Rue

16. Surprise

Special Chaol's POV first person perspective

***

"Happy birthday, Chaol Arlert Everson."

What? Oh, it's my birthday today... How could I have forgotten?

Happy birthday, Chaol Arlert LeBlanc. Happy birthday to me.

I don't say anything in reply, although I'm happy that she wished me, because she asked me to shut up. I do wonder why she brought me here though.

I don't know what got into me today but I had no idea I could talk so much to her. Even if it's not the way I want it to be like. When will I be able to take her heart? Maybe it needs to be slow this time... Not like Aelin.

Aelin... I'll never forget her. I promised I would love her forever but she never believed me...

I gaze ahead of us, at the sea. I've never brought Aelin to a beach before. I didn't have the chance. She left me, just like that. I can still picture her in my mind, smiling and waving.

The last time I saw her being okay.

And now there's Rue.

Aelin, I think you would like Rue too.

Rue is just, different. Not bad different, but good different. Still, they have similarities, they are both kind and nice.

Even if they don't act like it, you can see from the way their eyes shine when they look at you, their tender smile, and their actions.

The sea, a calm one today.

"Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Chaol,
Happy birthday to you!! "

Damn. There goes Kate and James, carrying a banner and singing this awful song.

They come to me, opening my door and screaming a loud cheer. Seriously.

I smile.

Yes, I didn't expect this, but I won't let the surprise show on my face. Some things have shown me how true emotions can let people control you, and I really don't want that, even if it's just in front of my friends.

"Wow, your face is fully a mask. Come on Chaol, I know you're happy and surprised that we remember your birthday!" Kate drags me out of the passenger's seat.

They don't know about my past though. I never told them.

And because of that past, I really have no mood to celebrate my birthday.

I force myself to make a convincing smile, for them. For my friends that accompanied me through the years.

"Here you go, Rue." I look on as Kate throws clothing at her. "Change into it while he's not in the car."

"There's no way I'm changing into this!! I hate you, Kate!! Why didn't you ever tell me that it's-" Rue's voice is cut when the car door slams close.

She's cute when she gets mad or annoyed. I bet Kate agrees too, or she wouldn't have had annoyed her.

"Bad birthday, bro." James slaps my back hard and laughs.

I smile in return. He doesn't know how bad the birthday is, though. Even though he meant it as a joke, it is real.

Rue comes out of the car wearing a bikini. I suck my breath in at the sight of her.

This is not the first time I see so much skin exposure, but it's her, and it's errotic. Damn, she's beautiful.

I change in the car and all of us walk towards the sea. I still can't help looking at her. I like the way she holds herself straight. Even if she doesn't know that she's beautiful, she is still confident about herself.

"Chaol! Rue! James and I need to go to prepare some stuff. The picnic isn't ready yet. You guys go swim first." Kate calls out, dismissing us just like that.

The both of them heads to the right while Rue and me heads towards the left.

Although its autumn, it is a sunny one, the sky is blue, the sea clear and green, the sand smooth as silk, and Rue. Everything is perfect, almost.

"You want to swim?" I ask her. "Or bath in the sun? Or-"

"Open your gift instead." She cuts my words. "Then we do everything else."

Wow. I have no idea I am still holding her present, the something she gave me.

I tear the package open, to see a birthday card and a handmade bookmark.