30 Days Too Late

Birthday Boy

Rudy

"Can I take the blindfold off now?" I ask.

"No, idiot," Ace replies and I frown. 

"Are you kidnapping me?" I ask, crossing my arms.

"I'm not kidnapping you that's a reach," Ace sighs.

I sink into silence and listen to the music being played on the radio in his car. "Hey, Rudy, can I be honest with you for a second?" he asks.

"Yeah, what's up?" I say.

"Have you noticed anything different with Dex this week?" he asks.

"He's been under a lot of stress with hockey and his parents," I say, keeping it simple.

"Really? Lily mentioned he's been stressed because of his doctor appointments over the past few days," he sighs.

"What?" I sit up, startled.

"Oh, shit, you didn't know," he mutters.

"God, he's still hesitant to tell me about his hospital situation. He doesn't want me to be sad," I explain.

"Honestly, that makes sense. Ever since you guys reunited, he's been doing everything he can to keep you happy," he tells me.

"But why? Am I not allowed to feel any other emotions?" I question.

"Maybe talk to him again? I'm not sure how to answer that," he suggests as the car comes to a stop. I open the door, and Ace helps me walk up the stairs. I tread carefully, thankful the steps are thick slabs.

"Just a few more steps," Ace informs.

"I don't get scared easily if that's what this is," I chuckle.

He removes the blindfold, and I'm met with darkness. "Surprise!" The lights suddenly flick on. I'm in Dexter's house, and it's decorated with birthday stuff everywhere.

"Wow," I say, taken aback.

"Happy Birthday," Viola cheers, shaking me excitedly.

"Thank you," I smile, glancing around for Dexter. He's not here. "Rue," his voice calls, making me turn my head.

He walks out of the pantry with a lit cake. "Happy Birthday," he smiles. I stare at him for a moment until I'm nudged to blow out the candles. "Make a wish," he encourages. I nod, then blow out the candles, and everyone cheers. He sets the cake down and grabs the cutting knife. Jax pats my head, and I wave a little. I start cutting slices for everyone; vanilla has always been my favorite.

"Mind if I share a piece with you?" Dexter asks. "We also have pizza and other foods too," Viola points out.

"Yeah, I don't mind, and okay, cool," I nod. Dexter loads my plate with other treats before we sit in the living room.

"Okay, so we have some board games and truths," Devan says, setting up everything.

"Alright, Rudy draws from the truth box first," Jax says, scooting the cards toward me. "What is your middle name?" I read aloud. Dexter bursts out laughing, and I glare at him. "Shut up," I snap. "Oh my gosh, you have to tell us," Michael snickers. "It's Amanda..." I say hesitantly. I watch their faces, and every one of them is trying not to laugh.

Rudy Amanda Langston.

Dex laughs harder this time with his arm around my neck. "Stop that," I growl. Jax pulls a card next and he swallows. "If you don't want to do it you have to eat a brownie," Ace holds one up. Jax takes it gladly which makes me chuckle. Dexter readjusts me so I'm on his lap. I lie back on his chest, a nice heater.