15.06 (#2)

Chapter 9

"So are you coming tomorrow then?"

"I don't know Christian." Rori sighed, she looked tired. The month she had spent in Texas wore her out so she had taken a few weeks break. She tucked her falling hair behind her ear while adjusting the phone in her hand. We weren't in the same state yet, but the wonders of the latest technology meant that we were able to FaceTime each other.

"Come one. Yesterday you said you would be in town." I moaned.

"I'm scared Christian. I haven't seen those people in seven years and there was a reason for not keeping in touch. Your reaction was bad as it is, now I have to deal with twenty more!" She cried. It was a fair point. I decided to arrange a small reunion of out high school friend and I wanted Rori to be there.

"You don't have to be scared. Once they see we've made up then it won't be so bad." I reasoned.

"Jess, oh gosh. Jess. I don't even know what to say to her." The stress she put on herself was evident on her face. It wasn't a look I wanted to see but I knew it was unavoidable.

"Please come. It'll be fun."

"I guess Julia could babysit Olivia. Ryan adores her and it's not such a bad thing for them to practice handling two children." She suggested.

"There we go! Now can you please get your pretty little ass on the next flight here?" I told her impatiently.

"Christian, the next flight isn't till tomorrow morning." She laughed as she rolled her eyes.

"Fine, let me know when you land and I'll pick you up."

"No it's okay, I'll take a taxi to Donny's. I don't want to bother you."

"I insist. Come on it's my birthday, you can't say no to me." I shot her a cheeky smile.

"You're insufferable." She sighed.

"I do remember you saying that one of the first times we talked back in high school."

"I guess nothing has changed then." She giggled. Oh how I missed that giggle of hers. Every other girl's giggle just seemed annoying. We talked till she fell asleep. I listened to her deep breaths for a few moments before cutting the phone. It had become a habit of ours to fall asleep by our phones, just like when we were teenagers. I guess nothing had changed... too much.

The next day, I greeted them early at the airport. "How was the flight?"

"Not too turbulent I have to say. Although they could have more space in coach." She admitted. I took her bags considering her hands were full as she carried a sleeping Olivia.

"I would have bought you first class tickets you know."

"I know. That's why I didn't say. I do have money of my own."

"You're still not going to let me help?" I groaned.

"No, I wouldn't mind your help. I don't need your money. You've worked hard to earn it, who am I to take it from you?" She had a fair point.

"Yeah but I want to."

"Keep it for someone special Christian." She sighed. You are special, Rori.

"So what time are you going to come to the penthouse?" I asked her, hoping she's come early so we could talk.

"Seven, like the invite said." She looked at me pointedly and smiled. "I'm not coming hours earlier because I have somethings to do as well." Her words reminded me that her world didn't revolve around me and I was forcing her to.

"Okay fine." I agreed regretfully. I dropped her off at Donny's house before going out to buy myself a new suit, it was my birthday after all. When I arrived back at the penthouse, my family were bouncing in excitement to present me with my birthday gift.