In 7 Days [Book 1]

Chapter 56 - Happy Birthday!

That night, I sat on the couch with mom, my head resting on her lap as Valentine's Day played in the background. We were snacking on the chocolates Jake had bought me today - despite the fact they were melted, they still tasted amazing. 

During the ad break of the movie, a large knock sounded at the door. I thought it might be Ryder - he had a thing for surprise visits - but when I opened the door it was Jake, standing in the middle of the cold in a thin t-shirt. 

"Jake!" I shouted. "Come in, you must be cold." I grabbed onto his forearm and pulled him into the house. It wasn't much warmer, but it had to be better than standing in the frosty air. 

"I didn't think it was that cold, until I got here." He chuckled, rubbing the goosebumps from his arms. He turned into the lounge room and said good evening to my mom. "Hi, Miss Rose."

"So... Jake!" I dragged him to the kitchen, sitting him down at the table. "What's up?" There was a quiet pause before he opened his mouth, and I offered him something to eat or drink. 

"I'm fine, thank you. I actually came to give you your birthday present."He put a wrapped box on the table in front of the both of us. "Save it until tomorrow though, when it's your actual birthday. I hope you like it." The present was wrapped in a maroon paper with a dark ribbon sealing it. It looked amazingly wrapped, and I was in awe of it - Jake really put a lot of effort into it.

"Thank you so much, Jake." I reached across the seats and enveloped him in a tight hug, wrapping my arms around his neck. "This is so lovely of you, thank you. You really didn't have to!"

"Yes, I did. You mean a lot to me, Mar..." He whispered, his hand settling on my lower back. I felt his hand move upwards to a safer and more appropriate spot, and I gave a sigh of relief. 

I lead Jake over to the door, and he opened it up for himself. "One week until Regionals!" 

"I know!" I beamed. My stomach lurched as I thought about it. I was nervous. "It's going to be so great, is your mom coming to watch?"

"I don't think so... but I think she'll come and watch Nationals." 

We both laughed. "You're certainly optimistic."

"I like to think that's my best trait," he said softly, stepping outside. "I'll see you on Monday! Bye, Miss Rose! Bye Marley Rose!"

***

A sweet voice fluttered through my dreams. "Marley," it sung my name softly, "Marley, beautiful..."

 I felt a soft shaking on my shoulders, and that forced my eyes open. Ryder was standing above my bed, his dreamy eyes staring down at me. "Why are you here?" I murmured, frowning up at him.

"Happy Birthday!" He threw his arms in the air and chuckled. 

I wrapped my arms around Ryder's waist, leaning my head against his colorful shirt. He placed his warm hands on my back - it was comforting, and I had a feeling this was going to be a great birthday. "Thank you so much! Why are you here so early?"

"Your mom invited me over early, she wanted to surprise you." Ryder started stroking my knotty and uncombed hair which had come lose over the night. 

"Best birthday surprise ever." I laughed softly. "You've caught me at my worst, though. Do you mind waiting out there while I get dressed?" I lightly pushed him towards the door, my hand accidentally pressing on his butt. 

He laughed as he left the room and he carefully shut the door behind him. I weirdly couldn't wipe the smile from my face - he made me so happy, just by being here. I was glad he was my boyfriend.