Forever Yours

chapter twenty-seven

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Joel! Happy birthday to you!" My dad, Connie, Mia, and I sing in unison as Joel sits, smiling at us, in front of his cake. It's May twentieth, Joel's birthday and about a week before graduation. We're at my house celebrating because Joel wanted only a small get together this year.

After finishing the song, Connie calls out, "Make a wish!" Joel closes his eyes and blows out all eighteen candles in one go. We all clap as Dad turns the lights back on.

"What'd you wish for?" Mia inquires.

Joel just laughs, but I scoff at her and say, "Mia, if he tells you then it won't come true."

She rolls her eyes at me. "I guess." We all laugh at her.

Connie cuts into Joel's favorite kind of cake. Chocolate ice cream cake. Everyone gets a slice, and we all sit in silence as we enjoy.

After cake, it's present time. My dad and Connie give Joel a bunch of money. Mia got him a little plush Rottweiler that looks like Zeus. "To take with you to college, because you can't take him," she says. And to play it cool, I get Joel a Cowboys jersey (Dak Prescott to be exact). I didn't want to get him something super personal, because I didn't want Dad to get all suspicious again. He hasn't said anything more since our little talk the morning of senior sunrise, so I think Joel and I are okay for now.

But it did cost a whole paycheck from the Lighthouse to get that jersey. It was worth it to see the look on his face though. "This is awesome Willow! Thank you!" He gives me the most awkward hug I think I've ever gotten from him. He's all smiles as he tries it on.

I take a picture of him in his jersey, holding plush Zeus. He looks so happy; it warms my heart.

"Alright, we're gonna head out to the movie now," I tell Connie and Dad. Joel and I told them we were going to go see a movie with Mia, but it's really just an excuse to be alone.

Joel and I drive Mia home and head out to our favorite place to watch the stars. We set up our blankets in the grass and watch the stars silently for what feels like hours. All the while, Joel snuggles me close to him, rubbing small circles on my back with his hand.

Finally, I look up at him and smile. What a perfect boy. I'm so lucky. These thoughts run through my head constantly. Reminding me how blessed I am to be with Joel.

I'm curious as I ask, "What did you wish for when you blew out your candles?" I know I said it wouldn't come true if he told us, but I can't help but wonder.

He looks down at me and snuggles me closer, giving my body a light squeeze. "I wished that I could be with you forever." We stare into each other's eyes, smiling, for a good minute or two. But then my expression turns sad as I realize my earlier words. Will it not come true now? Now that he told me. No! I can't think like that. We have to be together. That's just how things have to be.

I smile again and say, "Well I hope your wish comes true." He then locks me in a kiss, and I too wish that we'll be together forever.