Cursed To Hold My Breath

Stargazing

Haley's parents stayed outside until the sugar from the cake died down down, then they turned in for the night just as the sun was just disappearing behind the trees, turning the sky in to a deep purple.

It was now just us chilling out on the lawn, making the occasional jokes, but mainly just lying on the grass stargazing as the night grew on. We all kind of sat in a circle, with our feet sticking out, but Alex edged closer to me, yet I didn't move. I sensed Todd on my other side moving closer to Haley as she spotted out each constellation and named them, unaware of Todd being close to her. He really was trying to make a move tonight.

"It looks nice out." Alex commented, droning out Haley's jabbering, despite Levi and Lillie talking quietly a short distance away.

"It is." I agreed, looking at the display of stars before us, shining brightly. I could make out a few constellations, such as the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper, but that was it.

"Shooting star!" Lillie exclaimed as she sat up, pointing to a streak of light zooming across the night sky.

"That's a probably a comet or an asteroid, Lillie." Levi said.

"Still, Haley gets an extra special wish on her birthday." Todd added, glancing down at her as he sat up.

"You're right." She smiled at him. "I do, now all that's left is a dandelion and 11:11 tonight." She laughed. Haley momentarily closed her eyes, breathing in deeply.

"What'd you wish for?" Todd asked her quietly, leaning close to her.

"Can't say." She imitated closing her mouth with a zipper.

"Why not?" He said with a little disappointment.

"Because if you tell a wish, then it won't come true." She said.

"Who says that?" His brow furrowed.

"I do, silly." She chuckled, punching him in the arm, making him laugh.

"Well, careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." I said to Haley as I sat up, winking at her and nodding in Todd's direction.

Her head spun in my direction. She got what I meant, looking from me to Todd with a shocked expression. "Oh my God!" She threw her head back, and covered her face to hide her blush.

I laughed as Todd looked from me to Haley with a confused expression on his face.

"What, does Haley have a little crush?" Alex mused sitting up next to me.

"I'm sure she does." I grinned.

"A crush!?" Todd exclaimed, his face lighting up.

"Ha! I think Todd does too." Levi sat up, slapping his knee.

"Oh please, when doesn't Todd have a crush?" Alex scoffed.

"What – no I don't." Todd stuck up his chin. "I don't have a crush." Though we could clearly his face reddening in the darkness.

"Todd and Haley, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Lillie sang, clapping her hands.

"Shut up!" Haley cried, her voice muffled behind her hands.

"Oh c'mon, I'm not that bad." Todd poked her side, making her yelp. Todd laughed darkly, realizing he found Haley's tickle spot.

"No, Todd, I'm not responsible for your injuries if you tickle me." Haley warned, moving her arms to protect her.

"Then you'll be getting my bill!" Todd shouted as he began tickling Haley on her sides, making her laugh uncontrollably and squirm underneath him.