Broken and Fearless // C.B.

Chapter 131

[She's back! Sam and Colby videos are returning soon! Starting with... Well, you'll see in the chapter. First though...]

September 3, 2021

Juliet's POV:

Ellen was dropped off with Jackson, who was more than excited to watch his niece. At least, that's what I gathered. He was boring and had no plans for his birthday, so he accepted niece and uncle time.

Colby smiled and asked, "Are you ready for this?"

I nodded. "More than ready. I've wanted to explore this for years. And the fact that it's here is so surreal."

"Tell me about it. I'm feeling the same way."

"So if I die of radiation poisoning, will you stay with me To the End?"

"Of course I will. Hang on, you made a pun."

"Good catch. That I did. I'm gonna miss Ellen so much while we're away."

Colby nodded. "I will too. But I'm sure your family will send us updates on her and all."

"I mean, Chernobyl will be cool to see, especially after seeing the series about it. But without Ellen-"

"Jules, are you backing out on us?"

I shook my head. "Gracious no. I'm just talking."

He chuckled lightly. "Are you going to record anything?"

"Who knows? I haven't decided yet."

"It has been awhile."

"Well I've been busy with Ellen. Sue me."

Colby placed a hand over his heart and raised his left hand. "Baby, I plead the fifth!"

"Quit teasing me."

"It's too fun to. Hey, you know what I just remembered, and I feel like a horrible husband for forgetting?"

"What?"

"What's the date?"

"September 3rd. Oh gosh! I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22."

"You beat me to it."

I kissed his cheek and smiled before pulling out my phone. I texted Jenna and Jackson happy birthday, to which they texted the same back immediately after.

"What do you want to do?" Colby asked.

I shrugged. "Dinner and a movie. There's this new Marvel movie called, um, hang on." I pulled out my phone to look it up, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. I mean, if you're okay going to the theater. We can wear masks if that'd make you feel more comfortable, especially with us traveling overseas so soon."

"Babe, it's your birthday. If that's what you want to do, that's what we'll do."

I may or may not have let out a high-pitched squeal. We're not gonna talk about it.

Colby laughed and asked, "Where do you want to eat?"

"Uh... Chick-fil-A. I have been craving their sweet tea like a son of a gun."

"Chick-fil-A it is then. And then an evening movie. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate your birthday." He pulled out his phone and began typing. "Just sending something to my mom."

"Oh. Okay. I'm gonna go get ready."

I ran upstairs and grabbed a pair of black jeans and a navy blue tank-top. I put them on and slipped on socks before putting on and lacing up my combat boots.

Colby walked in and I asked, "How do I look?"

"Beautiful as always, babe."

"Oh wait. Red, red, red." I pulled out a red shirt and put it on. "There. Now I'll match the movie poster."

He shook his head with a smile. "You're something else, Juliet."

"That's why you married me, isn't it?"

"Amongst other things. You all set?"

"Mhmm. Man, this'll be fun!"

We got in the car and drove to Chick-fil-A.

After some debate, we decided to go inside. Colby and I both ordered nuggets, though I got a fruit cup and he got fries. I'd definitely be stealing some from him. I got my sweet tea and he got a chocolate shake.

When our food came out, we dug in immediately.

I took a fry and smiled sweetly.

Colby frowned. "You know, if you want fries, I can buy some for you. Or you can get them yourself."

"Stolen fries taste better."

He shook his head, but his faint smile told me he wasn't actually mad.

Since we'd bought our tickets online, we made our way to the theater and got them scanned. We bought a small popcorn to share and chose to share a drink.

When the movie started, I settled back in my seat, ready to enjoy what looked to be an exciting movie.

And honestly, it was.

When the credits rolled, Colby got up.

I grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him back. "Sit."

"Babe, it's over."

"Cole, it's a Marvel movie. It's not over. There's post-credit scenes. Sit down."

He sat and pulled out his phone to wait for the credits.

Once everything was over, we got up and left.

"What'd you think of it?" I asked.

"I liked it. You?"

"I did too. It was different. But the origin story was cool and I'm excited to see his story continue."

"Me too."

Colby and I made our way back home and the second he opened the door, a group of people cried, "Surprise!"

I glanced at my husband. "You weren't texting your mom earlier, were you?"

He shook his head sheepishly. "No, I texted Sam. He and Kat arranged all this while we were out."

I turned to my friends. "It's perfect, guys. Thank you."

"Let's party!" Sam yelled.

Candles were lit and Happy Birthday was sung.

As I blew out the candles, one distinct thought was greater than the rest.

I made it another year, Ma.