11 Birthdays

Yesterday I got a book called 11 birthdays from the library. It's NOT by Kate Dicimillo but it is by Wendy Mass. It's about a kid named Amanda who was born at the same time at the same hospital on the same day as a boy named Leo. On Amanda an Leo's second Birthday they shared rooms. Heres the page copy.


I nod, still not meeting her gaze. Let me get my shoes. A few minutes later I'm standing in her driveway waiting for her car out of the garage. I excepted her to drive something sensible and environmentally friendly. Instead she backs out in a bright orange jaguar. My mouth falls open. I cautiously get in the car, afraid to touch the wood or leather, which is what everything seems to be made of. It feels like I'm sitting on a cloud. She laughs when she sees my expression. I call this little beauty 'late life Chris". A car like this has got to have a name. I never had a midlife Chris because I was too happy, so thats where she gets her name. It was either this car or tattoo. A tattoo wow! Boy you never really know people. She laughs again. I was just kidding on the tattoo. I redden again. Oh right. Well it's a really nice car. She pats on the dashboard fondly. Thank you. We don't talk much on the 5 minute drive. I cough once or twice, but my heart isn't in it. Dr. Frileling sees me right away, and I try not to gag on the flat stick he lays on my tongue. He feels the side of my neck and cheeks my eyes and ears.