From August to Mae | an August Alsina Fanfic

XIII. Song 2 You

"I'll give you my song, these words to you..."
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It had been nearly an entire week since Whitley had spoken to August. Despite him being back at school, she hadn't spoken to him since he abruptly hung up on her the week prior. It was now Friday afternoon, which was also Whitley's birthday. If it weren't for the "Happy birthday luv ❤️" text she got from him this morning, she would've assumed he'd forgotten. However, given how distant he'd been, she was still unsure whether or not she'd see him at her party tonight.

There was someone else she wasn't sure would be attending her party and that was Corinne. When the clock struck midnight, Jayda and Shalice sent their heartfelt "happy birthday" paragraphs, but Corinne sent nothing. Whitley almost thought she had somehow gotten removed from the group chat until she checked for herself. But, Whitley wasn't going to let Corinne's actions put a damper on her mood. It was her day after all, and she already spent enough time being concerned about someone who had no concern for her. Suddenly, Whitley was removed bed from her thoughts by Shalice walking into the room.

"Hello, birthday queen," Shalice cooed with balloons and gift bags in hand.

Whitley beamed with joy as she noticed the clear balloons filled with confetti she saw on Twitter. Shalice was easily the most observant of the friend group. Whenever birthdays rolled around, she always managed to get everyone exactly what they wanted without it ever being mentioned in conversation.

"Shalice, you did not have to do all this," Whitley smiled at her friend's thoughtfulness as Shalice embraced her in a tight side hug.

"I'm aware. I just know if it was my birthday I'd want somebody to go all out for me, and you're such an amazing friend so you deserve it," Shalice smiled, "now, if you don't like one of your gifts I still have the receipt so just let me know and we can exchange it. I won't feel any kinda way."

Shalice sat Whitley's gifts down next to her dresser and plopped down on her bed.

"Nah, the fact that you picked everything with me in mind is too sentimental for me to return. Whatever it is, I appreciate it."

"You better than me, girl. I'll return something in a heartbeat," Shalice said, causing Whitley to giggle, "oh, and hopefully this don't kill your vibe but this is from Corinne."

Shalice reached into her bag and pulled out a turquoise envelope with Whitley's name on it in neat cursive writing. A wave of gloom came over Whitley as she bit the inside of her lip. She hesitated but ultimately took the envelope from Shalice, staring at it as if that would magically make Corinne appear at any moment.

"When did you see her?" Whitley asked unable to break her gaze from the envelope.

"I didn't. The day I came back from Atlanta I found a folder slid under my door from Corinne. All that was in it was that note about her moving out and that," she said pointing her manicured nail toward the envelope, "the note said it was for your birthday, so I just held onto it until now. Don't ask what's in it, though cause I don't know."

Shalice shrugged. Whitley twisted her lips to the side contemplating whether or not she wanted to open the envelope. If she opened it and its contents didn't provide an explanation as to why she disappeared, Whitley would get upset and the mood for her entire birthday would be melancholy. However, if she didn't open the envelope, she'd be driving herself insane trying to guess whats inside all night. Ultimately, Whitley decided to open the envelope, but before she could peel the corner, Jayda walked in.

"It's shot o' clock!" Jayda exclaimed, walking into Whitley's room with a bottle of Crown apple and three shot glasses.

"Woo! Yes ma'am," Shalice said with excitement.