A little too late (A Pete angst Story)

Chapter 9

~4 years ago~ Wynter POV

Today is Pete's 17th birthday, and I hope it is one of his best. We kind of grew apart, but I always looked after him from afar. Danny helped me with a lot of small things for him. He loves Pokemon so I helped plan a Pokemon-themed birthday for him. I won't be there but if I don't at least start the planning for his birthday then no one will do anything. I called Brandon, Nick, and Arny and told them months in advance so they could save up and come here since they live in different states. Today is at an adult arcade/amusement park. Some of the activities are laser tag and paintball. There are trampolines and a ball pit. The place provided food but I also made sure there were some of his favorite foods. There are tables where the food will be lined up along with a cotton candy maker and a snowcone maker. There is also pokemon inspired sodas I found so there are surprise flavors everyone can try. I decided to get him a mini demon slayer cake and a variety of cupcakes so there won't be a ton of cake left but also I think the display would look better. From there I let Danny take care of it because he would know more about his friends and things he might like to do. From what I heard his girlfriend had plans that were not until later so I made sure that everything would start a bit earlier so that would not interfere with that. Danny tried his best to get me to come but I declined. I would only ruin it and I don't want that so it is all up to his planning now.

Danny POV

So I am on my way to get Pete and he thinks we are just going to get smoothies because I was strapped for money but I am actually taking him to his surprise birthday party. I think this will be his best birthday ever but I really think Wynter should be here. Like this party was nowhere near cheap and she doesn't make a lot of money from her job. I know Pete misses her as a friend but he is just so love gone that he's kind of screwed up some things. Anywho, she wants him to have a good birthday and I promised I would make sure that happened. So I arrive at his house and he hops in and we drive off.

"Happy Birthday bro!"

"Thanks man"

"We have to make a quick stop but then we'll head to get smoothies okay"

"No problem"

"So, what are your plans with Rose? I'm sure she has planned something for your birthday"

"Actually, she's pretty sick and won't let me come visit her so she told me to hang with my friends"

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that"

"It's okay, we'll find something fun to do. I just wished the others would have been able to fly in. It's been a while since I have seen everyone"

"We'll go big for your 18th birthday!"

We pull up and both hop out of the car. I lead him inside of the darkroom and when I cut on the light everyone hops out and screams happy birthday scaring him. He laughs and hugs me before taking everything in. Everyone takes turns telling him a happy birthday and pointing out that they left gifts on this long table that has boxes and bags on it. 

"How...how did you do all this Danny?"

"I had a lot of help but I really wanted to make sure your birthday was amazing and so did everyone else. We'll really attack you in the ball pit so we're saving that for later"

"Thank you, I don't know what to say but thank you"

"No need, I didn't do much truly."

He looks around and scans everyone here as if looking for someone.

"If you ask her sincerely she will come"

"What?"

"Wynter, she did not want to ruin your birthday so she didn't come. She just planned the majority of it. If you want her to be here you have to call her, she won't listen to me."

Pete POV

I hesitate because I know I have not been a friend to her but I am deciding to be selfish and I want her here. So I call her and she picks up on the fourth ring.

"Hello"

"Why aren't you here?"

"Happy birthday Pete"

"I prefer you tell me in person so get down here"

"I don't think that is a good idea"

"Wynter"

"I am busy anyway"

"No you aren't, look...it would make my day if you were here to celebrate with me. I know that is selfish for me to ask but I get to be selfish for my birthday"

"Pete"

"Please Wynter, I miss you. I miss my friend. I'm sorry and I really want you here"

"...okay, I'm on my way"

She hangs up and I look at Danny who is smiling. He pulls me towards everyone and we get set up for laser tag and split into two teams to start the game. It feels like it takes forever for us to split teams, hear the rules and start the game but once we do it is the most fun game ever. Our main group is left with Danny, Nick, and I versus Arny, Brandon, and someone I am not sure of due to not being able to see much of them. Arny hit Danny as he jumped in front of me to protect me. At that moment Nick hit him and I hit Brandon. The mystery person hit Nick and disappears into the darkness. I run into the darkness looking for them and they get me from behind a mirror. We come out and the winner raises their gun. I go up to them and congratulate them. They take off their hoodie showing that it is Wynter. I don't know what came over me but I hugged her spinning her around and she was startled at first but she hugged back.

"Happy Birthday Pete"

She pulls back and smiles at me making me smile. 

"I am glad you came, it wouldn't have been the same without you"

"I couldn't deny the birthday boy now could I"

"Nope. you spoil me...even when I don't deserve it"

"Hey, no sadness or mushy feelings. Just have fun today"

She heads to mingle with everyone and we continue the festivities until it is time to eat. We definitely have worked up an appetite and everyone is mingling and having a great time. I pull Wynter to the side to talk to her for a moment.

"What's up, you interrupted my chicken sandwich"

"Why do you tolerate me?"

"Pete, I'm going back to my food"

"I'm serious, I know this is painful for you so why do you always come when I ask? Why do you put yourself in uncomfortable situations for me?"

"Because for me, when you love someone...their happiness is more important than your own. So if Rose makes you happy, then I will do everything in my power to make sure I don't ruin that. If that means us hanging out like best friends then so be it. If it is me seeing you two be cute and call each other by pet names then that is how life goes. Love is me seeing you smile and love for you is Rose. So I humbly surrender to her."

"I'm so sorry Wynter"

"We don't get to choose who we love, I'm here for you until I take my last breath"

I hug her tight and she holds me rubbing my back. How is it that she is breaking and yet she is comforting me as if I am the one in her position? She allows me to stay as long as I wanted and then we got back to the party. I don't know how she created such an amazing day but I will never forget it. We took a ton of pictures so I will always be able to remember this day.