Dusk Until Dawn

Chapter 18 - 8teen

The rest of January went by in a blur. I think this month was a very productive one for me. I turned in my college applications during the three snow days, and I even went on a virtual college tour. Those things are incredibly convenient.

During this month, Mr. Herbert and I have been trying to make up the time that we lost. We had a movie night with Mom and Yukina, as well as a game night. Having four players is definitely better than three.

As for Mason and me, I'd say that we've gotten closer. We pulled an all-nighter together during one of the snow days, but that wouldn't have happened if I didn't force him to do one with me. Sorry Mason.

And before I knew it, it was my birthday.

My 18th one.

I remember when I used to be ecstatic when it was my birthday. I would think to myself, "Yay! Adulting is fun!"

But now that 18 is considered to be the age when you turn into an adult, I think to myself, "Ew! Adulting is gross!"

Sigh. Oh well.

I hurriedly checked my phone. I was desperate for another snow day, especially since it's my birthday. I kept refreshing the school page to see if the administration canceled school, but nothing changed.

Of course. Nashville decides to not snow on my birthday, but snows on any other day. You're so kind.

I reluctantly got out of my bed and got ready for the school day. When I came back to check my phone, I saw a few text messages wishing me a happy birthday.

I smiled. That's the sweetest thing ever, even if I don't like birthdays.

When I got to the kitchen, Yukina and Mom jumped from behind the sofa.

My heart skipped a beat as they shouted in unison, "Happy birthday!"

I clutched my heart. "What the f- "

Yukina tooted her party blower and clapped. "Yay! You're officially old!"

I shot her a look. "You're 5 years older than me. You're practically prehistoric."

She took a step towards me and blew a raspberry. I scoffed.

Mom brought over a plate of two donuts, and I widened my eyes at the sight.

"Oh my God, thank you!" I said as I devoured both donuts within 2 minutes.

"Yukina will drive you to school today. Right, Yukina?" Mom nudged my sister.

I shook my head. "Oh, no, no. You don't have to do that; I can drive there on my own."

Yukina ran to my room and came back with my backpack in her hands. "Come on, Maia. You're going to be late to your theatre arts class. Don't you want to see Miss Ellison?"

I laughed like a hyena as we made our way to the door. "Absolutely not."

Although I don't want to see Miss Ellison, I do want to see someone else this early in the morning. I suppose I'm excited to see them. Oh, as well as sitting in that seat.

-

My dreams of sitting in that perfect window seat in my theatre arts classroom were all crushed when I saw someone else in that seat.

I scoffed. Really? Him? Of all people?

I marched to the seat and glared at him. "Do you ever learn?"

Mason made a cheeky smile and waved. "Hi."

"Hi."

He sucked his teeth. "Nice sunrise, right?"

"Mmhmm."