Winning Skylinn

42

||Skylinn's POV||

The week passed almost too quickly, and soon, it was my birthday. Even though it wasn't that big a deal, I was still excited. My only plans were calling Denver and going to dinner with Jake and Jonny.

It was Friday, so my parents had to work; but they woke me up a little early to give me my present.

I followed them downstairs to see French toast sticks, bacon, and a pink bag sitting on the kitchen table. On top of the fridge was a cake with chocolate frosting and 'Happy birthday, Skylinn!' written in blue.

"Vanilla?" I asked.

"Of course. But you have to wait to eat it later," Mom replied.

I nodded and sank into my seat at the table, ready to dig in to breakfast. When we were finished eating, my dad handed me the gift. "For you," he said.

"For me?" I gasped, making them both laugh. I took out the tissue paper and inside was a pretty white dress. It was knee-length with a high neckline and lace.

"Do you like it?" Mom asked.

"I love it!" I gave them each a hug. "I'll wear it tonight when I go to dinner with Jake and Jonny."

"I bet you'll look beautiful. Take lots of pictures!"

"I will."

"See ya later, sweetheart. Happy birthday," my dad said, bending to kiss the top of my head.

"Thanks. See you guys later."

They left for work and I did the dishes, because there wasn't much else to do. After that, I checked my phone. There were four new messages. One was sent at midnight, and it was from Jake.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU OLD FART!!! 🎉🎉🎉 it said.

I burst out laughing as I replied, Thanks. See you tonight!

Oh, I'll be coming over to help with your hair and such before we leave tonight.

Of course she would do that. Jake loved to do people's hair. Sounds good, I typed.

My other messages were from my boss, Carleigh; Matthew's mother saying that Matthew wanted to wish me a happy birthday; and of course, Jonny. His said: Goooood morning, birthday girl, with that cute balloon emoji.

I texted them all back to say thanks, then went upstairs to take a shower. It felt so good to be able to run up the stairs again.

I'd gotten my cast off a little over a week ago, and my leg was perfectly fine. Good as new. It was if the whole thing on New Year's Eve had never even happened.

I took a long shower, because why not? And I sang along to Spotify, because no one was there to tell me to stop. Being home alone definitely had its perks.

When I got back to my room, there was a missed call from Denver on my phone. "Oh no," I groaned, fearing the worst. What if I'd missed my one chance to talk to him all day?

I checked the time of the call. Two minutes ago. Whew.

I called him back and he picked up after a few rings. As soon as I heard the click, Denver's sweet voice came through the phone. He started singing the happy birthday song, and I couldn't control my smile.

"Thanks," I giggled when he was finished.

"You're welcome. I really wish I could be with you...but guess what? Only one more month and I'm there!"

"I know! It's going to be so much fun! You're here for two weeks, right?"

"Right. Then it's back off to the military."