Darkest Desires [Joel Miller]

19

We both knew Joel wasn't very fond of celebrating his birthday but Sarah and I have been busy all day, preparing for Joel's surprise party. I was putting up decorations and Sarah prepared the food and cake. The air was filled with excitement and a playlist of Joel's favorite song was playing in the background.

"You think he'll like it?"I asked Sarah, looking at the decorations.

"He better like it, we have been working our asses off,"Sarah chuckled.

"We have,"I chuckled. "I hope he likes my present too. I got Joel a vinyl of his favorite band."

"My dad loves vinyls,"Sarah said, setting the table. "I'm sure he'll love it."

We had a little bit of time before Joel and Tommy were off from work. Tommy promised to give us as much time as we needed to prepare for his surprise party. When it was time to get dressed, I carefully chose a dress that would emphasize my curves. It was a simple red dress but I loved it. Sarah straightened my hair and I did a simple makeup look. 

The moment Sarah and I got ready, we saw Tommy's car parked in the driveway. Sarah and I shared a nervous look, hoping Joel would like our little surprise party. Sarah put on a playlist with his favorite songs and I brought out my birthday present. We hid behind the couch, waiting for the front door to open. The front door opened, and Joel stepped into the house, his expression shifting from confusion to surprise as we shouted, "Surprise!"

 "Now I understand why Tommy didn't let me come home,"Joel chuckled, shaking his head.

"Happy birthday, dad!"Sarah exclaimed, hugging him tightly.

 "Thank you, darlin',"Joel smiled.

Sarah pulled away and it was time to present my gift to him - Metallica's vinyl record. Joel's eyes lit up as he took out the vinyl record. He had a big vinyl record collection and I was searching through it the other day when he was late at work, trying to figure out what music Joel liked. He was mostly into hard rock and country and Metallica was one of his favorites. 

"I know you love your vinyls, so I thought this would be perfect,"I said, smiling nervously.

"I love it, Daisy,"Joel smiled. "Thank you."

Sarah gifted him a new watch and the surprise gift from Tommy —a rare whiskey that Joel had been eyeing for months— elicited a genuine smile from him. At one point my parents called him as well, wishing him happy birthday and he talked with my dad for almost an hour.  

Tommy was making cocktails again and hours later, we were all a little bit drunk. Tommy was the first one to fall asleep on the couch, too drunk to drive home. I went to bed early too, knowing I had a headache the next morning if I drank another glass. I could hear Sarah and Joel talking for a while before falling asleep but then, the house fell quiet.

"Joel, wrong room,"I said, trying to suppress a laugh.

He blinked a few times, his confused gaze meeting mine. "Oh, right. Sorry."

Even though Joel realized he was in the wrong room, he still didn't leave. His intoxicated mind decided to crawl into bed with me and I didn't protest against it. He was drunk but the way he pulled me closer to him was comforting.

 I rest my head on his chest, sighing. "You shouldn't be here, Joel. What if someone sees us?"

"I know but I can't stay away from you,"he stroked my back gently. "You're like a drug to me, Daisy." 

"You're drunk,"I chuckled.

"Yeah but that doesn't mean my words aren't true,"Joel said, stroking my cheek with his thumb.

 I didn't know what to answer him. He didn't wait for an answer from me, he just smiled and I could see he was slowly falling asleep. I knew it was risky for us to fall asleep in each other's arms but I couldn't push him away either. I felt comfortable, safe. I fell asleep soon after, Joel's arms holding me close to him.

✻✻✻

The morning sun pierced through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. I heard the door opening and I rubbed my eyes, noticing Tommy standing in my room. He was still quite tipsy and he was holding onto the door.

"Oh, sorry, Daisy. I was looking for the bathroom, I mixed up the rooms..." Suddenly he stopped and his gaze fell to Joel who was peacefully sleeping next to me.

"Shit..."I mumbled, rubbing my face with my hands.

"Why the hell is my brother sleeping in your bed?" Tommy closed the door behind him and crossed his arms, waiting for an answer.

We were fucked.