Just Friends?

Chapter 2: A Birthday Surprise

"You're kidding!" Connor set his glass of lemonade on the table, eyes wide with amazement.

Amaya giggled. "No, I'm not. Just check this out." She got out her tablet and turned in on. She showed the screen to him. "Jayden Houston is dropping his third album next week! It's got all his newest songs so far."

"I really can't wait for it," said Connor before taking another sip of his lemonade. "He's my most favourite singer, like, ever."

"Mine too," agreed Amaya. She looked around. "Hey, when's Greg gonna get here?"

"He should be here soon," Connor replied. "He said something about helping his mom with chores."

At that moment Greg entered the cafe and took the empty seat next to Connor. "Hi guys, sorry I was late."

"It's fine." Connor flashed him a smile. "Anyway, did you hear that Jayden's new album is coming out soon?"

"I sure did!" Greg nodded eagerly. "I bet it's gonna be awesome. I hear it's being released... sometime next week?" He earned a nod from both of his friends.

"Speaking of, isn't your birthday next week too, Connor?" asked Amaya.

Her friend nodded. "It's the day after the album comes out."

"Any plans for your birthday this year?" Greg asked.

"Not really," Connor shrugged. "Maybe I'll just spend the day hanging out with you guys."

"Oh, I see..." Amaya nodded understandingly, winking as subtly as possible at Greg, who winked back.

It seemed as though the two have other special plans for their friend's very special day.

The day before, while Connor was helping his mom Christine run errands, his friends Amaya, Greg, Ivan and Newton were sitting in the living room with his dad. They were planning something special.

"Alright, this year, we're gonna throw Connor a surprise birthday party," said Connor's dad, Chris.

The friends seemed very excited and nodded eagerly.

"Newton and I could help with the decorations and the cake," volunteered Ivan, the most helpful of the group.

"And Greg and I can help keep Connor busy so you guys can get everything set up," Amaya chimed in.

Chris clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Now, what presents should we get him?"

"I'll get him a new skateboard, since his old one's broken," said Ivan.

Newton raised his hand. "A Master Fang T-shirt!"

"I can buy him the newest issue of Detecto-Tron!" added Greg.

"What about you, Amaya?" asked Chris.

Amaya thought for a moment, thinking about the best birthday gift she could give to Connor. Well, he loves the singer Jayden Houston, so... "How about I get him that new Jayden Houston album that's coming out the day before his birthday?" she suggested.

"That's an awesome idea!" said Chris. "I know he'll love it."

Now, remembering what she was supposed to do, Amaya knew there was no room for error and that she had to make sure Connor got the happy surprise birthday party he deserved.

When she got home, she got out her owl money box and opened it. She was relieved that she had more than enough money to buy the album. All she had to do was buy it without the soon-to-be birthday boy spotting her.

💖💖💖

It was the day before Connor's birthday. The day the album comes out.

Amaya kept the money safely in her pocket before grabbing her backpack to keep the album in later. She stepped out of the house and looked around. She saw Connor outside taking out the trash. He smiled and waved when he saw her.