Today is Mary's birthday, but her mother had to work late tonight. She1 Mary that they could have a party next week. Mary was very disappointed.

  Mary walked to school and hoped her friends would 2that she was eight today.

  “Hi, Mary. Happy birthday,” Julie said.

  Mary smiled 3and asked, “Julie, can you come to my birthday party next week?”

Julie said, “I'm sorry, Mary. I can't.” The rest of the day didn't go much better. All of her friends said they could not go to her party next week. Mary was very4. Cindy tried to cheer her up, but it was not 5. Her big day was turning out to be 6. She had to wait until it was time to go home.

Evening came, and Cindy's mother drove to Mary's home with Cindy and Mary. W, hen Mary

opened the door, the house was7. Her mom didn't come back home. She turned to ask Cindy

and Cindy's mom to wait.

 “Surprise!”

   Mary 8and all the lights in the house went on. Her mother and all of her friends were there!

The coffee table in the living room was9 presents. She ran into the kitchen. Her mother had 10her favorite meal. Mary stood next to her mom. “Thank you!” Mary said happily. She had a happy birthday party with her friends together.