Where Blood Meant Nothing

On my way out, I ran into Jasmine again.

She was still rocking designer threads, wearing delicate makeup, which was quite a contrast to my faded, frayed clothes and brittle hair.

"Helen, how did you get like this?"

She clutched her mouth, pretending to be shocked, but the gleam of triumph and challenge in her eyes was as clear as day.

"Oops, I totally forgot. Will has been on your case every day because of me, and our parents can't stop showering me with all these fancy gifts.

"My birthday's just around the corner, you know. If you're curious, I guess I can invite you..."

Just then, a snarky voice cut through the air, dripping with delight at my misfortune. "Oh, my god. Did I really just hear that?"

"Guys, check this out! Jasmine, of all people, is asking a waitress to her swanky party."

"That's just too funny. How low can she go?"

I counted the days; my birthday was the next day.

Luckily, I had just received my paycheck. Ignoring the bickering duo, I slipped away.

Then, for some reason, I found myself buying a 100-dollar cake.

When the clock struck midnight...

I eagerly placed two candles, shaped like the numbers 2 and 8, on the cake that wished me a happy birthday.

I lit the candles, which encircled the number 28 like a halo.

"My birthday wish is..."

I did not even get to finish my silent wish when Will burst in, panic written all over his face.

"Why are you still celebrating? Jasmine tried to off herself!

"The blood bank's running low. We need to get to the hospital, now!"

I watched my birthday cake fade into the distance, the spark in my eyes snuffed out in an instant.

That was supposed to be my last birthday bash.