Apart

Birthday

April 2nd
Alice
"Hey Boo you hit one point five k." Emma told me.
"Oh!" I exclaimed. I hadn't expected to get it this morning when I was at one thousand four hundred ninety. I checked Instagram. "Aye you weren't lying."
"Yeah why the fuck would I lie about that?" She asked. "Oh, and for the record, I could use a shoutout from such a famous person in this fandom to get me to eight hundo." 
"Yeah no thanks." I smiled. "Just kidding, uhh yeah I'll give you a shoutout soon."
"Thanks, hoe."
I sighed. "So what should I do for one point five k?"
"Straw poll it?" Emma suggested.
I thought for a minute. "Yeah." And created a straw poll. "Here are the options. "Skype and play minecraft with people, do a Q&A, do some kind of game like 'You lose a point if,' or do a challenge."
"I'ma vote." She said as I put the link into my bio and posted about it.
I checked and saw that Emma had voted for skype and minecraft.
Clare dmed me. "CONGRATSSSS!!!"

***

April 7th
I walked outside to find a letter in the mailbox. Don't open unless it's your birthday. I felt it. Something small, hard. It said it was for me, so I ran up to my room and tucked it behind my mirror.
I then proceeded to do what I had actually came outside to do, take a tumblr picture (duh). I posted it on my personal Instagram.
"What a babe 😍" Belle commented.
"Goals bb" Bree said.
"😍❤️" From Liz.
I sighed and replied to them with similar compliments.
Then I noticed Emma's comment. "Uhh dude hate to break it to you but there's a mouse in the picture."
I screamed and checked the picture. There was a tiny brown mouse in the corner, right on the curb. I hopped onto my feet and sprinted inside. I hate rodents.
"HOLY SHIT THERE WAS A MOUSE GHERE WAS A MOTHERFUCKING NOUSE" I dmed Emma.
"AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HOW DIDNT YOU NOTICE??"
"IDK BUT IM SCARED EMMA WHAT IF IT COMES IN MY HOUSE"
"DUDE ITS JUST A MOUSE."
"But it's a mouse."
"Yes, a tiny 3 inch long rodent. I think you'll live."
"But what if it is carrying the plague?"
"Those are rats."
"But what if it bites me?"
"This might take a while."

***

April 8th
I jumped out of bed and tore open the letter. It's my birthday today, so I can open it now.
I found a note inside: Hey frand that lives exactly 5,560 miles away from me. I love you so fucking much and I can't wait to give you the biggest hug in August. But for now, wear this cheesy-ass necklace so that when we do meet we can connect the heart. -Emma.
I covered my face with my hands as I pulled one of those childhood best friend bracelets out of the envelope.
I'm gonna wear this every day. I thought, hooking it around my neck. I sat on my bed and cried for five minutes.

***

Belle and Donna awaited me as I hopped off the bus with Bree. Belle wrapped her arm around me.
"Finally fourteen, happy birthday!" She exclaimed. "We absolutely have to go shopping later today."
"Yeah." I agreed.
Liz joined us from her mom's car, and some other girls formed around us as we headed to our lockers.
Belle picked up the half-heart necklace, grimacing. "What." She questioned. "Is this."
"A necklace." I answered.
"Yeah, for eight year olds. Not to mention a horrible fashion statement." Belle argued.
"It's from a special friend." I told her.
"Who?" Belle demanded.
"It's private." I really don't feel like explaining online friends, the cube fandom, and everything like that, to them.
"Ok." She sighed.
"So Johnny was saying he's gonna do something for your birthday." Bree said.
I groaned. "Please no. I hate that kid."
"I think he's kinda cute." Liz said.
"Ew, no." Bree declared.
"Thank you, Bree."
"Oh, who was that girl commenting on your Instagram post?" Belle asked.
"A friend from out of town." I replied.
"Omg was there like actually a mouse?" Donna questioned.
"I hope not." I said, stomach quenching at the thought of some mouse near me.
We approached our lockers and I found Johnny leaning against mine.
"Hey baby." He smirked.
"What the hell do you want?" I demanded.
"Well." He pulled a rose from behind him and put it between his teeth.
Is this kid serious?
"I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me?"
"Oh fuck no, kid. Move it." I brushed past him.
"Come on, baby." He grabbed my hand, which I slapped away.
"Fuck off, man." Bree saved me.
He turned and walked away.
Liz called after him, "If you still are looking for a date, call me!"