T W E N T Y T H R E E

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ELLE

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room as I lay curled up in bed, lost in a sea of tangled thoughts and emotions. Today was my birthday, but it felt like any other day—no balloons, no cake, no celebration.

My mom, understanding as ever, insisted that I should be out there celebrating. Yet, I gently declined, explaining that a simple "happy birthday" sufficed for the moment. Amidst my own gust of emotions, I couldn't help but empathize with her. I couldn't fathom what she must be feeling right now.

I had taken a couple days off, needing some space to gather my thoughts and sort through the mess of feelings that had been swirling inside me since my father's passing. I hadn't told Vince, Kyle, or Christian about my birthday, preferring to keep it to myself, to let the day pass by unnoticed.

But as I lay there in bed, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was different about today. A sense of anticipation hung in the air, tinged with a hint of uncertainty that sent shivers down my spine.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the dor, followed by the sound of muffled voices outside. I frowned, wondering who could be visiting at this hour, but before I could move, the door swung open and Vince stepped inside, a warm smile lighting up his face.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he said, crossing the room to sit on the edge of the bed beside me. "Happy birthday."

I blinked up at him in surprise, my heart skipping a beat at the realization that he knew. "How did you...?"

Vince grinned, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face. "Your mom told me a while back. It's not something we'd forget," he admitted sheepishly. "But we wanted to surprise you."

As if on cue, Kyle and Christian appeared in the doorway. Kyle balanced a tray overflowing with breakfast goods– fluffy pancakes, bacon, eggs, and a steaming cup of coffee. Meanwhile, Christian held a bundle of birthday balloons shaped into the numbers 18 in one hand and a decadent red velvet cake in the other. I couldn't help but smile despite myself.

"Surprise!" they chorused, grinning from ear to ear as they sat everything down on the table beside me.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked around at the three of them, my eyes brimming with tears of happiness and love. They had gone to so much trouble to make this day special for me, even when I hadn't asked for anything.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion as I reached out to pull them into a tight hug. "Thank you for being here, for...for everything."

Vince wrapped his arms around me, holding me close as I buried my face against his chest, soaking in the warmth of his embrace. "We love you, Elle." He murmured, his voice soft and gentle. "And we always will."

The warmth of their love engulfed me like a comforting blanket as we spent the day together, laughing, reminiscing, and simply enjoying each others company. Kyle and Christian had planned a day filled with excitement, from strolling through the park, to indulging in arcade games, and even a mini-golf session.

They were so cute together.

As the sun began its descent, casting a rosy glow over the city skyline, we decided to end the evening with dinner at my favorite steakhouse in the city. Vince, the gentleman he is, insisted that I didn't spend a dime at all. He paid for everything. He insisted on driving me home afterwards while Kyle and Christian went on their way.

As Vince guided the car through the quiet streets, the soft hum of the engine mingling with the sultry melodies of the radio, a comfortable silence settled between us. The faint glow of the dashboard cast a warm light on his features, accentuating the chiseled lines of his jaw and the tender curve of his lips.

I stole a glance at him from the corner of my eye, my heart fluttering at the sight of him, so strong and steadfast beside me. "Thank you for today," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

Vince's eyes flickered with tenderness as he glanced over at me, his hand reaching out to gently caress mine where it rested on the seat between us. "It was my pleasure, Elle." He replied, his voice soft and sincere. "I just wanted to make sure you had a special day."

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I leaned into his touch, reveling in the warmth of his hand against mine. "You always know how to make me feel special." I admitted.

Vince's smiled widened, a flicker of emotion dancing in his eyes as he turned his attention back on the road ahead. You make it easy," he said simply, his voice tinged with warmth. "Being with you...it just feels right."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of emotion flooding through me as I realized just how much he meant to me. "Vince," I whispered, my voice barely a breath. "I...i don't know what I would do without you."

Vince's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his expression hardening. "You'll never have to find out, Elle." He said firmly, his gaze locking onto mine with unwavering intensity. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

A lump formed in my throat at his declaration, the weight of his words washing over me like a comforting embrace. In that moment, I knew that I was truly loved, cherished beyond measure by the man sitting beside me.

And then, as we pulled up to my house, I mustered the courage to the one thought that had been lingering in the back of my mind all evening. "Vince," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "Would you...stay the night with me. I don't want to be alone."

Vince's gaze softened with understanding, a tender smile gracing his lips. "Of course, Elle." He replied, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll stay for as long as you need me."  

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Teheee, don't hate me guys

But Wassssssup!!!!!

Yall should be happy, I think Ima triple update tonight, idk yet. Maybe

BUT HOW ARE YALL

YOU GUYS ARE ACTUALLY REAL ONES FRRR

THIS JOURNEY IS ALMOST OVER (But yall should check out my new work 'On and Off the Court' if yall mess with enemies to lovers sports romance!!!!)

But, yall gone hate Vince soon *sigh*

IF I MADE A TIKTOK ACCOUNT, WOULD YALL FOLLOW?

lemme know!!!

IG: PPPIMPWRITES/ PAULETTEAGBOLOSOO

Hope yall had an amazing day


PPPIMP OUT!!!

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⏰ Last updated: Apr 15 ⏰

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