See You Again

XIV

The first gift I ever gave Vanessa was a crayon drawing when we were kids. She said it was the ugliest thing she had ever seen. Then she saw Peter's and changed her mind. I know she kept it all this time, even if she had laughed at first.

My gifts became better and more diverse for her birthday, Christmas and Valentine's day. Even if we are not officially together, we have always exchanged presents on that specific love day.

This year, I bought a gold bracelet adorned with shiny, round medallions to adorn her dark skin. I knew she would love it as much as anything sparkly and expensive.

I had the small velvet box inside my pocket while leaning against the kitchen counter, coffee mug in hand, discussing with Leah, Walt and Peter about the surprise we had prepared for her birthday on our last day here.

The plan was simple. We had made her breakfast and then, would give her the presents, later lunch out and then drive back home as tomorrow we had school once again.

 "I think we should get a path of rose petals for her to follow," said Leah. "Ezra never does that kind of stuff to me."

Maybe because he doesn't love you.

"We're not doing that, it's just stupid," Peter complained.

Kenzie walked into the room, dragging her feet. Last night we had stayed up watching movies again. She hasn't had one entire night of rest in a while and she didn't take it as lightly. I felt guilty for making her stay up late. That was how my insomnia started and I didn't want to do that to her.

She mumbled a good morning, rubbing her eyes and reaching for the coffee machine. She leaned next to me on the counter.

"Why is the table set all pretty in the dining area? And can I take a croissant out of the pile?" she asked at no one in particular.

Leah's eyes met hers in surprise. "Did you not remember? It's Vanessa's birthday."

"Ah. " she rubbed the side of her head. "Yeah, yeah, that's today."

"I can't believe you forgot," Leah complained. "Is there any other event more important than today?"

Kenzie seemed to think about it, and then pointed at a red spot on her cheek. "Yes, today I got a pimple, and I called her Addison because it annoys me almost as much as Addison Rae."

Walt was trying not to laugh, but Peter just smiled. It looked like Leah was more pissed off than before.

"Who's Addison Rae?" I asked.

Disbelief in Leah's eyes "You don't know the queen, Addison Rae? The best TikToker ever? Do you live under a rock?"

"Ah, TikTok." I nodded in understanding. I don't pay attention to anything that comes from that way. "Didn't know you had that," I told Kenzie.

"Oh, I do, but just for the memes and mocking dumb Americans," she took a sip on her coffee, "But I just keep on getting dance videos from Miss Cringe Coca-Cola."

"Excuse me!?" Leah demanded, "That was the best Coca-Cola add of all time!"

She shrugged in a matter of saying she didn't care.

To change the subject, Walt asked if Vanessa was already up or not. We woke her up even if we get hit by a pillow for ruining her beauty sleep. Leah went up to wake Ezra so we could exchange the presents and suddenly I was being elected the one to suffer the wrath of Vanessa.

"Why me?"

"Because you're the boyfriend," Peter tossed.

"Wannabe," Kenzie said in a sort of mockery.