Happy Birthday

Chapter Seven

Charley was working really hard. He was making Chips a kite from leaves, flower petals, and twigs. The next day was Chip's birthday and there was going to be a party. Although Charley was looking fowared to giving the present to Chips and going to the party he was feeling rather sad.

In the Blackberry Forest, animals and bugs were raised differently. Animals, like Chips, live with their parents throughout their childhood; bugs, however, lived by themselves soon after they were born. Chip's mom and dad gave Chips a big birthday party every year. Charley never had a birthday party, and he did not even know when he birthday was.

He wanted to have fun with Chips and the other animals, but he could not help feeling sorry for himself. That Chips should get so much attention and presents while Charley never received any just did not seem fair. The more Charley thought about it, the more upset he became.

When Charley woke up on Chip's birthday, he felt so sad that he decided to say that he was sick and could not go to the party. He would give Chips the kite afterwards.

Soon after Charely made his decision, Chips came hopping over to his house.

"Hi, Charley! Are you ready to come to my party?"

"No, I am sorry but I cannot come. I have a stomachache."

"But you have to come. Please! I won't have any fun without you!"

"Sure you will. You said the robins and squirrels were coming. You will have lots of friends there."

"But I especially want you!"

"Well, I am not coming. Sorry."

Chips wanted to argue more but Charley looked almost angry. He turned to hop back home.

Charley thought he saw a tear in Chip's eye, but he tried to ignore it.

As the day went on, Charley felt more and more miserable. The party had begun and he could hear the animals playing a game. We wished he could join them, but he could stop his sad and angry feelings.

He heard a knock on his door.

"Please go away!" he cried, but the visitor just kept knocking.

Charley finally opened the door. Grumpy Gopher stood there frowning.

"What is all that racket?" asked Grumpy.

"Chips is having a birthday party."

"Oh yes. That silly little rabbit sure enjoys his birthdays. I wish they would not make so much noise. A fellow cannot think."

"Is that all you wanted to know?"

"How come you are not there?"

"I don't feel too well."

"That's too bad. All Chips does is talk about you. He goes on and on. Well, I hope at least you wished him happy birthday."

Charley just stood there. He thought about how he didn't even say happy birthday to his best friend. How could he forget to do that?

Grumpy walked away. Charley sat outside listening to the happy noise.

He thought, "Just because I don't have birthday parties doesn't mean Chips should not enjoy his. I better go and at least wish him happy birthday."

He then hopped over to Chip's house. When he arrived, Chips began hopping joyfully.

"Oh, Charley! You came after all! I am go glad. Do you feel better?"

"Much better," said Charley. "Happy birthday!"

Charley joined in the game with the other animals. They were playing freeze tag, one of Charley's favorite games. Carl was there. He leg was bandaged, but he was having fun watching the animals running back and forth.

When it was time to eat the cake, Charley was surprised to see two cakes.

"Boy, you sure are lucky!" he commented.

After the animals sang to Chips, they began singing Happy Birthday again, but this time they were all facing Charley.

"Hey, wait a minute! It's not my birthday." he cried.

"Why not? Since we don't know when you birthday is, we'll celebrate it on the same day as mine," explained Chips.

Charley could not believe his ears. The birthday part was for him too!

When the presents were brought out, there was a set for Chips and a set for Charley.

Chips and Charley each saved for last the presents they made for each other. They were surprised to find that each of them had made the other a kite.

"Oh, Chips, we will have to go to Roly-Poly Hill tomorrow to fly them!" shouted Charley.

Chips smiled back and said, "I am so glad that you came Charley."

What could Charley say? All he could do was give Chips a big hug and say, "Thanks for my first and best birthday party ever!"