Afraid To Love Again

Chapter 27 - Surprise

"What makes you think I met someone?"

She always figures it out on the first try. I can't be that easy to read. I started talking again when I realized she wouldn't answer the dumb question I always ask when she's right, "I met Ace or Ace met me. Either way we met. And he said he was going back home", I summarized

"Did he say anything else? Any words for you? I know he did", she didn't sound that surprised by what I said

"He said he wishes he could have me back, he didn't mean to break my heart, that he stills loves me", I listed what I could remember. What I remembered being the words that moved me a little. I didn't want to admit it, but I was moved.

"Wow. If I were with you, he wouldn't even get a chance to say half of half of half of what you told me. But I'm glad he's out of the picture now". Like I didn't already know that.

"He didn't cause any trouble though ever since he arrived here. The first day doesn't count. I also found out he came all the way here just to see me"

Though he had sent me a text before he arrived, I didn't believe him till he said it today.

"Don't tell me you're actually affected that he's leaving. I can read what you're thinking now. You don't like him around you, but you don't like knowing he's nowhere around"

Shit.
Maybe it wasn't what I was thinking, rather she can read me better than I can read myself.

"Erica. You have a boyfriend", she reminded me when I didn't respond, "There's no point of you thinking about the fact your ex is leaving. You stay by Kendricks' side. And with me, okay?"

I nodded, "I'm not upset or affected"

"You can lie to yourself, but not to me. Come on let's get you some of the cookies I baked this morning", she dragged herself off the bed and pulled me off aswell

"Amelia Kim has stepped into a kitchen before?", I gasped as we made our way out her room

"With all the free time I had today, I had to do something. They might be a little burnt at the bottom, but you can just ignore that", she warned me beforehand.

"You said you were busy. You knew all along, that's why you ditched me", I called her out and she shrugged.

We made our way downstairs and she grabbed the tray with all the biscuits
she made.

"Okay...", I judged as she stared at me hopefully, "Not bad", she exhaled a sigh of relief when I said that, "Now flip. All of them", she was caught by surprise.

"We both don't wanna look there", she shook her head.

I laughed at her facial expression.
"Next time we bake together. And don't refuse ever again when your mom wants to supervise you. You'll burn the house down"

"How did you know I refused supervision?"

"I can tell", I looked at the baked goods again.

"They're good though. Try them", Amelia took a huge bite out of one to prove it, and I laughed because she made a face in the process, "Just- Just take small bites and you'll be fine. Gosh, I need some water", she ran to the fridge to get some.

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"She's back", I said as I clicked the door open into our apartment.

Oh.

I'm so used to seeing my mom first thing either on the couch or mostly in the kitchen making something delicious. But she was nowhere to be seen right now. I closed the door behind me and took my heels off finally.

It was a little dark now, and the curtains where closed. I turned on the light to see and feel a whole new atmosphere.

"Happy birthday!", I saw my mom pop out from behind the couch.

"Oh", I jumped to the surprise before seeing someone else jump out from behind another couch, "Kendricks, what are you doing here?"

"Surprise", he wore the sincere smile that always made me fall in love with him again.

"Can I come out now?", I heard a little girl's voice come from beside Kendricks.

Kendricks looked down and chuckled, "Sure"

"Surprise!", The best of the bunch jumped out as if I didn't hear or know she was there.

I went along with it and gasped, "Oh my gosh, Kelly", I was a little surprised though.

She ran to me as I crouched to her height to hold her.

"She didn't want to miss out on surprising you", Kendricks told me

"Oh, why would she? She made it extra extra special", I looked at Kelly laugh excitedly to my comment and I put a strand of her curly hair behind her ear.

"You're Kendricks' girlfriend and my favorite person. I can't miss your surprise. Even after one million years, I'll be there to surprise you again", I laughed and nodded.

"Eric, you can come out now. No need to be embarrassed", mom called out dad's name and I was taken aback.

I saw the grown man in his suit come down from upstairs wearing a party hat and blew into a party horn.

I tapped mom on the shoulder, my eyes kept on dad, "Is that really my dad?"

"Happy birthday, little one", he said when he was now standing in front of me. He took me into a hug.

"Thanks dad. This is the best birthday ever", I said honestly. I got to spend it with Kendricks, Mr Jackson, Amelia, mom, Kelly too. And dad.

"Can we have the cake now?", Kelly and Kendricks said at the same time.

"I am also waiting to have a slice. Also I may have a gift waiting for you in the car", dad told me clearing his throat.

"Wait, really?", he nodded.

I may be a year older, but right now I really felt like my dad's little girl again. He's usually on business trips around September and October for some reason. But I was so happy he was here with me today for the first time in six years. In a party hat blowing a party horn for that matter.

"You forgot the autograph. I ended up getting it for you", Kendricks got out a birthday card with Mr. Allan's signature on it. I screamed before he shut me up with his hand. I went on my tip toes and hugged him by the neck.

Kelly joined hugging both our legs and Kendricks tried move her again from our couple hug like she was some sort of pest. She really doesn't like to miss out. I hugged her instead leaving Kendricks standing there. Like the third wheel he was.

🥀🥀🥀