A Not so Wicked Paradise

CHP 7: Thomas

When we finally stopped walking, I ripped my blindfold off. I was surprised to say the least.

Minho and Newt had taken Teresa and I to a clearing in the woods. Probably half an hour away from the Community. I took time to absorb my surroundings. I saw decorations hanging on the trees surrounding the clearing. A large round table with 8 seats around it. A spectacular dinner was laid out on the table. There was chicken, ribs and burgers with sides of fries and mashed potatoes. To drink, someone had set out lemonade and water.

I was completely and utterly shocked. I turned back to Minho and Newt.

"Wha-? What's this all about?"

"It's your 17th birthday, ya piece of klunk," Minho crossed his arms and grinned.

"Happy bloody birthday Tommy!" Newt ruffled my hair.

"Happy Birthday Tom!"

I turned towards Teresa.

"You knew about this?"

"Yep, she's the one who came up with the idea to celebrate." Newt said.

I was speechless.

"Wow, you guys.. Didn't have to do this for me!" I said.

"It wasn't just us, they helped out too." Minho gestured behind me.

I turned around and saw Frypan, Harriet, Elizabeth and Sonya smiling at me. I smiled back.

"Thanks guys. You're the best friends a guy could have."

"And girlfriend," Teresa said with a wink. I smiled back at her.

"Yeah. And girlfriend," We continued to smile at each other.

"Ugh, c'mon guys. Get a room!" Frypan shouted. Everyone laughed.

"Well, now that all of that's done, let's eat!" Newt announced.

We all sat down at the round table. I sat in between Teresa and Newt. Sonya sat on the other side of Newt. Elizabeth sat next to Sonya. Frypan sat next to Elizabeth. Minho sat on the other side of Teresa. Harriet sat next to Minho.

We all started to eat and talk. About the Community. About everything. After we finished eating, Newt stood up.

"I would like to have a toast for Thomas." Newt announced.

"Get on with it then!" Minho called out. Everyone laughed. Rolling his eyes, Newt turned to me and continued,

"Tommy, happy birthday. You're a great friend. Well, at least better than Minho-"

"Hey!" Minho shouted out. Newt continued on once again,

"As I was saying, Tommy you're a wonderful friend, boyfriend and person. You're loyal, kind and caring. I don't think any of us would have made it here if it wasn't for you," Newt paused, thinking for a moment,"So happy birthday Tommy. I hope you have a great one because you shucking deserve it."

With that, Newt raised his glass of lemonade and took a swig. Everyone clapped and whooped. I was about to thank Newt when Minho stood up.

"Well, now I've got to talk too," Minho turned to me and continued his speech, "Thomas, you're a great friend. You've saved my life more times than I can count, and for that, I'm grateful. You're funny and always there for me. For all of us really. Happy Birthday Thomas, I hope you have a great one."

With that, Minho sat back down and everyone clapped and whooped. I grinned.

"Great! We're all bloody inspired!" Newt said sarcastically.