New Years Day

Chapter Thirteen: Happy Birthday, Aru Shah

Today, Aru Shah was twenty one years old.

Well, not today. More like tomorrow. But it was the same thing. Today was a reminder of her very sad, single life where her crush didn't like her back. 

Pathetic. She found kids all over campus kissing and holding hands and getting dressed up for date sand being greeted by chocolates and balloons and people crying because they either didn't have a Valentine or they were broken up with the night before and it was all... eugh.

Well not all. It was sweet, but again, yet another reminder of how sad Aru Shah's life really was.

                                                                devourer of food:

devourer of food: remember to pack for the trip today. we're leaving at twelve. as in pm if you couldn't tell shah

You: oh shut up i'll pack

You: sometime today

devourer of food: trust the process, trust the process

You: ...

At 11:30, Aru packed her things. She didn't know where they were going for her birthday road trip, but Brynne had insisted that she'd like it. Brynne had also begrudgingly let Kara come on the trip after Aiden (of course) pointed out that Brynne said she could help out.

Brynne and Mini flew into North Carolina, along with Nikita and Sheela, so there was no backing out now. They'd be going in Aiden's car and driving somewhere, then spend the weekend there and come back.

Fun, fun, fun.

"Come on Aru! We're gonna be late!" Brynne yelled from the parking lot of her dorm.

"If you wanted me to be on time you should probably tell me where we're going!" Aru shouted back.

"Not a chance Shah!"

Dammit.

She came down with a heavy backpack, phone in hand.

"Let's go." Aru said, rolling her eyes.

Aru sat in the front with Aiden, using the birthday excuse while Mini, Brynne, and Rudy sat in the back. Nikita insisted on using a separate rental car with Sheela and Kara, complaining that being crowded in a car would make her sweat, and she had taken a vow to never sweat.

"Can I choose the music?" Aru asked excitedly.

"It's my car." Aiden grumbled.

"It's my birthday." Aru shot back.

"Can I choose?" Rudy jumped up and down in his seat.

"Again, my birthday."

"That isn't until tomorrow." Aiden pointed out, taking a left turn.

"So why are we driving today?" Aru questioned.

Aiden sighed, then gave her the phone. Why did the sun glint off his hair like that at all times of the day??? It was quite annoying.

Aru smiled evilly, then turned on her playlist which consisted of what?

Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. 

No escaping now Aiden, Aru thought giddily. She turned on Fifteen by Taylor Swift, and looked at him, trying not to laugh as she saw Aiden singing along quietly.