Where We Left Off

Chapter 19

I still can't believe Aunt J force me to wear this stupid pink birthday hat, luckily I'm not alone. Everyone does, the men only agreed to wear the gold versions. Jay thought they were going to say that, so she right to buy both the pinks and gold. We all look ridiculous, but I can't lie that I love this. After the touching reunion with my mom, my dad sneaked into my bedroom and grabbed my digital camera to take a picture of us together. But, I made sure I got a picture with everyone, even with Robert. I got the feeling that his relationship with my aunt is getting serious, because Jay never invited a man she's seeing to meet the family. I'm so happy my mom is here, it's been years since I had my whole family here, as a real family, for my birthday. Jay and Robert made dinner, all my favorites: homemade lasagna with buttery garlic bread, we were all very impressed. Those cooking classes are paid off. At the time, she was only capable to order takeout or make grilled cheese sandwiches.

After we finished dinner and dessert, we're sitting on the living room floor, watching me open presents like a child at a birthday party. Lindy texted me during dinner, that my dad made her promise not to say anything about this surprise, in exchanged that they have me for tonight and she can have me this weekend. 

The gifts were a little over the top, my mom got this vintage tote bag from Italy. My dad got me a watch, a very nice one. I don't want to know how expensive it is, it kind helps when he explained it was a tradition that his great grandfather started where he gave his first child one. Then my grandpa did same for my dad, and now he's continuing the tradition with me. The watch is beautiful and a decent size. He helps put it on, clicking the thick chain to the tightest, so it doesn't slip off my wrist. Twisting my arm to show it off and thanking him for my new addition of jewelry. My aunt joked about this whole setup is my gift from her, but knowing Jay that's not her style - either way I would be thankful. She surprised with new camera equipment: 63 inch tripod stand that comes with a travel bag and wireless route. She told me that tripod also comes with a piece where it can hold my phone or my iPad. I was speechless, tried to tell her it's too much, but she hugged me before I can even finish my sentence.

Robert hands me a medium size, and went back to sit nexts to his girlfriend, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

Gently shaking the box, trying to guess what it could be, "Thank you, Robert. You shouldn't have."

He shakes his head, as my aunt locks her fingers with his, "Oh, that's not from me. I just got the flowers while we were having dinner," pointing at the diner room. "I found it outside the front door, I figured Justice must have dropped it while we taking in other gifts inside," he explains.

"There's a tag," my dad points out, "Is it from Lindy?"

"I mean, I already opened hers from earlier," waving my hand at the large bag beside me. It's an outfit she designed for me, and in the card telling me that I have to wear it tomorrow night. I looked at the tag and my smile drops. 

JT.

I know who's it from.

I hate myself how my heart leaps.

I'm more annoyed than confused. Annoyed that he got me a birthday gift and resenting the small part, the naive part, is a little excited to know what's he got me. Confused, because there's been no communication between us for a little over two weeks since that night.

"Who is it from, Sweetie?" my mom asks.

I glanced at my aunt, and she raised her eyebrows, confused. But quickly realizes who the mystery gift giver is.

I subtly shaking my head, asking her not to say anything. Because she knows how my parents will react. And I don't blame them, cause I'll react the same: upset. My mom badmouthed him to me, Jay, my dad, and even his dad for what he had put me through. I know she was just protecting me but it just when things worst. The only reason she calmed down and backed off, because Marcel told her sister that he skipped town. I had to pretend to be surprised, the first night I came home after I finally being discharged from the hospital. I sneaked out and went straight to his house and witnessed it myself. Sitting on his bed with my heart was completely broken, my quiet sobs were as quiet as I thought, when his father found me in his son's bedroom. He didn't ask me questions or even talk to me, he just comfort me and let me cry into his shoulders. When I stopped, he told me that Jackson wrote him a letter that saying he loves me and he's sorry for everything, and he didn't have a choice and it's for the best that he leaves and never comes back for everyone's sakes. My boyfriend's pops having him to be his messenger and left me in the dark, somehow break the pieces of my heart even more. I never said a word, even when he drove me back home. I was speechless, I never thought the boy I loved since I was sixteen years old would do this to me. Until today, no one knows about that night, I begged Marcel to keep it between us.