My mom had hired a professional makeup artist for my makeup. Joy was currently sprawled on my bed watching anime.

"Raise your lashes" the makeup artist said and I did as instructed.

I had my back to the mirror so I couldn't see how I looked like. I closed my eyes and let her do her thing.

The noise downstairs told me there was a huge crowd in the house. At last, leaving my mom to play my birthday party was the best idea. Our backyard was cleared out.

Rows of flowers were brought to the house the day before and arranged in a beautiful way. A huge cake was seating on the cabinet in the kitchen.

I felt the makeup artist step back and I slowly opened my eyes and turned towards the mirror. I never doubted her skills in the first place but looking at myself in the mirror; I was transfixed.

"Rachel! Is that you?" Joy screamed as I smiled.

"Oh my god! You are really pretty" Joy cooed as the door opened and my mom stepped in.

"Awwn..... My daughter is so pretty" My mom said turning me around while I laughed.

"Cmon and get dressed. Its already past 1pm. Don't keep your friends waiting" my mom added as I walked towards my wardrobe and opened it.

I had always wanted a Cinderella gown. Blame it on childish fantasy on whatever; I wanted to wear one.

Joy stepped behind me and zipped the ball gown up. I turned to the standing mirror and took a look at myself.

I had gone to make another hairstyle the previous day and on my head was fringe. The fringe covered my forehead and stopped slightly before my brows.

The extra lashes I was wearing complimented the fringe and my face was coated making it look like that of a porcelain doll.

I was wearing a blue ball gown that had diamonds sperks sprinkled all over. The gown shone brightly and I felt like Cinderella.

"Let's take pictures" Joy said excitedly.

I and Joy posed and started taking pictures. I quickly wore my earrings and took one last look at the mirror.

"You look good babe don't sweat it. Let's go" Joy said as I smiled and walked out of the door.

Yeah just like Cinderella; I had glass shoes covering my feet and they clanked against the tiles as we walked outside.

I was slightly taken aback at the crowd and I couldn't help but smile. Everyone was looking at me with wide eyes.

I walked to the front as the DJ reduced the music.

"Hello everyone; thank you for coming for my party" I said loudly as they started clapping.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you"

"Hip hip hip! Hurray! Hip hip hip! Hurray"

"Happy sweet sixteen Rachel"

"Happy birthday"

I went round greeting and thanking everyone that came also while taking pictures. Half of those who came; I had never spoken to before.

I held my forehead as I walked towards where Joy and the rest were seated. I quickly sat on the chair and sighed.

I glared at SK who was staring hard at me.

"Don't look at me like that pervert" I sneering as SK burst into laughter.

"Like I'm blown away. You are beautiful" SK said as I smiled.

"Thank you but you say that everyday dearie" I replied as Ife and Joy burst into laughter.

"Happy birthday"Ink said as I grinned at him.

"Thank you" I replied.

"See! Why do you treat us so differently ehn? I'm friendly than him!" SK whined as I kicked him from underneath the table.

Some students of AMA had practiced a melody for me and they played it and dedicated it to me.

Everyone gave them a round of applause when they ended and I walked to the stage and grabbed a chair and sat down.

I had planned to play my guitar and sing. I looked across the room and noticed that everyone was silent and watching me.

I strummed my guitar slowly as I closed my eyes. I allowed the melody to fill my ears before I started singing.

I am not a stranger to the dark,
Hide away, they say,
Cause we don't want your broken parts.

You can put your mind to do whatever you wanna do,
Just tell yourself you capable too,
But don't do things that aren't even cool
And get rid of them no good friends that's blaming you.

This is who I am, don't let them words hurt you.

My voice came out ethereal along with the strumming of the guitar. I didn't open my eyes and I continued singing.

I'm alone, I never fit the mold,
The world is so cold, hold it on my own,
I'm just trying reach up to the sky, see the moon,
I got confidence, cause I'm the flyest in the room.

And I been knocked down, but I always get up,
I had some take friends had to go and switch up,
Yeah, no pain, no strain,
Ain't chasing all the pain.
Cause I got more to gain, and I'm just trying makes change.

I'm not weak, I get on my feet,
No apologies, yeah; this is me.

Yeah. No apologies, this was who I am and who I am going to be. I was glad I found myself. Grateful to Joy who helped me find myself in myself.

Perhaps, I had always been like that and just cowered from it. Or maybe not but either ways; this was who I am now.

I am who I am.

As I finished the song, I slowly opened my eyes as the place roared with thubderous applause.

"I didn't know she could sing this well" SK said to Ini.

"Why did she drop Music back then?" Ife asked still clapping.

"That's all thanks to 'Yo bitches!' " Joy replied and they all burst into laughter.

The DJ resumed playing music as my mom ordered the caterers to start serving the food. A guy walked up to me waving a small wrapped box.

"Happy birthday Rachel"

I gave him a small smile and collected it "Thank you" I said.

Maybe that was what others needed as they started stepping forward and giving me gifts. My hands became full and one of my older cousins walked up to me and pried it away from my hands.

"Thank you Bro Femi" I said as he flashed me a grin.

"I didn't know you were this popular at school" Femi said as I flashed him a grin too.

"I didn't know too" I replied as I burst into laughter at my ridiculous reply.

"What's funny?" He asked and I stopped laughing seeing he didn't get the joke.

"Nothing" I said as I walked towards my friends and I sat down.

"Didn't know you could sing and play so well" Ife said as I nodded.

"You still play the piano?" Ini asked and I turned to him surprised.

"How'd you know I play the paino?" I asked.

SK looked taken aback "Guy, wait, no be only guitar you sabi; you sabi piano too. Nawa o " SK said ad I burst into laughter.

"She plays the violin too" Ini added and Ife looked shocked.

"Thunder fire that Gani girl" SK sneered as we burst into laughter.