The Mystic Hearts Series

Chapter 52- Briar

I can't help thinking about what Elio said & how it makes me feel for the next few days... So caught up am I in this that I don't even notice he seems to be in a world of his own, excited about something, but I can't really figure out what... It bugs me so much that by the 2nd day, I have to at least ask him about it, even if he won't give me an answer...

"Hey, Elio?" I ask tentatively as he finishes up planning my meetings for the next 2 months. "Um... question: why are you so..." I gesture vaguely at him & he raises an eyebrow in my direction. "Jumpy these days...?"

He chuckles quietly, finishing up the work before answering rather upfrontly. "Oh, my birthday is this Friday, in 2 days, & my friends are gonna get me gifts 'n' stuff &..."

My eyes widen, & I suddenly grasp him by the shoulders momentarily. "You didn't tell me your birthday was Friday!" I let go of him & start pacing around the room. "Oh my gosh, what am I gonna get you-"

He chuckles softly, blushing slightly. "No, no, it's ok, you don't have to get me anything..."

I groan & collapse into a chair. "But I want to... & I'll feel bad if I don't... &... God, I'm such a bad friend, I don't even know what to get you..."

He smiles softly at me, round cheeks red. "That's ok... Maybe just a card? To be fair, I never know what I want for my birthday, so that's ok... Maybe you could swing by Friday at my place to see me & my friends? We're having a party then for it, if you wanna come..."

I grin from ear to ear, absolutely full of energy. "Sure! I'll come! I might have to- disguise myself-" I walk around weirdly, forming my hands in circles, mimicking my fake glasses & Elio laughs. I smile slowly, blushing at the concept of bringing him joy. "But... I'll make it... I might need to know the address though..."

He looks at me. "Well, the party's at 5, so we could just drive to my place after work finishes at 3 that day..."

I grin. "Oh, yeah! I could do that... Sneak past the guards in ~my disguise~" He cracks a smile. "I hate to have to make you work on your birthday, ya know... but I can't really control the hours, my mom's in charge of that... If I were in charge of anything too serious, I might burn the whole kingdom down, ya know? Can't do anything around here..." I make a pouty face & walk aimlessly around the office.

He looks at me inquisitively, watching my movements with a slight grin & raised eyebrows. I don't know what that means exactly, but I don't know how to ask without being awkward, so... Just gonna go along with that...

What will happen next? ,':)