Just Friends

Chapter 11: A 'Great' Day

I groan in annoyance as I press the snooze button of my alarm clock. Sitting up, I grab my phone from the nightstand. I rub my eyes, erasing the sleep in them. I check my phone to see messages from my family and Clary.

     Clary: "Happy birthday to you! Cha cha cha! Happy Birthday to you! Cha cha cha! Happy birthday dear Colette! Happy birthday to you! Cha cha cha! Yay! Happy birthday! Love you! <3"

     I smile brightly, glad my best friend remembered.

     Lavenda: "Happy birthday, little sis! Sorry I didn't wake you up like usual on your b-days. But you know, college, am I right? Anyway, I hope you have a fabulous birthday in school! Love you, bye!!"

     Mom: "Happy birthday, Colette! You're growing up too fast. You'll always be my baby girl! I hope you enjoy your day. We'll have a party on the weekends. You know me, you're not allowed to stay up on school nights. I love you!"

     Dad: "Happy birthday, baby girl! Too bad your party will be on the weekend. And it's also too bad that your birthday is on a school day. Although don't worry, cake will be on the table when you get home. Love you, Colette!"

     I became touched by their words. Although this may sound ridiculous and so girly, but I can't help it. I feel disappointment. I feel pain. I feel my heart ache in a bad way. I feel like my world froze.

     Because for the first time in forever, Dakota didn't text me.

"How dare he!?" Clary exclaims angrily. "He didn't even text you a 'happy birthday'? Like, is he going to stop talking to you now? What the heck is wrong with him? Honestly, why do you even like him? From now on, I'm not saying his name!"

     "Will you calm down?" I huff in annoyance.

     Clary and I are currently walking to school. I told her about the texts, but also my disappointment. I didn't expect her to make a big deal out of it, but then again, it's Clary we're talking about.

     "We're going to talk about something else. For example, what are you wearing?" I ask, pointing out her outfit.

     Clary's bad choice of clothes is a plain white tank top, grey baggy sweats, and light brown Timberland boots. Her ombre hair is up in a bun, and her glasses are the same. I mostly worry about why she isn't wearing black.

     "Excuse me? I am wearing color for your birthday. I know how much you hate the color I wear since it's so 'depressing'. For your day, I am wearing color! Just ignore my sweatpants," Clary smiles brightly.

     I arched an eyebrow. "Is that suppose to be my birthday present?" I ask jokingly.

     "No, of course not! You'll get it at your birthday party. Now, what are you wearing?" Clary scoffs.

     I look down at my attire. Nothing was wrong with it. They were casual clothes: a pastel blue shirt that flows as I walk, denim blue jeans, and brown combat boots. Did I forget to mention that the weather has been windy since we're heading for winter?

     "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I ask.

     "It's something that isn't going to impress Dakota. I can tell you that much."

I stare at the two people across the lunchroom. It was Dakota and Makayla, making their flirting so obvious. It pains me to know that Dakota didn't even bother talking to me the whole day. All I saw was Makayla, Makayla, and Makayla! Instead of being jealous, I'm surprisingly angry. 

     "Jealous?" Clary asks, sighing in sympathy.

     My sharp gaze turns to Clary. I glare at her, telling her to be quiet. She throws her hands up in surrender mode. 

     "Let's just leave."

Dakota: "Hey, Colette!"

     I stare at the message in surprise. Now's the time he speaks to me? It's basically a new day: twelve a.m. 

     Colette: "Hey Dakota. What brings you to text me?"

     Dakota: "Just wanted to say Happy Birthday!"

     I frown.

     Colette: "Actually, yesterday was my birthday."

     Pause.

     Dakota: "Oh my gosh! It was? I thought it was today. Sorry, Colette. Happy Belated Birthday!"

     I roll my eyes. Who would've thought falling in love would be so painful? I should just get over him. Taking one step at a time, I'm going to avoid him.