Don't be Chicken (on hold)

Twenty eight; Surprise

I woke up the next morning and ran my fingers softly over my new tattoo, happy of my decision because when I looked at it I couldn't help but smile.

I heard the clatter downstairs from the dishes and I instantly remembered Dusty's birthday was today. Yesterday when I had got my tattoo, Noah and I stopped at a small gift shop in town so we could pick out a gift for the cousin of mine that we hate.

It was simple, but I was almost positive that she would love it. 

I changed into my regular and trudged down the stairs where my Grandma and Grandpa were furiously hanging up streamers and balloons. Noah was setting the table, and Grandma pulled me over to frost the cake. So, I guess this was a surprise birthday party?

Presents were thrown on a nearby table and other relatives were pulling in the driveway, it was almost a miracle that Dusty was still asleep.  If I had to be completely honest, I wasn't excited for this at all. The last time I've seen my Aunt and Uncle was forever ago, and family reunions weren't really my thing - as you can obviously tell.

I continued to ice the cake a soft purple color, and then I placed plastic flowers on the top. I'd have to say, I did a pretty good job even when the cake looked like it came from Walmart. I stood there for a while after it was done, and I guess it was then that Grandma finally decided to wake Dusty up for the big surprise.

I hid under the counter with Noah, his leg brushed against mine and I guess I realized how much I loved him. Looking into Noah's eyes made me realize that I loved him more than anybody in the world - besides maybe my mom and dad of course - but I don't believe that counted. It was a different kind of love I believe. I hated having to keep it a secret, but maybe that was for the better. One day Grandma would know.

A couple minutes later Dusty came trudging down the stairs while rubbing her swollen eyes. I could tell that she was exhausted, and it was obvious that she was crying the night before. Was she still upset about that party?

Then everyone jumped out with that cheesy "Surprise!" And Dusty stumbled backwards with a shocked expression. But, then she smiled. A large smile that I've never seen her give since I've been here. Maybe Dusty has changed.

Everyone started wishing her a happy birthday, with frequent smiles and cheers. It was a good evening when we finally dug in for cake and ice cream. And then Dusty opened the presents. In most of the envelopes mostly money, and there was only one present that was in a bag with tissue paper that kept it hidden.

I was excited for her to open it when she picked it up in her hands. She looked at the side of the bag and once she realized it was from me she smiled. She unwrapped it, quickly but slowly at the same time - and when she picked it out of the bag I could see the tears forming in her eyes. She gasped and then the tears began to flow.

There was this thing about Dusty, she may have been mean - but she was like that because she didn't feel loved. She wanted to belong, she wanted to feel wanted. I understood - and I think that's why the tears flew from her eyes when she saw the gold necklace which a small sun attached. A description was underneath that read;

Good Vibes Only
- make a wish and put on your necklace. everyday has something to celebrate. wear your necklace as a reminder to smile, stay positive, and let the sunshine in.

"Thanks so much Karman" Dusty said while on the brink of tears. She came over and hugged me, and I was pleased with myself. I did good.

The rest of the evening followed, and eventually the partying started to die down and it was just the usual left at the house. Dusty was helping clean up the dishes while I took down the table cloth and put the cake in the fridge. Dusty looked so much happier than she originally was. I was thankful.

"Hey Karman, could I speak with you for a minute?" Dusty asked from the top of the stairs. Her eyes seemed cloudy and glassy as she looked at me.

              "Yeah, of course" I said while following her up the stairs. I began to wonder what she wanted to talk about, but I could easily assume it had something to do about the gift. I smiled as I followed her, because for the first time I truly believed that she was a different person now. She led me into her room and sat on her bed, then in a serious tone she began to speak,

                "Look, I'm really really sorry for everything. I can honestly say that I feel bad for being so rude to you, and I wish I could make things right. You are truly a beautiful person, Karman. That necklace was one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me and I just wanted to say Thank you for showing me kindness when I couldn't return it" Dusty said in kind, considerate words. My heart kind of melted at that point, but it was simply because - for once - my kind actions actually did something good.

"Dusty, it's okay. I forgive you" I said, trying to let her know that people cared about her. Dusty managed a smile and glanced at me, her expression solid.

"I wish I could explain why I was like that, but I don't have a reason really. I was just a bitch" She said with a little bit of sadness in her voice. I hesitated before giving her a full blown smile.

"Well, did you have a great birthday?" I asked with enthusiasm. She nodded excitingly.

"Yeah, especially since Noah was there" She said with laughter at the ends. And this time, I laughed too because I knew Dusty didn't mean any harm. I guess I would just have to get used to girls going crazy over Noah.

But that wasn't nearly the worst part.

The worst part was Dusty being played like some fool without her even knowing. She didn't know that Noah and I were secretly dating and that she was telling me these things straight to my face. I felt bad, but I couldn't let our secret out now.

"Well he is pretty hot" I commented, and Dusty just nodded.
She seemed happy for a moment of two, but then her face turned down into a frown and I couldn't help but wonder why.

"Dusty, is there a reason you've been emotionally unstable the past few weeks?" I asked. Dusty glanced up at me.

              "I'm okay. I just, didn't feel like I belonged. That's all" Dusty said, her frown lightened up into a smile and for the first time in a long while, I believed Dusty had changed.

See, everyone wants to have a sense of normal. Everyone wants to fit in, that's how everyone is. People just want to feel loved.

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Short chapter, I know, but I hope you enjoyed anyway! Sorry, the updates are kind of slow but I'm teaching at Vacation Bible school this week so I've been pretty busy! Thanks for understanding and don't forget to comment and vote! :)