ms Daisy:
I get it. And what about your stepmum.
Lynda:
She went out for her daily weekend practice.
Ms Daisy:
Didn't she do anything, like cake, or surprise, or anything at all.
Lynda:
Yep. Nothing. Mum I will call you later, I need to go, I have lunch and a party with my friends.
Ms Daisy:
Ok sweetie stay safe. And remember always pray before leaving the house, no one knows what awaits them outside.
Lynda:
Understood.
Bye love you.
Now come with me, let's pick an outfit for the dinner with my friends. As you all know, pink is like my heart, so yes I'm wearing pink. But this time, it's pink and a green jacket, because the way the weather is looking, we don't know when and at what time it might rain. So we need to be ready.
As they say, the baddies are always ready. No no, I'm lying, don't listen to me, I'm not a baddie, I'm an angel. My mum so dislikes it when I call myself a baddie, she will be like, "No, you are my baby angel." She overreacts sometimes, but maybe that's what makes her the best model ever, and also the best mum.
So we are going with the pink gown, and the green jacket in case it rains, and also my high heels, and my pink purse. Now let's look at jewelry. For jewelry, I'm going with my Tiffany & Co jewelry brand. I'm so obsessed with those. And looking at perfumes, I will go ahead and take my Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent perfume. I love those.
And for my earrings, I will do the versatile gold hoops earrings. I adore those.
And now we are ready to go out.
And remember, as my bestie said, it is my day, and my month, nothing can or should ruin it. Clock it.
Am I missing something?
Oh yes, I remember. Prayer.
Heavenly Father, I pray as I go out to enjoy the new year you added unto me, I pray for guidance and divine protection. Amen.
Pov: [party].
(music playing).
[guests arriving].
Rose:
Oh birthday girl. You look breathtaking.
Lynda:
(smiles).
You are exaggerating.
Rose:
No I'm not. Did you look at yourself in the mirror? You are literally a goddess, girl you look hot.
Lynda:
Thank you.
(Bryan approaches).
Bryan:
Oh my. Lynda, you look absolutely gorgeous.
(Lynda blushes).
Lynda:
Thank you.
Bryan:
Happy birthday. You deserve this.
Lynda:
Thank you.
(Bryan leaves).
Rose:
That was...
Lynda:
Nothing.
Rose:
If you say so.
(London approaches).
London:
Everyone is seated and waiting for the birthday girl.
Rose:
Ok. Give us one minute.
(London leaves).
Rose:
Let's go. And remember, this is your day, enjoy it.
Lynda:
Yes.
(as Lynda and Rose walk in, everyone clapping and cheering).
Josiah:
Everyone welcome the most beautiful birthday girl of the month.
(people cheering Lynda).
London:
As the birthday girl, you owe us a speech.
Lynda:
Um... I don't even know where to start. But guys, I will say, I'm so grateful for all your efforts. I can see everywhere is covered in pink. This really means a lot to me. Everyone is present with a smile on their faces.
May the almighty God bless you guys.
All:
Amen.
Lynda:
Growing up, because of certain dimensions in my life, I was homeschooled. I really didn't know what real friendship was. Then I made it to high school, I finally convinced my dad to allow me to do public schooling, then I found y'all.
I'm just...
(crying).
I'm just so grateful.
I want you guys to shout out to my bestie, Rose. I love her so much, she is just that part of me I never saw. She has been with me through ups and downs. She never left me even when I couldn't recognize myself.
I love you Rose.
And I love everyone present here today.
God bless you all.
Rose:
(crying).
I love you more.
London:
Ok DJ, you can go ahead. 
(loud music playing).
[Lynda steps out].
(Lynda sitting outside).
(Rose approaches).
Rose:
Heard from your dad yet?
Lynda:
No. And I really don't care.
Rose:
It's ok to admit that it hurts. I'm right here, I will never judge you.
Lynda:
It hurts. Just a little.
Rose:
You are pretty, don't ruin your makeup over that.
Lynda:
You know what. You are right. Today is my day. I matter.
Rose:
Yes. That's my girl.
Now let's go in there and show them what a real sweet 16 looks like.
Lynda:
Yeah. Let's do it.
[Rose and Lynda head back in].
Bryan:
It's time to partyyyyy.
(people dancing and shouting).
(suddenly the lights turn off).
[Bryan approaches].
Bryan:
Lynda, may I have this dance?
Lynda:
(blushes).
Yes.
All: She said yes.
(Bryan and Lynda dancing).
[everyone clapping].
(it starts raining).
Rose:
The symbolism of rain means blessings.
All: yes Lynda, receive blessings, and more to come.
Lynda:
Thank y'all for coming.
London:
We will be heading home now. It's late and rainy. Bye girl.
Lynda:
Bye, take care.
(everyone leaves).
Rose:
You want me to drop you home?
Lynda:
No, I'm fine.
By the way, I booked my Uber. It's almost here.
Rose:
Are you ok?
Lynda:
Yeah. I'm just so happy, and under my feelings.
Rose:
I get it.
See you tomorrow at church.
Lynda:
I might come.
See you.
(the Uber finally arrives, Lynda gets in and leaves).
Pov: [Lynda house].
Max:
Oh. Hi sis.
Lynda:
Um... hi.
Max:
I'm so sorry I forgot. Happy birthday.
Lynda:
Thank you. At least you said it.
Where is Evelyn?
Max:
Mum is feeding her.
Lynda:
Ok.
[Lynda heads upstairs].
Ms Cynthia:
Hi.
Lynda:
Hi.
Ms Cynthia:
I am so sorry. I forgot it was your birthday.
Lynda:
It's fine. I wasn't expecting you to remember.
Ms Cynthia:
Look, it's not...
Lynda:
Drop it. I'm not a baby. I said I'm fine. I will head up to my room now, please say hi to Evelyn.
Pov: [Lynda room].
(soft music playing).
(phone ringing).
Lynda:
Can he stop calling me? Like gosh.
(phone keeps ringing).
[Lynda ends the call].
(knock on the door).
(Lynda opens the door).
Lynda:
How can I help you ma'am.
Ms Cynthia:
Your dad said he has been calling you. He is on the phone right now, and he said I should give you the phone.
Lynda:
Why?
Ms Cynthia:
I don't know. But please take it.
Lynda:
Fine.
(Lynda takes the phone from Ms Cynthia).
You can go now. When I'm done, I will bring your phone.
Ms Cynthia:
Ok.
(Ms Cynthia leaves).
[back to Lynda room].
Lynda:
Hello.
Mr Robinson:
Hi sweetie.
Lynda:
Hi dad.
Mr Robinson:
I know you are so mad at me right now.
Lynda:
Bet I am.
Mr Robinson:
I'm so sorry. I had an emergency.
(Lynda's tone changes).
Lynda:
What happened? Are you ok?
Mr Robinson:
I'm fine.
The building I was in suddenly caught fire.
Lynda:
Did anyone die?
Mr Robinson:
Two people did.
Lynda:
Oh my. I'm so sorry.
Thank God you are ok.
Mr Robinson:
Yeah. But that still doesn't justify why I didn't call or leave a voicemail. I'm sorry sweetheart.
You know dad loves you with everything he has.
Lynda:
I know daddy.
I miss you.
Mr Robinson:
I miss you too princess.
Lynda:
You know I'm not a child anymore. So you don't need to call me that.
(both laugh).
Mr Robinson:
As long as I live you will always be daddy's little girl, and my princess.
How was your sweet 16?
Lynda:
It was more than I hoped for.
Mr Robinson:
Really. Tell me more about it.
Lynda:
(smiles).
My friends made me a big party. We had food, there were so many people.
And...
Mr Robinson:
And what? Spill the tea.
Lynda:
Bryan asked me for a dance.
Mr Robinson:
Ok. I see you girl.
(both laughing).
Lynda:
I miss you. Having you here would have made it better.
Mr Robinson:
I know sweetie. I will be back on Monday.
Lynda:
Pinky promise?
Mr Robinson:
Pinky promise.
How is your stepmum and siblings?
Lynda:
They are ok.
But they forgot my birthday too. It's only Max who later saw me, and he said happy birthday to me.
Mr Robinson:
Accept my apology on their behalf.
But you know your stepmum loves you, right?
Lynda:
(deep breath).
Yeah.
Mr Robinson:
Don't do that.
Lynda:
Do what?
Mr Robinson:
You know what I mean.
(both laughing again).
Mr Robinson:
I got you something.
Lynda:
What?
Mr Robinson:
Guess.
Lynda:
You know I'm never good at guessing. But I do love surprises.
Mr Robinson:
I got you the latest iPhone 17.
Lynda:
You did WHAT. No way.
Mr Robinson:
Yes I did.
Lynda:
I love you so much.
Mr Robinson:
I know.
Lynda:
Bye dad.
Mr Robinson:
Bye sweetie.
And remember, you matter, you are my heart.
Lynda:
Rose said the same thing.
Mr Robinson:
What?
Lynda:
She said I matter.
Mr Robinson:
Then she is right.
(Lynda smiles).
[Lynda hangs up the call].
Sometimes in life, we don't know what happened. All we need to know is that we matter and we are loved, if not by people then by God himself. And I love you.
