Work Text:
Ashlyn wasn't sure what she'd been expecting.
She supposed nothing, really. She'd mentioned her birthday a while ago in the Savannah Kids group chat because the topic came up and everyone was sharing. She had saved all their birthdays to her phone calendar to make sure she wished them a happy birthday, and that was that. She didn't expect the others to do the same, it was just a random, late-night conversation.
Maybe a part of her was hoping that someone would remember. Maybe Aiden would- He always clinged on to random shit. A 'Happy birthday' on her birthday would be nice and if she wanted to really indulge, she'd admit that she wanted at least a small cake and maybe some balloons.
Her birthday rolled around and... Nothing. It wasn't that surprising- Her parents weren't home and her few friends had no reason to remember it was her birthday. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little hurt, especially because when the twins had their birthday recently, the group chat had blown up with well wishes for them.
She checked her phone constantly throughout the day. She wasn't worried about school- They were on break (which had also never helped with the whole no one cares about my birthday thing)- So she was able to check it far more throughout the day than she would normally. Every time she clicked the button to turn the screen on, she hoped she would see a message from even one person wishing her a happy birthday, but... Nothing.
Everyone just went about their day like it was any other Thursday. She supposed it was. And if she went to her bed and cried about the fact that she was alone and seemingly unwanted on her special day, that was her prerogative and no one had to know.