We Saved Each Other

Chapter 43- Birthdays, Game Days, and Other Days

Chapter 43

Everyone used to crave being older. As a little kid you always wanted to be 10, get into the double digits. Then you want to 13, finally a teenager. And then as a teenager you crave becoming an adult, hitting 18. But then it gets slow from there, there's nothing more to look forward to. No more hopes of freedom or respect, just responsibilities, stress, decisions, and life will be dull at some moments. That's life.

As a little girl I always wanted to become an adult. I was one of those whack kids that actually watched the news, was into politics, and already planned who I would vote for in an election even though I was two elections early. I was eager to become eighteen, I thought I would finally have more freedom. But then my parents died and I couldn't look forward to freedom anymore, with all the responsibilities being thrown in my face at once. But they were also thrown at Nathan. I was pronounced under his custody until I turned eighteen, and well now I am.

But I don't feel free or anything like that.

I can sense the responsibilities preparing to attack me.

"Happy Birthday!" Spencer and Lily yell eagerly to me, the person still three quarters asleep.

"Yay....." I pump my fist up in the air, giving them a tired look. "Thanks guys."

"Jess you're eighteen!" Lily happily cheers hopping on the spot beside me on my bed.

Spencer places the delicious looking chocolate cake on my bed side table. "Yea she is, so technically our relationship isn't weird anymore."

"I never thought it was weird in the first place." I frown at him.

"Oh no that's not what I meant," Spencer quickly denies, sitting on the spot beside Lily, and grabs my hands. "What I meant was-"

I giggle and ruffle his already messy hair. "I know what you meant Spence. I was a minor and you are eighteen."

"And now you're eighteen." He smiles and pulls me in for kiss, ignoring my most likely gag worthy morning breath.

My eyes flutter open as he stares at me.

"Happy Birthday kitten." Spencer gives me the smile I once told him I thought was perfect. And it really is.

"Why thank you." I smile back at him.

"I'm with Nathan on this one, yuck." Lily spits out as she sits beside us, her six year old eyes not liking the moment.

I laugh. "Did he tell you when he is coming today?"

  Now yes, normally for a soccer game Nathan would have to come just to watch the soccer game, but this is obviously different. And for a dozen of reasons.

"I think he is picking me up from school." Lily jumps off my bed, showcasing her clothes she already changed into for school.

Speaking of school, Spencer, the rest of the team, and I all get the day off. But with a little catch. Coach is making us all go to a practice at 8:15 this morning, though I don't think it will be too much. He wouldn't want us to be tired or sore right before a big game, especially one against SouthWood High.

"Okay, so you will be watching too?" I smile at her.

"Duh." She smiles back at me, showing off the gaps in her teeth where some of her first baby teeth have fallen out.

"So I see you're ready for school." I motion to her adorable outfit.

"Yep!" She squeals jumping up and down. "Spencer chose the outfit."