?Fifteen years old! Ain? goin? ta let ya off with no celebration, Tali.? Johnny?s voice, as usual, was cheerful and full of laughter. It didn?t really matter that he was talking to himself in the empty front room. He?d snuck into the Smith House on the south edge of the Marketplace ? snuck into the house that he?d bought, of all things! But he was determined to set this up as a surprise for Tali. The hallway was decorated quickly with banners and streamers, and a sign that said ?Happy Birthday, Tali!? in bright colorful letters.

He?d already left a scattering of small charms hidden around the lower floors, ready to be added to the bracelet that was tucked into a small box and neatly wrapped on a side table. With any luck, Juli, Gabby, Marian and Sianna would be able to help him finish setting everything up before Tali made it back home ? especially since if Johnny tried to bake a cake, it was sure to be inedible.