Stalemate // The Queens Gambit //Benny Watts x OC

Twenty six: 'Surprise' Party

September 24th, 1968, 10:03 am

The past few days have been almost like a fairytale. Walking the streets of Ottawa with my friends, hanging out in quaint diners and chatting for hours, exploring the most interesting shops and museums. It was so refreshing from New York, everyone so sweet and friendly, the weather was freezing but I enjoyed it. I could stay here forever. But sadly we only had two days left. Today was my 23rd birthday and I was planning on spending it relaxing in the hotel and then going out to a new restaurant for dinner.. but I suspected Macy had her own agenda.

"So, how are you today?" She asked as I sat on a large sofa in the hotel lobby with my book tucked under my arm.

"Good. How are you?"

She sat next to me, pulling her legs up and resting her arms on her knees. We were both dressed in warm pajamas, the fine fabric keeping the cold out. I didn't realize how much I had missed this kind of cold. It got cold in New York but lately the winters had been in the higher temperatures.

"Great. How come you're just good? You're the birthday girl, you should be jumping for joy."

"I appreciate the sentiment, Mace, but you know I've never been one for jumping for joy." I said as I let out a small chuckle. The truth was, it was strange, and not to mention painful, that this was my first birthday I hadn't woken up to a call from my mother.

"Right.. well don't worry, this is going to be one of the best birthdays yet."

"And why is that..?" I smirked, already having caught on she had something planned. It was sweet and I didn't really mind so I was just going to roll with the punches.

She stared at me, trying to formulate a believable lie, but was saved when Benny and Julia appeared. Julia walked up to me and tackled me with a hug and birthday wishes. Benny took a seat on the opposite couch and watched curiously. I laughed, thanking her, and she took a spot next to Benny.

"Birthday..?" He asked, confused.

I had forgotten he didn't know why we decided to stay a few days after the concert. "Oh- yeah, it's my twenty third today." His eyebrows shot up and he looked around at all of us.

"It is?? Why didn't anyone tell me??"

Macy giggled a little, "because I figured it'd be funnier if you didn't know."

"You're evil sometimes, you know that?" He said, laughing. She nodded and grinned. "Well what are we doing today? Any gift requests?"

I shook my head and shrugged. "Not really. I just plan on hanging out in the hotel and then getting dinner somewhere. And I don't really care if anyone gets me gifts. You can, but they aren't required."

"Well I will take the offer. I just need to know what to get you."

"Surprise me. I'm sure I'll love anything I get."

"Oh I wouldn't be so sure," Julia spoke. "One year, my grandad got me a set of office supplies and the card said 'so you can focus on your studies and bring home a better report card'" we all laughed at this and she hit Benny playfully. "Seriously, that birthday sucked!" She exclaimed as she laughed with us.

"Well as long as you don't get me office supplies and tell me to buckle down, anything will be appreciated." I said. Just then, Chris, Jonathan and Jamie came over, giving me hugs and quiet happy birthday wishes. Chris sat next to Julia and she awkwardly tucked a piece of her short black hair behind her ear, neither of them meeting the other's gaze. It couldn't be more obvious what was going on between them.