It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To

For weeks, Crystal had been messing with my mind: Dropping little hints, making vague comments and generally teasing me with anticipation/dread over my impending doom…I mean birthday party at Mo’s. I had visions, lots of visions: of being forced up onto the DreamGirls’ stage, having to make a speech, the Drunk Girl who almost pulled off my wig finally succeeding, will I need waterproof mascara, and being made to be the center of attention. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like attention, I’m just not comfortable with a lot of attention. That’s one of the reasons why I like being Crystal’s friend/sidekick/Dr. Flotsam….she is always the center of attention…and I get to bask in the light, just off to the side. Crystal had a table in the restaurant when I arrived with Rusty and Raven following close behind. Lorraine arrived soon after and the three re-introduced themselves from Crystal’s party. We all fell into relaxed conversation, like old friends, while we ate. Dennis was our waiter, as usual. Rusty really liked him or at least his chest. Alex showed up just as we were finishing our dinner. Tricia stopped by on her way to the show. She had her usual table for 6. Bobby and his friend came over and he announced that they had actually paid to get in. He must like me; he really, really likes me, Ms Fields.

Everybody was hugging me so much I was afraid that they would walk away with half my “face” on their cheek like some Tammy Faye joke. After every hug, I would check to see if I could see “me” all over their cheek. Luckily, it was dark. 

As we found our table for the show, I glanced up and realized the Drunk Girl, who nearly hugged my wig off last week is sitting right in front of us. Before I could panic, Crystal placed a “Birthday Girl” tiara on my head and handed me a birthday present bag. I was so flattered and flustered that I just sat there for a minute all glassy-eyed. Crystal motioned for me to “open it” and I reached into the bag withdrew a doll. She was a chic, young woman in jeans with long auburn hair. My first doll…….all glassy-eyed, again……Even now remembering it.

The show starts and Chad, Jasmine and Morgan performed the opening number. Chad took the live mike and welcomed everyone and did the show introduction. Then she asked if there were any birthdays and “first timers”. There were a couple of birthday boys up front before she noticed my shyly waving Broadway Nails clad fingers in the back ($4.89 at Walmart and the flowers painted on them matched the dress Crystal gave me!). Chad introduced us as her girls and started everyone singing “Happy Birthday”. To my great relief she did her usual banter with everyone else. You know….the spotlight thing.

Chad, Morgan, Jasmine, Pauline (Morgan’s drag mother) and Babette Schwartz were so good. Chad did Cher, Jessica Rabbit and Edward Scissorhands. I could write all night and still fail to adequately describe his talent. You just have to see for yourself.

Halftime: time for a restroom break. All the girls waiting in line were smiling at me….I forgot I was wearing that tiara thingy, until I got to the mirror. Upon my return to the table, I found a cake with my name on it!! Paulina’s first cake…..glassy-eyes, again.

Dancing after the show was great fun. Everyone at our table stayed and we all danced together. Ang (you know, “Han”) showed up with a birthday card for me. I was very touched. He is very sweet to all of us. It was a wonderful birthday party. My favorite one, so far.