The Division

37

The next day, it was Jay's sweet sixteen and we went to a popular arcade to celebrate the event. The air was moist and the grass greener. The sun beamed down at the Earth, causing the transpiration of green plants and evaporation of water after the rain the day before.

Michelle and I stood outside Jay's door together waiting for him to come outside so we could surprise him.  The blonde bounced on her heels, rocking back and forth as she hummed a song under her breath.

"Happy birthday JJ!" Michelle squealed wrapping her hands around the tan boy when he came out of the apartment. Jay gave her a small smile and hugged back, "Thanks Michelle." He mumbled. "Hi Gwen, what's up?"

"I'm good." I tried to smile and pulled my sleeves down to my wrist, "Happy birthday." I quickly blurted realizing I hadn't wished him.

We left the apartment by taking the elevator to the last floor and, were about to leave when we heard a high pitched whistle like shriek from behind.

"Hey Jay!!!" The familiar voice belonging to Simone yelled. We all turned around and saw her running  with a huge grin on her face. She adjusted her glasses and slowed down as she got closer to us, breathing heavily and arranging her messy curls.

"Where are you three going without me?" Simone queried assessing our outfits with her brown eyes, and placing both hands on her hips.

"Oh...erm-" Jay stuttered averting his gaze to one of the plants outside the apartment, "J-just going to the..erm, the arcade." He scratched his head.

Simone frowned, "Then, why didn't you guys tell me?" 

We didn't answer and avoided her piercing gaze through her glasses. My cousin rolled her eyes and reached into her orange tote bag before pulling out a small  DVD case with a blue bow on it and handing it to Jay. "Happy birthday!" She cheered.

"Thank you." Jay gave her a sheepish grin before reading the title. His eyes widened as he scanned the words, "Wait, is it actually!?-"

"Soul slayer, volume three?" Simone completed with a smirk, "Yeah, it is. You're welcome."

"How could I ever repay you?" Jay asked still admiring the game.

"No need." Assured Simone, "It's your birthday after all." She looked around and met my eyes briefly, "Hey, erm Gwen didn't tell me we were going anywhere to celebrate." Simone looked back at Jay who was keeping his gift in his backpack.

He shrugged, "She didn't tell you cause, I thought you wouldn't want to come."

"Who told you that?" Simone narrowed her eyes at him, "You're my best friend. I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world." She wrapped her arm around his neck like he used to do with her and started walking with him, Jay struggled to keep his steps up because he was crouching a little. Michelle and I followed behind. "Anyway, did I tell you that I got my license?" She ranted on.

"All she talks about these days is herself." I notice Michelle give her a glare as she shuffles along beside me. Our shoes making noise on the path. "I miss the old Simone. The one who was cool the way she was and didn't hang out with bitches."

"Yeah." I shrugged looking down at the gravel ground while I kicked a small rock along it. Michelle distracted me "Anyway, how are you?" She questioned making me lose sight of the rock, "I hope you're not thinking about Av-"

"I'm fine." I interrupted.

Michelle's face softened as she looked at me, "Are you sure? Since his death, every time I try to bring him up you shut me out."

"I'm fine Michelle." I told her. "Really." I added the last part when I noticed her worried gaze linger on me. "Now, enough about that. Today is Jay's birthday so, let's celebrate. What did you get him?"