I Will Always Come Home to You (Ally and Stevie)

7. Happy birthday, Stevie (Ally said)

Stevie and I have not talked about the kiss that I have been replaying on my mind over and over. I have not even seen her since Monday. She left the next day to go camping and will be back today, which apparently is also her birthday. Danny told me her friends at Pab's already planned a surprise party for her. Danny is invited and will attend of course. I decided not to gatecrash this time.

I wanted to give Stevie a surprise as well, the "Ally Hills way." I already reserved a location and put all the stuff I need in the trunk of my car. The ONLY problems left were how to get her leave her own birthday party and convince her to see me. It would be a long shot.

Their surprise was scheduled at six in the evening. Since it was a work night, most guests would probably leave by nine. It was 8:30 in the evening when I decided to execute my plan. I sent her a text message saying, "Left something for you on your car. Happy birthday, Stevie!"

"That is thoughtful of you. Thanks, Ally! Why are you not here by the way?" she responded. I ignored her question, trying to spur her curiosity.

By 9:30, I got a message from Danny saying Stevie left already, alone. I felt my heart leapt. The agony of waiting began.

Here was my plan: I taped a letter on Stevie's car window. It says--

          'To my leading lady—

          Please pick up your gift at 7-Eleven around the block.

          Relax, it is nothing fancy. It's 7-Eleven .

                                                                                                         - Ally

          P.S. I attached a map in case. 

                   Please tell them your name is Stefanie Roberts.

          P.P.S. Please avoid eye contact and any other engagement.'

My 7-Eleven stay-in friends C-Bang and T-Dog would then hand her the next instruction together with clues, a blanket and a bottle of wine. The instruction would direct her to go to an abandoned building, three blocks away from her home. That would also where  I will be waiting.

By 10:30, my desperation started. I ran the scenario earlier and it just took me 30 minutes. I was very tempted to call her but it would ruin everything. 

I suddenly heard a car pulling over. Finally, there was Stevie--just her beautiful self in a coral pink dress.  

She got out of her car carrying the blanket and the bottle of wine. She walked toward the signage near the staircase. "Follow the lights to get lost with the stars," she read. There were candles on the steps that would lead her to the deck –to me.

"I was starting to lose hope. But I am relieved you are here now," I said, trying to hide my excitement.

"Ally, this is too much. Thank you!" She said as she walked towards me.

"Have a seat. The show is about to start," I responded, leading her to the folding chairs. "Front row seats for you, my lady."

I wrapped her with the blanket and handed her a glass of wine. As I sat beside her, she shared the blanket with me, sharing her territory to create our space.

She told me about her camping trip and the party while I told her how I became friends with C-Bang and T-Dog. After a few minutes, the meteor shower radiated the sky.

"Happy birthday again, Stevie. Go make your wishes, as many as your heart desires," I whispered. It was loud enough for her to hear. 

She held my hand and closed her eyes, concentrating and hoping. I thought of making one too but I did not want to lose sight of her perfection. Besides at that moment, there was nothing more I could wish for.