Chapter 1 Birthday party

'Please, don't stop the music!'

Music blared none stop, mixing with a high dose of alcohol, which caused each member of the gang to squeal in excitement. There was nothing more fun than celebrating a high-end party with the people you loved the most!

Matt sat at the high-end stool, watching his friends celebrate him. It was his damn birthday. He couldn't believe he was about to be a real brood. Right, it wasn't easy to cross to a new age.

"Our man is plus one," Aaron squealed.

They all laughed happily, downing their shares of Tequila. Aaron had informed them all that the drinks were on him. Matt had been thrilled because he was too broke to pay for this stuff.

"I really can't believe it," Maxwell interjected, as he grabbed the ass of one of the ladies hanging on his arm.

"You won't be able to when you're surrounded by all those petite girls," Matt teased.

His friend grinned at him. "Man, this is the life. You need one of these girls to give you a wet dream, so you can start that new life on a healthy note."

Aaron slapped a hand on Maxwell's arm. "I can't with you, man. Sex doesn't make things fall into place."

Maxwell pulled the lady closer to him, and he kissed her hard on the mouth. Matt rolled his eyes at his friend, then looked over at Aaron who made some gagging sounds. These two were clowns.

"And, it doesn't make life fall apart either," Maxwell pointed out smartly.

"Ok," Matt agreed before the boys spent the night arguing. "It's my birthday, and I decide what to do about it. In my opinion, spending time with my boys is more important than fucking random girls. My mom isn't here, but I know she is hovering over me."

The effect of those words didn't reflect on the boys, as their excitement dampened a notch.

"Now, what's the matter?" Matt queried.

"You know, you would leave us for the big city soon, and what would be our plight? The thought of that makes me feel so bad, and..."

Matt got up, and staggered on his own two feet, as he walked toward Aaron. "Hey, that's so feminine. Are the girls in this party slowly rubbing off on you?" He teased.

Aaron pretended to punch him on the arm. "That's just perfect. You can make fun of your friend all you want, if only I have half of the brains you have got and an uncle that could help me too, I'd be leaving for the city with you. So feel free to make fun of me no one will question you." Aaron said.

Matt turned to Maxwell and rose his hands dramatically upwards. "See, look at that. He has suddenly turned so emotional."

Maxwell smiled slightly, but he was equally sad about the whole thing.

Matt groaned. "Relax, guys. This is my birthday party, and no sullen faces are allowed. "I won't be too far from the two of you. You're one of my best friends, and I care about you a lot."

There was silence.

Matt was horrified that he had hurt his friend's sensibilities when he was suddenly tackled by both men. One tried to shove the tequila down his throat, the other tickled him till tears dropped from his eyes.

"Stop," he cried, laughing and gulping.

It lasted for some time, and then they stopped. The trio did what they could to bring back their composure. Matt touched his heart, as he remarked on how crazy his friends were.

Gradually, they were able to sit back in their respective places. The smiles were still on their faces. Matt refilled his glass. He could drink as much as he wants due to his high alcohol resitance but he tried not to take too much.

"Matt, we are proud of you. I mean, it's not easy to get a job in the city althoughand you made it possible. We just know your level will change by the time you get there," Maxwell.

Aaron nodded.

"Common guys, you both know it was dad that pleaded with Uncle in the city to help bget a job. It's not a big deal guys." Matt countered.

" Here he goes again, we are well aware of that, but we also know you almost lost the job, it was due to your smart talks and brain that helped you retain it, thank goodness you spoke to the boss yourself, what could have happened?, Taking some credit for yourself won't hurt Matt. It's high time you acknowledge your smart mind" Aaron countered and Maxwell nodded as well. The air was serious for some minutes until the ladies got back to it.

The girls went back to touching, and feeling Maxwell's muscles. This made him smile cheerily. Matt felt like Maxwell had planned this celebration for his benefit. Though, he drank, all the women grappling was a bit too much.

"And, don't forget that you're the one who can bring your mother out of that poverty. She can't stop talking about it," Aaron added.

"I know. Sometimes, I think it's a sort of prank or at most, a dream. I knew I was definitely going to make it happen, I was confident that this day would come but I was even prepared for it. Matt mumbled.

Maxwell used his free hands to sweep the room. "This is why we have to come here. This is a slight taste of what the city is. Clubs, and lights. A complete package."

Mat chuckled. "Max, you won't have the time for all that. Plus, I'm sure getting into clubs in the city is no easy feat. That's like a lot of money."

Aaron and Maxwell exchanged amused glances and held it. Together, they said as one, "I wish we could baptize you before you leave."

Matt rolled his eyes. "Very funny." He got up from the stool and yawned. "I have to go. Thank you for the birthday wishes. Mom would be worried if I don't get in early."

"Momma's boy," the duo teased.

Matt laughed, as he playfully said, "Shut up..."

His friends made no move to get up, they were too drunk to do that. So, he decided to see himself out. He walked through bodies sweating as they grinned themselves together. There was also a full making-out session at the other side of the bar It must be nice.

Outside, the air was just perfect, as it tousled his already tousled hair. There was no single star or moon to illuminate the sky. But, his mind went back to his mom. He was his mother's star and moon. He had to make sure that she was comfortable. The sufferings she bore on his name were too intense for otherwise. He would do anything to make sure it becomes a reality, even if he has to cook or clean for the rest of his life.