Life is the Long Game

Chapter 21

*Lucas's birthday, 28th May*

Lucas's POV:

Today is my 18th birthday, I am finally an adult, so Josh is going to take me out on Friday night to do some stuff only adults can do. I have so far been given some great gifts, Riley bought me some great things, including tickets for me and her to go to Texas for a Rodeo convention for all Rodeo record holders, and to see a load of singers play there too. I got some useful work stuff from Amelie and my dad got me a new car, we are quite close again now, but my mum doesn't want to work things out, but I've invited her to my party tonight. We are having a modern ball, and then me and Riley are going on vacation to Mexico for 5 nights, courtesy of all the Matthews and Shawn and Maya, who have offered to share taking care of Amelie, she is so lucky to have such a big family.

"Lucas, we need to leave in an hour, I'd get ready if I were you!" My thoughts are interrupted by Riley calling me.
"Okay, I'm coming!" I grab my tux from the door and walk into our bedroom with it. I stop suddenly, Riley, she looks breathtaking.
"Wow. Riley you look stunning."
She giggles.
"Thanks, now get ready."
I put my tux on but get stuck on the tie thing.
"Riley!" I call for her help.
"Yes, I'll come help with your tie."
"I didn't even have to ask." I smile as she waltzes into our room.
"I don't even like suits."
"Well you look handsome."
"Thanks for doing the tie, Princess. Let's go?"
"Yes, I'll just grab Amelie's changing bag."
"Dada!" Amelie giggles as I walk and pick her up. She started talking about 6 weeks ago now, it's adorable.
"Okay! Party time!" Riley says, I hold the door open for her and we get in my new car.
When we arrive at the venue, Maya, Josh, Farkle and Enid are already here as they were setting up, as was Riley yesterday.
"Wow guys! This looks great!" I say when we walk into the hall. I am stunned, it's beautiful. "Thank you, so much!" I say, before kissing Riley.
"Happy Birthday." She says.
"So when are people arriving?" Maya asks.
"Um," Riley looks at the time on her phone, "in about 5-10 minutes."
"Cool."
"Amelie looks adorable." Josh says taking her, in response to her waving and laughing at him.
"Aww, she loves her Uncle Josh." Maya says going to the pair.
"J-J-Joosy!" Amelie squeals.
"Close enough. Well done babygirl." Josh says to her.
A few moments later, Shawn, Auggie and Mr and Mrs Matthews arrive.
"Hi Lucas!" Auggie says coming up to me.
"Hey Bud, you look real smart I gotta say!" I crouch down to his level and high five him.
"Thanks. Is this your party?"
"Yeah, there is going to be dancing and lots of yummy food."
"Dancing? I better call my girly up right now!" He dashed off to Mrs Matthews to get his phone. He is 8 and he has a phone!
"Lucas! Happy Birthday pal." Shawn gives me a bro hug.
"Thanks Shawn."
"It's gonna be some party."
"Too right!"
Then my dad arrives.
"Dad. Thank you again for the car."
"You're welcome. Gosh, my boy, an adult. That's scary."

About half hour later, the hall is filled with my friends and family. Auggie had managed to persuade Ava to come as well.
I am currently dancing with my beautiful girl on the dance floor with all the other couples dancing to a slow song, 'Secret Love Song'.
"Move over missy! It's my turn." Riley and I look down to see Ava wanting to dance with me.
"Okay, I'll go dance with my little brother and your date." Riley says reluctantly.
"Hey hot stuff! Quite the party you've got going on. I hope you're gonna give me some sugar!" She says.
"Ava!"
"What?" She giggles and clambers onto my feet to dance as the next song comes on.
"Who is that?" She asks, pointing at Farkle.
"Ava, you know Farkle!"
"That's Farkle? Boy, I gotta get me some Farkle!" She runs over to him and Enid before I can stop her. I walk over to Auggie who is no longer dancing, but playing with Amelie.
"She's a wild one." I nod towards Ava.
"Yeah, but she's my wild one."
Aah, young love...