Revenge

Birthday

Four months had gone by without Madeline and school had started up again. This year was basically review so I would be in class but I would never actually be there. My mind was always somewhere else, I couldn't focus on the teachers droning about quadratic formulas.

"how was school today?" I looked over at James as he drove up to drive me home which was unusual.

"It was... ok... James, I've been thinking about quitting school. I mean there is no purpose for it anymore." Silence followed.

"Sunshine" I smiled at his silly nickname for me "You know I am all about doing what you feel is right but I have to go against you. School is very important for you to get a future. You are an extremely bright and beautiful and stunning girl." I blushed as he smiled at me "More stunning than you know... and I don't think dropping out of school is the best idea. Though after this year if you want to stop you can, you don't have to go to an academy."

"I know but I just can't focus, it all seems pointless." I sigh in frustration.

"Here, look at it as a obstacle in a marathon that you need to overcome. The better you do on the obstacle the easier the rest of the race is."

"I get it, no quitting school."

"Good." We reach the house "Now, do you know whos birthday it is?" he grins mischievously

"yours?" my answer made him laugh

"No actually, it's yours"

"Wait what? What day is it?!" I had completely forgotten that I had a birthday coming up.

"Well its October 10th, your birthday. Like you told me" He laughed "I can't believe you forgot your own birthday" I blushed in embarrassment. "I need you to close your eyes for a surprise I set up for you"

"Well, ok then" I could feel a giggle bubbling in my chest as I closed my eyes and he took my hand to lead me inside.

When he opened the door I was hit with warmth and the smell of peppermint and there was a rustling sound of plastic "open your eyes"

When I opened my eyes I was greeted with a bouquet of flowers and found the peppermint smell coming from candles. His shy smile appearing from above the vibrant red and yellow roses. "I thought about it and wanted to help you have a great birthday since you probably haven't been able to have one." He handed me the flowers and pulled me into the kitchen where chicken tenders and a cake were sitting carefully placed on the counter and a few boxes were placed on the table "Presents and then food?" he grinned at my astonished face, I felt so happy. No one had ever done something like this for me.

"Th-thank you" I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks.

"No problem" he handed me a small box and when I opened it I was surprised to find a small metal rose necklace as he picked it up and draped the cold metal around my neck.

"it's beautiful"

"You're even more beautiful"

I started blushing like crazy "what?"

"I'm saying, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever laid eyes on, sunshine" I could hear the playful tone in his voice as I stepped away

"Stop kidding with me and stop humoring me because it's my birthday" I gave a fake laugh

Suddenly he grabbed my arm puling me back to him and kissed me quickly. When I opened my eyes he looked at me intently, holding my chin lightly. "I am not kidding Lilja. Nor am I trying to humor you. You are my lovely sunshine lily"