Until We Fly

Chapter 2: Happy Birthday

"Y'see? You just add a ton of sugar when Natalie isn't looking. Except she's left us alone today."

"Oh...I see..."
Jayden muttered, leaning in close and watching intently.

"Then a ton of thick cream to melt inside with the squirty cream piled on top. Finally, some chocolate covered honey comb pieces on top. Voila! The perfect hot chocolate! Once again!"

"Nice. Can you do me one too?"

"Sure. Hang on."
I said, grabbing another mug.

Jayden was actually alright. He was nice, polite, patient and always smiling.
A pretty nice guy overall.

So far, it seemed sharing a room wouldn't be so bad.

"Hey, it's your birthday on Friday, right? You're gonna be 16!"

"Yeah...I've specifically told Natalie and Paul to not throw a party. I've only one real friend anyway."

"What about me?"

"Yeah. I guess you can count."
I grinned, playfully punching his shoulder.

Jayden was only a year younger than me but he still made me feel like a big brother again.
Kind of.

"Well...can I still get you a present?"

"Don't bother. I won't mind either way."
I shrugged.

We both headed to bed and got ready to go to sleep.

"Why are your curtains all torn up?"
He asked, whispering up at me from the ground.

"Cat."
I frowned, remembering having to tear its claws from the fabric.

"Why didn't you get new ones?"

"I like it like that. Feels more...natural, I guess."

"Oh...well, night James."

"Night Jayden. Sleep well."

"You too. I hope you enjoy your birthday."

"I haven't enjoyed a birthday for a while..."

"What?"

"Nothing. See you in the morning."

Like I was ending the awkward conversations, I flicked the light switch and lay back, staring at the ceiling as if it was ineresting.

Poor Jayden only got an old mattress on the floor with a spare blanket and pillow.
I offered him my bed but he insisted I stay comfortable.

In my empty thought, a gentle snore broke my pointless silence.

Not much sleep tonight again.

I couldn't help thinking about how on earth Jayden had found me...he didn't know me at all. How did he come to the conclusion to check out the willow tree?

I decided it was a good idea to look through Jaydens things.
Around the middle of all his clothes, there was a book.

"Hmm...don't think I've ever finished a whole book before...sure. Why not?"

I lay back, resting my phone on my chin for light and began to read.

*****

"Psst! Jayden!"
I hissed.

"Mmmmmn...what?"

"Where's the second book?"

"W-what?"

"The second book! You said yiu had all of them, where is it?"

"I thought you didn't read?"
She smirked, raising his eyebrows.