On the Edge of Love (CarlxAlan)

Chapter 21: Carl

Alan knew something was up.

I could tell by the way he kept looking at me like I was hiding a secret—which, to be fair, I was. But I wasn't about to give in that easily.

"I know you're planning something," Alan said as we walked to my truck after school.

I snorted. "Oh yeah?"

"Yes." He narrowed his eyes at me. "You and Elie have been acting so weird all week. You keep exchanging looks, and every time I ask what's going on, you act like I'm crazy."

I kept my face neutral. "Maybe you are crazy."

Alan let out an exasperated sigh. "Carl."

I grinned, unlocking the truck. "Alan."

He groaned, climbing in. "I swear, if I find out you guys have been scheming—"

"You'll what?" I started the engine.

"I don't know," Alan grumbled. "Be really mad."

I just laughed. "Duly noted."

The fact that Alan hadn't caught on completely was honestly a miracle.

Everyone had done their best to keep things quiet, but Elie was a terrible liar, and I wasn't much better. Still, somehow, we had managed to pull everything together without him figuring it out.

It was Elie's idea to throw the party at her house since she had a pool. It was an easy excuse to get people together without Alan getting suspicious. Everyone pitched in to help with decorations, snacks, and making sure Alan didn't make any other plans.

And now, finally, everything was set.

I sent Alan a text.

Carl: Wanna hang out?

Alan: Duh.

Carl: Cool, I'm picking you up.

Alan: ...Where are we going?

Carl: Not telling.

Alan: Carl.

Carl: Just trust me.

I could practically see him rolling his eyes.

A few minutes later, I pulled up outside his house. He climbed into the passenger seat, immediately looking at me with suspicion.

"Alright," he said, buckling in. "Where are we going?"

I smirked. "You'll see."

"That is not an answer."

I just grinned and pulled out of his driveway.

By the time we turned onto Elie's street, Alan was still skeptical but less aggressive about his questioning. When I parked in front of her house, he raised an eyebrow.

"We're just hanging out at Elie's?"

I shrugged. "Yeah. Why?"

Alan gave me a long look, then sighed. "Fine. But if this is some elaborate prank, I swear to god—"

I ignored him, hopping out of the truck. He followed me around the side of the house, still grumbling.

Then, the second we stepped into the backyard—

"SURPRISE!"

Alan froze.

The whole yard was packed with our friends. There were balloons tied to the deck railing, a big table covered in food, and a banner hanging up that said HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALAN!

Alan just stood there, staring.

I grinned. "Happy birthday."

He slowly turned to me, still processing. "You threw me a party?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Yeah?"

"But I said—"

"I know what you said," I cut in before he could protest. "But I also know you. And I know you don't like being the center of attention, but you do deserve to be celebrated."

Alan kept staring at me.

I gave him a nervous smile. "You're not mad, are you?"

For a second, he just blinked, then let out a breath and shook his head. "No. I'm not mad. Just—" He glanced around at everyone, then back at me. "This is... a lot."

I chuckled. "Yeah, it is."

Alan finally smiled a little. "But it's also kinda amazing."

I felt something in my chest loosen. "Good."

And then, before I could react, Alan reached out and pulled me into a hug. It was quick—just a second—but it was enough to send my heart into full-speed mode.

When he pulled back, he was smirking. "You're lucky I like you."

I let out a breathless laugh. "Yeah. I guess I am."