Behind Shaded Eyes

Chapter 9: Almost Forgetting Birthdays

Hazel

Agoraphobia: (noun) - extreme or irrational fear of crowded spaces or enclosed public places.

After my accident, the road to recovery was a long way to go. Of course the bruises and all the physical injuries had healed, but my emotional state wasn't too grand.

It took my a while before I decided to get out of the house again. At the time of the accident, I wasn't as cautious of everything as I was in the aftermath. I'd always have someone just afraid it'd happen to me again, but I wasn't going to become Agoraphobic. Hazel Marks is not Agoraphobic.

One day I wanted to spend time outside, but of course, I couldn't will myself to go alone. That's why I took Brayden, Bella, and Christian along with me, but little did I know that the three also had a plan in store for me. A surprise plan, that is.

I knew something was up when we were all shipping until 7 PM on a Thursday night. That's never normal for us. Never. Normal.

"Guys, it's almost dinner time." I announced. "We should be heading back."

"Not a bad idea actually," Bella stated with the biggest smile etched on her face.

"Okay, what's going on?" I placed my hands on my hips defiantly. "We've never gone shopping for four hours. The boys hate it so much."

"I suppose we should get back to your place and see why Chris and I had ti follow you girls into every sung store," Brayden answered, still dreading the fact that he and Chris had seen so much 'girl' in one inning.

I eyed my friends warily then smiled. "I don't know what's going on, but you all did a good job at hiding whatever it is you're hiding." They all shared satisfied smirks with one another as we started heading back to my house.

When we arrived at the house, all the lights were turned off. I rummaged through my purse for the house key then unlocked the front door to see pitch black. I turned to look back at my friends only to see the patio light lead into the driveway. At that moment things were all sorts of sketch until I switched the lights on.

"SURPRISE!" My family and friends greeted as my hands came up to cover my surprised face.

"Oh my god," I exclaimed, still not knowing what the hell was going on.

Then I read the banner on the wall everyone stood in front of and laughed when I saw: You're Legal!

"Happy Birthday, Darling." My mom greeted me while Dad gave me a big bear hug.

"You guys," I cooed, hugging my parents back.

"Hey, let's not forget I planned all of this and they just helped set up." Riley announced as she hugged me.

"We have another surprise for you, though." My sister continued. "Just, please, don't hate us."

"Riley," I started, "what did you do?"

"Megan, Brian!" Riley called, which made a smiling, middle aged couple come up and examine me.

I gave everyone a confused look, which made Mom speak up: "Hazel, honey, I'd like for you to meet your biological parents, Megan and Brian Blakely."