| There was to be a party. The night before, I had slept with my
hair tied in rags to create the curls, which were now topped by an enormous bow.
I was buttoned into a pink organdy dress, with a large sash, puffy sleeves, and
a skirt which stood almost straight out from my waist. Beneath the skirt, was a
wide petticoat. I had watched as its many layers were starched and ironed. Oh
my, how it crackled with each step I took. Under the petticoat, were white
panties with a hundred ruffles all over them. I had practiced twirling for many
hours, so that they would be visible, when I danced. All the adults around me
had emphasized how important it was to show the panties. My thin little legs
ended in white ankle socks, and patent leather shoes.
Outside, at the back of our house, there were decorated tables and chairs set
about the lawn. At one end of the garden, was a portable dance floor. A piano
had also appeared very early that morning, and a man had tuned it. Just outside
the double doors were tables set to serve tea. A bit nearer to the pool, was a
bar, which was being tended to by a man who came only for special times like
this. I had seen many trays of fancy things, and had even peeked at the
magnificent cake, hidden behind the closed doors of the dining room. I knew that
the clown and the man with the monkey were coming.
My papa joined me. A small, dapper man, born in the last century: who had been
sixty years old, when fatherhood re-entered his life. He seemed very handsome to
me, and smelled ever so good. It took him a long while to become properly
dressed twice a day. I liked to watch, as he combed his hair and mustache. Today
I had been allowed to pick his cuff buttons, and felt glad as I saw that he was
wearing my favorite ones. I curtseyed, and demonstrated how I could twirl and
show my panties. Oh, how I prayed to please him. I must remember to do
everything, just as I had been taught, and make him proud of me.
It was time for the party to begin. There seemed to be a great many people. I
did my curtsey to each couple, and said my "How do you do?" The ladies pinched
my cheeks, the gentlemen shook hands with Papa, and everyone said that I was
growing to be a big girl. Then, I was given a box covered with paper and ribbons
to place on the table nearby. After I remembered to say thank you, Papa asked
them to find a seat and a cool drink for the warm weather. There was one other
little girl present. Her name was Marina, and she too was the late life reward
of a man who had taken a young wife. We had a special table, just our size, next
to the dance floor, and were allowed to have our dolls sit there with us.
We had our tea and sandwiches at the small table, whilst the adults had theirs.
They encouraged us to get on the floor and dance with each other, and we did our
best to copy what they did. Both of us tried to be ballerinas, and were each
rewarded, by having our fathers lift us into their arms for a special dance.
After what seemed a long time, there was a flourish from the drums, and everyone
settled in, to watch the show.
The clown’s name was Chuckles. He had a red wig, multicolored suit, and a big
nose. He did a funny walk and dance. There were balls that he juggled. He threw
the balls to us, but we were not fast enough for him. Everyone seemed to laugh
as much at us trying to catch the balls, as they did at his juggling of them. I
was ashamed that the people were laughing at me, because I really did try my
best to catch. Chuckles did wonderful things with balloons. He had them in all
shapes and colors. I was so happy, when he made me a yellow doggie and a blue
hat. Marina had a green hat and a red doggie. When Marina's doggie burst, she
started to cry, but he made her another one in a flash. We took them to our
little table, and everyone applauded.
The man named Tony had a large box slung from a strap round his neck. It had a
handle on it, and when he turned the handle, it played music. He had a small
monkey. The monkey wore an embroidered red vest and a small hat, which was held
to his head by a rigid strap under his chin. As Tony played music, the monkey
did somersaults and removed his hat. Although I knew what he would do, I was
still scared, when the monkey climbed all over me. His nails scratched, but I
had been told to be brave. I stood as still and straight as I could manage, even
when the monkey pulled my hair. At last, Tony and the monkey went away. I was
very glad the show was over.
Everyone was singing. The beautiful cake was on a cart next to our little table,
and there were candles burning on it. The singing stopped. I looked at the cake.
Papa lifted me into his arms. He said I should blow out the candles and make a
wish. He showed me how. I blew and blew, as the wolf blew at the three little
pigs. When the candles were out, everyone clapped. Somebody asked me what I
wished. Another said I must not tell, or it would not happen. Marina and I were
given pieces of cake to eat. Then we were told it was time to leave the party
for our naptime.
As I said good-bye to Papa, he asked me how old I was. I held up three fingers,
and my wish came true. He kissed me. I was glad that I did my birthday right.
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