On and Off the Track

F I F T E E N.

He rolled over cautiously, trying not to wake me. Unfortunately I was already awake, but I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes. He shuffled around as he tried to become comfortable again. The movement causing me to finally open my eyes and face him. Lan expression very similar to mine. Hungover. His lips curled up as he notice I was awake. "Happy birthday B, How's the fist day of being twenty three" he smile grew over his humour, I was not pleased by the sarcasm. I pick up a pillow and threw it at his face, it felt as if it was filled with rocks. I groaned as I sat up in bed, rubbing my eyes as I adjusted to the light. My head was pounding and my stomach felt as if it was doing a thousand somersaults. lan sat up with me, holding his arm up allowing me to cuddle into his body. He traced circles along the upper part of my arm, as we sat in silence. Flashbacks of last night flicked through my brain. My body tensed as I remember what Lando said. He didn't trust me. I hated that. I was mid-thought when lando jumped up from the bed. I had no idea where he got this energy from. "Let me go get you your present" I smiled in response, sitting up slightly straighter in bed. He opened the side drawer next to him, pulling out a box that he definitely did not wrap. The wrapping was too good to be his. I gently pulled the light blue ribbon, causing the sides of the box to dropped. Revealing a delicate necklace. It had eight imbedded diamonds evenly spaced along it. It was simple and elegant just how I liked my jewellery. "I love it" I smiled up to lando, grabbing his face to pull him in for a kiss. He trusts me, I know he does. We are okay. I repeated these word in my head. Convincing myself of the facts.

My phone started to buzz from an incoming call from my parents. They both wished me happy birthday and we catched up for a bit. I definitely miss not seeing them as often as I do. Lando joined in on the call when they noticed his head pop into the top of my screen.

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Later on...

Lando had booked us a reservation at a cute little cafe around the corner from our hotel. We finally had the energy to get out of bed around twelve and made our way down to the cafe for one to have lunch. We arrived first. Mila and Sol were the next to arrive, both came running over to give me and hug and say happy birthday. "I'll give you your present later". She said with a wink, I screwed my face unsure by what she meant. The next to arrive was max and Daniel, both wishing me a good birthday and handing me gift bags. I placed them both gently by my chair. Finally Kelly arrived, doing a little dance as she saw me, we hugged, rocking from side to side. "Happy birthday B" she said as she kissed my cheek. I ushered everyone to come and sit down. I could tell everyone was just as hungover as me.

We had just order our food, as I glimpsed over to Mila and Sol laughing away and flirting. My heart warmed at the sight, smirking slightly. The way they just bounced off each other and looked at each other like nobody else was in the room. My face sunk slightly, coming to the realisation that me and lan don't do that any more. Nothing was new and exciting anymore, but I should be happy that I have someone I love and that is consistent in my life. But I could help but be jealous of what they had. I knew this was childish and immature of me. I was brought back into the room as Kelly placed her arm on my leg, "you okay?" Her face concerned, "yeah, I'm okay" a dismal smile forms on my face as I nodded, trying to get reengaged in another conversation.

After everyone was finished eating, I went to open the presents. I opened Daniels first. It was a cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Daniels favourite place is the Cheesecake Factory and I have never been. He's always promise to take me but we've never had time. I opened the box and there on top was a picture of a kangaroo. I held it up and scrunched up my face in confusion. "Well I saw how amazed you were when you saw the kangaroo, so I sponsored one in your name. Now you can get weekly updates about him in the wild with his mates and when you next come to Australia. You can take a ride to the area where they are and see him up close. Then the cheesecake is because you have to try the cheesecake. It's life changing Bronte, it really is" I laughed, hugging him gratefully. Next was Kelly. I opened the card which was written by P, smiling at the cuteness of her message. She got me a spa weekend for two in Bali. The note reading "for when you want a little time away from lando ;)". I thanked her too. Max gave me a card informing me that my present was waiting back at home. Finally was Mila, she handed me my present, grinning sheepishly. I opened it revealing a sailors cap, I laughed unsure at what thought. "It will all make sense when we are home" I nodded suspiciously.