Moving on

26. Happy Birthday Jayce

"GUYS!" I shout, causing Kenny to stumble on his turn and get a gutter ball. I laugh and he pouts at Melanie who sympathetically kisses him. Oh yeah, they've been dating. I guess I forgot to mention that. Also, Kenny put in the good word for me and Melanie and I were cool again.

"What is it?" Melanie and Darrin ask in sync, fist bumping.

"Jayce's birthday is soon and I have no idea what to get him." I say in despair. Like I expected, they rolled their eyes and Melanie just went to go bowl.

"I'm serious. His gift has to be perfect." I say worriedly.

"Well, you must have some idea." Darrin reasons. I bite my lip and shake my head in fear.

"I don't. What am I supposed to do?!" I ask.

"Use your brain Sherlock. You're friends with his friends. Ask them for ideas. Duh." Darrin says, knocking on my forehead.

"Ow, that actually hurts. God, you suck and I hate you. But that's a good idea, so I'm using it. You're the best!" I say, contradicting myself.

"Wait, where are you going? It's your bowl!" Melanie shouts after me. I turn around to wave and say-

"I've got to find out what to get Jayce now so I can get it perfect!"

"She's hooked." I hear Darrin tell them as he gutters on my turn just to spite me.

-

"Reese, Aaron, hey!" I call, running over to them. I knew someone would be at the halfpipe and it was pure luck that Jayce wasn't.

"Hey Skylar!" Reese greets, skating over with Aaron not far behind.

"What's up? Jayce isn't here." Aaron informs me. I found it odd that since the couple competition thing, they treated me normally although most would think I was weird for storming off. I felt like something was up, but I didn't have time to worry about it right now.

"I know, I came to see you guys." I say, hugging my jacket tighter to me. Michigan winters didn't mess around.

"Why?" He asks as Reese points out a dragonfly.

"Jayce's birthday is coming up really soon and I don't know what he wants and he won't tell me so I was hoping-

"We'd give you ideas?" Aaron finishes knowingly.

"Yeah." I beam.

"Jayce really likes skateboarding, jackets, and...you really." Aaron shrugs. I feel my heart soar at that last bit and find myself smiling like an idiot. I snap back into focus though. Acting like a little hopelessly crushing school girl could wait.

"But there has to something specific he's been wanting, no?" I prod.

"He hasn't said anything honestly. He seems pretty happy right now and nothing new has come out lately." Aaron says.

"What about you Reese? Any ideas?" I ask hopefully.

"Like Aaron said, Jayce loves Jackets! Get him a nice one and he'll be happy!" He advises loudly.

"Well, good luck. Sorry if we didn't help much." Aaron says.

"It's cool. I'll think of something. Thanks." I tell them, going to leave. Man, a jacket? I mean, that's nowhere near as good as the gift he got me. It just had to be perfect. Like I'd think of it, and BAM! I'd know that was the one.

"Why the long face?" the voice I'd grown to love called. Jayce swiftly skated, stopping barely a centimeter in front of me. I tried not to flinch, but my reflexes kicked in and I back up cautiously.