Andy’s eyes flipped open. It was today! It was finally August 12! It was Andy’s birthday. A big grin spread across his face, and Andy leapt out of bed. He’d been waiting for this day for weeks. For months! Well really, for a whole entire year! Finally, finally he would get his Batman Ultimate Batmobile Special Edition Lego Set!
Andy’s mom knocked, and nudged the door open.
“You’re up!” she exclaimed with surprise, pushing the door all the way.
Andy looked at his mom mischievously .
“Do you know what today is?”
“Of course I do!” she said, walking over to give him big hug, “It’s my little Andy-Bear’s birthday! My little boy isn’t so little anymore I guess, huh?”
Andy squirmed in his mother’s arms. “Moooom, let me go,” he said drawing out the first word.
She laughed and released him. “Hurry up and get dressed! Just because you’re eight years old today doesn’t mean you can be late for school!”
Andy put on his favorite T-shirt, the one with the Batman symbol. Normally he had to wear a polo shirt to school, but on his birthday he was allowed to wear whatever he wanted. Well, almost whatever he wanted – one of his friends had wanted to wear a Star Wars costume last year, but his teacher said masks weren’t allowed.
Andy bounded down the stairs, bumping into the kitchen table as he sat down.
“Woah, slow down, speedster!” Andy’s dad said as he carried a plate from the kitchen, “Here you go, birthday boy! Your favorite.”
Andy dumped maple syrup on the pile of French toast his dad had just set before him, and dove in. Clara, Andy’s younger sister, stumbled down the stairs, rubbing her eyes with sleepiness. She sat down, yawning, but her eyes lit up when she saw breakfast.
“French toast?” she asked. “On a school day?”
Andy frowned at her – how could she forget?
“A special school day,” their father replied, winking at Andy.
“It’s my birthday, remember?” he burst out.
“Oh,” said Clara. “Happy birthday.”
They finished their breakfast, and their mom ushered them out the door just in time to catch the school bus.
Andy was distracted all day. He wasn’t paying attention when Ms. Rodriguez called on him to answer a multiplication table question, he didn’t even notice when Katy cut him in the lunch line, and he didn’t get any of his reading done. He almost forgot about the fact it was his birthday while playing soccer at recess, but he remembered as soon as he had to go back inside.
Eventually, slowly, the school day passed, and Andy and Clara were back on the bus, going home. Andy was going to have a birthday party with his friends this weekend, but tonight he was going to celebrate with his family. He’d told his parents over and over what he wanted: the Batman Ultimate Batmobile Special Edition Lego Set. They had to have gotten it for him.
Andy wanted to open presents right way when he got home, but his dad said they had to wait until his mom got home from work and he’d better do his homework. When his mom got home, she said they should have dinner first.
Andy rolled his eyes. Why did they have to take so long? Why he couldn’t just open them now?
But dinner was good. Pizza, another one of Andy’s favorites.
Finally, it was time.
They sat down in the living room, where a small pile of colorful packages had appeared on the coffee table. Andy’s mom handed him one, smiling. He tore it open. Pajamas. He said thank you impatiently, eager to get to the next gift. It was wrapped in red paper. Rip! A pair of soccer cleats. Clara had left the room, bored. There was one more gift. It had to be it; it had to be the Batman Legos. He peeled back the bright paper. It was a rocket kit.
Andy’s face fell. There was a lump in his throat. “Thank-,” he swallowed thickly, “Thank you.” He was eight years old now. He would not cry. Andy’s mom reached under seat just as Clara stepped back into the living room, holding a big, blue-wrapped box.
“Dad forgot this one in the garage!” she said cheerfully, dropping the box on Andy’s lap.
His parents were looking at each other, having one those confusing adult conversations without words. His mom had pulled out a yellow gift bag from under her chair. Andy was confused. Two more gifts? He looked at his parents.
His dad was chuckling, “Go ahead, Andy,” he said.
Andy tore off the blue wrapping-paper, almost nervous. It was the Batman Lego Set! He jumped up, so excited he could hardly stand it. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” He looked at the shiny box with admiration, overjoyed that the Batmobile was finally his to play with.
“Here,” his mom said, holding out yellow bag. He’d forgotten he had one more present. He peeked in the bag. It was another Batmobile!
His mom laughed. “Guess your dad and I need to make sure we talk! But lucky you – now you get two Batmobiles!”
Andy was smiling. Just when he thought there was no chance, two Batman Lego sets had appeared!
The family moved into the dining room for some birthday cake. His mom and his dad and even Clara sang “Happy Birthday.” Andy could hardly stop smiling to blow out the candles lit on his cake. It was a happy birthday indeed!
Discussion Questions:
Why did Andy get two of the same birthday present?
What kind of birthday traditions did Andy’s family celebrate his birthday with? What kind of traditions do you celebrate your birthday with?
Have you ever been really disappointed, like when Andy thought he didn’t get his Batmobile set? Have you ever been really excited, like when Andy finds out he gets two Batmobile sets?
