Chapter 1   "Close your eyes". Mum said, her hands on my shoulder as she walked me to her room alongside dad.   "We are almost there, Rowland". Dad chuckled and I smiled. I wonder what it was Dad and Mum got for me.   "Okay, you can open your eyes now". Mum smiled and I opened my eyes slowly.   "Wow!" I exclaimed at the sight before me. The room was decorated with balloons, and a wide portrait hung on the wall with the words 'Happy birthday Rowland' written on it. A large cake was placed on the table and the room sparkled with different colors of light.   I beamed with smiles and turned to my parents, "It's beautiful". I squealed and ran to the cake.   "Come on Dad, let's cut the cake". I said excitedly urging them to come over. The photographer entered and we all stood ready to take a photograph.   Mum looked at me and smiled. "Congrats on your eighteenth birthday, Rowland". She chuckled and ruffled my hair.   I sneered and pouted. "I'm not sixteen, am eighteen now. You don't need to ruffle my hair like a child anymore".   Mum laughed and turned to look at Dad. "Our Rowland is now a big boy". Dad chuckled and pointed to the camera. "Let's take a shot and have fun when we are done".   We all stood facing the camera and the photographer took a shot. He printed it immediately and handed it over to me. "Happy birthday Rowland". The photographer whispered and left.   I dipped the picture in my pocket and raised my head to see Mum and Dad in front of me.   "We have a present for you, Rowland". Dad smiled and brought out a small box.   He opened the box and a small necklace with a fairy sculpted on it came into view. I stood speechless and gently collected the bo