Deadly Love

5. Cheers

When I wake up it feels just like any ordinary Wednesday, and for a minute I forget what day it is. I lie in bed, waiting for my alarm to go off and my door suddenly busts open. Screeching in surprise, I hide under the covers, hoping that my intruder won't look for me there.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Cadence, happy birthday to you!"

I groggily come out from under the covers and sit on my bed, seeing my mother and Eric standing at the foot of my bed with goofy smiles on their faces.

Eric comes over to where I'm sitting and pulls me in for a hug. Gasping, I timidly hug him back since I'm caught off guard.

"Um, hey guys. Thanks for the birthday wishes and for dragging me out of bed," I mumble as Eric pulls away.

"Cadence, get dressed this instant. We have a big surprise for you!" my mom says to me as she looks disapprovingly at my pajamas.

Sighing as they leave my room, I head to my closet to find something to wear. After throwing on some clothes and brushing my hair and teeth, I go search for my mom and Eric. I already know that my dad won't be around because he has been working long hours in the hospital lately.

I look in every room in the house and can't find them. "Hello? Where'd you guys go, is this a trick?" I yell out, in hopes that someone will reply.

As I give up hope and begin to believe that I've been abandoned, something in the front window catches my eye.

No fucking way.

I run out my front door and finally find my mom and Eric. They're standing in front of a brand new silver Nissan Rogue and I note that it has a big bow on it.

"Oh my God," I yell. "Is this for me?"

My mother smiles at me and Eric laughs, saying, "No. I got a new car and thought I'd come over and show it off."

My smile drops and I feel embarrassed. Eric picks up on this immediately and says, "No, Cadi; I was joking!"

At this point my mom is nearly on the ground laughing and I roll my eyes at her immaturity. "Yes, Cadence this is for you, sweetie. Happy 17th birthday," she says as she kisses me on the head.

I scream again and hug both my mom and Eric. "This is the best surprise ever, thank you so much, mom, and thank you for being here, Eric."

Ecstatic that I will finally be able to drive myself to and from school, I run inside and grab a quick breakfast. Eric follows me in and asks me about my plans for tonight. I turn to him and tell him that I'm not sure yet.

"Do you wanna get some dinner tonight? My treat, for your birthday." He smiles sweetly at me.

I know I can't turn him down and I would love to spend my evening with him.

"Of course. Eric, that's so kind of you," I reply. "Where are we going?"

A smug smile appears on his face. "Sorry Cadence, I can't tell you. It's a surprise."

"Come on! Are you serious?" I give him a little push with my hand and he grins.

"Yes, I'm serious. Now let's get to school. You can follow me in your brand new car," he teases.

I grab my shiny keys and rush to get in my car. I follow Eric to school but not without him glancing back at me every five minutes and giving me a little wave. He really is a handsome boy.

We arrive to school relatively early and hang out until the first period bell. I go to band and am nearly the first one there.

I put my clarinet together and then walk to my seat, seeing something sitting on it. Upon further inspection, I see that it is a beautiful white rose. Attached is a message saying simply: happy birthday.